Next Practices

Higher education stands at a crossroads. With growing public skepticism about the value of a college degree and mounting financial demands on both students and institutions, the need for bold, student-centered leadership has never been greater. Today, you'll hear from someone who has not only confronted these problems, but also turned them into possibilities for positive change. My guest, Dr. Nicholas S. Zeppos, Chancellor Emeritus of Vanderbilt University, shares the story of Opportunity Vanderbilt, one of higher education's most ambitious financial assistance efforts, and what it took to erase undergraduate debt while boosting access and student achievement. He discusses the groundbreaking developments taking place in the sector, ranging from enrollment cliffs and rising costs to political scrutiny and the need to rethink how institutions serve communities. This episode is a strong call to action for higher education executives to change old behaviors, get closer to their data, and stay engaged with both their internal and external audiences. Dr. Zeppos provides practical advice on how colleges should make the case for their worth, embrace transparency, and develop new solutions to guarantee students prosper in and after college.   Show Notes: [03:12] Vanderbilt has about 6,500 undergraduates getting a fairly traditional liberal arts experience. They are alsod a hybrid Institution with a large research university. [04:41] Dr. Zeppos has been at Vanderbilt almost 40 years and has held almost every job except football coach. [05:10] We learn about making the case for access and providing resources for access to college. The high loan burden at Vanderbilt was deterring enrollment. [06:01] Creating Opportunity Vanderbilt and raising $700 billion dollars has transformed the campus, graduation, and completion. No Vanderbilt undergraduate will leave with undergraduate debt. [07:19] The college experience is more than getting a degree, it's also setting students up for success. [08:43] It's really important to prepare students by focusing on their psychological, emotional, social, and academic development. [09:48] Dr. Zeppos wanted to go from a model of is the student graduating to is the student thriving? [10:53] The importance of using data to connect and prioritize focus and services. [12:39] There's also challenges with perception and the perceived value of higher education. [13:29] There's a dramatic reset going on with universities and colleges. [15:22] Universities and colleges are dealing with enrollment cliffs and funding cuts or even endowment taxes. [16:36] How the expenses of higher education are growing faster than the revenues. [18:32] How leaders can shift and start to think differently about the value higher education offers. [20:14] College presidents and boards need to get out and talk to congress and their senators. [23:20] There needs to be a solution with the costs of higher education. [26:17] Using data and having an economic impact statement. [27:11] Dr. Zeppos used to have the Saturday Rhodes Scholars once a month. [28:11] The importance of physically presenting yourself in the local communities and with constituents. Listen and be part of the solution. [30:51] To get started do a full-blown audit. How connected are you with the community and leaders? Look for solutions to lower costs.   Links and Resources: Civitas Learning Website Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts Dr. Nicholas S. Zeppos - Vanderbilt University Dr. Nicholas S. Zeppos - LinkedIn Opportunity Vanderbilt  

Student success in higher education isn’t just about reacting to problems — it’s about building systems that anticipate them. And at the University of North Carolina Asheville, that proactive approach is making all the difference. Joining today’s conversation are two incredible leaders who are doing this work every day: Regine Criser, Director of Student Success, and Lynne Horgan, University Registrar. Regine oversees UNC Asheville’s Academic Success Center, leading efforts in advising, writing support, and peer tutoring, while Lynne brings over 25 years of experience to her role managing student records and registration processes. Together, they’ve built a powerful partnership — one that bridges student success and the registrar’s office in ways that are still rare across higher ed. In this episode, they share how UNC Asheville is leveraging data, technology, and collaboration to support students holistically — especially during moments of crisis like Hurricane Helene. You’ll hear how they’ve tackled challenges like retention and graduation rates, how they communicate with students in real time during emergencies, and why their integrated approach is leading to real results — including their largest year-over-year retention increase ever. They also offer a behind-the-scenes look at how breaking down internal silos, using tools like Civitas Learning, and focusing on personalized, proactive outreach is helping their students not just stay — but thrive.   Show Notes: [03:33] UNC Asheville is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Asheville, North Carolina. They are the designated public liberal arts and sciences school of the UNC system. [05:11] A common challenge across institutions of higher education is fall-to- fall retention. They experienced the dip in the fall of 2021. They were focused on building the retention rate up to 80%. [06:19] They were concerned after Hurricane Helene, because they thought it would be another derailleur in retention and graduation rates. The work they had already put in helped carry them forward. [07:47] One of the biggest challenges was navigating so much data. It really helps to have it all in one system. [09:25] Most of their students fall into the traditional student category. More than half of them need to work alongside school. [10:26] After the hurricane, they needed to embrace their students who had a variety of needs. [11:13] The registrar's office is focusing on two primary action items. These are registration and graduation applications. [12:15] It was also important to get updated information and deadlines out after the hurricane.  [13:26] They also have student success specialists that can help students explore available support systems. [14:42] They were also able to text all of their students through one platform, and then they could focus on the information that they're getting to the students. [18:52] People, processes, and technology adopted in recent years to help implement and facilitate their approach to student care. [20:56] Civitas has really helped them reach the goals that they've been trying to achieve. [21:41] How collaboration between student affairs and the registrar office really makes a huge difference. [22:46] We learn how they're leveraging data and technology to support their work. [27:51] Lynn and Regine get a little time to brag about how well their system is working. Students registering on time is huge. Seeing the data also helps them make decisions that better suit the students on their paths. [29:48] Their intentional work also played a role in a 5% increase in retention.   Links and Resources: Civitas Learning Website Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts Regine Criser - UNC Asheville Diversity and Decolonization in German Studies Lynne Horgan - UNC Asheville  

