Amethyst Scott and Aliyah Williams

Contributing Writer and Editor-in-Chief

ESU’s Student Government Association recently conducted a survey that found that 65% of the participants use Degree Works frequently to monitor their advancement. 42% were content with how user-friendly the platform was.

Degree Works is a tool used by ESU that helps students track required coursework and their path to graduation.

The results of the survey highlight the need for the university to consider student feedback.

“It is just fine to use, easy to understand, and if I have any questions my advisor usually answers all of them,” said Mark Hoskins, a junior political science major.

“Degree works is useful for the time being, but it’s not as reliable throughout the semester because there are no updates until the next semester,” added Aidan Black, a freshman Psychology major.

Students have had doubts about Degree Work’s overall effectiveness. Some students wonder if they are benefiting from the program, or if it has been thoroughly accurate in advising them.

Faculty advisors to students also address their own concerns with the platform.

“Degreeworks is helpful for students in seeing what they need to graduate and for trying to stay on track,” said Dr. Andrea McClanahan, the Department Chair of Communication. “However, there are some hiccups in Degreeworks that students should be aware of (for instance if they are retaking a class, they earned a “D” in prior, the total credits shown will be incorrect because it adds in both classes in the credits until the higher grade is confirmed). Also, sometimes advisors need to petition to get things reflected accurately.”

When Degree Works was introduced, it aimed to simplify the monitoring of academic advancement. Various features, including degree audit reports, course planning aids and GPA calculators were designed to allow students to navigate their journeys independently.

Supporters argue that it fosters clarity and openness enabling students to make informed decisions about their studies and ensure they are on course for graduation. 

Students oftentimes find the program difficult to navigate and have also found inaccuracies in degree audits. Others have been frustrated with delays in updates, where changes in course requirements or transfer credits don’t appear immediately.

Despite these complaints, Degree Works has improved how academic advising works. Advisors now have access to student information allowing them to offer personalized guidance and assistance. Additionally, the online aspect of Degree Works makes advising easier during emergencies or when students can’t get to campus for resources. 

Degree Works plays a role in both advantages and obstacles for students and educational institutions. Although its ability to simplify guidance is evident,  there are worries about its user-friendliness and precision.