Systemic inequities in higher education prevent many students from achieving their full academic potential, at worst leading to stop outs, debt, and no degree. These structural problems affect students at all types of institutions, particularly those identifying as first-generation, under-resourced, or non-traditional students. Tackling the issue requires cross-sector collaboration and, increasingly, the responsible adoption of learner-centered technology.

The University of Michigan Center for Academic Innovation, Axim Collaborative, and the University of Michigan-Dearborn are partnering to scale proven student success technologies and resources to a broad range of students with the goal of improving academic momentum, retention, and career readiness. 

The project aims to develop and deploy a “Student Success Toolkit” using the Center for Academic Innovation’s Michigan Online platform, and Atlas and ECoach technologies, which have demonstrated student success outcomes at UM-Ann Arbor’s campus. 

Michigan Online, the university’s destination for online learning, will expand access to no-cost, career-relevant, non-credit, skill-building courses to the UM-Ann Arbor, Dearborn, and Flint student populations, as well as expand access to resources and courses that support successful transitions and the academic success of new students. Atlas offers detailed course data and planning tools, aiding students’ course selection and academic planning. ECoach provides tailored support through real-time data from student information and learning management systems, boosting student engagement and performance. The project will test these interventions’ scalability and effectiveness at UM-Dearborn.