A New Model for Supporting Students 

At Bay Path Online, our online learning model, SOUL (Social Online Universal Learning), is designed to enhance degree completion and affordability for adult learners.

SOUL is a collection of best practices centered on:

• An adaptive learning platform that personalizes instruction.
• Data and learning analytics to guide decisions by students, faculty, and staff.
• Wraparound services like academic advisors and virtual communities.

The SOUL model is built upon six key elements: accelerated studies, student orientation, wraparound support, adaptive learning, communities, and professional development for faculty. Together, these components form a data-driven approach to higher education designed to boost student engagement, achievement, persistence, and graduation rates.

Students participate in an online orientation which functions as an “on-ramp” for students to join our customized learning environment. Students learn about the various components of SOUL, as well as how to access the supports necessary to persist in their studies. For students who lack confidence, experience, and/or prior success in a college environment, New Student Orientation encourages, empowers, and supports them as they begin their educational journey online and at an accelerated pace.

SOUL KP: Adaptive Learning Platform

While online learning offers many advantages to our students, the traditional delivery of content in a one-size-fits-all format can be limiting and frustrating for many students. They may feel disconnected or maybe even a little lost, asking questions like “…am I studying the right content?” or “…am I where I need to be this week?”

To help address some of these anxieties, we created KnowledgePath (KP) to individualize the learning experience. KP delivers curricular content to students based on their preferred learning style(s), pace, and prior knowledge. This is done in a few ways.  Achieving mastery on a pre-test taken at the start of each new KP assignment allows students to skip to more advanced activities within the assignment. The KP system also learns what type of activities – text, video, audio, interactive exercise – best suits each student’s preference and ability level. Over time, the student receives activity types that align with their needs. A struggling student, meanwhile, can select an alternative representation of the same content and practice questions a number of times until they achieve mastery.

SOUL Wraparound Support

The SOUL model is built on a foundation of wrap-around supports to foster student success. We recognize that our adult learners are balancing a variety of responsibilities, and our online, accelerated format offers the flexibility and convenience they need. To address the fact that some students may be returning to school after a long absence, we provide intensive, integrated academic support and advising.

This support is a collaborative effort between professional advisors and faculty. We use a data-driven approach where insights from our learning systems inform proactive and personalized interventions. In some cases, our systems automatically flag a student for concern. Additionally, we have integrated a Faculty Early Alert tool into Canvas, which allows you to communicate directly with academic advisors when a student is struggling. This combination of human and technological intervention is timed to support students with different levels of preparation and experience, setting the SOUL model apart.

Please see the University Resources section for more information on the resources provided at the university.

SOUL Communities

An important component of SOUL is establishing peer networks to build stronger connections among our learners. Students have the option of joining a Facebook group where they can share their experiences with one another. This group is monitored by academic advisors, but it is ultimately run by, and for, students. Students will interact with their program director and other staff members to learn about their field of study, to network, and to engage in career preparation opportunities.