Philip Hunt, Special Assistant to the President & University Registrar at North Dakota State University, shares his extensive experience in higher education. He discusses NDSU's holistic strategies to combat declining enrollment, emphasizing the significance of retention and student success analytics. Philip highlights the importance of cross-functional collaboration and data-driven decision-making in enhancing student experiences. Additionally, he explores proactive solutions to foster diversity and inclusion, showcasing practical steps to engage the entire campus community.

Chris Campbell, Chief Information Officer at DeVry University, shares insights on transforming education through technology. He emphasizes that students are individuals, not just statistics. The conversation explores how data analytics and AI personalize support for students, enhancing engagement and retention. Innovative tools like the DeVry Digital Care Engine help address unique challenges. Chris advocates for a holistic approach to education, highlighting the importance of understanding diverse student backgrounds to foster success.

Dustin Ramsdell, host of The Higher Ed Geek Podcast, dives into the transformative power of edtech in enhancing the student experience. He discusses emerging trends in higher education, highlighting the importance of partnerships and tailored approaches. Dustin emphasizes how technology can bridge gaps in student awareness, ensuring resources are accessible. The conversation also covers the creation of a cohesive digital ecosystem, utilizing tools like chatbots to foster proactive support, ultimately leading to improved student success.

Dr. Jenny Bloom, a tenured professor and founder of the Office of Appreciative Education, shares her journey from physical education to educational leadership. She discusses the transformative power of Appreciative Advising, emphasizing the importance of reflective questioning to enhance student success. The conversation explores integrating generative AI with human connection, empowering students through their unique strengths, and fostering supportive campus environments. Bloom offers practical strategies for educators to create positive change in higher education.

Welcome to today's episode, where we dive into the insights from this year's Civitas Learning Student Success Impact Report. I'm thrilled to be joined by Sarah Demeo, a dedicated data analyst at Civitas Learning, who has extensive experience in higher education, having worked in academics and student affairs for over a decade. Together, Sarah and I develop this report annually to share the latest trends and successful strategies for student success across our partnering institutions. In this episode, we’ll explore the process behind our analysis, highlighting the data included and the key findings of this year’s report. We aim to provide higher education leaders with actionable insights to enhance their student success initiatives. Sarah will share how regular initiative analysis can improve retention and graduation rates while ensuring financial sustainability. We’ll discuss the value these reports offer by identifying effective strategies and areas needing improvement. Sarah will highlight the differences between this year’s report and last year’s, including post-Covid data points that shed light on the pandemic’s impact on educational trends. .   Show Notes: [2:41] - Sarah shares her background, particularly her roles at Civitas Learning. [3:35] - An impact report is a compilation of initiatives that partnering institutions are running. [6:03] - Students and the landscape of higher education is constantly changing, so these assessments should be ongoing to give directional insights. [8:15] - These types of reports provide significant value to institutions as we can see trends on what is working and what is not. [9:42] - What is a propensity score? [11:45] - Initiatives can be broken down to see how they impact different groups of students. [14:26] - The Initiative Analysis tool allows you to strategically target resources. [15:56] - Sarah describes the differences between this year’s report and last year’s. [18:05] - These data points begin post-Covid to better understand Covid’s impact on trends. [20:18] - Sarah discusses co-curricular engagement and other trends in this year’s report. [24:13] - Learn some of the data to investigate and measure that isn’t currently showing up on this year’s report. [27:13] - Initiative Analysis is a great way to dive into conversations about student success across the institution. [29:24] - It’s a powerful tool that allows leaders to be real thought partners and see how student success manifests across campus. [31:21] - What types of opportunities can be found in this report?   Links and Resources: Download Your Copy of the 2024 Student Success Impact Report Watch On-Demand: Insights to Action: An Inside Look at the 2024 Student Success Impact Report Partnering with Institutional Research to Improve Student Outcomes with Dr. Steve Wilkerson and Dr. Tammy Wyatt 2023 Student Success Impact Report Civitas Learning Website Listen on  Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts    

