Practical implications of implementing a unit record system on a community college campus

Little attention has been paid to the practical implications of implementing a unit record system on a community college campus. Potential benefits include the ability to capture student success and track outcomes for external compliance and internal planning efforts, but potential issues could impact the ability of a community college to manage the implementation of a system, including privacy, security, dealing with students who opt out, integration with current systems, data verification, and agency coordination. This chapter addresses the challenges and opportunities of implementing a unit record system on campus by addressing potential costs, benefits, and integration with already existing data and accountability processes.