Reimagining Student Success

Are GPAs and graduation rates really measuring success? Dean Susan Seal and team challenge traditional metrics and explore what success means today.In Episode 2 of Uncharted State, Susan Seal, Sean Owen, and Maddie Ludt tackle a fundamental question: How should we actually measure student success in higher education?In This Episode:Why traditional metrics (GPA, retention, graduation rates) were designed for external stakeholders, not studentsThe shift from "college ready" to "student ready" institutionsCredit for prior learning: Why recognizing work experience improves graduation ratesMoving beyond "traditional" vs "non-traditional" labels that devalue student experienceHow career impact and skill application define success for adult learnersThe role of technology and AI in identifying student needs and measuring outcomesSuccess looks different for everyone. A student returning after 15 years of management experience has different needs than an 18-year-old freshman—and universities must meet both where they are, not force them into outdated categories.