Expanding Your �Institutional Mission with �Non-degree Programs

A Case Study by University of Chicago

Learning�Objectives

• Learn of an example

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• Consider how to implement or enhance your institutional programs

Roadmap

to achieve those objectives

• What are non-degree programs?
• Why are they important?
• What makes them successful?

1. What are non-degree programs?

Definition

What are non-degree programs?

• Short-term, non-credit, “stand-alone”
• 1-8 weeks, part-time, virtual or in-person
• Deep dive in specific skill or topic area
• Certificate v. Executive Education

Who is our audience?

• Open to general public (non-UChicago students)
• Exploring and preparing for graduate school
• Seeks a specific skill, boost their resume, professional pivot

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Purpose

• Brand awareness
• Increased access
• Pipeline building
• Revenue generation

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Purpose for International Audiences

• Recruit and increase global diversity
• Engage new markets
• Manage large markets
• Maintain global alumni relations
• Increase spaces for domestic and international student interaction

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2021 applications submitted for Harris Credential Programs*

*partnership programs excluded

2. Why are non-degree programs important?

Pipeline Exposure

were an undergraduate during their credential program

73%

9

2021 summer credential students indicated graduate school was their next step

50%

Source: 2021 Credential Alumni Survey

Source: 2021 DPSS & IPAL Pre-Program Surveys

Pipeline Success

credential alums applied to a Harris graduate program in 2021

credential alums enrolled in a Harris graduate program since 2019

​

121

10

credential alums started/submitted� a 2022 application

50

98

Meet the Student

Jiuzhi “Simon” Zhang, DPSS’19, MPP’22

“DPSS enhanced my passion for public policy. I met some amazing faculty like Austin Wright, and worked with an incredible group of people in my cohort. And being able to tie in my mathematical background to policies I care about was a dream come true. It definitely solidified my decision to pursue my Master of Public Policy (MPP).”

Meet the Student

R. Justin Ratcliffe, DPSS’20, MPP’22

“The DPSS has allowed me to interact more effectively with econometric models and quantitative research. I frequently use these skills in my MPP, and they helped me ensure I had a strong foundation to build upon and succeed. I am looking forward to applying these learnings to my summer research assistant role.”

3. What makes non-degree programs successful?

1. Design & Approval

• Is this our strength? Are we a leader in this area?

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• Is there a market need?

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• Does it help achieve our goal?

2. Marketing & Lead Generation

• Consistent branding/messaging as institution/office

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• Highlight your uniqueness and participant outcomes

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3. Recruitment & Enrollment

Messaging

• Immediate and versatile application of gained skilled
• Preparation for graduate study
• Outcomes of past participants

Operation

• High-impact or high-value events
• High-touch model of personalized outreach
• Incentives for early application submission

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4. Matriculation & Orientation

• Systems and Tools

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• Repetitive roadmap (5 Steps to Enroll)

5. Program Run

• Academics & Teaching Team

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• Co-curricular �& Campus Community

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6. Post-Program Evaluation

• Survey for satisfaction, growth, quality, highlights, and recommendations

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• Shareable certificate of completion

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7. Alumni Relations

• Regular touchpoints

newsletters, LinkedIn posts, holiday greetings

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• Ambassadors & referrals

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Learning�Objectives

• Learn of an example

​

• Consider how to implement or enhance your institutional programs

Discussion Questions

1. Where can non-degree programs support your institutional mission?
2. How can you apply these concepts and tools for your international audiences?
3. What concepts or tools have been successful for you?

Thank you!

info@ieillinois.org andieingram@uchicago.edu