ASCEND Podcast

Jared Tippets and Eric Kirby
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.

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    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 respon...

    10 min

  2. 6 DAYS AGO

    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.

    10 min

  3. 12 JAN

    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.Tune...

    7 min

  4. 9 JAN

    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.

    14 min

  5. 5 JAN

    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 interactions ...

    8 min

  6. 2 JAN

    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.

    8 min

  7. 29/12/2024

    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, 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 bet...

    8 min

  8. 26/12/2024

    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.

    13 min
See All (157)

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Jared Tippets and Eric Kirby
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    157
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 ASCEND Podcast
  • Show Website
    ASCEND Podcast

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