Our current work
Community of Practice on Communications and Retention
The strength of our Arizona public universities is highlighted through our best assets - our people. The Community of Practice on Communications and Retention brings together a network of leaders who are experts in how to use strategic messaging and communication practices to support students. By sharing promising practices, enabling collaboration for innovative approaches to student support and connecting great minds around big ideas, this Community of Practice aims to increase student retention at each of our institutions. Participating leaders include Assistant Vice Provosts for Student Success Retention Innovations, Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs, Assistant Vice President of Academic Enterprise Communications, Director of Strategic Initiatives, Senior Research Scientist for Student Success & Retention, and other notable leaders of our institutions.
The current focus of the Community of Practice on Communications and Retention is three-fold:
- Enable collaborative discourse and sharing of information that could positively impact the student experience at our three institutions.
- Deepen understanding of current practices for university messaging as interventions for retention.
- Share promising practices, technology-based solutions and analytic tools for personalized engagement.
The Arizona Innovation Alliance is continually engaging in efforts to advance student success in Arizona. Have ideas or want to work with us? Please let us know!
Arizona Innovation Alliance and Arizona Western College
As part of Arizona Western College’s (AWC) ongoing strategic plan, President Dr. Daniel Corr set a “Big Hairy Audacious Goal” of doubling the rate of earned baccalaureate degrees in Yuma and La Paz counties by 2035. The mission closely aligns with AIA’s goal to increase bachelor’s degree attainment in the region.
In February of 2021, the AIA announced a formal partnership with Arizona Western College to support student success and degree attainment in Yuma and surrounding communities. The partnership serves to enhance the long-standing collaborations between AWC and AIA institutions. Together, our work will serve to advance the following goals:
- Increase baccalaureate degree attainment in Yuma and La Paz County.
- Support a college-going culture among residents in Yuma and La Paz County.
- Ensure tri-university academic program alignment with current and future regional workforce needs.
- Support a seamless student experience between AWC and AIA institutions.
See announcement here.