The Returning Redbirds Project at Illinois State University aims to re-engage students who left without completing their degree, particularly those with 120 or more credit hours completed.
The program offers individualized plans to help students meet degree requirements, often through flexible options like earning an interdisciplinary studies degree or by taking online courses.
One hundred and twenty credit hours is the minimum that a student needs to graduate from Illinois State University with a bachelor’s degree.
Amy Roser, retention and data coordinator for University College, works to help students who are within close reach of graduation. In the past year, the program has seen notable success, with 44% of targeted students either graduating or on track to graduate. Key collaborators include the Office of Evaluation Services in the Registrar’s Office; academic advisors from across campus; and Wendi Whitman director of advising advocacy, innovation, & technology.
“Broadly, University College has always made outreach with our students who leave without a degree,” Roser said. “In the last year, University College made these efforts more frequent and targeted. Through Returning Redbirds, we send different communications at key times so that students interested in finishing their degree know who can help.
“We’re looking specifically at students who have not been enrolled at ISU for a couple of semesters to figure out how we might be able to help support them in finishing their degree. That looks very different for each student. Each student has their own unique reason for leaving.”
The approach is individualized, considering each student’s reason for leaving and their specific goals for degree completion. Some students may only need to complete a single course to meet a requirement, and Roser explores if that can be done online, on-campus, or at another institution.
” Everyone involved was helpful and kind.”
Daniela Nungaray
Sometimes cost directly impacts a student’s ability to finish their degree program. Sometimes the student considers a different degree path altogether for completion. In some instances, the program has been able to provide a one-time scholarship to help the student finish.
“In some cases students can’t finish because they owe money to the institution, and that is what is blocking their enrollment and degree completion,” Roser said. Depending on how steep the financial burden is, University College has a team to review situations for those who could potentially benefit from one-time financial support.
Sometimes the team develops a plan for a student to pay down their Illinois State balance or find transferable courses at a community college with lower tuition.
Daniela Nungaray is graduating in December. She attributes her current success to the hard work and support of the Returning Redbirds program.
“I got an email from Amy about how she can help me graduate and help to put me on track to get a job and start my career,” Nungaray said. “I had a couple of economic setbacks, and then I got COVID. Overall, the program is helpful for those who get derailed but are close to graduating.”
Daniela is currently finishing her B.A. in sociology with a minor in Latino studies. “I already completed all my major and minor hours—I just needed an elective. I emphasized that I don’t live on campus anymore. Another setback. however, my advisor, Natalie, recommended a class that I could do completely online. Everyone involved was helpful and kind.”
Once Nungaray completes and passes her final exams, she will go on to graduate: “I already have a couple of job interviews lined up. Thankfully, things are falling into place. Overall, the program has been great. I even told other students that I know about the program. Unfortunately, roadblocks happen all the time with students. I walked the stage and everything, but I (technically) did not graduate because of this one class. I am glad and relieved that I found someone to help me through it.”
Nungaray is hoping to get a job in the mental health field or in case management.
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