Nudge Overview
This nudge campaign includes a series of mattering nudges designed to help new, full-time, FTIC students build a sense of belonging within their learning community build upon each other and can be reinforced through a call-to-action.
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About this Campaign
Opportunity
For many institutions new, full-time, first time in college (FTIC) students have significantly lower persistence than average providing a clear opportunity to improve persistence with a nudge.
Goal
The goal of this nudge campaign is to nudge new, full-time, FTIC students into behaviors that will aid in their success within the current term and persistence into the next term.
Students
The target student group for this nudge campaign is new, full-time, FTIC students, e.g., FTIC students with 0 terms completed taking enough credits to be considered a full time student.
Owner
The owner of the the nudge campaign is the person responsible for sending the nudges to the students and receiving and acting upon replies from students. Choose the most appropriate person at your institution to send the nudges. Remember, emails sent from a person the student knows are most likely to be read. Advisors or faculty are often appropriate owners for a nudge campaign.
Mattering Nudges
Nudges are sent at four different points during the academic term and utilize the following mattering principles:
- Mattering
- Belonging
- Empathy
- Normalizing
First Two Weeks of the Term
| Persistence Prediction: Very Low, Low, and Moderate Subject Line: You’re part of the [MASCOT] community! Dear [STUDENT FIRST NAME], As you transition into college life, remember, you are not alone! You’re part of a great community of other students who are experiencing a mixture of excitement, fear, and challenges. It’s normal to feel a range of emotions. [INSERT CALL-TO-ACTION] We’re so glad you’ve chosen to become part of [INSTITUTION NAME]! [SIGNATURE] |
| Persistence Prediction: High and Very High Subject Line: You’re part of the [MASCOT] community! Dear [STUDENT FIRST NAME], As you transition into college life, you’re part of a great community of students who are taking the same next step in their educational journey. Connecting to the social fabric of campus life is an important part of college. [INSTITUTION NAME] has so many opportunities! [INSERT CALL-TO-ACTION] We’re so glad you’ve chosen to become part of [INSTITUTION NAME]! [SIGNATURE] |
Prior to Midterm Exams
| Persistence Prediction: Very Low, Low, and Moderate Subject Line: Look around you for midterm support Dear [STUDENT FIRST NAME], Over just a few short weeks you’ve become involved in the daily routines of life at [INSTITUTION NAME]. Midterm exams will begin soon, so I encourage you to start a new routine, as well. Collaborate with a few students in your classes to set up a study group. You’re all taking the same class, exploring the same ideas, and preparing for the same test. Joining a study group will make a difference in your own success and the success of your peers. [INSERT CALL-TO-ACTION] I’m glad you’re a [MASCOT]! [SIGNATURE] |
| Persistence Prediction: High and Very High Subject Line: Look around you for midterm support Dear [STUDENT FIRST NAME], By this point in the [TERM/SEMESTER], you’ve really become involved in the routines of life at [INSTITUTION NAME]. Your midterm exams are approaching quickly, so I encourage you to start a new routine, as well. Begin collaborating with others in your classes to set up study groups if you haven’t already done so. You’re all exploring the same ideas and preparing for the same test. Do your part to help your peers succeed. [INSERT CALL-TO-ACTION] I’m glad you’re a [MASCOT]! [SIGNATURE] |
After Midterm Exams
| Persistence Prediction: Very Low, Low, and Moderate Subject Line: How are you connecting at [INSTITUTION NAME] Dear [STUDENT FIRST NAME], Time flies, doesn’t it? Whether it always feels this way or not, you’re truly part of the community here at [INSTITUTION] -- you’ve learned how we do things here and what to expect each day. Despite some familiarities, it is also normal to still be adjusting to life as a college student. Connecting with a peer is a great way to bounce some questions off one another and discuss plans for next [TERM/SEMESTER]. This new connection will benefit you both! Who will you connect with this week? [INSERT CALL-TO-ACTION] [SIGNATURE] |
| Persistence Prediction: High and Very High Subject Line: How are you connecting at [INSTITUTION NAME] Dear [STUDENT FIRST NAME], Time flies, doesn’t it? You’re truly part of the community here at [INSTITUTION]--you’ve learned how things are done and created some routines that feel comfortable. Even though campus life feels pretty familiar, this is a natural point in the [TERM/SEMESTER] to consider plans for next [TERM/SEMESTER]. Connecting with a peer is a great way to bounce some questions off one another and discuss you plans. This new connection will benefit you both! Who will you connect with this week? [INSERT CALL-TO-ACTION] [SIGNATURE] |
Last Two Weeks of Term
| Persistence Prediction: Very Low, Low, and Moderate Subject Line: You make [INSTITUTION NAME] a better place! Dear [STUDENT FIRST NAME], I know the end of the [TERM/SEMESTER] is stressful, but I wanted to express my appreciation for your commitment to your studies. You have been an important part of this learning community, and [INSTITUTION NAME] is better because you’ve been here. As you finish this first [TERM/SEMESTER] of your college career and prepare for your next set of classes, remember that you belong here! [INSERT CALL-TO-ACTION] Thanks for being you, [SIGNATURE] |
| Persistence Prediction: High and Very High Subject Line: You make [INSTITUTION NAME] a better place! Dear [STUDENT FIRST NAME], I wanted to express my appreciation for your commitment to your studies. You have been an important part of this learning community, and [INSTITUTION NAME] is better because you’ve been here. As you finish this first [TERM/SEMESTER] of your college career and prepare for your next set of classes, remember that you belong here! [INSERT CALL-TO-ACTION] Thanks for being you, [SIGNATURE] |