Moving the Needle

Bold Forward is more than a slogan – it’s ��’s collective commitment to growth, innovation, and impact. Through our Big Bets, Moonshots, and strategic initiatives, we’re shaping the future of the University of North Georgia and the region we serve.

The Moving the Needle dashboards turn that vision into visible progress, offering a transparent look at how we’re advancing the President’s Goals, the Strategic Enrollment Management Plan, and the ��’s performance priorities.

We are demonstrating the story of our progress – with teammates, community partners, and the public – through data, visuals, and achievements that show how we’re moving Bold Forward, together.

�� at a Glance

Total Enrollment

20,317

Nighthawks (Fall 2025)

Enrollment Growth

5.3%

Year over Year

America's Corps

734

Cadets

Tracking ��'s Progress

Moving the Needle is continually updated to reflect ��’s ongoing journey.

Check back often to see our progress as we move Bold Forward – together.

What does the data tell us that we need to adjust, refocus, or reengineer in our work to meet the next goal?

President Michael P. Shannon

Bold Forward White Paper

Enrollment

Enrollment isn’t just a number – it’s the cornerstone of ��’s mission to expand access, opportunity, and impact across our region and beyond.

Interact with the data of enrollment trends across campuses, student segments, and new student types, aligned with the President’s Goals, Moonshots, the Strategic Enrollment Management Plan, and USG Performance Funding metrics.

Enrollment Trends Dashboard

Access overall enrollment trends by campus, student segment, and key populations to assess progress toward strategic growth goals across �� and the ��.

In-Person Enrollment Dashboard

Contains the proportion of undergraduate credit hours delivered in person across campuses, a USG performance measure reflecting ��’s commitment to strong on-campus learning experiences.

Explore Enrollment Data Alignment with Strategic Priorities

Stratetic Priority	Alignment
Overall Student Enrollment Growth – Monitor total enrollment trends to ensure steady institutional growth and long-term sustainability.
Enrollment Growth by Home Campus – Track enrollment distribution across campuses and online programs to assess capacity and regional access.
Enrollment by Student Segment – Evaluate enrollment trends among Associate, Bachelor–Civilian, Cadet, Dual Enrollment, and Graduate populations.
Enrollment by New Student Type – Monitor enrollment of Beginning Freshman, Transfer, and New Graduate students.
First-Generation Student Enrollment – Measure participation of first-generation students in degree-seeking programs.
Hispanic Student Enrollment – Track enrollment growth among Hispanic students as �� progresses toward Hispanic-Serving Institution designation.
Veteran and Military-Affiliated Enrollment – Monitor enrollment of veterans, military service personnel, military dependents, and spouses to strengthen military-affiliated student pathways.
International Student Enrollment – Assess international student enrollment patterns across programs and levels.
Student-Athlete Enrollment – Track student-athlete participation across segments and levels.
Nursing Program Enrollment – Monitor enrollment in nursing programs in alignment with campus expansion goals.
Alumni Enrollment in Post-Baccalaureate and Non-Degree Programs – Coming Soon. Track continuing engagement of alumni in advanced learning opportunities.
In-State Headcount – Measure the proportion of students enrolled from within Georgia.
Undergraduate In-Person Credit Hours – Monitor the percentage of undergraduate credit hours delivered in person.
Adult Learner Enrollment – Track participation of adult learners in undergraduate and graduate programs as defined by USG (25+ age at the time of first matriculation).

Student Success & Student Impact Initiatives

Student success is central to ��’s strategic vision. Through the Student First commitment and the President’s Big Bets on access and completion, �� focuses on helping every student progress from enrollment to graduation. It’s why we exist – to help students find their purpose, achieve their goals, and take the next step toward lifelong success.

First-Time Freshman Retention Dashboard

Tracks the first-to-second year persistence of first-time freshmen.

Transfer Student Retention Dashboard

Examines the first-to-second year persistence of students transferring into ��.

Graduation Rates Dashboard

Displays 3-year associate, 4-year baccalaureate, and 6-year baccalaureate graduation outcomes at �� and system-wide

Degrees Awarded Dashboard

Shows the total number of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees awarded annually, highlighting ��’s impact on student achievement and workforce readiness.

Explore Student Success Data Alignment with Strategic Priorities

Strategic Priority	Alignment
Overall Student Retention – Monitor student persistence across terms to evaluate progress and support continuous improvement.
Retention by Student Segment – Track retention among Associate, Bachelor–Civilian, Cadet, Dual Enrollment, and Graduate populations.
Transfer Student Retention – Monitor the persistence of transfer students within �� and across the USG system.
First-Generation Student Retention – Track retention of first-generation students to ensure continued academic progress.
Hispanic Student Retention – Measure retention of Hispanic students as part of ��’s progress toward becoming a Hispanic-Serving Institution.
Veteran and Military-Affiliated Student Retention – Monitor persistence of veterans, military service personnel, military dependents, and spouses.
Student-Athlete Retention – Track retention of student-athletes across academic levels and programs.
Systemwide Retention (USG) – Measure one-year retention including students transferring within the ��.
Four-Year Bachelor’s Graduation Rate – Track the percentage of first-time, full-time bachelor’s students completing within four years.
Three-Year Associate Graduation Rate and Bachelor’s Transfer – Measure associate student success including completion and transfer to bachelor’s programs.
Six-Year Bachelor’s Graduation Rate – Track the six-year graduation rate for first-time, full-time bachelor’s students.
Undergraduate Degrees Awarded – Monitor the total number of undergraduate degrees conferred annually.
Graduate and Professional Degrees Awarded – Track total graduate and professional degrees awarded across academic years.
First-Year Experience (FYE) Participation – Coming soon

Corps of the Future

The University of North Georgia is one of only six Senior Military Colleges in the nation and is committed to developing leaders for the U.S. Army and beyond. Through the Corps of the Future moonshot, �� seeks to deliver the best officer development program in America – growing the Corps to 1,000 cadets by 2028 and commissioning more than 120 second lieutenants annually.

This Cadet Leadesrhip Academy infographic highlights progress in enrollment, retention, commissioning, and much more as �� continues its historic mission of producing leaders of character for national service.

Open High Resolution

Explore Corps of the Future Data Alignment with Strategic Priorities

Strategic Priority	Alignment
�� Growth – Increase the total Corps size to 1,000 cadets by 2028 to strengthen ��’s role as a Senior Military College.
Officer Commissioning – Achieve annual commissioning of 120 or more Army second lieutenants, reflecting national leadership excellence.s.
Cadet Retention – Maintain at least 80% retention from the FY25 cohort to ensure continuity and success within the Corps.
Global Cadet Experiences – Expand international and military exchange participation to engage at least 10% of the Corps in global leadership opportunities.
International Cadet Enrollment – Grow the number of international cadets to enhance global engagement within the Corps community.

Best Division II Athletics

�� has a moonshot goal of becoming the Most Competitive NCAA Division II Athletics Program in the Nation. Athletics at �� represents more than competition – it reflects excellence, discipline, and teamwork that embody the Nighthawk spirit.

This Athletics infographic highlight achievements in regional and national championships, individual athlete awards, and academic success among student-athletes as indicators of institutional strength and student engagement.

Open High Resolution

Institute for Peak Performance

The Institute for Peak Performance (IPP) serves as a key enabler for both the Corps of the Future and Most Competitive Athletics moonshots. Located on the Dahlonega campus, IPP integrates high-performance training, leadership development, and health sciences research to optimize human potential.

It brings together the ��, Nighthawk Athletics, and the College of Health Sciences and Professions to advance ��’s national reputation for excellence in readiness, resilience, and performance.

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