Welcome back to another season of Next Practices Podcast! In this episode, we're talking about how coordinating student success efforts across campus boosts retention. Today, I am thrilled to be joined by Dr. Allison Hoffmann, the Assistant Vice President of Admissions and Student Success at Northwest Missouri State University. Together, we'll explore the remarkable journey of Northwest Missouri State University, to transform student success and fulfill its mission to help every student succeed everyday. 

Dr. Hoffmann will walk us through the university's transformative approach to student success, emphasizing their commitment to a shared philosophy that places every student at the center of their mission. We'll learn how they've harnessed the power of integrative technology, such as Civitas Learning, to streamline and coordinate their efforts campus-wide. From fostering a holistic understanding of the student journey to empowering students to actively engage in their academic planning, Northwest Missouri State University's innovative strategies pave the way for enhanced retention rates and a brighter future for all.

[2:17] - Dr. Hoffmann describes Northwest Missouri State University and what her role is as Assistant VP of Admissions.

[4:14] - The mission there is to focus on student success: Every student, every day.

[5:23] - Institutions really need to look at the entire institution to see the student journey and what success looks like.

[7:17] - It can’t just be advising. There are so many people across campus that a student interacts with on their student journey.

[9:06] - Dr. Hoffmann explains how they adopted a campus-wide philosophy to ensure everyone was brought together.

[10:35] - Using technology, they are able to see a student’s journey and help ensure their success.

[12:38] - A student doesn’t want to tell their story over and over again.

[13:45] - Dr. Hoffmann describes how they use technology to create, modify, and update plans for every student.

[15:23] - When students have an active part in their own academic planning, they are more likely to persist.

[17:02] - You can remove barriers by streamlining processes not only for staff, but for students as well.

[19:14] - What were the goals at Northwest Missouri State University and how are they being worked towards?

[21:08] - It is important to have champions from other teams and everyone using a streamlined system.

[24:14] - Dr. Hoffman lists recent factors that have impacted student success and retention.

[27:01] - It is important for staff education to provide an understanding of the data that student success efforts measure.

[30:16] - Think big about what you hope to accomplish.

• Integrated Approach to Student Success Leads to 8% Retention Lift at Northwest Missouri State University
• 2023 Student Impact Report
• Civitas Learning Platform
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