Rowan College at Burlington County (RCBC) has launched its five-year strategic plan, a blueprint designed to improve student outcomes by 2030 and retain them thereafter.
For the first time, the college’s graduation rate has exceeded 35% the past two academic years. Now, the college is looking ahead to refine this success even further. In the next five years, it aims to increase its graduation rate to more than 40% by 2030.
The plan’s five strategic pillars to meet this objective are empowering student success, strengthening affordability and access, improving student and employee experience, fostering a positive culture and growing RCBC’s reach within its community.
“This plan was carefully crafted with more than a year’s worth of work and input from hundreds of faculty members, staff, and students,” said RCBC President Dr. Michael A. Cioce. “Rowan College at Burlington County has made tremendous progress over the past decade. This plan will ensure student success, and career opportunities for students will continue to propel this institution forward.”
Following each of the five goals are several commitments that set a roadmap to the finish line of an increased graduation rate in 2030. Some of these commitments include creating a seamless start-to-graduation pathway; assessing and strengthening advising, financial aid and other student services; expanding leadership development and training opportunities for students and employees across campus; and developing partnerships that enrich student learning and expand career opportunities.
In addition to these goals, the college is also part of a new student success metric initiative led by the Richmond Fed, a research organization focused on workforce outcomes. The initiative is redefining graduation rates to more closely align with community colleges’ mission and students.
Instead of just full time, the Richmond Fed considers full- and part-time students, and instead of just a degree, diploma, or long-term certificate, identifies workforce-recognized credentials and transfers to a four-year institution without a credential as success.
