S2 - E28 - The Perch (Support)

ASCEND Podcast

#Society #Business #Podcasting Education #Jared Tippets and Eric Kirby #Eric Kirby #Jared Tippets #ASCEND #Retention #Complete #Students #Succession #Strategy #Higher #College #Universe #Practice #Ideas

26:18

How do you know when it’s time to make your next big career move? With International Women’s Day around the corner, we are excited to feature Avni Patel Thompson, Founder and CEO of Milo. Avni is building technology that directly supports the often overlooked emotional and logistical labor that falls on parents—especially women. Milo is an AI assistant designed to help families manage that invisible load more efficiently. In this episode, Avni shares her journey from studying chemistry to holding leadership roles at global brands like Adidas and Starbucks, to launching her own ventures. She discusses how she approaches career transitions, the importance of unpleasant experiences, and why she’s focused on making everyday life easier for parents. [01:26] Avni's University Days and Early Career [04:36] Non-Linear Career Paths [05:16] Pursuing Steep Learning Curves [11:51] Entrepreneurship and Safety Nets [15:22] Lived Experiences and Milo [19:55] Avni’s In Her Ellement Moment [20:03] Reflections Links: Avni Patel Thompson on LinkedIn Suchi Srinivasan on LinkedIn Kamila Rakhimova on LinkedIn Ipsos report on the future of parenting About In Her Ellement: In Her Ellement highlights the women and allies leading the charge in digital, business, and technology innovation. Through engaging conversations, the podcast explores their journeys—celebrating successes and acknowledging the balance between work and family. Most importantly, it asks: when was the moment you realized you hadn’t just arrived—you were truly in your element? About The Hosts: Suchi Srinivasan is an expert in AI and digital transformation. Originally from India, her career includes roles at trailblazing organizations like Bell Labs and Microsoft. In 2011, she co-founded the Cleanweb Hackathon, a global initiative driving IT-powered climate solutions with over 10,000 members across 25+ countries. She also advises Women in Cloud, aiming to create $1B in economic opportunities for women entrepreneurs by 2030. Kamila Rakhimova is a fintech leader whose journey took her from Tajikistan to the U.S., where she built a career on her own terms. Leveraging her English proficiency and international relations expertise, she discovered the power of microfinance and moved to the U.S., eventually leading Amazon's Alexa Fund to support underrepresented founders. Subscribe to In Her Ellement on your podcast app of choice to hear meaningful conversations with women in digital, business, and technology.…

about a year ago 8:01

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Even though they are second-year students and in theory know their way around campus, sophomores and transfer students often still find themselves getting the runaround, being bounced from office to office and center to center until they find what they need. To stop this runaround, we created a one-stop shop on campus to better serve our second-year students. Similar to The Nest (a one-stop shop for first-year students) that we described in our first book (Tippets & Kirby, 2022), we created The Perch to serve as a one-stop shop for our second-year students.

161 episodes

ASCEND Podcast

S2 - E28 - The Perch (Support)

ASCEND Podcast

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

161 episodes

All episodes

1
S2 - E57 - Common Bond Dance (Culture) 12:09

6 weeks ago12:09

12:09

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!…

1
S2 - E56 - Free career assessments (Affordability) 13:41

7 weeks ago13:41

13:41

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.…

1
S2 - E55 - Midterm Grade Policy (Data) 9:52

8 weeks ago9:52

9:52

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.…

1
S2 - E54 - Expert Session - Dr. Lara Lomicka Anderson (University of South Carolina) 11:45

9 weeks ago11:45

11:45

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.…

1
S2 - E53 - Texting System about Key Issues (Nudges) 9:39

9 weeks ago9:39

9:39

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.…

1
S2 - E52 - Expert Session - Dr. Sharon Rea and Dr. Mike Freel (Bellevue University) 10:28

10 weeks ago10:28

10:28

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.

1
S2 - E51 - Thanksgiving dinner on campus.community (Engagement) 7:16

10 weeks ago7:16

7:16

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.…

1
S2 - E50 - Expert Session - Leslie Tod (University of South Florida) 13:47

11 weeks ago13:47

13:47

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.

1
S2 - E49 - Registration Outreach Campaigns (Culture) 8:19

11 weeks ago8:19

8:19

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!…

1
S2 - E48 - Expert Session - Dr. Ann Van Der Karr (Rutgers University - Newark) 8:19

12 weeks ago8:19

8:19

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.

1
S2 - E47 - Supporting First-Generation Students (Support) 8:02

12 weeks ago8:02

8:02

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.…

1
S2 - E46 - Expert Session - Rusty Pettus (University of Alabama) 12:30

13 weeks ago12:30

12:30

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.

1
S2 - E45 - T-Bird Strong Campaign (Affordability) 8:10

13 weeks ago8:10

8:10

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!…

1
S2 - E44 - Expert Session - Stephanie Merritt and Susan Goldsmith (Tulsa Community College) 12:28

14 weeks ago12:28

12:28

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.

1
S2 - E43 - Signs of Life (Data) 10:58

14 weeks ago10:58