Strategies for Seamless K-12 to Higher Ed Transitions, Embracing Online Learning, and Building Strong Institutional Foundations

The second half of this two-part series with Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU)’s Chancellor Terrence Cheng explores the strategy CSCU uses to better communicate to high schoolers how connected K-12 is to higher ed to ensure equity and accessibility for all students. Cheng also shares how his system is revolutionizing its online learning model to better serve local businesses and CSCU’s students across numerous campuses.

Evolving Online Learning Beyond COVID-19 Specifications

Although in the early stages, CSCU is working to deliver online learning that’s effective, accessible, and cost-efficient. Cheng communicates to his presidents that the system-wide implementation of the online program does not have to be the same at every campus. These online programs need to amplify each institution’s unique offerings, assets, and stakeholders rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all solution.

Creating a Clear Pathway to Community College

Using the Common App, CSCU created a legislature-driven, GPA-calibrated automated admission program that will be implemented at the state’s 17 technical schools and CSCU’s 17 community college campuses. Upon graduation, students will be automatically accepted at their local community college.

CSCU is also bringing its IBM P-Tech partnership with Norwalk Community College and Norwalk High School to scale. The goal is to effectively convey that there's a very clear bridge to higher education after 12th grade, almost like a “13th grade.”

Five Recommendations for Higher Education Leaders and Boards

Trust your instincts. Remind yourself that you got to be where you are today by doing things a certain way, so it’s okay to rely on your instincts. However, it’s still important to listen.

Make changes sooner rather than later. If you know that you need to make some staff or organizational changes, give yourself enough time to gather the data. But don’t take too long because that can have detrimental effects.

Own the narrative of your story. Don't let others tell your story for you. Get out there. Be upfront. Be ruthlessly honest with the data. Have integrity in what you say. But make sure you say what needs to be said.

Have a good mentor. It’s helpful to have current and/or past presidents and chancellors who can provide support for you and even suggest what to steer clear of. This advice is critical, regardless of whether you’ve been a president or chancellor before. Every campus is different.

Build a strong relationship with your board chair. This is probably one of, if not the most critical, relationship a university president can have. It doesn't mean that you tell him or her what to do, or vice versa, but if the two of you can be joined at the hip, it's going to make things far smoother for you in the long run.

 

At a Glance

• How higher ed is not meeting 21st-century students and what can be done to remedy this.
• What higher ed needs to start destigmatizing to truly succeed.
• Why having a “winning team” mentality is so important for higher ed.

 

Read the transcript →

 

About Our Guest

Terrence Cheng

Terrence Cheng is president of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) system, which oversees 12 community colleges, four state universities, and Charter Oak State College and serves more than 72,000 students.

 

About the Host

Dr. Drumm McNaughton, host of Changing Higher Ed® podcast, is a consultant to higher education institutions in governance, accreditation, strategy and change, and mergers.

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