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
207 episodes
S3 - E41 - Dr. Anthony Desiderio - Supporting First-Generation Student Success: The Robert J. McGuire Scholarship Program (Support)
What happens when financial support is paired with intentional community, mentorship, and a clear path to success? In this episode, we explore St. Francis College’s Robert J. McGuire Scholarship Program and its holistic approach to supporting f...
S3 - E40 - Joel Spiess - From Hold to Hope: Transforming Student Persistence Through Retention Grants (Affordability)
What if a relatively small financial intervention could keep a student enrolled and on track to graduate? In this episode, we explore the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s innovative retention grants program, which helps students clear financ...
S3 - E39 - Dr. Matt Daily and Tiffany Sorensen - Restructuring for Retention: Leveraging Capacity and Data to Enhance First-Semester Student Persistence in Higher Education (Culture)
What if the students who aren’t making it back to campus are the ones we should be studying most closely? In this episode, we explore how Idaho State University used a “survivorship bias” lens, institutional data, and a strategic restructuring ...
S3 - E38 - Kim Williams and Dr. Sarah Wray Marshall - Innovative academic advocacy model and SMART data platforms (Support & Data)
What if data could help you see every student who needs help, and help you act sooner? In this episode, I sat down with Kimberly Williams and Dr. Sarah Wray...
S3 - E37 - Dr. Lo Moser Klink and Justin Mumford - Campus Thrills for Zero Bills: Reducing the Cost of Experience (Affordability)
College isn't just about tuition; It's about experiences. In this episode, we explore how the University of Wisconsin–Madison's innovative No Fees Project is removing hidden financial barriers that keep students from fully participating ...
S3 - E36 - Dr. Chad Brassil and Joseph Lynch - Using Data for Student Outreach (Data)
How can institutions turn data into timely, meaningful student support? The University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Academic Navigator Team uses actionable data such as academic performance, LMS engagement, and student experience surveys to identify s...
S3 - E35 - Dr. Michael Goemans and Dr. Brian Kapinos - Best Practices for Engaging Students in Community Colleges Through Holistic Support (Engagement)
In this episode, we explore how Connecticut State Community College is using a Holistic Student Support (HSS) Survey to identify student needs, remove barriers to success, and strengthen engagement across its campuses. The conversation examines...
S3 - E34 - Dr. Brian Reed and Kayli Julius - Proactive Student Wellbeing: Embedding Wellbeing Coaches for a Cultural Shift at the University of Montana (Culture)
In this episode, we explore how the University of Montana is reimagining student wellbeing by embedding graduate-level Wellbeing Support Coaches throughout academic colleges and culturally specific student support offices. Rather than waiting f...
S3 - E33 - Joshua Morrison and Dr. Ingrid Ulbrich - Improving Academic Performance and Retention through Process Education (Support)
In this episode, we explore how the University of Indianapolis is transforming the academic trajectory of students facing academic dismissal through an innovative success course grounded in Process Education. Rather than focusing solely on stud...
S3 - E32 - Dr. Kristin Flora and Dr. Andrew Jones - Financial Initiatives Supporting Student Engagement at Franklin College (Affordability)
In this episode, we explore how Franklin College is removing financial barriers that often prevent students from fully engaging in campus life. From textbook assistance and study away funding to professional attire for internships and emergency...
S3 - E31 - Dr. Nicole Kotlan and Tom Mahon - Retention Tools Workshop Series: A collaboration across campus (Data)
In this episode, we explore how Kent State University developed the Retention Tools Workshop Series to build campus-wide capacity for data-informed student success work. Through a collaborative partnership among enrollment management, informati...
S3 - E30 - Dr. Kris Bliss - Behavioral Analytic Nudges (Nudges)
In this episode, we explore how Indiana Tech is leveraging behavioral analytics and personalized nudging to support student success. By analyzing students’ digital engagement patterns and identifying behavioral profiles, the institution is deli...
