Jackson State University is the first Mississippi institution of higher learning to implement “Degree Works,” a web-based tool that will help students and advisors monitor progress toward degree completion.
“We are excited about JSU being the first of many higher education institutions in Mississippi to implement Ellucian Degree Works. This tool which is designed to help students stay motivated and graduate on time has already received praise reports from advisors throughout the campus. JSU students are now among more than five million students at 855 institutions worldwide that use Degree Works to help smoothly navigate their way to graduation,” said Dr. Deborah Dent, vice president of information technology and chief information officer for Jackson State.
Although initially developed and applied at Georgia Tech University, “Degree Works” is now a prevalent matriculation mechanism at colleges and universities throughout the nation.
“‘Degree Works’ is a valuable tool that provides autonomy for advising. Students can see at a glance courses taken, grades earned and courses to be completed. Professional advisors in undergraduate studies and CyberLearning are excited about this easy to use advisement tool and know that students will find its use expedient,” said Dr. O’Banner-Jackson, interim dean of undergraduate studies.
“Degree Works” looks at JSU’s degree requirements and produces an audit worksheet that assists advisors and students in reviewing their past, present and future academic coursework. It also includes the following benefits:
- Supports real-time delivery of degree completion information.
- Affords advisors the ability to create notes and document student visits.
- Allows students and advisors to create semester-by-semester plans to facilitate the timely completion of degree requirements.
- Provides what-if analysis for students considering a curriculum change.
- Reduces or eliminates paperwork such as manual degree checklists and curriculum sheets.
- Increases the productivity between departments across campus.
- Does not eliminate the need for advising – it should be used in consultation with college and major advisors, who make the final determination about the completion of degree requirements.
Degree Works is accessed through PAWS.