Cross-Functional Collaboration for Real-Time Student Barrier Resolution

2025
Yavapai College
https://www.yc.edu/
ArizonaLauri L Dreher
Equitable Access and Outcomes, Student Services
In preparation for launching Yavapai College’s first-ever baccalaureate degree—the Bachelor of Science in Business—the School of Business formed a proactive, student-centered collaboration with the Advising team. This Promising Practice includes regular, structured sync-ups and a shared real-time communication channel, ensuring alignment between academic leadership and advisors.

Through these intentional touchpoints, the two teams share insights from their distinct relationships with students—advisors often surface operational barriers, while faculty uncover personal or contextual challenges. Together, they co-develop solutions that remove barriers and support student momentum.

Rooted in Kotter’s 8-Step Process for Leading Change, this cross-functional collaboration has become a cultural norm within the School of Business. It enables faster response times, clearer student guidance, improved course scheduling, and a unified focus on learner success.
Advising