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ASCEND Podcast

Jared Tippets and Eric Kirby

171 episodes

5 days ago

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 looks like to support students holistically across their entire journey. From class identity and sig...

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Society & Culture

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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 looks like to support students holistically across their entire journey. From class identity and sig...

Show more...

Society & Culture

Episodes (20/171)

ASCEND Podcast

S3 - E5 - Dr. Brian Garsh - Helping Students Take FLIGHT (Engagement)

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 looks like to support students holistically across their entire journey. From class identity and sig...

5 days ago

23 minutes

ASCEND Podcast

S3 - E4 - Featuring Patrick Tanner and Luis Caloca - One Student at a Time (Culture)

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 that every student’s identity and life experience shapes their educational path. We unpack how thi...

1 week ago

17 minutes

ASCEND Podcast

S3 - E3 - Featuring Dr. Amber Williams - Vol Success Teams (Support)

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 impact has been remarkable: coaching connections have increased 277%, advising appointments are ...

2 weeks ago

13 minutes

ASCEND Podcast

S3 - E2 - Featuring Joel Spiess - Scholarships as Strategy: Redesigning Processes to Boost Recruitment, Retention, and Outcomes (Affordability)

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 huge jumps in applications and early commitments, this conversation reveals how scholarships, if ...

3 weeks ago

19 minutes

ASCEND Podcast

S3 - E1 - Introducing Season 3 of the ASCEND Podcast

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

1 month ago

23 minutes

ASCEND Podcast

S2 - E62 - Data (Data)

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!

2 months ago

13 minutes

ASCEND Podcast

S2 - E61 - Nudges (Nudges)

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!

2 months ago

15 minutes

ASCEND Podcast

S2 - E60 - Engagement (Engagement)

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!

2 months ago

31 minutes

ASCEND Podcast

S2 - E59 - Culture chapter (Culture)

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!

2 months ago

16 minutes

ASCEND Podcast

S2 - E58 - Support chapter (Support)

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!

2 months ago

32 minutes

ASCEND Podcast

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 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 Orientation. Through video tutorials sent over the summer and spontaneous dance moments throughout Welcom...

10 months ago

12 minutes

ASCEND Podcast

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 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 free career assessments through our Career Center. While a $15 fee may seem minor, we found it to be a ...

10 months ago

13 minutes

ASCEND Podcast

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 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 officers, faculty now submit midterm grades for every student, creating a proactive system for student su...

11 months ago

9 minutes

ASCEND Podcast

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 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, nor discrimination against similar brands, products, or services not mentioned.

11 months ago

11 minutes

ASCEND Podcast

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 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 throughout the semester to gauge how they are doing with a number of risk-factors. Students respo...

11 months ago

9 minutes

ASCEND Podcast

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 Student Retention in early November 2024.

11 months ago

10 minutes

ASCEND Podcast

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-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. Tu...

11 months ago

7 minutes

ASCEND Podcast

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 in early November 2024.

11 months ago

13 minutes

ASCEND Podcast

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 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 interactio...

11 months ago

8 minutes

ASCEND Podcast

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 Retention in early November 2024.

11 months ago

8 minutes