Structured Pathways for Student Success:  A Strategic Approach to Course Optimization and Academic Excellence

Ragavanantham Shanmugam; Madhan Gopal Perumal; Uma Maheswari Krishnamoorthy

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Conference: 2025 ASEE North Central Section (NCS) Annual Conference
Location: Marshall University, Huntington, West Virginia
Publication Date: March 28, 2025
Start Date: March 28, 2025
End Date: March 29, 2025
Tagged Topic: Diversity
Page Count: 9
DOI: 10.18260/1-2--54688
Permanent URL: https://peer.asee.org/54688
Download Count: 39

Paper Authors

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Ragavanantham Shanmugam Fairmont State University orcid.org/0000-0002-4160-5167

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Dr. Ragavanantham Shanmugam is working as Department Chair and Associate Professor of Engineering Technology at Fairmont State University, Fairmont, WV. He has over 25 years’ experience in Engineering Higher Education and research and also an award-winning teacher and active engineer. His academic qualifications allow him to coordinate successful research activities, but his true talent is teaching all students by engaging them in STEM by demystifying complex math, science, and engineering through engineering education research thereby making it accessible to all. His life experiences in India, and now on tribal lands, instills a personal mission to lift up the lives of under-appreciated/represented peoples. He has great passion for both engineering education and student success. He has the support and engagement of his institution for his all transformative efforts towards Engineering education and upliftment of underserved student populations in general.

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Madhan Gopal Perumal The University of Texas at Dallas

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Madhan is a professional in the fields of data and artificial intelligence, boasting over two decades of progressive experience that spans a variety of roles in data engineering, analytics, and data science. Currently, he is advancing his academic pursuits by working towards a Doctor of Business Administration at the University of Texas at Dallas. While his technical skills and academic credentials equip him to engage in rigorous research activities, Madhan's true expertise lies in the design and development of innovative data products, especially those tailored for data-intensive and AI applications. From life experiences, Madhan has been driven by a personal mission to uplift the lives of people. He is deeply passionate about education and his commitment to these causes is evident in his active participation with nonprofit organizations, where he leverages his data management expertise for social good. Madhan is dedicated to harness the power of data for social good. He is steadfast in his commitment to creating meaningful change and advancing societal benefits through data-driven solutions. His work not only reflects his technical acumen but also his profound desire to make a positive impact on the world.

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Uma Maheswari Krishnamoorthy

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Abstract

Course selection and scheduling inefficiencies are key contributors to delayed graduation and student attrition in higher education. Nearly 40% of U.S. college students fail to graduate within six years, often due to unclear academic pathways and prerequisite complexities. This paper proposes a Structured Course Pathway Model that balances flexibility with academic rigor to ensure timely degree completion while reducing advising burdens and administrative inefficiencies. The model emphasizes a semester-wise course sequence with designated elective slots, ensuring structured learning without compromising student autonomy. By reducing last-minute overrides and prerequisite misalignment, institutions can improve retention rates and optimize faculty workload distribution. Additionally, integrating HyFlex learning models strategically allows transfer and mid-year students to align with structured pathways without disrupting the majority cohort. This paper also explores faculty-driven mentorship initiatives, demonstrating their role in enhancing student recruitment, retention, and program alignment. Case studies highlight the impact of optimized course scheduling on graduation timelines, institutional budgets, and student success. By adopting data-driven scheduling strategies and faculty-led student engagement, universities can create a balanced academic framework that fosters student success, improves resource utilization, and enhances institutional efficiency.

Citation
Format

Shanmugam, R., & Perumal, M. G., & Krishnamoorthy, U. M. (2025, March), Structured Pathways for Student Success: A Strategic Approach to Course Optimization and Academic Excellence Paper presented at 2025 ASEE North Central Section (NCS) Annual Conference, Marshall University, Huntington, West Virginia. 10.18260/1-2--54688