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Cohort Management

Understanding Cohort Management in Higher Education

Cohort management refers to organizing students into defined groups that progress through a program or series of courses together. This approach supports peer learning, community building, and consistent instructional delivery.

This category outlines terminology used by program coordinators, registrars, and advising teams in managing cohort-based learning models.

Glossary Terms
Term
Description
Cohort

A group of students enrolled in a program who progress through courses together on a set schedule.

Intake Cycle

The period or term when new cohorts are formed and begin their academic journey.

Cohort Tracking

The process of monitoring academic progress, retention, and outcomes for a specific student group.

Fixed Schedule

A predetermined course sequence that all cohort members follow.

Cohort-Based Model

A program design where students move through content in structured groups.

Peer Support Network

An informal or formal structure promoting collaboration and support within a cohort.

Evolving Student Grouping Strategies

Cohort models are widely used in professional programs, online degrees, and accelerated formats. Digital tools now allow dynamic cohort management with real-time dashboards and individualized advising workflows.