DEFINITION OF TRANSFORMATION
A TRANSFORMING INSTITUTION CONTINUALLY BUILDS ITS CAPACITY TO ACHIEVE EQUITABLE STUDENT OUTCOMES AT SCALE.
WHAT IS THE FRONTIER SET?
The Frontier Set is a select group of high-performing, high-potential colleges and universities, state systems, and supporting organizations that are committed to dramatically increasing student success and erasing attainment gaps by transforming how they operate.
Change is always challenging, but it has become our norm. We are conditioned to transformation for the sake of our students’ future.
Institutional transformation is a willingness to be vulnerable, and to know that our goals are so important and consequential that they warrant the challenges and discomfort that accompany change.
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COMMON THEMES IN REFLECTIONS ON TRANSFORMATION
In addition to defining what it means to be a transforming institution, all of the Frontier Set sites reflected on their efforts this year by writing letters to their peers outlining what they’ve learned, what they’ve struggled with, and what they hope to share with each other and the field. Among the multitude of topics covered, five key themes emerged.
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Student-Centered Mission
Focusing on a central thread and purpose: student success
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Data-Informed Decision Making
Continual use of data to explore challenges and outcomes
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Collaborative, Empowered Environment
Engagement across levels and divisions across campus, plus the resources to act
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Commitment to Continual Improvement
Unwavering dedication to exploring the most challenging aspects of the work
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Goals & Accountability
Establishing and communicating milestones along the journey