Agilegrad calls it quits after two years

Agilegrad, a degree monitoring software initiated two years ago, is being discontinued at MHCC effective Nov. 1. Students are urged to make sure they preserve their records by Wednesday.

Agilegrad is a third-party software tool for online advising, degree planning, and class scheduling. After review by the college community and an open bid process in 2010, the program was selected for use on a pilot basis, to run 24 months that spanned three academic years.

The pilot expanded in 2011-12 to include all MHCC study programs. That year, student use exceeded 12,000 log-ins. Students liked aspects of the software such as the web interface and easy communication with advisers, said David Minger, vice president of student enrollment services.

However, certain problems emerged. After the expansion, students sometimes got inaccurate course recommendations.

“We analyzed that problem and found that before we can pursue online automated advising, the college must upgrade and integrate certain key processes and systems,” Minger said. “That integration is what we are working on this academic year and, probably, next (year).”

Because it was a pilot, Agilegrad came at a discounted price. Cost for the three-year span was $73,000.

It’s important that any student who made an educational plan in Agilegrad should log on by Wednesday and e-mail him-/herself the Agilegrad educational plan, MInger said.

The student may then compare that plan with the Degree Audit Reporting System (DARS) report and discuss both the Agilegrad plan and DARS report with an adviser to find any discrepancies.

“This is important because after the Agilegrad contract expires on Oct. 31, web links will be removed and students will no longer be able to access Agilegrad,” Minger said.

Online advising remains part of the college strategy to meet advising needs.

Minger said, “We want students to have the convenience of being served online 24/7 for routine advising, and thereby help staff and faculty advisers be more available for complex advising needs and relationship building.”