Democratizing Education: Universal Learner Courses and the Earned Admission Program at ASU

In today's rapidly evolving world, access to quality education is crucial for personal growth, career advancement, and societal progress. However, traditional higher education institutions have often been criticized for their exclusive admissions policies, which limit opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds. Fortunately, our team at Arizona State University (ASU) has taken a bold step towards inclusivity with Universal Learner Courses and the Earned Admission program. These innovative initiatives stand in direct contrast to the exclusive admissions policies and academic programs commonly seen in higher education. By embracing the principles of accessibility, flexibility, and lifelong learning, ASU is redefining the landscape of education and paving the way for a more equitable future.

Universal Learner Courses: Enabling Lifelong Learning:

The Universal Learner Courses at ASU epitomize our institution's commitment to lifelong learning. They are designed to be accessible to anyone, regardless of age, location, or educational background. The courses are available entirely online, allowing individuals to engage in learning at their own pace and convenience. The Universal Learner Courses portfolio offers a wide array of courses across various disciplines, providing opportunities for learners on any potential career path. Learners can engage with course materials, interact with instructors and fellow learners through virtual platforms, and access resources to deepen their understanding of the subject matter. Yet, the most fascinating components of our program relate to the risk that we've removed from learners!

Our program is quite simple:

1. Learners start by signing up for the ULC program.

   1. Rather than a lengthy application process, we simply ask a few questions and then provide learners with an asurite ID within 48 hours.

2. Then learners register for the courses of their choosing.

   1. Courses are only $25 to start and learners can choose from over 60 different courses.

3. Finally, learners take the classes and add them to their transcripts.

   1. If a learner passes the class and wants the academic credit, they pay $400 to add the course to their transcript.

   2. If they don't pass (or don't like their grade), they don't have to pay!

Learners can take the college credit directly into ASU or transfer the credits to a college of their choosing. There's truly no risk and the credits count the exact same way as any other course at the university. For anyone who is unsure if college is right for them (or if they just want to get ahead), the Universal Learner Courses at ASU offer a flexible and inclusive avenue for starting their academic journey.

The Earned Admission Program:

ASU's Earned Admission program exemplifies the university's dedication to expanding access to higher education. The program provides an alternative pathway for individuals who may not meet the traditional admissions criteria but possess the determination and potential to succeed academically. Through the Earned Admission program, prospective students can demonstrate their readiness for university-level education by completing a series of Universal Learner Courses offered by our team at ASU.

If a learner passes a subset of Universal Learner Courses (12 credits for learners over 22 years of age, 24 credits for learners under 22 years of age) and achieves a 2.75 GPA, they will fulfill requirements for university admission, regardless of previous academic standing! As long as they have a high school credential of some form, they will have a clear pathway to a degree at ASU.

The Earned Admission program not only provides a pathway for those who have faced barriers in accessing higher education but also recognizes the value of non-traditional experiences and achievements in assessing an individual's academic potential.

Societal Impact and Benefits:

The impact of ASU's Earned Admission program extends far beyond the individual learner. By creating an alternative pathway for admission, ASU fosters a more inclusive society where talent and potential are valued over traditional academic markers. This approach aligns with the evolving needs of the workforce, which increasingly values skills, adaptability, and a lifelong learning mindset. By welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds into its academic community, ASU enriches the learning environment and promotes a culture of inclusivity and innovation. Moreover, by providing opportunities for those who may have been overlooked by traditional admissions processes, ASU contributes to the social and economic mobility of individuals and supports the development of a more equitable society.

Arizona State University's Universal Learner Courses and the Earned Admission program are beacons of hope in an education system that often perpetuates exclusivity. By embracing accessibility, flexibility, and inclusivity, our team at ASU is setting a new standard for higher education institutions worldwide. As the landscape of education continues to evolve, it is imperative that other institutions take inspiration from ASU's approach and work towards creating a more equitable and inclusive learning environment. By doing so, we can unlock the full potential of individuals, foster innovation, and empower a new generation of learners who will shape a brighter future for all.

If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about Universal Learner Courses or the Earned Admission Program please follow the link below. Sign-up only takes a few minutes.

Universal Learner Courses at Arizona State University

Author: Lukas Wenrick

Date: May 26, 2023

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Author's Note and attribution:

I am a member of the team at Arizona State University involved in the development and implementation of Universal Learner Courses. As part of my role, I oversee the Earned Admission program and collaborate with the dedicated teams responsible for building and expanding the Universal Learner Courses initiative.

Furthermore, I'd like to acknowledge the collaborative ature of this thought leadership piece. In the process of crafting this article, I have utilized ChatGPT, an AI language model developed by OpenAI, to co-construct the content. It is important to recognize the contribution of the model in helping shape and develop the material. Therefore, I cannot claim sole credit for the writing above, as it incorporates the capabilities of the AI model.