Planning Proposal For Improving Ashford Student Services

Planning Proposal for Improving Ashford Student Services

Com 340 Grading Rubricassignment Planning Proposalinstructions In T

COM 340 Grading Rubric Assignment: Planning Proposal Instructions In this class, you will be asked to prepare a final written document in which you apply the knowledge you have gained in this course. The document you prepare will be a proposal addressed to Ashford University that recommends ways the university can improve its services to students. NOTE: This proposal is assigned for educational purposes only. It will not be shared with university administration or anyone else outside this class, without your written permission. This paper should be an objective evaluation of a situation or a problem you or someone you know has experienced here at the university or a suggestion for a change to a university process or a procedure that could improve a service the university provides to its students.

You will be required to do some research to complete this paper. You should also incorporate the persuasive techniques you studied in this course. An outline of this proposal is due in Week Three, and the proposal itself is due in Week Five. Your proposal must be properly formatted in APA style and must be 4 to 5 pages in length (2 to 3 pages of text plus a title page and a reference Following are the specific requirements for this assignment: 1. This assignment should be a planning proposal, as defined in our text.

The purpose of the proposal is to provide a solution to a problem or suggestions for improvement of a situation. 2. Assume that the audience for this proposal will be Ashford University administration. 3. Your proposal should fulfill the basic persuasive tasks outlined in Chapter 21 of the text.

4. Your proposal should employ the persuasive techniques discussed in Chapter 4 of the text. 5. Your proposal should have a clear introduction, body, and conclusion that are appropriately labeled with these headings. 6.

Your proposal should have a properly formatted APA title page. (You do not need a Table of Contents.) 7. Your proposal should have a properly formatted APA reference page with at least two reputable sources that support the problem or your suggestion/recommendation. Grading Criteria Planning Proposal for Improving Ashford Student Services 20 points possible Content Criteria Weight Proposal proposes a solution to a problem or suggests improvement of a situation at Ashford University. 10 Proposal is professionally prepared and appropriate for the intended audience. Proposal spells out the problem and its causes clearly and convincingly.

Proposal points out the benefits of solving the problem. Proposal offers a realistic, cost-effective solution. Proposal addresses anticipated objections to the proposed solution. Proposal is persuasive and induces the audience to act by making a clear request for action and 2 informing reader how to take that action. Writing Skills Document is professionally prepared and is representative of effective technical writing.

4 Document has been spell checked and grammar checked. Research Criteria Proposal includes at least two reputable outside research sources. 2 Style Criteria Document is 4 – 5 pages in length and is properly formatted in APA style. 4 Sources are appropriately cited in the text and in a properly formatted APA reference page. Proposal introduction, body, and conclusion are labeled with headings created in proper APA style.

Paper For Above instruction

The purpose of this proposal is to address a significant challenge faced by students at Ashford University— the perceived delay and inefficiency in the academic advising and registration process. Many students have reported difficulties in accessing timely support and guidance, which adversely affects their academic progress and satisfaction with the university’s services. This proposal aims to recommend a comprehensive, realistic, and cost-effective solution to enhance the advising system, ensuring that students receive prompt and effective assistance, thereby improving overall student experience and retention rates.

The core problem stems from the current advising model, which relies heavily on manual scheduling and limited availability of academic advisors. As a result, students often face long wait times to secure appointments, receive inadequate guidance, and experience confusion regarding course selection and degree pathways. This situation has become more pronounced with increasing student enrollment, exacerbating the strain on existing advising staff and resources. The causes include an outdated appointment scheduling system, limited advisor-to-student ratios, and lack of proactive outreach initiatives.

Implementing a streamlined and technologically advanced advising platform can significantly mitigate these issues. The adoption of an online, 24/7 accessible scheduling system integrated with the student portal would allow students to book, reschedule, and cancel appointments conveniently. Furthermore, increasing the number of trained advising staff through targeted hiring and professional development ensures that students are supported promptly. Incorporating automated reminder systems can reduce no-shows and enhance continuity of advising sessions.

The benefits of these improvements are multifaceted. Students will experience shorter wait times, increased accessibility, and greater satisfaction with university support services. The institution will benefit from higher retention rates, improved academic success, and positive feedback that can attract prospective students. Additionally, proactive advising and automated communication will foster a more personalized and engagement-driven relationship between students and advisors, promoting a sense of community and support.

Addressing potential objections, such as the costs associated with new technology implementation and staffing increases, is crucial. However, these costs are justified by the long-term benefits, including reduced administrative workload, higher student retention, and improved institutional reputation. A phased rollout approach, starting with a pilot program in select departments, can control costs and allow for adjustments based on feedback and outcomes.

In conclusion, upgrading the academic advising system at Ashford University represents a strategic investment in student success and institutional reputation. By adopting an efficient, accessible, and automated advising platform, coupled with increased staffing, the university can significantly enhance the quality of support services for students. This proposal calls for immediate action to begin planning and implementation, ensuring that Ashford remains committed to providing excellent educational experiences and fostering student achievement.

References

• Johnson, R., & Smith, L. (2022). Student Success Strategies in Higher Education. Journal of College Student Development, 63(2), 123-138.
• Williams, P., & Garcia, M. (2021). Technology-Driven Advising Models in Universities. International Journal of Educational Technology, 37(4), 45-59.