
The EdUp Experience
We welcome YOU to America’s leading higher education podcast! Hosted by Dr. Joe Sallustio, whose down-to-Earth approach & industry experience helps to make dry & complicated educational topics more fun & engaging to discuss. Elvin Freytes, Producer, brings YOU the most innovative leaders in higher education to the microphone. The EdUp Experience team brings over 40 years of experience in higher education - YOU will feel refreshed, upskilled, & reskilled after listening to this podcast.
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Latest episodes

May 22, 2025 • 44min
Why AI Has Made Process More Important Than Product in Education - with Joseph Thibault, Founder, Cursive Technology, & Creator of the "This Isn't Fine" Newsletter
It's YOUR time to #EdUpIn this episode, part of our Academic Integrity Series, sponsored by Pangram Labs,YOUR guest is Joseph Thibault, Founder, Cursive Technology, & Creator of the "This Isn't Fine" NewsletterYOUR cohost is Bradley Emi , Cofounder & CTO, Pangram LabsYOUR host is Elvin FreytesHow does Joe define academic integrity & its relation to trust between faculty & students? What is contract cheating & how does it differ from legitimate homework help? How do essay mills operate & what risks do they pose to students beyond academic dishonesty? How does Cursive Technology's behavioral approach to monitoring writing help preserve academic integrity? What insights can typing biometrics provide about student authorship & the writing process? Topics include:The $4 billion essay mill industry & its impact on education Using typing behavior as a biometric signature for authorship verification Detecting AI assistance in student writing through process analysis Balancing academic integrity tools with student privacy concerns The shift from product to process focus in writing assessment The growing connection between cybersecurity & academic integrity Financial aid fraud through fake student enrollment Listen in to #EdUpDo YOU want to accelerate YOUR professional development?Do YOU want to get exclusive early access to ad-free episodes, extended episodes, bonus episodes, original content, invites to special events, & more?Then BECOME A SUBSCRIBER TODAY - $19.99/month or $199.99/year (Save 17%)!Want to get YOUR organization to pay for YOUR subscription? Email EdUp@edupexperience.comThank YOU so much for tuning in. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to EdUp!Connect with YOUR EdUp Team - Elvin Freytes & Dr. Joe Sallustio● Join YOUR EdUp community at The EdUp ExperienceWe make education YOUR business!

May 21, 2025 • 52min
What Makes Champlain College's Online Retention Rate So High? - with Christa Montagnino, Vice President for Online Operations, Champlain College
It's YOUR time to #EdUpIn this episode, brought to YOU by HigherEd PodConYOUR guest is Christa Montagnino, Vice President for Online Operations at Champlain CollegeYOUR cohost is Shubh Mishra, Head of Business Development & Partnerships, LeadSquaredYOUR host is Dr. Joe SallustioHow has Champlain College Online grown to over 100 programs in just 2.5 years?What role does AI literacy play across all degree programs at Champlain?How is Champlain addressing student debt through innovative approaches to credit transfer & PLA?Why is the human connection still vital in online education despite AI advancements?How are they maintaining a 77% retention rate for online students?Topics include:Embedding AI literacy across all programs, not just technology fieldsCreating stackable credentials that build student confidenceUsing AI to free up advisors for more meaningful student interactionsRespecting students' prior learning through no-cost PLAPersonalizing communication plans for each student's needsBreaking down geographic & generational barriers through online educationListen in to #EdUpDo YOU want to accelerate YOUR professional development?Do YOU want to get exclusive early access to ad-free episodes, extended episodes, bonus episodes, original content, invites to special events, & more?Then BECOME A SUBSCRIBER TODAY - $19.99/month or $199.99/year (Save 17%)!Want to get YOUR organization to pay for YOUR subscription? Email EdUp@edupexperience.comThank YOU so much for tuning in. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to EdUp!Connect with YOUR EdUp Team - Elvin Freytes & Dr. Joe Sallustio● Join YOUR EdUp community at The EdUp Experience!We make education YOUR business!

