Farley Fact Check - Washburn Transformational Experience

September 12, 2008

Fact Check

President Jerry Farley seems to have a myopic view of recent reports that referenced the Washburn Transformational Program, more specifically the Higher Learning Commission and the enrollment management consultant reports.

1. Higher Learning Commission

Per Jerry Farley: “The Higher Learning Commission was very complimentary of the WTE program, singling it out in its report as a singularly unique and excellent program.”

Here’s what the Higher Learning Commission report stated regarding WTE:

Criterion Four – Evidence that Core Components Are Met

The Washburn Transformational Experience (WTE) is a creative approach to engaging students in meaningful learning experiences and ensuring that students reflect on their experiences. Evidence examined by the team show that the WTE is consistent with Washburn’s efforts to meet its overall mission and contributes to it.

Criterion Four – Evidence that one or more Core Components need organizational attention

The overall needs of the Washburn Transformational Experience must be met in order to ensure the success of the program. The costs of the program, a comprehensive assessment outcome, and resolution of faculty compensation for participation must be provided.

Advancement Section
II. Consultations of the Team

A. The Washburn Transformational Experience provides a way of both providing experiences for students that truly transform their lives and to document that transformation. This program is currently undergoing extensive evaluations as it moves from the developmental stage. Should the assessment of this program provide the evidence to prove that the program has the expected impact, Washburn should capitalize on this innovative program to market the University. Washburn University should consider developing a comprehensive marketing plan that uses the WTE as a centerpiece for telling the Washburn story.

III. Recognition of Significant Accomplishments, Progress, and/or Practices

B. The Washburn Transformational Experience represents a unified effort to provide each student with a truly transformative experience and the documentation of the experience. This program was discussed broadly throughout the institution and its adoption represents shared governance at its best. As this program moves into full implementation, an extensive evaluation program is being used to document successes and provide the basis for modifications to improve its effectiveness. This program could serve as a model for other institutions that wish to provide individual transformative experiences for undergraduates.

2. Enrollment Management Consultant

Per Jerry Farley: “The enrollment management consultant likewise gave high praise to the program, singling it out as a way to attract quality students to Washburn and as a good marketing too.”

Here’s what the enrollment management consultant – Paskill Stapleton & Lord – said about WTE:

This newly instituted program is distinctive and sets Washburn apart from the other public competitors. It will be important to market this opportunity to prospective students and their families. This is certainly a recruiting tool, especially for those who are looking for something other than the traditional four year degree program. It is our experience that these types of experiences, whether required or optional, appeal most to the higher achieving student. The programs options and features should be marketed in a way that the student and parents can see the benefits of the experience in their lives and futures.

It is critical that the transfer student be addressed in relation to these programs. It is our recommendation that the Transformational Experience not be imposed on students with less than two years remaining to complete their degree, and that transfer students see the advantages to the experience as much as freshmen. Without the right internal and external marketing, this program could very easily seriously reduce the number of transfer enrollments at Washburn.

Currently there is no printed information and the information on the web site is difficult to find. We strongly recommend that the University create a campaign that addresses both the internal and external markets. Both current students and prospective students need to see this as a way to improve the educational experience they have at Washburn, not a hindrance or reason not to attend Washburn.

We recommend the following:

  • Printed brochure that is mailed to every guidance counselor in Kansas with a letter from the Vice President of Academic Affairs shedding light on the program and its benefits to students.
  • A supply of these brochures that is given to every applicant for admissions part of the acknowledgement of the receipt of their application.
  • A brochure with a letter from the Vice President of Academic Affairs that is sent to the parent of every applicant.
  • Enhanced web visibility of the program.

Summary

It seems that there is a considerable amount of work to do before WU should claim WTE as an "excellent program." Honest discussions of the strengths and weaknesses of this $850,000 program are critical to achieving the anticipated results.