InsideTrack

09/04/2026

What happens when higher education actively values a student's real-world experience? Instead of treating gap years or life breaks as lost time, institutions are finding smarter ways to keep learners moving toward a degree.

At the University of Utah, students can earn up to 12 credit hours for prior learning and life experiences. This proactive strategy helps lower financial barriers for students while delivering tangible returns for the campus: faster time to degree completion, increased retention and stronger enrollment stability.

It is a powerful reminder that adapting to modern student lives is one of the best investments an institution can make.

Hear more insights from Dr. T. Chase Hagood and other higher ed leaders by watching the full on-demand webinar: https://www.insidetrack.org/webinars/the-new-student-swirl

09/03/2026

What matters more to today's employers: a college degree or durable skills like adaptability and critical thinking?

The reality is that students need both. Higher education is uniquely built to teach technical knowledge while refining soft skills. When campuses add 1:1 coaching to the mix, students gain a dedicated guide to help them translate classroom experiences into workforce confidence.

For institutions, this human-centered approach directly protects tuition revenue by boosting term-to-term persistence, while equipping graduates with the durable skills modern employers demand.

Learn how coaching connects durable skills to degree pathways: https://www.insidetrack.org/blog/durable-skills-vs-degrees-how-coaching-links-the-two-for-ultimate-career-readiness

09/02/2026

"I know how it feels not to be seen."

Robyn's experience with the Youth Mental Health Corps shows the true power of human connection. When life gets overwhelming, having a dedicated coach provides the space to slow down, process emotions and keep moving forward.

Personalized coaching isn't just a nice-to-have intervention. For youth-serving organizations and higher ed institutions, providing dedicated 1:1 support drives measurable persistence, boosts program completion and strengthens long-term outcomes.

Learn more about working with InsideTrack: https://www.insidetrack.org/why-insidetrack

09/01/2026

AI can answer quick questions and automate admin tasks, but it can't encourage a student when they're ready to give up.

In a new op-ed for Government Technology News, Ruth Bauer shares why tech in higher education works best when it's grounded in human support. When colleges pair digital tools with real, personalized connection, students stay enrolled, complete their degrees, and reach their career goals — driving measurable results for the whole institution.

Check out the full article here:

As colleges and universities continue finding uses for AI, clear boundaries around ethical application will become increasingly important for deciding what AI can handle on its own and when a human touch is essential.

09/01/2026

Sometimes, life gets in the way of a college degree. A job change, family needs or financial strain can cause even the most dedicated students to pause their education. But stopping out doesn’t have to mean stopping forever.

During Adult Learners Week, we are honoring the persistence of adult learners and the institutions helping them complete what they started.

When higher ed teams combine targeted outreach with personalized coaching, the outcomes benefit everyone:

1️⃣ Adult learners get a clear, supportive path back to the classroom
2️⃣ Institutions boost re-enrollment numbers and retain students term-to-term
3️⃣ Campuses recover tuition revenue while expanding support capacity for staff

Learn how structured re-enrollment solutions support lifelong learners and deliver strong institutional ROI: https://www.insidetrack.org/solutions/re-enrollment

08/31/2026

A new academic year brings a fresh opportunity to evaluate what is working on campus. With increasing pressure to prove value, higher education leaders are looking for ways to boost student retention while maintaining financial sustainability.

The secret lies in looking beyond surface-level numbers. By evaluating net revenue gains, tracking long-term student outcomes and investing in staff development, institutions can build support programs that pay for themselves over time.

Ready to make the most of your student support budget this fall? Read the blog to learn more: https://www.insidetrack.org/blog/maximizing-roi-on-your-next-student-success-initiative

08/28/2026

You can't pour from an empty cup.

For Josh, serving young people through the Youth Mental Health Corps is a dream come true — but doing that work effectively requires taking care of himself first. Having a coach in his corner gives him a safe, judgment-free space to grow, hone his skills and show up as his best self every day. When organizations back up their service members with real, human coaching support, staff satisfaction climbs, turnover drops and local youth receive the consistent care they deserve.

Explore how structured support creates lasting community outcomes: https://www.insidetrack.org/our-approach

08/28/2026

For many adult learners balancing work, family and financial stress, stopping out can feel like the only option. But behind every re-enrolled student is a campus strategy that prioritized listening, goal-setting and timely guidance.

As highlighted in a recent University Business article, stats from our recent HBCU report demonstrate the impact of tailored coaching support across a 5-year pilot:

➡️ Stopped-out adult learners returned at more than twice the national average
➡️ Nearly 84% of fall-enrolled students returned for the spring term
➡️ Participating institutions realized $26.9 million in recovered tuition revenue

When higher ed leaders invest in holistic support, students regain their momentum and institutions build a stronger financial foundation. Read the full coverage in University Business: https://universitybusiness.com/sturdy-success-rates-for-overlooked-students-come-down-to-coaching/

Student success coaching for Black and adult learners navigating academics and finances led to higher re-enrollment and persistence.

08/27/2026

Getting students enrolled is a major milestone, but true momentum happens when they persist from one term to the next.

According to the newly released HBCU report, actively enrolled students who met with a coach achieved a 90.4% fall-to-spring retention rate. This level of persistence happens through regular, open-ended conversations that go beyond academics. By addressing personal and financial obligations, learners build the knowledge, skills and beliefs needed to advocate for themselves and navigate complex administrative systems independently.

Explore the full HBCU report to see how proactive coaching extends the capacity of your campus ecosystem and empowers students to succeed.

👉 https://www.insidetrack.org/reports/empowering-student-momentum-at-hbcus

08/26/2026

Students don't drop out because they lack potential. They leave when they feel disconnected or overwhelmed.

Dr. Dawn Meza Soufleris from Montclair State University put it simply during a recent panel with The Chronicle of Higher Education: when you take the time to understand your students and build an environment where they feel cared for, they stay.

When campus support aligns with real learner experiences, institutions see higher persistence, stronger completion rates and better long-term outcomes for families.

Download and watch the entire webinar from our Retention Toolkit: https://www.insidetrack.org/toolkits/retention