ASCEND Podcast

College affordability doesn’t end with tuition, and for many students, hidden financial barriers can be the difference between stopping out and graduating. In this episode, we explore how financial gaps, aid complexity, and basic needs insecurity impact student retention, particularly for Pell-eligible and first-generation students. Leaders from the University of South Carolina share a suite of in...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Kris Bliss from Indiana Tech University to explore what it truly means to take a holistic view of students, and why breaking down data silos is essential to student success. Drawing on her experience, the conversation highlights how centralized student information, collaborative data practices, and both qualitative and quantitative insights can enable earlier,...

In this episode we visit with Dr. Solomon Tention, Assistant Professor of Advanced Studies, Research, & Leadership at Morgan State University. We talk about how intentional outreach and proactive advising can bring stopped-out students back to the finish line. Through Project Graduate , a targeted “nudge” campaign at a large Texas community college, leaders re-engaged former students who were...

In this episode, Eric Kirby visits with Dr. Brian Garsh to explore how institutions can strengthen student belonging and retention through intentional, cross-functional design. Using Kennesaw State University’s FLIGHT: Class-Year Connections Program as a case study, the conversation unpacks why the first year matters so deeply, how academic and social integration shape persistence, and what it loo...

In this episode, we explore the transformative journey of the College of Western Idaho’s Enrollment & Student Services division as it embraced a unifying mantra: One Student at a Time . When rapid growth left staff searching for clarity, direction, and a deeper connection to their work, new leadership introduced a philosophy that centered on individualized student care, equity, and the belief...

This episode features Dr. Amber Williams, Vice Provost for Student Success at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, who shares how the university’s Vol Success Teams have transformed support for first-year and transfer scholars. Launched in 2020, this holistic model unites advisors, One Stop counselors, Academic Coaches, peer mentors, and faculty to provide personalized, wraparound guidance. The...

For episode 2, Jared talks with Joel Spiess of the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee about his powerful contribution to Volume 3, “Scholarships as Strategy.” Joel shares how UWM transformed scholarships from scattered, last-minute awards into a unified, institution-wide strategy that boosts recruitment, retention, and student success. From reshaping timelines and centralizing processes to driving...

It's great to be back for season 3 of the ASCEND Podcast!  Thanks for listening!

In this episode, we talk about the remaining ideas and strategies in the DATA chapter of the book.  Tune in to learn about a number of strategies for capturing data and using it to help students on your campus and increase retention rates!

In this episode, we talk about the remaining ideas and strategies in the NUDGES chapter of the book.  Tune in to learn about a number of strategies for nudging students on your campus and increasing retention rates!

In this episode, we talk about the remaining ideas and strategies in the ENGAGEMENT chapter of the book.  Tune in to learn about a number of strategies for engaging students on your campus and increasing retention rates!

In this episode, we talk about the remaining ideas and strategies in the Culture chapter of the book.  Tune in to learn about a number of strategies for impacting the culture on your campus and increasing retention rates of your students!

In this episode, we talk about the remaining ideas and strategies in the Support chapter of the book.  Tune in to learn about a number of strategies for supporting your students and increasing retention rates on campus!

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 Experience Office introduced the Common Bond Dance —a fun, easy-to-learn routine set to a popular song that students practice before arriving for Fall Orienta...

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 investment, today's students are looking for guidance that connects their education to real-world success. To support this need, we secured funding to offer f...

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 were unaware of their academic standing until final grades were posted—when it was too late to make meaningful changes. Thanks to the advocacy of our student-body off...

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 Retention in early November 2024. * The mention or listing of a specific commercial product or service in this episode does not imply endorsement by the editors,...

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 alternative to check in with students and address key issues in real-time. We explain how this system works, including the periodic texts sent to students...

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 Student Retention in early November 2024.

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-of-state students, or those with work commitments, many find themselves far from family during this time of year. To address this, we partnered with loc...

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 in early November 2024.

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 barriers, and build stronger relationships between students and institutions. We dive into: - Strategic Timing : Why staggered registration calendars creat...

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 Retention in early November 2024.

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, these trailblazers often find themselves underserved and overlooked. In this episode, we delve into the realities of being a first-generation student, including...

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.