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 local community members to host students for Thanksgiving dinner, fostering engagement and belonging.

Tune in to discover how this simple yet impactful idea can create unforgettable holiday memories and bring students and community members closer together.

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 create opportunities for targeted outreach.
-Personalized Engagement: The power of one-on-one interactions in addressing specific concerns, from registration holds to course guidance.
-Building Trust: How friendly, individualized conversations foster connections, especially with Gen Z students.
-Improved Processes: How student feedback from these calls has led to better institutional programs and initiatives.

We also share actionable steps for creating a successful calling campaign, including:
-Setting clear goals and segmenting outreach lists.
-Crafting effective scripts and training callers.
-Leveraging tools like pre-call texts to improve answer rates.
-Maintaining detailed records to track outcomes and improve future campaigns.

Whether you’re looking to boost registration numbers or deepen student engagement, this episode will give you the tools to make meaningful connections and improve the student experience.

Tune in to learn how outreach can turn routine registration into a transformative moment for your institution!

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 the academic, social, and cultural hurdles they encounter. We'll explore how institutions can better support these students through tailored programs, intentional outreach, and meaningful mentorship.

You’ll hear about our own “First to Fly” initiative, where we focus on increasing retention and persistence for first-gen students through:
-Peer and faculty mentoring tailored to first-gen needs.
-Academic workshops and study groups to build critical skills.
-Financial literacy and scholarship guidance.
-Building a sense of community through events and outreach.
-Career and internship support for long-term success.

Join us as we share strategies, stories, and actionable ideas to foster a campus culture where first-generation students feel valued, supported, and empowered to soar.

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.

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 support students facing these hardships.

Discover how this grassroots initiative rallied alumni, donors, and community members to contribute small, meaningful donations that helped students overcome emergencies like food insecurity, homelessness, and medical needs. Learn how this ongoing fund provides a safety net for students in crisis, ensuring they can persist in their studies and achieve their academic goals.

This inspiring story of collective impact shows how even $5 can make a world of difference for students in need. Tune in to find out how your institution can create a similar campaign to support its community!

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 on Student Retention in early November 2024.