National Institute for Student Success

We’re excited to see our work with the GSU chatbot featured in Inside Higher Ed. Since its launch in 2016, the chatbot has played a critical role in supporting students with time-sensitive, technical tasks like completing financial aid verification requests. Research shows that timely, personalized messages—especially from trusted figures like Pounce, our blue panther mascot—make a significant impact. As the Founding Executive Director of the National Institute for Student Success, Dr. Timothy M. Renick, shared, these nudges are most effective when delivered early and consistently. Read more about how personalized communication supports student success: https://lnkd.in/eF5S4YCJ #StudentSuccess #HigherEd #EdTech #GSUImpact

We’re proud to share that data from the National Institute for Student Success at Georgia State University is featured on the front cover of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Our research on student financial support highlights the success of the Panther Retention Grant, launched in 2011, which has helped thousands of students stay enrolled and on track for graduation. This initiative also served as a model for the College Completion Grant, driving national efforts to improve degree completion rates. As our Founding Executive Director, Dr. Timothy M. Renick stated: “If a student leaves and their chances of graduating drop by 50 points, you better figure out some ways to keep them enrolled.” Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/esqfnMAt #NISS #StudentSuccess #HigherEd #RetentionMatters #GSUImpact

Thank you to the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education and co-host Georgians for College Affordability for an information-rich, provocative, and inspiring Forum on Affordable Postsecondary Education in Georgia! I can't recall the last time I left an event w/ so many new data points and questions to ponder.   From keynote speaker Justin Draeger of Strada Education Foundation: -77% of Americans think college is not affordable! -Strada's analysis finds a student in GA would need to work MORE THAN 30 HOURS PER WEEK (in addition to full-time work over the summer) to cover the in-state net price of a bachelor's degree.   Agency leaders Lynne Riley of Georgia Student Finance Commission, Mark Peevy of Technical College System of Georgia, & Tracey Cook of University System of Georgia work hard to improve access and attainment across GA and urged us not to lose hope (pun intended)! -The state's postsecondary formula implemented 40 years ago was ahead of its time and its predictability is beneficial. -The HOPE Grant helps students afford certificates and diplomas at our state's technical colleges. -The Georgia MATCH program is tackling a huge barrier to college enrollment--helping students see they are "college material!"   Founder of the National Institute for Student Success Timothy M. Renick shared fascinating and sobering data:  -The average unmet financial need at Georgia State was $10,327 in 2023--and that's after HOPE, Pell, loans, work income, & student/family contributions. -Students at GSU who had the HOPE Scholarship and lost it were less likely to complete than those who never had HOPE! (I was so surprised I failed to take down the %).   Finally, President Emerita of Spelman College & Achieve Atlanta founding board member Beverly Daniel Tatum, Daniela Belton Perry of Georgia Chamber of Commerce Foundation, & Ashley Young, M.Ed. of Georgia Budget and Policy Institute shared some insights: -Credentialed Georgians are critical to filling our state's workforce needs. -College affordability impacts private institutions, too. Despite what you may hear, only a handful have large endowments to help tackle the issue. -GA is one of a few states that does not have a financial aid program based solely on financial need. Students from low-income backgrounds find it all the more challenging to afford a college degree, leading to a large income gap b/t those with college credentials and those without.   Some questions we were left with: -Is the perception that college is not affordable due to a lack of dollars or a lack of information? Could it not be both? -How might GA adjust its postsecondary formula to spur innovation and account for the students of today--especially first-generation college students? -Should students who can afford college use scholarship funds, or should those be targeted to students who cannot afford college? I look forward to continuing to work with all of these partners to improve college access and affordability in GA!  

We are honored to be among the eight NGOs supported by Greater Share’s Education Fund. This long-term investment strengthens our commitment to advancing education equity and supporting student success worldwide. #NISS #HigherEd #EducationEquity #StudentSuccess #GlobalImpact

Join our team at the NISS! We’re currently seeking a Business Manager to oversee financial operations and office policies at the NISS. If you or someone you know would be a great fit, we encourage you to apply through the link below! Link: https://lnkd.in/edDFVN9K #NISS #StudentSuccess #HigherEd #Hiring

Thank you to Dr. Tim Renick, Founding Executive Director of the National Institute for Student Success (NISS) for the NISS State University of New York Maritime College diagnostic and playbook, helping identify areas where we can focus our collective efforts to improve student success. The insight and recommendations will be critical to shaping our Voyage Plan! Students First, Maritime Always. NYMFAF!

#NWCCU 2024 Annual Conference is in the books. Day One of the Conference last week included a series of workshops for Evaluators, Institutional Representatives, Board Members, and Presidents/Chancellors. An excellent luncheon plenary speech by Timothy M. Renick from National Institute for Student Success at Georgia State University.

Last week, our coaching team had the privilege of visiting South Carolina State University to provide implementation services. During our visit, we engaged with the leadership team and had an insightful meeting with students. It’s always inspiring to collaborate with such a vibrant academic community. #GoBulldogs #NISS #HigherEd #StudentSuccess

I appreciated the opportunity to join Valerie Sheares Ashby, President of the University of Maryland Baltimore County, and Timothy M. Renick, Executive Director at the National Institute for Student Success, on a panel at the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) Annual Meeting yesterday. Together, we discussed strategies to enhance student success and increase graduation rates—many thanks to an engaged audience that asked good questions.

Following the success of this year’s Campus Visit Day(s), we’re excited to offer three new dates for 2025! Join us on March 4th, June 10th, or September 23rd to explore Georgia State University and learn more about our work in student success. If you’re interested in attending, please use the external link in the posting below. Our Campus Visit Days are full-day workshops featuring presentations from our Founding Executive Director, Dr. Timothy M. Renick, members of our Student Success Department, our Data Team, and subject matter experts from GSU. Alongside these valuable sessions, you’ll enjoy a campus tour, lunch, and exclusive NISS swag. We look forward to welcoming you to our campus! Link: https://lnkd.in/eBPMj7hT #NISS #highered #studentsuccess #campusvisit #sitevisit