A Pandemic Silver Lining: Helping Students Finish Degrees Online

In the spring and fall of 2020, the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), like most colleges and universities, pivoted to remote instruction and online learning out of concern for the health and safety of its students, faculty, and staff during the coronavirus global pandemic. However, one unexpected outcome was successfully recovering or "re-recruiting" 123 former students who (for one reason or another) left UMBC before finishing their degrees, and in some cases several years ago. In this presentation, we will describe why and how we planned and implemented the Finish Line near-completer reengagement program (undergraduate.umbc.edu/finishline)—which leveraged our predominantly online classes in fall 2020—and what we learned from the process. We'll also suggest ways to support adult learners, help them feel welcome, and foster their sense of belonging in the institution.