Degree Audit Optimization Project

What is the Project?

Virginia Tech is enhancing its Degree Audit Reporting System (DARS) through a multi-year initiative to better support students and advisors by aligning with modern academic & Hokie needs. This project focuses on migrating DARS to the cloud, upgrading its functionalities, and integrating it more effectively into advising practices to improve the student experience and support academic success.

Objectives & Timeline

Timeline: This project is expected to span at least two years, starting in 2025. The initial phase will focus on system upgrades and improvements, paving the way for the implementation of a modern Planner tool.

Objectives:

Ensure the degree audit and associate planner are key tools for student success at Virginia Tech.
Move to the cloud and upgrade the uAchieve platform.
Increase/update internal encoding expertise.
Leverage the degree audit platform in new innovative ways that are rooted in student success.
Integrate the degree audit fully into advising practices and degree management initiatives including developing best practices to ensure smooth transition from admitted student to alumni.
Improve the student experience and increase overall student utilization of the system.
Integrate student and advisor perspectives into the encoding and decision-making processes.
Improve existing and establish new, relevant partnerships across campus to support degree auditing operations.