The National Dialog on Student Retention Webinar Series
EducationDynamics developed and manages the National Dialog on Student Retention initiative in an effort to facilitate discussion between higher education professionals about trends and techniques in student retention.
Creating Academically Purposeful Social Networks – University Purpose Networks as Social Media for College Student Success
On February 14, 2010, EducationDynamics presented at the First Year Experience Conference in Denver, CO. Speakers Katie Lynch, formerly of the University of South Carolina and currently Student Success and Retention Specialist at EducationDynamics, and Ingrid Ramos, Director of Marketing at EducationDynamics, speak about their work in developing academically purposeful social networks as part of an early alert system to provide colleges and universities an impactful, cost-effective way to interface with first-year students.
This presentation discusses the use of social media in a strategic and intentional way to support student learning outcomes. First, a discussion on how traditional students are using the internet is covered, then a deep dive into one institution’s online “purpose network” for student success is provided. The definition of university purpose network and how it differs from a “social network” is also covered.
Webinar Featuring Sarah Porter, Ph.D. – Online Student Wellness Programming Outcomes
On January 27, 2010, EducationDynamics featured Dr. Sarah H. Porter, Staff Psychologist in St. Edward’s University’s Health & Counseling Center, Wellness & Outreach Services Program Director, Training Director, and interim consultant to the College Assistance Migrant Program on campus. As project manager for a wellness initiative funded by a Mary Kay Foundation grant, she oversaw the development of the Hilltopper HealthQuest online wellness program at St. Edward’s University.
As universities continue to struggle with increasing numbers of students reporting wellness concerns, they’re seeking out approaches to educate the campus on healthy behaviors while at the same time preventing distress due to common situations that arise on campus. Universities are turning to online wellness campaigns and resources to serve their campuses, but often struggle with how to effectively promote their sites and keep students engaged.
This presentation focuses on practical approaches and findings coming out of the web-based campus wellness program implemented by St. Edward’s University, located in Austin, Texas. Dr. Porter also covers some practical strategies to start or continue moving your campus toward better health and wellness outcomes.
Read the Webinar Q and A – coming soon!
Webinar Featuring Kristine Stewart of Miami University (Ohio) - Techniques to Engage Parents of College Students
On Wednesday, December 16, 2009 Kristine Stewart of Miami University (Ohio) discussed techniques to keep parents of college students, especially those of first year students, informed and engaged. We know parents have communication expectations from colleges, but Kristine also discusses the expectations colleges can set for parents to be part of the process. There was a focus on how web-based communications provide the best opportunity for tracking and assessment of data.
View Webinar Recording - Part One
View Webinar Recording - Part Two
Webinar Featuring Dr. Skip Downing - Empowering Students: A Key to Retention Success
Including Andrea Spratt and Mark McBride
On November 19, 2009 Dr. Skip Downing, with Andrea Spratt and Mark McBride presented a webinar entitled Empowering Students: A Key to Retention Success”. Dr. Downing offered advice regarding his On Course approach to student success, which empowers students to serve as active, accountable partners in achieving greater academic success, ultimately boosting institutional retention rates. Ms. Spratt and Mr. McBride provided their insights from strategies employed at their institutions.
Download the Powerpoint slides
Webinar Featuring Jim Grizzell - Linking Student Health and Wellness to Academic Success and Retention
On November 18, 2009, EducationDynamics featured Jim Grizzell, Health Promotion and Education Specialist, who discussed theory and research conducted at the University of North Dakota on enhancing student wellness and evaluating its impact on academic outcomes such as GPA and retention - Linking Student Health and Wellness to Academic Success and Retention {hyperlink to media recording]. Jim included a plethora of data to help connect the value in increasing student wellness resources including: a description of National Healthy Campus 2010 data, eight-year trends, visualization of health problems, impediments to academic performance, and an overview of solutions.
Webinar featuring Katie Lynch - Online Communities for Student Success
On October 14, 2009, EducationDynamics featured Katie Lynch, coordinator of early intervention initiatives at the University of South Carolina and co-author of the recently published white paper - University Purpose Networks: Online Communities for Retention and Student Success. Topics covered were: using technology to be "higher touch", discovering and developing a "purpose network" to drive learning outcomes and assessing programmatic effectiveness for sustainability.
Read some of the Q/A from during and after the presentation
William Hansen and Scott Fleming Webinar
On June 8, 2009, EducationDynamics presented a Webinar with former deputy secretary of education William Hansen and former senior policy advisor in the U.S. Senate Scott Fleming discussing what the new Administration means for higher education.
View the video of the presentation
George Kuh Webinar
On December 15, 2008, EducationDynamics presented a Webinar titled Web 2.0: From Theory to Tactics, featuring George Kuh.
View the video of the presentation. IMPORTANT NOTE: You must be registered with the site (which is free) to watch the recording. If you are not registered, you will be promoted to sign up before the page loads.
Student Retention Discussions
A number of fascinating questions were asked by your peers and colleagues during the December 15 student retention Webinar with Dr. George Kuh.
Review some of those questions and to offer answers or discuss other people's answers and comments.
National Dialog on Student Retention Conference
The very first National Dialog on Student Retention Conference was held on June 2-3, 2008. It was a resounding success with dozens of sessions from various experts on the topic of student retention or higher education in general.
View videos of some of the best sessions.
Come hear Katie Lynch, formerly of the University of South Carolina, speak about her work in developing academically purposeful social networks as part of an early alert system to provide post-secondary institutions an impactful, cost-effective way to interface with first-year students.