RUSH University was recently awarded the 2023 Ellucian Impact Awards in the Innovation category, for a highly successful project to contemporize the tracking of student data. The awards are given to academic institutions to “recognize and celebrate changemakers and thought leaders who are working to innovate within the technology space.”
The award was given to the Division of Student Affairs for their piloting of a student planning module that significantly improved the tracking of student data within the College of Nursing, the largest of RUSH’s four colleges. It has now been implemented within the University’s other three colleges. RUSH University was selected as one of only eight recipients to receive this distinction along with a $25,000 prize.
“I am extremely proud of the Student Affairs team for all the work they do each day, and to have that celebrated through this award underscores their abiding commitment to RUSH’s ICARE values,” says Gayle Ward, JD, vice provost, Student Affairs. “Any time we can identify best in class solutions to reduce administrative barriers, we enhance the educational experience for students, faculty, and staff across the University.”
This innovative implementation significantly increased staff efficiencies, data accuracy and enhanced the overall standardization of tracking student information.
RUSH University is recognized as a leader in the education of future health care professionals, including medical, nursing, respiratory therapy, physician assistant, and health systems management students. In 2022, 2,870 students were enrolled in programs at RUSH University.
“Continuing improvement and innovation are hallmarks of our educational approach,” says Christine Kennedy, PhD, RN, FAAN, John L. and Helen Kellogg dean, College of Nursing and interim provost, RUSH University. “I am extremely proud of the work our Division of Student Affairs does to support our students across the University and the Ellucian Impact Award is a well-deserved recognition of their commitment to innovation.”