Online Professional Development for Academic Advising, Student Affairs, and Student Success
Impactful College Employee Training
Built for Higher Education Teams Committed to Student Success
DC Education Group provides online professional development and certificate programs for higher education professionals, including academic advisors, student success coaches, faculty, career services staff, financial aid professionals, TRIO, and student affairs leaders. Our self-paced, accredited, and interactive training focuses on practical strategies that improve student engagement, retention, and overall student success. DC Education Group engages an advisory council of higher education professionals. Their insights help inform our training and ensure it reflects current practices across colleges and universities.
Through interactive, on-demand courses designed by experienced practitioners, teams gain ready-to-use tools they can apply immediately in their work with students—helping institutions strengthen outcomes one interaction at a time. Here’s a snapshot of our impact.
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IACET-Accredited Professional Development
DC Education Group is accredited by the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) and offers IACET Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for courses that meet the ANSI/IACET Continuing Education and Training Standard. IACET is internationally recognized as a leading accrediting body that promotes quality and consistency in professional development and continuing education.
What Strategies Improve Student Retention and Completion?
Student retention is essential for an institution's financial stability, academic reputation, and student success outcomes. Poor retention rates can signal trouble to local boards, state bodies, and accrediting agencies while negatively impacting students' social mobility. Completing a degree increases a student’s job prospects and lifetime earnings, making retention efforts critical.
The Role of Academic Advising and Student Support in Retention
High-quality academic advising, success coaching, and faculty advising play a central role in improving retention.
Programs such as academic advisor certifications, success coach training, student affairs leadership training, career center professional development, and faculty advising courses equip staff with the tools to help students succeed.
Why Student Interactions Drive Retention Outcomes
Charlie Nutt, former Executive Director of NACADA (National Academic Advising Association), wrote:
“It is the people who come face-to-face with students on a regular basis who provide the positive growth experiences for students that enable them to identify their goals and talents. The caring attitude of college personnel is viewed as the most potent retention force on a campus.”
Key Strategies to Improve Student Retention and Completion
To drive retention and completion, higher education employees must prioritize understanding students’ goals, building rapport, and creating collaborative, trust-based relationships. Practices that encourage self-disclosure, engagement, and goal commitment lead to higher retention and graduation rates.
Training That Strengthens Retention and Student Success
Coaching and advising on professional development from DC Education Group, including certifications in academic advising, success coaching, career coaching, financial coaching, TRIO (SSS, Upward Bound Talent Search, McNair Scholars), and student affairs leadership, helps staff and teams enhance retention and improve student outcomes. DC Education Group offers tailored training that equips employees and leaders with skills in communication, inquiry-based coaching, retention strategies, and goal setting, providing an exceptional return on investment for institutions committed to student success.
SOME OF THE INSTITUTIONS USING OUR RESOURCES OR ONLINE TRAINING COURSES
