GoalQuest Inc. and Rio Salado College, a member of the Maricopa County Community College District, today announced the successful implementation of the company's student retention tools. Rio Salado is using GoalQuest's FYRe™ product as part of an effort to impact student retention and success by increasing awareness of the online-based school's support services. The program, a dynamic Web-based experience designed specifically for community colleges, includes custom-written content, real-time survey and assessment and high quality digital video.

Known to Rio Salado students as Rio Salado eGuide, the program engages enrolled students throughout an entire academic term. eGuide delivers "just-in-time" articles and advice with expert-written topics such as "Get Ready to Start," "Go (Click) to Class," "Get Familiar with the RioLearn System," "Prepare for Your Exams," "Know Where to Get Help," and "Map Out Your Future." The goals of the project include reducing drops and withdrawals in the online program, increasing awareness of online learning services for first-time online students and enhancing the quality of personal interaction between students and front-line staff. The program distills the benefits of when and how students might use key support resources, such as 24-hour tutoring via chat and expert support to help students solve problems quickly in math, writing and other subjects. The program also assists in transitioning those students taking singular online courses into full degree programs at the College.

In addition to the core program content, GoalQuest's editorial group and scriptwriters also worked to develop original video content, designed to guide students through each of eGuide's information-rich modules. GoalQuest's Advanced Survey and Assessment tools help Rio Salado staff assess the usage and effectiveness of the student support services through iterative survey questions that appear throughout the program experience.

"Rio Salado turned to GoalQuest's FYRe solution because we were looking for an exceptionally powerful educational tool that would ensure students could get all of the information they needed, when they needed it," said Kishia Brock, Associate Dean of Student Enrollment Services at Rio Salado College. "eGuide has turned out to be the perfect companion to motivate our students and help them overcome the unique challenges they face as online learners."

"A decade ago, Rio Salado became the first college in Arizona to launch Internet courses while simultaneously placing all of its student services online," said Peter Kraft, GoalQuest chief executive officer and co-founder. "We are extremely pleased that this pioneer in the online learning arena chose GoalQuest's retention tools as part of its forward-thinking educational initiatives."

About Rio Salado College
Rio Salado College was established in 1978 to provide active, working adults with flexible educational opportunities. Known as "the college without walls," Rio Salado does not maintain a traditional campus. Instead, courses are delivered through innovative learning formats and for diverse populations with choice, access, convenience, flexibility and affordability in mind. The formats Rio Salado excels at include customized programs and partnerships, accelerated classes and programs, online learning and dual enrollment. Rio Salado provides a caring and supportive environment where employees and students form a diverse community. This atmosphere, in addition to academic excellence, makes Rio Salado College the unparalleled success it is today. Rio Salado carries the maximum 10-year accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association.

About GoalQuest
GoalQuest Inc. is a New York City-based software company specializing in innovative solutions for higher education. The company's proprietary software assists colleges and universities in maximizing recruiting, enrollment yield, retention, parent communication and advancement efforts. Its suite of products, including eCRUIT™, FYRe™, PICS™ and AlumNet™ as well as its Universe™ tools such as UPeers™ and UPortfolio™, are based on a revolutionary technology that immerses participants in highly interactive content. The tools provide clients with a full-featured reporting center and automated activity alerts that monitor the real-time interest trajectory of users. GoalQuest is a NASPA strategic partner. For additional information about GoalQuest, please visit the company's Web site at http://www.goalquest.com or e-mail info@goalquest.com.