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 Welcome Week, the Common Bond Dance creates shared experiences, breaks down social barriers, and helps new students connect in an inclusive and engaging way. Whether it’s performed while waiting for an event to start or as part of orientation activities, this dance reinforces a culture of camaraderie, excitement, and school spirit. Tune in to learn how this simple yet meaningful tradition has strengthened student connections and built a welcoming campus community!

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 significant barrier for many students. By eliminating this cost, we’ve empowered more students to explore career paths, align their academic choices, and gain clarity on their future goals. The results? Reduced major switching, increased motivation, and higher retention rates. Tune in to learn why investing in career assessments isn’t just about saving students money—it’s about giving them the confidence and direction they need to make the most of their education and future careers.

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 success. We explore the wide-reaching benefits of this policy, from giving students clarity about their performance to providing the institution with valuable data to support retention efforts. Learn how academic advisors, faculty, and peer mentors use midterm grade data to offer personalized guidance, connect students with resources like tutoring and study workshops, and create action plans for improvement. This episode highlights how midterm grades are more than just a progress check—they’re a cornerstone of proactive engagement that empowers students to take charge of their success and fosters a supportive campus culture.

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.

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 responded by selecting one of three options that best describe their current state, triggering automated replies tailored to their needs. For students facing significant challenges, we ensured personalized follow-up by the appropriate office on campus We also discuss how the system stored responses in a Google spreadsheet for easy tracking, allowing us to provide targeted outreach to those who needed it most. By proactively reaching out to students through via text, we eliminated barriers to help-seeking and provided timely support that made a real difference. Tune in to learn how this practical and cost-effective approach can help institutions support student well-being and create a culture of care.