HOW INSTITUTIONS TRANSFORM
Evidence-Based Practices
What are Evidence-Based Practices?
Transformation takes root through student-facing practices proven to improve outcomes. At some point in every institution’s transformation journey, attention must turn to the practices that shape students’ daily experiences—how they’re supported, how they learn, and how they navigate the path to a credential.
Research points to three high-impact areas that consistently drive meaningful, measurable improvements in student success:
- Advising Reform
- Developmental Education Reform
- Digital Learning Reform
These are not the only evidence-based practices institutions can pursue—but they are among the most widely adopted and well-researched. They reflect areas where changes to the student experience have shown the potential to close equity gaps, improve outcomes, and catalyze broader transformation. When implemented intentionally and aligned with institutional priorities, these practices become powerful drivers of change.
Advising Reform
Advising is a critical touchpoint in the student experience—especially when it’s high quality, equity-centered, and aligned with students’ goals.
As institutions transform, they often redesign advising structures and strategies to better support students throughout their academic journey.
These reforms typically focus on improving:
- Staffing and organizational structure
- Technology and data use
- Advising strategies, models, and approaches
- Integration with other student supports and programs
When done well, advising moves from transactional to transformational, becoming a coordinated, student-centered system that supports progress, belonging, and success from entry to completion.
Developmental Education Reform
Students are more likely to succeed in gateway courses like math and English when they receive the right academic support—at the right time.
Reforming developmental education helps students stay on a credit-earning path, reduce time to completion, and improve overall success.
Key strategies include:
- Improving placement policies and practices
- Redesigning curriculum to accelerate learning
- Implementing corequisite remediation models
When aligned with broader academic and nonacademic supports, these reforms can dramatically improve student outcomes—and serve as a powerful driver of institutional transformation.
Digital Learning Reform
Digital learning reforms help institutions expand access, deepen engagement, and promote more equitable outcomes.
Many colleges invest in upskilling faculty, staff and students while leveraging technology to strengthen learning environments—both in-person and online.
Key priorities often include:
- Implementing adaptive or personalized courseware
- Training faculty and students in effective digital learning tools
- Standardizing the quality and accessibility of online offerings
When integrated with broader transformation strategies, digital learning becomes more than a delivery method—it becomes a powerful tool for advancing student success and closing equity gaps.
Other Holistic Supports
Holistic supports help institutions address the full range of student needs—academic, financial, social, and emotional—to create the conditions for equitable success.
When thoughtfully designed and embedded into campus systems, these supports do more than respond to crises—they foster belonging, well-being, and long-term persistence.
Institutions that coordinate these efforts across units and align them with clear policies often see stronger and more equitable outcomes.
Common strategies include:
- Career services and workforce partnerships that prepare students for life beyond graduation
- Financial aid that is structured and communicated as a student success strategy
- Academic supports such as student success courses, tutoring, and supplemental instruction
- Wraparound services that promote wellness, belonging, and basic needs security
These supports are most effective when treated not as add-ons, but as essential elements of the student experience.
Related Components of How Institutions Transform
HOW INSTITUTIONS TRANSFORM
Core Institutional Capacities
Big changes require strong foundations. This section looks at the core capabilities—like leadership, finance, and data use—that help institutions organize, execute, and sustain transformation.
HOW INSTITUTIONS TRANSFORM
Continuous Improvement Process
Lasting change doesn’t happen all at once. It’s built through cycles of reflection, action, and learning—powered by people across the institution. This section explores how colleges use structured routines like PRPAM and student-centered frameworks to empower teams, embed improvement into daily work, and align strategy with long-term goals.
