Implement

Bring student-centered reforms to life and transform institutional practices to improve clarity, support, and outcomes for students, staff, and your college, partners, and region.

Tools + Strategies to Bring Reforms to Life

Implementation is where colleges put their plans into action, transforming institutional practices to create clearer, more structured pathways for students. This includes redesigning programs, improving advising and support services, integrating career exploration, and ensuring students stay on track to complete their credentials efficiently and are learning what they want and need to be successful on their terms. The goal is to make student success the default by aligning policies, practices, and resources to support every learner.

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Exploring “Implement” Sub Sections

Clarify the Paths

Develop clear program maps that outline the sequence of courses and skills students need for their desired degree completion and career opportunities. Identify meta-majors or clusters of related programs to support students in exploring their options.
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Key Resources

Classifying Community College Programs by Post-Completion Success In Transfer and Workforce

The Aspen Institute and Community College Research Center’s guide helps college leaders evaluate program value by assessing workforce outcomes and transfer success. It offers strategies to align guided pathways with living-wage jobs, high transfer rates, and equitable student success, supported by examples and evidence.

Classifying Community College Programs by Post-Completion Success In Transfer and Workforce https://highered.aspeninstitute.org/media/831

Classifying Community College Programs by Post-Completion Success In Transfer and Workforce

Connecting Students to Their Program of Study and the Greater Campus Community

This resource from the Community College Research Center offers strategies for fostering student engagement and belonging. Use it to enhance your institution’s efforts in creating supportive, connected campus experiences that promote student success and retention throughout their academic journey.

Connecting Students to Their Program of Study and the Greater Campus Community https://www.cccco.edu/-/media/CCCCO-Website/docs/gp-playbook/CAGP-Institute-Insights-Connecting-Students-to-Programs-Brief.pdf

Connecting Students to Their Program of Study and the Greater Campus Community

Rethinking Community Colleges to Serve 21st Century Students and Communities: Lessons from Guided Pathways

The Community College Research Center’s report offers valuable insights for leaders implementing Guided Pathways, reflecting on lessons learned from over 100 colleges. It covers key areas like program design, advising, and teaching, providing practical strategies for creating effective pathways that support underserved students and drive economic opportunity.

Rethinking Community Colleges to Serve 21st Century Students and Communities: Lessons from Guided Pathways https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PI7KkeJxlQ4CI32JNktm9zIlHtk_i3te/view?usp=sharing

Rethinking Community Colleges to Serve 21st Century Students and Communities: Lessons from Guided Pathways

Building Momentum: Using Guided Pathways to Redesign the Student Experience

This report outlines data-driven strategies for continuous improvement within Guided Pathways. The report presents best practices for monitoring progress, engaging stakeholders, and refining institutional processes to enhance student success and foster sustainable reform in colleges, serving as a practical roadmap for leaders.

Building Momentum: Using Guided Pathways to Redesign the Student Experience https://cccse.org/NR2020

Building Momentum: Using Guided Pathways to Redesign the Student Experience

Building Momentum: Using Guided Pathways to Redesign the Student Experience

This report designed for college leaders provides national baseline data to benchmark progress and spark discussions that drive strategic improvements in student success.

Building Momentum: Using Guided Pathways to Redesign the Student Experience https://cccse.org/sites/default/files/BuildingMomentum.pdf

Building Momentum: Using Guided Pathways to Redesign the Student Experience

Pathways Coaching Guide

Created by the Pathways Project, this guide is designed for college leaders seeking to implement guided pathways effectively. This resource offers practical coaching strategies and tools to support institutions in creating clear, structured academic pathways, ultimately enhancing student success and institutional transformation.

Pathways Coaching Guide https://www.pathwaysresources.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Coaching-Implementation-04192018.pdf

Pathways Coaching Guide

What We are Learning About Guided Pathways. Part 3: Timeline and Tips for Implementing Pathways Reforms

This report provides a year-by-year timeline for implementing Guided Pathways, guiding you through planning, stakeholder engagement, and resource allocation. Use it to ensure a structured, data-driven approach that enhances student success and completion rates through continuous improvement and effective pathway design.

What We are Learning About Guided Pathways. Part 3: Timeline and Tips for Implementing Pathways Reforms https://ccrc.tc.columbia.edu/publications/what-we-are-learning-guided-pathways.html

What We are Learning About Guided Pathways. Part 3: Timeline and Tips for Implementing Pathways Reforms

Implementing Guided Pathways: Tips and Tools

Created by the Center for Community College Student Engagement, this report provides national data on student and faculty perceptions of guided pathways. Use it to evaluate progress, engage faculty, and guide strategic planning, improving student experiences and fostering discussions for successful pathways reform.

Implementing Guided Pathways- Tips and Tools

Implementing Guided Pathways: Tips and Tools Implementing Guided Pathways: Tips and Tools