Nudge Overview
This nudge campaign is a series of mindset nudges designed to help new sophomore students build a growth mindset. The nudges are intended to 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 sophomores 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 sophomore 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 sophomore students, e.g., students with 2 terms completed and about to start their Sophomore year.
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.
Mindset Nudges
Nudges are sent at four different points during the academic term and utilize the following mindset principles:
Growth Mindset
Empathy
Normalizing
Goal Setting
Prior to Term Start
| Persistence Prediction: Very Low, Low, and Moderate Subject Line: How will you reach your goals this year? Dear [STUDENT FIRST NAME], Can you believe the summer is almost over? It’s natural at this point to feel mixed emotions. Some students are excited to begin classes, while others are feeling unsure about the [SEMESTER/TERM] ahead. How are you feeling? Your hard work has brought you this far, and your second year will provide you a new opportunity to develop and grow. Think about the reason you applied to [INSTITUTION NAME] in the first place. Remind yourself about those goals and aspirations; you can achieve your goals here. [INSERT CALL-TO-ACTION] You can do this, and we’re here to help! [SIGNATURE] |
| Persistence Prediction: High and Very high Subject Line: How will you reach your goals this year? Dear [STUDENT FIRST NAME], Can you believe the summer is almost over? It’s natural at this point to feel a range of emotions from nervousness to excitement. How are you feeling? Your hard work has brought you this far, and your second year will provide you a new opportunity to develop and grow. Remind yourself about the reason you applied to [INSTITUTION NAME] in the first place, your goals and aspirations; you can achieve those goals here. [INSERT CALL-TO-ACTION] You can do this, and we’re here to help! [SIGNATURE] |
First Two Weeks of Term
| Persistence Prediction: Very Low, Low, and Moderate Subject Line: New challenges + good habits = success Hey [MASCOT OR STUDENT FIRST NAME], ready to get rolling again? Now that you have a year under your belt at [INSTITUTION NAME], you’re nearly a veteran at this university. Second year oTen feels very different than first year and it can become overwhelming. Remember, you’re here because we believe in you! This [SEMESTER/TERM] will be challenging, but that’s part of the learning process. Good habits you discovered as a first-year student are the ones you can re-use to experience success this year. What habit will you use this week to prime yourself for success in your classes? [INSERT CALL-TO-ACTION] I’m excited to support your success. [SIGNATURE] |
| Persistence Prediction: High and Very High Subject Line: New challenges + good habits = success Hey [MASCOT OR STUDENT FIRST NAME], ready to get rolling again? Now that you have a year under your belt at [INSTITUTION NAME], you’re nearly a veteran at this university. Second year oTen feels very different than first year and it can become overwhelming. Remember, you’re here because we believe in you! This [SEMESTER/TERM] will stretch you, but that’s part of the learning process. Good habits you discovered as a first-year student are the ones you can re-use to experience success this year. What habit will you use this week to prime yourself for success in your classes? [INSERT CALL-TO-ACTION] I’m excited to support your success. [SIGNATURE] |
Prior to Midterm Exams
| Persistence Prediction: Very Low, Low, and Moderate Subject Line: You can overcome new challenges Dear [STUDENT FIRST NAME], As we head into midterms, you’re using the good habits from your freshman year to find success again, but these alone may not be preparing you for the challenges you are now facing. Some sophomores tell us that they are surprised to find they feel they need supports as a second year student that they did not need as a freshman. This is totally normal! Now is the perfect time to consider a new way to tackle a new challenge. Working through new challenges is how we all learn. What new challenge are you facing? What is one way you will address this challenge today? [INSERT CALL-TO-ACTION] Thanks for your hard work, [SIGNATURE] |
| Persistence Prediction: High and Very High Subject Line: You can overcome new challenges Dear [STUDENT FIRST NAME], As we head into midterms, you’re using the good habits from your freshman year to find success again, but these alone may not fully prepare you. Some sophomores tell us that they are surprised to find they feel they need supports as a second year student that they did not need as a freshman. This is totally normal! Now is the perfect time to consider a new way to tackle a new challenge. Working through new challenges is how we all learn. How might you tackle a new challenge as you prepare for midterms? [INSERT CALL-TO-ACTION] Thanks for your hard work, [SIGNATURE] |
After Midterm Exams
| Persistence Prediction: Very Low, Low, and Moderate Subject Line: Your determination inspires me! Dear [STUDENT FIRST NAME], I’m sure you’ve noticed that getting the most out of your classes this year requires hard work, maybe even more than last year! Don’t be discouraged when some courses seem to take extra determination. Many sophomores are surprised that courses seem more difficult. Whether you absorb new material really quickly or more slowly than you’d like, take time to recognize your progress and to celebrate all that you’re learning. That’s what your second year is all about! [INSERT CALL-TO-ACTION] Keep on working! [SIGNATURE] |
| Persistence Prediction: High and Very High Subject Line: Your determination inspires me! Hi [STUDENT'S FIRST NAME], I’m sure you’ve noticed that getting the most out of your classes this year requires hard work, maybe even more than last year! Many sophomores are surprised that courses seem more difficult. Whether you absorb new material really quickly or more slowly than you’d like, take time to recognize your progress and to celebrate all that you’re learning. That’s what your second year is all about! [INSERT CALL-TO-ACTION] Keep on working! [SIGNATURE] |