S3 - E29 - Dr. Evan W. Faidley - Holistic Support Strategies to Improve Retention (Engagement)
In this episode, we explore how the University of Central Arkansas is leveraging podcasting as a tool for graduate student success, connection, and professional development. Through Grad Chats at UCA, students, faculty, and administrat...
S3 - E28 - Dr. Ryan Barnhart - Building a Supportive Culture for Student and Faculty/Staff Retention (Culture)
In this episode, we explore how building a strong campus culture can strengthen both student success and faculty and staff retention. Drawing on insights from Education Affiliates, the conversation examines how institutions can create more supp...
S3 - E27 - Dr. Gill Hunter - How to Know When Students are Delusional (*not in a clinical way) (Support)
In this episode, we explore how Eastern Kentucky University uses pulse surveys and early progress reports to identify students whose perceptions of their academic performance do not match reality. The conversation examines how timely data, stra...
S3 - E26 - Dr. Tim Young - The Future Faculty Fellows Program: Supporting the Success and Retention of Low-Income and Hispanic Graduate Students (Affordability)
In this episode, we explore how Concordia University Irvine is advancing equity in graduate education through its Future Faculty Fellows Program. Designed to support low-income and Hispanic students pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees, the p...
S3 - E25 - Joshua Morrison - Predictive Analytics Powered Case Management Improves Student Outcomes (Data)
In this episode, we explore how the University of Indianapolis is using predictive analytics and case management to improve student retention and success. Through its Success Slate platform, the university combines machine learning, real-time s...
S3 - E24 - Dr. Ammon Harris - Using 6-Week Data for Strategic Nudges (Nudges)
In this episode, we explore how Southern Utah University is using early-term data and peer mentor insights to deliver strategic nudges that improve student retention. Focusing on the critical weeks between two and six, the conversation highligh...
S3 - E23 - Dr. Jamarco Clark & Dr. Christopher Hawkins - The Engagement Playbook: Experiences over Events (Engagement)
In this episode, we explore how institutions are rethinking student engagement by prioritizing experiences over traditional events. The conversation highlights how intentional design, inclusive programming, and thoughtful marketing can transfor...
S3 - E22 - Nii Kpakpo Abrahams - Encourage. Empower. Equip.: Cultivating Faculty Engagement for Student Success (Culture)
In this episode, we visited with Nii Kpakpo Abrahams to explore how Butler University is strengthening student success by investing in one of its most powerful assets, faculty. The conversation challenges common misconceptions and highlights ho...
S3 - E21 - Dr. Matt Daily and Tiffany Sorensen - Navigating the Challenges: The Impact of Academic Advising on Retaining Students Who Underperform in Their First Semester (Support)
In this episode, we explore how proactive academic advising can play a critical role in retaining students who struggle in their first semester. Drawing on the work at Idaho State University, the conversation highlights how early identification...
S3 - E20 - Rick Clark and Dr. Anna Holcomb - Expanding Access, Expanding Support: A Network Approach to High-Priority Student Success and Retention (Affordability)
In episode 20, we had a fun conversation with Dr. Anna Newsome Holcomb and Rick Clark from Georgia Institute of Technology where we explored how Georgia Tech is building a networked approach to student success by aligning access, retention, and...
S3 - E19 - Dr. Stephanie M. Foote, Dr. Brandon Smith, Dr. Rob Rodier - Toward Transfer Student Success Through a Process to Examine Curricular Pathways (Data)
In this episode, we examine how clearer curricular pathways can improve transfer student success and reduce one of higher education’s most persistent barriers, credit loss. Featuring insights from experts at the John N. Gardner Institute for Ex...
S3 - E18 - Dr. Joe Cuseo - Nudging Students to Use Support Services: Making Referrals Sensitively and Strategically (Nudges)
In this episode, we explore the art and science of helping students use the support services available to them. Drawing on the work of Joe Cuseo, the conversation focuses on how faculty and staff can make referrals more effective by listening c...
S3 - E17 - Dr. Amber Williams - New Vol Experience (Engagement)
In this episode, we explore the New Vol Experience at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, an innovative approach to supporting first-year student transition and success. This program guides new students through a multi-phase onboarding jour...