Rappahannock Community College Selected for National Initiative to Expand Shortened Academic Terms
Rappahannock Community College (RCC) has been selected by Achieving the Dream (ATD) — a national network dedicated to helping community colleges improve student success — to participate in a new national initiative that supports the expansion of shortened academic terms.
The Scaling Shortened Academic Terms initiative, funded by Ascendium Education Group, will help participating colleges build on their existing efforts to redesign traditional semester schedules. The goal is to improve student outcomes by offering more flexible, focused learning options that better fit the busy lives of today’s students.
Traditional 15-week semesters can be challenging for students juggling work, family, and other responsibilities. Shortened academic terms allow students to take fewer classes at once, complete them more quickly, and maintain momentum toward graduation and into the workforce. Research shows that well-designed shorter terms can lead to higher course completion rates, stronger persistence, and greater student confidence.
This initiative will help colleges like RCC scale up these models in ways that are intentional and sustainable — with strong student supports, faculty development, and data-informed decision-making. Through coaching, professional development, and collaboration with peer colleges, ATD will help participants strengthen their capacity to design and deliver effective shortened-term programs.
The Community College Research Center (CCRC) at Teachers College, Columbia University, will lead an external evaluation of the project to identify best practices and deepen understanding of how shortened terms benefit students.
“At RCC, we’re always looking for ways to make college work better for our students and our community,” said RCC President Dr. Shannon Kennedy. “Being part of this national initiative gives us the opportunity to build on what we’ve already started — creating flexible learning options that help students reach their goals faster.”
“This initiative reflects the kind of whole-college transformation ATD supports across our network,” said Dr. Karen A. Stout, ATD President and CEO. “By working with colleges already leading this change, we can scale structures that help students — especially adults and working learners — build momentum and achieve their goals.”
Through this collaboration, RCC will continue its mission of transforming lives and communities by ensuring education is flexible, equitable, and accessible for all learners.
Achieving the Dream (ATD) is a partner and champion of more than 300 community colleges across the country. Drawing on expert coaches, groundbreaking programs, and national peer network, the organization provides institutions with integrated, tailored support for every aspect of their work — from foundational capacities such as leadership, data, and equity to intentional strategies for supporting students holistically, building K–12 partnerships, and more. ATD calls this Whole College Transformation. Its vision is for every college to be a catalyst for equitable and economically vibrant communities. ATD knows that with the right partner and the right approach, colleges can drive access, completion rates, and employment outcomes — so that all students can access life-changing learning that propels them into community-changing careers. www.achievingthedream.org
Rappahannock Community College (RCC) has been opening doors to opportunity across Virginia’s Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck since 1970 and is the only postsecondary institution in the 12-county service region. The College offers two transfer degrees with seven majors, associate in applied science degree in criminal justice, business, nursing, diagnostic medical sonography, and engineering. RCC also offers certificates in high-demand fields and 16 industry-recognized certifications in short-term programs. The College serves approximately 3,000 credit students and 500 credential students each semester. RCC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.