Nudge Overview
This nudge campaign includes a series of mindset 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.
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
First Two Weeks of the Term
| Persistence Prediction: Very Low, Low, and Moderate Subject Line: Make this [TERM/SEMESTER] even better than the last Dear [STUDENT FIRST NAME], Welcome back! It’s a new [TERM/SEMESTER] and it will bring new challenges. However, unlike last [TERM/SEMESTER] you have some experience under your belt, which you can apply this [TERM/SEMESTER]. Think about the things that went well and didn’t go so well last [TERM/SEMESTER] and use what you learned to make this [TERM/SEMESTER] a success. It’s also totally normal if you don’t feel totally adjusted to college life. It takes a lot of time and effort to get comfortable with a new way of life. If you are feeling this way, don’t be discouraged. You belong at [INSTITUTION NAME]. I’m glad you are here and excited to support you in finishing your first full year of college. [INSERT CALL-TO-ACTION] [SIGNATURE] |
| Persistence Prediction: High and Very High Subject Line: Make this [TERM/SEMESTER] even better than the last Dear [STUDENT FIRST NAME], Welcome back! It’s a new [TERM/SEMESTER] and it will bring new challenges. However, unlike last [TERM/ SEMESTER] you have some experience under your belt, which you can apply this [TERM/SEMESTER]. Think about the things that went well and didn’t go so well last [TERM/SEMESTER] and use what you learned to make this [TERM/SEMESTER] a success. I’m glad you are here and excited to support you in finishing your first full year of college. [INSERT CALL-TO-ACTION] [SIGNATURE] |
Prior to Midterm Exams
| Persistence Prediction: Very Low, Low, and Moderate Subject Line: You’ve been here before and persevered Dear [STUDENT FIRST NAME], There is a lot going on at this point in the [TERM/SEMESTER] and on top of that midterms are coming up. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed. Remember, you’ve been working hard this [TERM/SEMESTER] and I am proud of your effort. It is going to pay off on your midterms. Take some time to reflect on what you learned about preparing for midterms last [TERM/ SEMESTER] and make midterms this [TERM/SEMESTER] go even better. Your hard work is what will lead to your success. [INSERT CALL-TO-ACTION] [SIGNATURE] |
| Persistence Prediction: High and Very High Subject Line: You’ve been here before and persevered Dear [STUDENT FIRST NAME], You’ve been working hard this [TERM/SEMESTER] and I am proud of your effort. It is going to pay off on your midterms. Take some time to reflect on what you learned about preparing for midterms last [TERM/SEMESTER] and make midterms this [TERM/SEMESTER] go even better. Your hard work is what will lead to your success. [INSERT CALL-TO-ACTION] [SIGNATURE] |
After Midterm Exams
| Persistence Prediction: Very Low, Low, and Moderate Subject Line: Your continued hard will will pay off Dear [STUDENT FIRST NAME], Although it isn’t easy, you are making it through the [TERM/SEMESTER]. Everyone is feeling stressed about their classes, especially the ones that are more difficult. Don’t give up and don’t let those more difficult classes get you down! That feeling of struggle is a good thing, it means you are learning. Keep on working. It will pay off in the end. [INSERT CALL-TO-ACTION] [SIGNATURE] |
| Persistence Prediction: High and Very High Subject Line: Your continued hard will will pay off Dear [STUDENT FIRST NAME], Congratulations on getting through midterms for the second time! Take time to celebrate your success so far. I know some of your classes are really challenging you. But don’t let those more difficult classes get you down! That feeling of struggle is a good thing, it means you are learning. Keep on working. It will pay off in the end. [INSERT CALL-TO-ACTION] [SIGNATURE] |
Last Two Weeks of Term
| Persistence Prediction: Very Low, Low, and Moderate Subject Line: What is your plan for finals? Dear [STUDENT FIRST NAME], This is it, the final stretch. Summer is just around the corner. You are going to get there, but first you have to end the [TERM/SEMESTER] right. To do that, you need a plan. Start by remembering why you are at [INSTITUTION NAME]. What were the goals that drove you to come here? Feeling motivated now? Next, write down some concrete steps to take to help finals go well. For example,
You can do this, and you will feel so proud this Summer knowing you put in your best effort during the Spring [TERM/SEMESTER]. [INSERT CALL-TO-ACTION] [SIGNATURE] |
Persistence Prediction: High and Very High Subject Line: What is your plan for finals? Dear [STUDENT FIRST NAME], This is it, the final stretch. Summer is just around the corner. You are going to get there, but first you have to end the [TERM/SEMESTER] right. Put together a plan to get through finals based on what you now helps you perform your best. You can do this, and you will feel so proud this Summer knowing you put in your best effort during the Spring [TERM/SEMESTER]. [INSERT CALL-TO-ACTION] [SIGNATURE] |