How the University of Utah’s student success revamp improved retention for underserved students
The Opportunity
The University of Utah (the U) sought to significantly improve first-year student retention and completion rates — and do a better job of connecting students to campus resources and providing support that was tailored to their individual needs. Existing support services were decentralized and lacked a personalized, evidence-based approach, hindering effective student support. Looking to transition to an evidence-based student success model that could be built and maintained in-house, university leaders turned to InsideTrack.
The Opportunity
The University of Utah (the U) sought to significantly improve first-year student retention and completion rates — and do a better job of connecting students to campus resources and providing support that was tailored to their individual needs. Existing support services were decentralized and lacked a personalized, evidence-based approach, hindering effective student support. Looking to transition to an evidence-based student success model that could be built and maintained in-house, university leaders turned to InsideTrack.
The Solution
In partnership with InsideTrack, the U launched a comprehensive, multi-phase coaching program. This included a one-on-one retention coaching pilot for 500 first-year students, rigorous coach training and certification in InsideTrack’s proven methodology, and management coaching for university leadership. This helped foster a unified culture of student support across campus, all designed to create a student-centered culture of coaching where students felt empowered and valued.
The Solution
In partnership with InsideTrack, the U launched a comprehensive, multi-phase coaching program. This included a one-on-one retention coaching pilot for 500 first-year students, rigorous coach training and certification in InsideTrack’s proven methodology, and management coaching for university leadership. This helped foster a unified culture of student support across campus, all designed to create a student-centered culture of coaching where students felt empowered and valued.
Proven Results
The Impact
The University of Utah has successfully established a standardized, evidence-backed student support system, resulting in substantial retention improvements — particularly among student populations who have been historically underserved. Certifying staff to deliver in-house coaching, using InsideTrack’s research-proven coaching methodology, has ensured the program’s long-term sustainability and continued positive impact. The holistic, student-centered approach — along with cross-departmental coach training, proactive student outreach and stronger resource connection for students — have all contributed to the success of the program, with the disaggregated student retention data to back it up.
The Impact
The University of Utah has successfully established a standardized, evidence-backed student support system, resulting in substantial retention improvements — particularly among student populations who have been historically underserved. Certifying staff to deliver in-house coaching, using InsideTrack’s research-proven coaching methodology, has ensured the program’s long-term sustainability and continued positive impact. The holistic, student-centered approach — along with cross-departmental coach training, proactive student outreach and stronger resource connection for students — have all contributed to the success of the program, with the disaggregated student retention data to back it up.
Dr. T. Chase Hagood
Vice Provost for Student Success, The University of Utah
Dr. P. Brandon Johnson
Head of Student Success and Transformative Experiences, The University of Utah
Dr. Stephanie Santarosa
Director of Student Success Coaching, The University of Utah
Download the case study to learn more about how the University of Utah transformed student support and bolstered retention rates.
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