May 20, 2025 • 39min
How an Open Curriculum Shapes the Next Generation of Women Leaders - with Dr. Sarah Willie-LeBreton, President, Smith College
It's YOUR time to #EdUpIn this episode, President Series #369, (Powered By Ellucian), & brought to YOU by the University of RochesterYOUR guest is Dr. Sarah Willie-LeBreton, President, Smith CollegeYOUR host is Dr. Joe SallustioWhat makes Smith College unique in higher education? How does an open curriculum foster student exploration? Why is writing emphasized as a foundational skill? How are students being prepared for careers in a changing job market? What challenges face higher education in today's political climate? Topics include:Leading the largest women's liberal arts college in the country Celebrating 150 years of educational excellence Supporting students from 68 different countries Balancing liberal arts education & career preparation Meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need with no-loan policies Embracing both technological change & traditional learning Maintaining academic freedom & viewpoint diversity Listen in to #EdUpDo YOU want to accelerate YOUR professional development?Do YOU want to get exclusive early access to ad-free episodes, extended episodes, bonus episodes, original content, invites to special events, & more?Then BECOME A SUBSCRIBER TODAY - $19.99/month or $199.99/year (Save 17%)!Want to get YOUR organization to pay for YOUR subscription? Email EdUp@edupexperience.comThank YOU so much for tuning in. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to EdUp!Connect with YOUR EdUp Team - Elvin Freytes & Dr. Joe Sallustio● Join YOUR EdUp community at The EdUp Experience !We make education YOUR business!

May 17, 2025 • 44min
How Will Universities Survive the AI Revolution? - with Dr. Britt Rios-Ellis, President, CSU Stanislaus
It's YOUR time to #EdUpIn this episode, President Series #368, (Powered By Ellucian), & brought to YOU by the University of RochesterYOUR guest is Dr. Britt Rios-Ellis, President, CSU StanislausYOUR host is Dr. Joe SallustioHow is Stan State driving socioeconomic mobility in California's Central Valley?What makes Stan State ranked #2 in the nation for social mobility?How do Hispanic-Serving Institutions meet the unique needs of diverse student populations?What strategies help retain first-generation & underrepresented students?How is the CSU system integrating AI across all campuses?Topics include:Creating pathways to success for first-generation college studentsDelivering exceptional ROI with graduates paying back loans within 7 monthsSupporting the 20% of students who are parentsServing as an economic engine for the Central Valley regionBuilding strong industry partnerships with major employersMaintaining high retention rates despite student challengesFor #EdUp subscribers only via the extended conversation:Leadership strategies for maintaining momentum at high-performing institutionsCombating national pushback against higher educationCommunicating higher education's value during uncertain timesAdapting to changing student demographics & needsBalancing excellence with accessibility & affordabilityDemonstrating the long-term benefits of college educationListen in to #EdUpDo YOU want to accelerate YOUR professional development?Do YOU want to get exclusive early access to ad-free episodes, extended episodes, bonus episodes, original content, invites to special events, & more?Then BECOME A SUBSCRIBER TODAY - $19.99/month or $199.99/year (Save 17%)!Want to get YOUR organization to pay for YOUR subscription? Email EdUp@edupexperience.comThank YOU so much for tuning in. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to EdUp!Connect with YOUR EdUp Team - Elvin Freytes & Dr. Joe Sallustio● Join YOUR EdUp community at The EdUp Experience!We make education YOUR business!

May 15, 2025 • 37min
Why Students Cheat When They Feel Cheated - with Dr. Julia Christensen Hughes, President & Vice Chancellor, Yorkville University
It's YOUR time to #EdUpIn this episode, part of our Academic Integrity Series, sponsored by Pangram Labs,YOUR guest is Dr. Julia Christensen Hughes, President & Vice Chancellor, Yorkville University YOUR cohost is Bradley Emi, Cofounder & CTO, Pangram LabsYOUR host is Elvin FreytesHow does Julia define academic integrity & its relationship to institutional trust? What sparked her 20-year research journey into academic misconduct? Why do students "cheat when they feel cheated" & how does course design impact integrity? How has academic misconduct evolved from traditional cheating to contract cheating & AI? What integrity challenges exist beyond student misconduct in research & publishing? Topics include:The critical role of integrity in higher education's core functions The impact of faculty teaching priorities on student academic behavior The billion-dollar contract cheating industry & student blackmail risks The disruption AI brings to traditional assessment methods Research integrity issues including retracted articles & predatory journals The shift toward competency-based education & skill development The need for higher education to reclaim character & values development Resources include:Link to Julia's book - Academic Integrity in Canada: An Enduring and Essential Challenge | SpringerLinkLink to the International Center for Academic Integrity - ICAI | Home PageLink to Retraction Watch - Retraction Watch – Tracking retractions as a window into the scientific processLink to Wall Street Journal Article - Where Did All the Classy Americans Go? - WSJListen in to #EdUpDo YOU want to accelerate YOUR professional development?Do YOU want to get exclusive early access to ad-free episodes, extended episodes, bonus episodes, original content, invites to special events, & more?Then BECOME A SUBSCRIBER TODAY - $19.99/month or $199.99/year (Save 17%)!Want to get YOUR organization to pay for YOUR subscription? Email EdUp@edupexperience.comThank YOU so much for tuning in. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to EdUp!Connect with YOUR EdUp Team - Elvin Freytes & Dr. Joe Sallustio● Join YOUR EdUp community at The EdUp ExperienceWe make education YOUR business!

May 14, 2025 • 25min
How Will Career Pathways Transform Secondary Education? - with Raquel Martinez, President, Board of Directors, National Association of Secondary School Principal
It's YOUR time to #EdUpIn this episode, brought to YOU by HigherEd PodConYOUR guest is Raquel Martinez, President, Board of Directors, National Association of Secondary School PrincipalYOUR host is Dr. Laurie Shanderson, Host, EdUp Accreditation InsightsHow did Martinez's journey lead her to become the first Latina president of NASSP?What innovative programs is she implementing at the new Sageview High School?How does she approach diversity & inclusion in education?What challenges has she faced as a trailblazer in educational leadership?How has her cultural background shaped her leadership philosophy?Topics include:Creating focused career pathways with real-world experiencesProviding teacher externships to enhance instructionElevating student voice through councils & organizationsOvercoming imposter syndrome as a leader of colorAdvocating for consistent funding in public educationEmpowering principals to see beyond their individual schoolsListen in to #EdUpDo YOU want to accelerate YOUR professional development?Do YOU want to get exclusive early access to ad-free episodes, extended episodes, bonus episodes, original content, invites to special events, & more?Do YOU want to get all this while helping to sustain EdUp?Then BECOME A SUBSCRIBER TODAY - $19.99/month or $199.99/year (Save 17%)!Want to get YOUR organization to pay for YOUR subscription? Email EdUp@edupexperience.comThank YOU so much for tuning in. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to EdUp!Connect with YOUR EdUp Team - Elvin Freytes & Dr. Joe Sallustio● Join YOUR EdUp community at The EdUp Experience!We make education YOUR business!

May 13, 2025 • 46min
How One State System Is Using Data To Stop Students From Dropping Out - with Dr. Christopher M. Fiorentino, Chancellor, Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education
It's YOUR time to #EdUpIn this episode, President Series #367, (Powered By Ellucian ), & brought to YOU by HigherEd PodConYOUR guest is Dr. Christopher M. Fiorentino, Chancellor, Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education (PASSHE)YOUR cohost is Laura Ipsen, President & CEO of EllucianYOUR host is Dr. Joe SallustioHow is PASSHE keeping education accessible with tuition frozen since 2018?What role does technology play in improving student retention & success?How does PASSHE prepare students for jobs that don't exist yet?What strategies help PASSHE support first-generation & rural students?How is PASSHE adapting to demographic challenges & workforce needs?Topics include:Creating a collaborative system of 10 universities serving PennsylvaniaImplementing a unified student record system for better inter-campus communication Balancing AI integration with maintaining educational quality & critical thinkingProviding concierge support services for students facing challengesFocusing on retaining students through data-driven insights & timely interventionsPreparing a workforce that meets Pennsylvania's economic needs with 80% of graduates staying in-stateListen in to #EdUpDo YOU want to accelerate YOUR professional development?Do YOU want to get exclusive early access to ad-free episodes, extended episodes, bonus episodes, original content, invites to special events, & more?Then BECOME A SUBSCRIBER TODAY - $19.99/month or $199.99/year (Save 17%)!Want to get YOUR organization to pay for YOUR subscription? Email EdUp@edupexperience.comThank YOU so much for tuning in. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to EdUp!Connect with YOUR EdUp Team - Elvin Freytes & Dr. Joe Sallustio● Join YOUR EdUp community at The EdUp Experience!We make education YOUR business!

May 12, 2025 • 54min
How Prison Education & Micro-Credentials Will Transform Higher Education's Future - Dr. Jesse Mason, Associate Vice Chancellor – Academic Affairs, Minnesota State
It's YOUR time to #EdUpIn this episode, sponsored by Coursedog,YOUR guest is Dr. Jesse Mason, Associate Vice Chancellor – Academic Affairs, Minnesota StateYOUR cohost is Bridget Moran, Senior Content Manager at CoursedogYOUR host is Dr. Jodi BlincoHow is Minnesota State creating pathways for diverse student populations?What drives successful community engagement & system-level support?How is the prison education initiative transforming lives?Why is knowledge acquisition & capacity building critical for leadership?What makes micro-credentialing & non-degree pathways so impactful?Topics include:First-generation student successSystem-level coordination & supportCommunity-focused education initiativesPrison education programsMicro-credentials & stackable pathwaysIndustry & workforce partnershipsStudent voice in institutional planningHolistic student support servicesListen in to #EdUpDo YOU want to accelerate YOUR professional development?Do YOU want to get exclusive early access to ad-free episodes, extended episodes, bonus episodes, original content, invites to special events, & more?Then BECOME A SUBSCRIBER TODAY - $19.99/month or $199.99/year (Save 17%)!Want to get YOUR organization to pay for YOUR subscription? Email EdUp@edupexperience.comThank YOU so much for tuning in. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to EdUp!Connect with YOUR EdUp Team - Elvin Freytes & Dr. Joe Sallustio● Join YOUR EdUp community at The EdUp Experience!We make education YOUR business!

