Next Practices

When students need support, it often makes all the difference when help feels personal, not procedural. At Utah Valley University, Ryan Bailey, Director of the Student Success Center, and Jamie Muhlestein, Associate Director of Student Success and Support, have helped build an innovative program that brings recent graduates and upperclassmen into part-time professional roles, focused on reaching out to students exactly when they need it most. Through consistent, genuine conversations mostly by text, the specialists are helping students stay connected, navigate challenges, and feel seen throughout their college journey. In this conversation, Ryan and Jamie share how UVU is transforming traditional student support by making relationship-building a core strategy. We explore how small but powerful changes, like removing unnecessary financial holds and assigning students a consistent point of contact, have had a measurable impact on retention and graduation rates. It is a reminder that sometimes the biggest difference comes from simply reaching out in a way that feels real, caring, and tailored to the individual. You will also hear how UVU is expanding its efforts to support juniors, seniors, and even students who left school just shy of graduating. By combining data, outreach, and human connection, Ryan and Jamie are showing what’s possible when a university leads with empathy and action.   Show Notes: [01:43] We're talking about how UVU Student Success Center created student success specialist roles for recent graduates and upper-class students. [02:09] They are helping out with a number of initiatives through texting and calling from welcoming them to campus to seeing if a student has logged into a particular class. [02:35] They have had wild success with the Student Success Specialist roles. [05:08] UVU is in Orem, Utah with an enrollment of around 43,000 students. It's open enrollment.  [06:16] The Student Success Center supports students broadly. [06:42] Jamie is the Associate Director for Student Success and Support here in the Student Success Center. Her role is helping to manage the Student Success Center and the different programs within it. [06:54] They have a leave of absence program. There's also tuition waivers which helps with retention and completion. There's also coaching and Student Success programs. [07:43] Being able to help students with anything under the sun is one of the most sought after jobs in education. [08:28] Ryan talks about some of the top challenges that they face. [10:24] Jamie talks about the leave of absence program for people taking a religious mission. [12:45] Eliminating holds help them be more free and open with students when helping them with registration. They wanted to navigate the barriers that students would face. [14:33] They are working on a lot of cool projects and are trying everything. They have a centralized Success Center and want to be the main hub for any help students need.  [16:54] They have nine Student Success Specialists that are part-time employees. They are all recent or current students and that's where the peer mentorship comes in. [17:59] They use the Civitas system to house their early alerts. All of the faculty on campus have access to the platform through the learning management system which they use Canvas for. [18:36] Faculty can submit an early alert before the student drops. [19:19] The student will get a text within one business day. [20:23] Texting has been really beneficial for the students. [22:15] The messages are personalized, so they don't resend the same exact text again. [24:45] They also have three full-time members who are dedicated liaisons to other resources on campus. [30:35] Having the right people in the right positions makes all the difference. [33:23] Time to brag about the impact that these student programs are having at UVU. They've seen positive trends in retention with a 3% bump. [34:53] Retention Mentors begin in 2012. In 2020, they became a Success Specialist, and now they're the Student Success Center. [38:58] They just started having full-time success coaches called Student Success Coordinators. They've also done outreach for “some college, no degree”.  [43:15] UVU is a great place to work!    Links and Resources: Jamie Muhlestein - Utah Valley University Jamie Muhlestein - LinkedIn Ryan Bailey - Utah Valley University Ryan Bailey - LinkedIn  

When a simple check-in email leads to a 77 percent increase in student persistence, it’s clear something powerful is happening. At Greenville Technical College, data is more than numbers on a dashboard. It’s a way to connect, support, and transform student outcomes. What started as a pilot outreach project by a team of data analysts quickly became a catalyst for campus-wide change. In this episode, Kevin McMindes shares how his team used predictive analytics and personalized outreach to make a real difference. From identifying students most in need of support to tracking the impact of advising appointments, Kevin explains how they turned insight into action and why even small efforts done with care can move the needle in a big way. You’ll hear how one advising appointment per student became a game-changing goal, how initiative analysis revealed which programs delivered the greatest return, and how empathy combined with data can drive meaningful and lasting impact. If you're looking for practical ways to support students at scale without losing the human touch, this episode will give you a roadmap.   Show Notes: [03:04] Greenville Technical College is one of 16 technical colleges in South Carolina. They serve 10,000 to 12,000 students per term. It's their mission to empower and impact student's lives. [03:49] Kevin is Assistant Director of Analytics. [04:33] We learn about challenges like persistence rate and retention rate.  [05:12] They adopted the four disciplines of execution.  [06:12] They had a goal to reach out to students who were in the lower persistence rate. [07:05] They reached out to their students and tracked the results. When they charged it out they realized they were actually moving a lot of students. [07:25] By the end of the fall, they had moved 219 students. [08:23] The actual numbers were higher than their predictions. They went from a 32.5% predicted persistence to 58% actual persistence. [11:13] There were a  number of students who needed to be connected with resources.  [13:17]  After the study, people wanted training and a lot of it was about convincing them that this is going to make their lives easier. [13:35] A lot of students can be reached out to with a single email. [14:40] They decided to set a goal to have each student have an advising appointment. They used the Inspire platform and pulled the data and put it in a dashboard to drill down.  [15:38] They accomplished 44% of their goal and then 109%. [16:10] With that success, they started focusing on what's really good for students. [17:16] Kevin shares his analysis strategy using the Civitas platform. [19:40] Kevin shares how advising is structured at Greenville Tech. [21:09] With the 40x results they've had, a lot of people are interested in using the predictive analytics platform. [22:20] Being able to segment the students is key. [24:48] As part of the Strategic Data Project that was operated out of the Harvard Center for Education Policy and Research, Kevin was able to look at success initiatives and analyze them. [26:12] They also discovered Brainfuse Online Tutoring was effective and cheap.  [27:28] The idea of reaching out to scholarship recipients and asking how it's going. [31:55] The importance of having a renewed focus on an advising appointment for the student. It's important for students to have a personal connection with somebody on campus. [36:32] It's so helpful to be able to personalize messages even when they're sent out at scale. [38:15] Individuals can make a difference.   Links and Resources: Kevin McMindes - Greenville Technical College Kevin McMindes - LinkedIn Brainfuse Online Learning  

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