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A CLOSER LOOK: Gov. Haslam Touts Degree Compass

apsu.edu

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WMOT)  --  A computer program modeled after software used by Netflix and Pandora to help customers make selections is also helping Tennessee students choose their college classes.

On Monday night, Governor Bill Haslam spent more than half of his State of the State speech talking about his goals for education. One of the initiatives the governor touted is the Degree Compass program developed by Austin Peay State University.

“The model combines hundreds of thousands of grades with current students transcripts to make an informed recommendation. That’s exactly what we should do; help our students find the subjects and skills that allow them to graduate and pursue their dreams.”

APSU’s Dr. Loretta Griffey says Degree Compass doesn’t take away a student’s choice, but serves as a discussion starter as academic advisors help them chart a path to graduation.

“When those conversations begin they generally stretch into other issues that are also important; students goals, what they want to accomplish when they leave the institution – whether it’s employment or graduate school. So it is simply a nice tool to facilitate conversation.”

Griffey says APSU has data to show Degree Compass has raised grades and improved graduation rates.

Governor Haslam has asked for additional funding in this year’s budget to make the program available to students state wide.