As policymakers look for ways to improve the higher education system so that it better meets the needs of today’s students, they should draw on lessons from the health-care sector and its patient-centered care model, states this report from the Center for American Progress. By focusing on the holistic needs of individuals, the patient-centered model has helped health-care providers become more responsive and inclusive. A similar approach that centers on the comprehensive needs of students could benefit higher education institutions, the report’s authors contend.
The report lays out two proposals designed to reorient institutions of higher education toward student-centered practices. The first proposal recommends that colleges and universities allocate most of their tuition revenue to direct student instruction and support services. Financial decisions within educational institutions should reflect a commitment to student success. Unfortunately, however, many colleges allocate significant funds to nonessential areas, undermining their educational mission. By focusing spending on instruction and student services, institutions can better support their students’ academic, personal, and professional growth.
The second proposal calls for greater transparency in reporting student outcomes. By providing clear and comprehensive data on completion rates and credit accumulation, colleges can help students make informed decisions about their education choices. This transparency would also hold institutions publicly accountable, encouraging them to improve support structures and address disparities in student success.