Eighteen months ago, the SIP team began working with the Connecticut State Colleges & Universities (CSCU) system. The team knew that CSCU is vital to economic mobility for millions of Connecticut’s residents, as it is the largest and most accessible form of higher education in our state.
Chris Rivers, who leads SIP’s CSCU team, put it simply: “We didn’t start with a plan—we started by listening.” From hundreds of conversations across campuses and communities, a shared vision took shape—one focused on what students, educators, and employers actually need. The result is more than a report. It’s a blueprint for action grounded in collaboration and real-world insight.
The team went to work to understand what was driving key elements of the student journey (Enrollment, Retention, Completion, and Job Outcomes) both quantitatively and qualitatively. After months of detailed data-driven assessments and speaking with over 600 stakeholders throughout the state, the team found there are clear opportunities to better serve students across the state.
These opportunities exist because the students are eager to learn, some commuting for hours each way on public transportation; faculty and staff are eager to try new approaches to meet the needs of today; and leaders from department heads through the Board of Regents are interested in leveraging proven approaches from within CSCU and other states.
CSCU faces serious challenges that require change, such as declining enrollment, uneven student support and a disconnect with workforce needs. But change doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens when people come together around practical ideas and shared goals.
“Our guiding belief was simple,” Rivers said. “Every decision should begin and end with what’s best for students. That focus gave this work meaning.”
The Renew CSCU Investment Case Report outlines five strategic investments—from expanding early college programs to building stronger career pathways—all grounded and designed to improve student outcomes and strengthen the system.
Tim Roof, a Volunteer Partner on the project, reflected: “Working on the CSCU project was incredibly rewarding because it was all about people—listening to students, faculty, and staff who care deeply about their campuses and communities. I’m grateful to have played a part in helping the system work better for them.”
CSCU Board of Regents Chair Marty Guay added, “I’m incredibly optimistic about CSCU’s future. With SIP’s deep analysis and collaborative approach, we now have a bold, data-driven roadmap—not just a plan on paper.”
With this foundation in place, SIP and CSCU are now focused on what matters most: turning vision into sustainable impact.
[Read the full report HERE.]
Congratulations to the SIP CSCU team, Volunteer Partners, CSCU partners and all who contributed to this thoughtful, collaborative effort. Your dedication and teamwork helped shape a bold, strategic vision for the future of Connecticut’s students, workforce and economy.