Description
Since 2015, ACU Dallas has served over 3,000 online learners, but scaling student engagement remained a challenge. To enhance career readiness and student support, ACU launched ACU Engage, a program integrating career development, peer mentoring, and first-year onboarding. However, without a centralized tracking system, managing engagement was difficult. Partnering with Suitable, ACU leveraged badging, gamification, and analytics to create an interactive experience. The results? Increased participation, institutional buy-in, and recognition with the Suitable Innovator Award. By focusing on timing, incentives, and stakeholder support, ACU transformed student engagement—setting a new standard for online learning success.
Life After Suitable
To overcome these challenges, ACU Dallas partnered with Suitable, leveraging its platform’s badging, gamification, data analytics, and mobile-friendly experience. They worked closely with ACU Residential, another Suitable partner, to explore innovative ways to engage students through the platform.
The transformation began with Vantage POINT, where students earned a Career Development Badge by completing five key milestones. While participation was optional, ACU incentivized students with valuable perks and rewards, enhancing engagement. The program integrated NACE’s eight core competencies with ACU’s values, structuring the POINT framework:
- Prepare – Self-Development & Professionalism
- Obtain – Communication
- Implement – Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving
- Networking – Teamwork
- Thrive – Vocational Formation
The Peer Mentoring Program leveraged Suitable for mentor training, ensuring all peer mentors completed a structured onboarding process. Training required attendance at Zoom sessions and engagement in 10–11 interactive activities before mentoring responsibilities began.
For First-Year Onboarding, ACU Dallas streamlined processes to offer a more engaging and responsive experience.
The marketing team developed six onboarding badges:
- Undergraduate Orientation
- Graduate Orientation
- Wildcat Pride
- Study Skills
- Technology
- Resource Round-Up
To complete onboarding, students participated in Welcome Calls with success advisors, engaged in peer group discussions, and attended required events. Undergraduate students were required to complete 100% of the program, while graduate students were encouraged to participate, with messaging emphasizing its value in the transition to ACU.
Outcomes Achieved
In Spring 2023, ACU piloted the Vantage POINT Career Development Badge with senior students.
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By Fall 2024, ACUEngage launched for all students. The university effectively promoted the program through email campaigns, push notifications, newsletters, and incentives—offering prizes like diploma frames to top-performing students.
To ensure faculty and staff buy-in, ACU engaged key stakeholders, including the Executive Leadership Team, academic council, program directors, and enrollment division. Their strategic outreach efforts fostered strong institutional support.
The program’s success was recognized with the Suitable InnovatorAward, highlighting ACU’s commitment to creating an innovative, student-centered learning experience.
Key Takeaways & Advice
- Develop a clear framework for implementing and managing digital badges across departments.
- Create intentional engagement opportunities for stakeholders to understand the platform’s value.
- Embrace innovation – Just because something hasn’t been done before doesn’t mean it isn’t possible!
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