Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development

Missouri colleges and universities join cohort in national initiative

(JEFFERSON CITY, MO)—Nineteen Missouri colleges and universities have joined Degrees When Due, a national initiative of the Institute for Higher Education Policy, to learn and implement new strategies to reengage students with some college, but no degree.

The Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development (MDHEWD) was selected to join 20 other states to learn best practices for engaging students who have pressed pause on finishing their degree. More than 75,000 individuals in Missouri have been identified as having at least two years of college credit, but no awarded degree. 

“Because life happens, students often have to step away from pursuing their degree,” said Commissioner of Higher Education Zora Mulligan. “As we strive to see more Missourians obtain a credential, it’s important we work with our colleagues across the state and nation to identify ways to reengage students and provide resources for making their return as meaningful as possible.”

Degrees When Due will grant institutions access to a variety of resources to help institutions identify students with credits and determine the most efficient pathway to graduation.

Missouri’s Big Goal for higher education is to see 60 percent of working-age adults with a high-quality certificate or degree by 2025. Degrees When Due is one of many initiatives the MDHEWD will use to help reach its goal.

The Degrees When Due initiative seeks to build expertise, capacity, and infrastructure on campuses across the nation to get near-completers across the finish line. This initiative:

• Provides access to an interactive online tool and live coaching to guide staff through implementation of degree reclamation strategies
• Builds and facilitates communities of practice among campus staff and state agencies
• Performs important research into best practices for reengaging students

Learn more about Degrees When Due at degreeswhendue.com.

The following Missouri colleges and universities have signed on to be a part of the Degrees When Due cohort:

• Avila University

• Central Methodist University

• Crowder College

• East Central College

• Harris-Stowe State University

• Jefferson College

• Lincoln University

• Metropolitan Community College

• Missouri Southern State University

• Missouri State University-West Plains

• Moberly Area Community College

• Northwest Missouri State University

• Southeast Missouri State University

• St. Charles Community College

• State Fair Community College

• Three Rivers College

• University of Central Missouri

• University of Missouri-Kansas City

• University of Missouri-St. Louis

About the Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development: The department works to empower Missourians with the skills and education needed for success. More information about MDHEWD can be found at https://dhewd.mo.gov or on Facebook and Twitter @MoDHEWD.