ASCEND Podcast
Are you ready to ASCEND to new possibilities? In this podcast, Dr. Jared Tippets and Dr. Eric Kirby outline why a focus on retention and completion is so important, why previous retention efforts have not always worked, and discuss how we can successfully "ASCEND" to these great expectations. In each episode, we will share innovative ideas, creative initiatives, and best practices and strategies that campuses have used to achieve amazing results. This podcast has intentionally been produced in a quick-tip, bite-sized format where the listener can quickly find ideas, initiatives, and solutions that can be tried on campus today.
Episodes
161 episodes
S2 - E57 - Common Bond Dance (Culture)
In this episode, we explore how a simple dance became a powerful tradition that unites first-year students and fosters a sense of belonging from the moment they step on campus. Inspired by Purdue University’s Boiler Gold Rush, our First-Year Ex...
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Season 2
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Episode 57
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12:09
S2 - E56 - Free career assessments (Affordability)
In this episode, we dive into the shifting priorities of Gen Z when it comes to higher education—focusing on value, relevance, and career outcomes. With a strong preference for practical majors and a desire for tangible returns on their investm...
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Season 2
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Episode 56
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13:41
S2 - E55 - Midterm Grade Policy (Data)
Midterm Grades: A Policy That Drives Student Success"In this episode, we discuss how a student-led initiative transformed our campus by introducing a mandatory midterm grade reporting policy. Prior to this policy, many students we...
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Season 2
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Episode 55
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9:52
S2 - E54 - Expert Session - Dr. Lara Lomicka Anderson (University of South Carolina)
Co-hosts Jared Tippets & Eric Kirby sit down with Dr. Dr. Lara Lomicka Anderson from the University of South Carolina to talk about a retention strategy on their campus. This episode was recorded at the National Symposium on Student R...
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Season 2
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Episode 54
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11:45
S2 - E53 - Texting System about Key Issues (Nudges)
In this episode, we dive into how a simple, homegrown texting system became a powerful tool for supporting students. While third-party solutions offer robust options for texting and analysis, their high costs prompted us to create an affordable...
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Season 2
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Episode 53
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9:39
S2 - E52 - Expert Session - Dr. Sharon Rea and Dr. Mike Freel (Bellevue University)
In this episode co-hosts Jared Tippets and Eric Kirby sit down with Dr. Sharon Rea and Dr. Mike Freel from Bellevue University to talk about retention strategies on their campus. This episode was recorded at the National Symposium on Stud...
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Season 2
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Episode 52
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10:28
S2 - E51 - Thanksgiving dinner on campus.community (Engagement)
In this episode, we explore an engagement initiative that we've implemented on our campus to ensure that college students who can’t travel home for Thanksgiving have a meaningful holiday experience. Whether they’re international students, out-o...
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Season 2
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Episode 51
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7:16
S2 - E50 - Expert Session - Leslie Tod (University of South Florida)
In this episode co-hosts Jared Tippets and Eric Kirby sit down with Leslie Tod from the University of South Florida to talk about retention strategies on her campus. This episode was recorded at the National Symposium on Student Retention...
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Season 2
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Episode 50
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13:47
S2 - E49 - Registration Outreach Campaigns (Culture)
Registration can be a stressful time for students, but a well-timed and personalized outreach campaign can make all the difference. In this episode, we explore how proactive outreach efforts after registration opens can boost enrollment, remove...
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8:19
S2 - E48 - Expert Session - Dr. Ann Van Der Karr (Rutgers University - Newark)
In this episode co-hosts Jared Tippets and Eric Kirby sit down with Dr. Anne Van Der Karr from Rutgers University - Newark to talk about retention strategies on her campus. This episode was recorded at the National Symposium on Student Re...
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Season 2
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Episode 48
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8:19
S2 - E47 - Supporting First-Generation Students (Support)
First-generation college students make up about one-third of all college enrollments in the U.S., yet they often face unique challenges that can impact their success. From financial struggles to navigating unfamiliar academic environments, thes...
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Season 2
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Episode 47
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8:02
S2 - E46 - Expert Session - Rusty Pettus (University of Alabama)
In this episode, Eric Kirby sits down with Rusty Pettus from the University of Alabama to talk about retention strategies on his campus. This episode was recorded at the National Symposium on Student Retention in early November 2024.