Today, I am delighted to be talking with Dr. Jeffrey Taylor, from the University of Texas at Arlington. Our focus is on how this institution is effectively serving students, both in-person and online, from various parts of the country. We'll delve into the strategies employed by UT Arlington to ensure these students not only enroll in the necessary courses but also successfully navigate their academic journey towards graduation.  Dr. Taylor provides valuable insights into the diverse student population at UT Arlington, comprising individuals with distinct needs and backgrounds. From implementing tailored online advising sessions to leveraging data analytics for smoother graduation processes, UT Arlington is at the forefront of innovative student support methodologies. Join us as we explore the intricacies of managing a diverse student body, the challenges encountered, and the strategies employed to ensure student success. From personalized advising approaches to the integration of technology-driven solutions, we'll uncover the multifaceted efforts undertaken by UT Arlington to empower nursing students on their academic path.  Show Notes: [2:32] - Dr. Taylor describes what he does in his role at the University of Texas at Arlington. [3:58] - A large portion of the student population are online students from across the county. [5:45] - There are four types of students that come to this institution including both in-person and online students. [7:51] - In addition to different types of programs, the demographics is also very diverse. [9:41] - Jeffrey explains how they handle an advising team for such a diverse population with a lot of different needs. [11:58] - In order to build a great advising team, advisors are put in the best place for them to serve students in different pathways. [14:06] - The whole goal is to get everyone where they need to go and that includes both students and faculty. [16:48] - If we don’t take care of our students and give them the connections they need, they will go somewhere else. [18:40] - To meet the need of distance students beginning the program through a rolling enrollment, they created frequent online orientations and advising sessions. [21:11] - It is possible to use data and analytics to predict questions. [23:14] - Working with people is not an efficient process. We can give someone the things they need or want, but they may still leave the conversation feeling like something was missing. [25:05] - Looking forward, UT at Arlington is transitioning to a case management model blended with group advising. [27:41] - A group mechanism to support students solves a lot of potential problems. [29:46] - How are advisors, especially online, connecting with students who might not advocate for themselves and ask for support? [32:21] - Jeffrey describes a scenario of possible conversations you can have with students and the responsibility of the advisor. [33:59] - Some students won’t know what to ask. [36:30] - It is important to get everyone on board and unified behind a mission of student success. What does that look like at UT at Arlington? [39:37] - Dr. Taylor shares how they use Civitas Learning. [41:41] - You can’t stop at something working a little bit. You’ve got to continue pushing the envelope to find something better. [44:04] - Even in the same institution and the same program, flexibility is crucial.   Links and Resources: Proactive Support Removes Barriers to Completion at the University of Texas at Arlington Civitas Learning Student Impact Platform Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts  

In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Ruth Reinhart, the Associate Vice Chancellor of Student Support Services at Austin Community College (ACC) in Austin, Texas. With over 35,000 students spread across 11 campuses, ACC serves as a beacon of opportunity in the community, but also faces unique challenges in supporting its diverse student body. Dr. Reinhart takes us on a journey through ACC's proactive and holistic approach to student success, leveraging analytics and integrated student success case management tools. From reimagining advisor-student interactions to launching innovative initiatives like Academic Alerts, ACC is at the forefront of fostering student support and empowerment. Join us as we explore the collaborative efforts between instructional faculty and support services to build a system that not only meets students' needs but also cultivates a culture of success and inclusivity. This episode offers invaluable insights into the transformative impact of data-driven strategies and proactive support mechanisms on student outcomes, paving the way for a brighter future in higher education.   Show Notes: [2:06] - Ruth describes her role at Austin Community College and the huge reach the institution has in the community. [3:26] - Having a huge and diverse population is a positive opportunity for ACC, it does pose some unique challenges. [4:51] - The future vision of ACC is to offer free tuition. [6:14] - They are very intentional and proactive in their case management per student. [8:20] - Students at ACC are not required to see their advisors, but Ruth describes what they do instead. [11:11] - ACC launched Academic Alerts a few years ago that has boosted student support greatly and has helped instructors provide what they need. [12:39] - The students who need the most help are typically not the students who advocate for themselves and seek support from advisors. [13:47] - When Ruth began at ACC, the walk-in model and full advisor schedules were common. This isn’t the trend anymore. [15:54] - The tools they use provide a holistic snapshot for users to see and help make this journey successful for students. [17:30] - In years past, this type of support was simply not possible. [20:05] - Instructional faculty was heavily involved in building the Academic Alerts. [22:02] - If free tuition is on the horizon for ACC, how will these systems support students and what are the challenges they foresee? [24:24] - It is a shift in campus culture, but one that is worth making. [26:28] - By using Civitas Learning Platforms, everything is all in one place. [28:45] - There is a lot of data and it's important to use it strategically. [30:36] - Students who went through high school during Covid-19 are really struggling. [32:43] - Ruth discusses some strategies in how they are helping students obtain certificates and credentials along the way. [34:48] - Students don’t always know the questions to ask, so it is our responsibility to advise and support them.   Links and Resources: Civitas Learning Student Impact Platform Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts

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.   Show Notes: [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.   Links and Resources: Integrated Approach to Student Success Leads to 8% Retention Lift at Northwest Missouri State University 2023 Student Impact Report Civitas Learning Platform Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts