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Abilene Christian University (ACU), creates a Christ-centered institution committed to shaping students into global leaders through rigorous academics and leadership development. While the ACU Compass program was initially designed to create a more holistic student experience, the university faced challenges with platform integration, communication, and faculty engagement, After restructuring their program Suitable, they were able to focus on experiential learning and centralized data management, thai shift empowered students to track their growth while faculty gained clearer insights into student progress. The transformation led to increased student engagement, stronger faculty participation, and a more cohesive, mission-driven campus culture.
Abilene Christian University (ACU), located in Abilene, Texas, is dedicated to fostering a vibrant, Christ-centered community that equips students to become global leaders. With a commitment to academic rigor and leadership development, ACU challenges its students to think critically, act globally, and engage missionally. By combining innovative programs and distinctive learning experiences, ACU creates a unique environment that promotes both spiritual and intellectual growth. The university’s core values–academic innovation, spiritual depth, relational engagement, intentional diversity, and sustainable excellence–are deeply embedded in its educational philosophy, shaping students into confident, purpose-driven individuals who are prepared to make a positive impact on the world.
Before restructuring their program with Suitable, ACU faced significant hurdles in managing both academic and co-curricular programs. The ACU Compass program, while well-intentioned and designed to foster a more holistic student experience, faced some operational difficulties. Communication across campus departments wasn’t seamless as hoped, and faculty and staff took time to adjust to new digital platforms. Their program became known as the “Chapel App,” yet it didn’t fully capture the broader academic vision intended for the campus community. These challenges created barriers to collaboration, limiting the program’s potential.
Additionally, attempts to integrate academic experiences with existing platforms like Canvas were met with technical difficulties, leading to what many referred to as “app fatigue.” This overwhelming reliance on disparate platforms resulted in the accumulation of data silos, which hindered the university’s ability to analyze and leverage student data to improve their experiences. Faculty and staff, already resistant to change, found these scattered systems difficult to navigate, further contributing to their reluctance to engage fully with the platform. The lack of a streamlined, cohesive system not only affect the user experience, but also undermine the university’s ability to track student progress and make data-driven improvements
In partnership with Suitable, ACU restructured their program and embarked on a transformation journey that refocused their efforts toward experiential learning and streamlined program management. One of the key changes involved restructuring the ACU Compass program to make it more user-friendly and impactful for both students and faculty. The program now offers students the ability to explore academic options, track their personal and professional development, and gain deeper vocational insights. This shift helped foster a more integrated student experience, where education is not limited to the classroom but encompasses a broader set of learning opportunities.
Moreover, ACU successfully integrated the Compass program into the ACU Center for Careers and Experiential Learning, creating a centralized area for data collection and analysis. This centralization has enabled more informed decision-making, allowing the university to adjust its strategies based on real-time student engagement data. ACU also adopted high-impact educational practices such as common intellectual experiences, e-portfolios, internships, and diversity and global learning opportunities. These initiatives have enhanced student engagement, enriched learning experiences, and promoted a sense of personal growth and academic discovery.
By making these changes, ACU has produced remarkable outcomes, fostering campus culture centered around holistic growth and student engagement. The integration of digital tools within the ACU Compass program has allowed students to curate a “digital scrapbook” of their academic and co-curricular experiences, offering a comprehensive view of their personal and professional development. This has not only enhanced student ownership over their learning journey but also provided faculty and staff with critical insights into student progress. With this data-driven approach, ACU faculty are now better equipped to support students on their path to success.
Initial resistance from faculty was gradually overcome through the use of meaningful data insights that demonstrated the value of the ACU Compass program. As a result, faculty participation increased, fostering a more collaborative and supportive educational environment. Through strategic partnerships with Student Life, ACU bridged the gap between extracurricular activities and learning outcomes, ensuring that student experiences outside the classroom along with the university’s mission of holistic development. The university’s journey post-restructuring has redefined the student experience, creating a cohesive, mission-driven environment where fun and learning are seamlessly integrated.
Additionally, these initiatives have propelled ACU toward remarkable achievements. At Pathways 2024 conference, which centers on enhancing student engagement and facilitating more effective program decisions, ACU was honored with the Suitable Innovator Award.
This prestigious accolade recognizes a partner who has effectively leveraged our platform to develop innovative co-curricular learning programs, showcasing both creativity and a steadfast dedication to fostering student success. This recognition not only highlights ACU’s commitment to enhancing thestudent experience but also underscores its leadership in implementing forward-thinking educational strategies.