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Season 2
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Episode 46
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12:30
S2 - E45 - T-Bird Strong Campaign (Affordability)
The COVID-19 pandemic created immense financial challenges for college students, from job loss and housing instability to increased expenses for food and technology. In this episode, we explore how SUU launched the T-Bird Strong campaign to sup...
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Season 2
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Episode 45
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8:10
S2 - E44 - Expert Session - Stephanie Merritt and Susan Goldsmith (Tulsa Community College)
In this episode co-hosts Jared Tippets and Eric Kirby sit down with Stephanie Merritt and Susan Goldsmith from Tulsa Community College to talk about retention strategies on their campus. This episode was recorded at the National Symposium...
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Season 2
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Episode 44
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12:28
S2 - E43 - Signs of Life (Data)
In this episode, we tackle a growing challenge in higher education: student "ghosting." Just as the term applies to dating, it’s showing up in the admissions process, where students indicate plans to enroll but silently disappear. We explore ho...
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Season 2
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Episode 43
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10:58
S2 - E42 - Expert Session - Monika Rohde & Mohammed Moizuddin (New York Institute of Technology)
Co-hosts Jared Tippets & Eric Kirby sit down with Monika Rohde and Mohammed Moizuddin from New York Institute of Technology to talk about retention strategies on their campus. This episode was recorded at the National Symposium on Stu...
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Season 2
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Episode 42
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13:59
S2 - E41 - New Student Checklists (Nudges)
Transitioning to college can be overwhelming, but well-crafted new student checklists can make all the difference. In this episode, we discuss how institutions can create tailored checklists for incoming freshmen, transfer students, and returni...
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Season 2
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Episode 41
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14:21
S2 - E40 - Expert Session - Dr. Danae Romrell (BYU-Idaho)
Co-hosts Jared Tippets & Eric Kirby sit down with Dr. Danae Romrell from Brigham Young University-Idaho to talk about retention strategies on her campus. This episode was recorded at the National Symposium on Student Retention in earl...
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Season 2
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Episode 40
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10:53
S2 - E39 - Virtual Groups & Clubs (Engagement)
In this episode, we explore how virtual groups and clubs are reshaping student connections in the digital age. From Discord to Facebook, we’ve created spaces where students bond over shared passions—whether it’s board games, sports, or even Tay...
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Season 2
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Episode 39
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8:38
S2 - E38 - Expert Session - Sarah Jurden and Kim Brooks (Bowling Green State University)
Co-hosts Jared Tippets & Eric Kirby sit down with Sarah Jurden and Kim Brooks from Bowling Green State University to talk about retention strategies on their campus. This episode was recorded at the National Symposium on Student Reten...
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Season 2
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Episode 38
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11:32
S2 - E37 - Faculty Recognition (Culture)
In this episode, we explore the transformative power of recognizing and appreciating faculty. From our ‘Campus Influencer’ awards to the Faculty Wall of Fame, we dive into how celebrating faculty engagement enhances student retention, enriches ...
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Season 2
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Episode 37
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11:25
S2 - E36 - Expert Session - Dr. Shelley Dempsey and Dr. Lara Lomicka Anderson (University of South Carolina)
Co-hosts Jared Tippets & Eric Kirby sit down with Shelley Dempsey and Lara Lomika Anderson from University of South Carolina to talk about retention strategies on their campus. This episode was recorded at the National Symposium on St...
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Season 2
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Episode 36
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13:29
S2 - E35 - Faculty-Student Drink Program (Support)
In this episode, we dive into the powerful impact of informal student-faculty interactions on student success. We explore how these connections boost satisfaction, foster friendships, and help students thrive.Our institution put this res...
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Season 2
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Episode 35
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8:17
S2 - E34 - Expert Session - Dr. Joe Cuseo
Dr. Joe Cuseo joins co-hosts Jared Tippets and Eric Kirby to share his knowledge, wisdom, and insights on how campuses can increase their retention and student success efforts!Dr. Joe Cuseo is Professor Emeritus of Psychology, Marymount...
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Season 2
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Episode 34
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59:42
S2 - E33 - Increasing Scholarship Awareness to Improve Student Retention (Affordability)
Financial challenges are a primary cause of student attrition on college campuses. As Stancampiano (2022) notes, Gen Z is not opposed to earning four-year degrees; rather, they’re mindful of the high costs and want ways to advance without exces...
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Season 2
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Episode 33
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9:00