Enrollment Breakthrough

Traditional institutions only have 2.5 semesters per year, with 3 start dates. I created 48 start dates per year at Rio Salado College.

At Rio Salado College, the traditional academic calendar was limiting access and momentum for many adult learners.

What We Did

As Faculty Chair, then Dean, and ultimately VP of Academic Affairs, I led efforts to reimagine course delivery beyond the confines of the agrarian semester model.

We redesigned the academic schedule to allow 48 start dates per year, every Monday, for most online classes. This required major updates to curriculum systems, faculty support models, financial aid processes, and student services.

Result

The model expanded enrollment, improved student satisfaction, and positioned Rio Salado as a national leader in learner-centered design.