May 9, 2025 • 34min
What Makes Vanderbilt's Approach to Academic Integrity Unique in the Age of AI - with G.L. Black, Vice Provost for Student Affairs & Dean of Students, Vanderbilt University
It's YOUR time to #EdUpIn this episode, part of our Academic Integrity Series, sponsored by Pangram Labs,YOUR guest is G.L. Black, Vice Provost for Student Affairs & Dean of Students, Vanderbilt UniversityYOUR cohost is Bradley Emi, Cofounder & CTO, Pangram LabsYOUR host is Elvin FreytesHow does G.L. Black define academic integrity & its student-led honor council at Vanderbilt? What strategies does Vanderbilt use with their honor pledge & code? How does Vanderbilt approach AI tools with faculty autonomy & best practices? What trends is Vanderbilt seeing in academic misconduct cases related to AI? Why does the university focus on education & collaboration rather than just enforcement?Topics include:Maintaining a 150-year student-driven honor code tradition The importance of faculty clarity in syllabi & assignment instructions Developing discipline-specific approaches to AI use Using disclosure as a strategy for AI integration Student "sloppiness" vs. intentional misconduct with AI The collaborative community approach to academic integrity Listen in to #EdUpDo YOU want to accelerate YOUR professional development?Do YOU want to get exclusive early access to ad-free episodes, extended episodes, bonus episodes, original content, invites to special events, & more?Then BECOME A SUBSCRIBER TODAY - $19.99/month or $199.99/year (Save 17%)!Want to get YOUR organization to pay for YOUR subscription? Email EdUp@edupexperience.comThank YOU so much for tuning in. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to EdUp!Connect with YOUR EdUp Team - Elvin Freytes & Dr. Joe Sallustio● Join YOUR EdUp community at The EdUp Experience!We make education YOUR business!

May 8, 2025 • 44min
How This University President Accelerated Institutional Change in Just 9 Months - with Dr. Matt VandenBerg, President, Ohio Wesleyan University
It's YOUR time to #EdUpIn this episode, President Series #366, (Powered By Ellucian), & brought to YOU by HigherEd PodConYOUR guest is Dr. Matt VandenBerg, President, Ohio Wesleyan UniversityYOUR host is Dr. Joe SallustioHow is Ohio Wesleyan leading with boldness & kindness in today's higher education landscape?Why does OWU intentionally keep all incoming students undeclared on their major?What makes Delaware County, Ohio the perfect location for a liberal arts institution?How does a president from an advancement background bring fresh perspectives to leadership?Why is college a transition rather than just a transaction?Topics include:Breaking free from higher education clichés to create authentic experiencesViewing college as an 80-year investment, not just a 4-year commitmentDeveloping "power skills" that transcend specific majors or career pathsCreating momentum through bold initiatives & community partnershipsBalancing institutional growth with student-centered approachesReaching record enrollment & retention through distinctive value propositionsFor #EdUp subscribers only via the extended conversation:Challenging the "3-year rule" for creating meaningful institutional changeManufacturing urgency to drive transformation in higher educationImplementing bold initiatives like the Delaware County Promise for tuition-free educationCreating comprehensive partnerships with HBCUs & community collegesLaunching Ohio's largest business plan competitionTransforming institutional culture through early, decisive leadership actionsListen in to #EdUpDo YOU want to accelerate YOUR professional development?Do YOU want to get exclusive early access to ad-free episodes, extended episodes, bonus episodes, original content, invites to special events, & more?Then BECOME A SUBSCRIBER TODAY - $19.99/month or $199.99/year (Save 17%)!Want to get YOUR organization to pay for YOUR subscription? Email EdUp@edupexperience.comThank YOU so much for tuning in. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to EdUp!Connect with YOUR EdUp Team - Elvin Freytes & Dr. Joe Sallustio● Join YOUR EdUp community at The EdUp Experience !We make education YOUR business!