Creating a Data-Driven and Proactive Student Support System with UNC Asheville

Student success in higher education isn't just about reacting to problems — it's about building systems that anticipate them. And at the University of North Carolina Asheville, that proactive approach is making all the difference.

Joining today's conversation are two incredible leaders who are doing this work every day: Regine Criser, Director of Student Success, and Lynne Horgan, University Registrar. Regine oversees UNC Asheville's Academic Success Center, leading efforts in advising, writing support, and peer tutoring, while Lynne brings over 25 years of experience to her role managing student records and registration processes. Together, they've built a powerful partnership — one that bridges student success and the registrar's office in ways that are still rare across higher ed.

In this episode, they share how UNC Asheville is leveraging data, technology, and collaboration to support students holistically — especially during moments of crisis like Hurricane Helene. You'll hear how they've tackled challenges like retention and graduation rates, how they communicate with students in real time during emergencies, and why their integrated approach is leading to real results — including their largest year-over-year retention increase ever. They also offer a behind-the-scenes look at how breaking down internal silos, using tools like Civitas Learning, and focusing on personalized, proactive outreach is helping their students not just stay — but thrive.

 

Show Notes:

[03:33] UNC Asheville is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Asheville, North Carolina. They are the designated public liberal arts and sciences school of the UNC system.

[05:11] A common challenge across institutions of higher education is fall-to- fall retention. They experienced the dip in the fall of 2021. They were focused on building the retention rate up to 80%.

[06:19] They were concerned after Hurricane Helene, because they thought it would be another derailleur in retention and graduation rates. The work they had already put in helped carry them forward.

[07:47] One of the biggest challenges was navigating so much data. It really helps to have it all in one system.

[09:25] Most of their students fall into the traditional student category. More than half of them need to work alongside school.

[10:26] After the hurricane, they needed to embrace their students who had a variety of needs.

[11:13] The registrar's office is focusing on two primary action items. These are registration and graduation applications.

[12:15] It was also important to get updated information and deadlines out after the hurricane. 

[13:26] They also have student success specialists that can help students explore available support systems.

[14:42] They were also able to text all of their students through one platform, and then they could focus on the information that they're getting to the students.

[18:52] People, processes, and technology adopted in recent years to help implement and facilitate their approach to student care.

[20:56] Civitas has really helped them reach the goals that they've been trying to achieve.

[21:41] How collaboration between student affairs and the registrar office really makes a huge difference.

[22:46] We learn how they're leveraging data and technology to support their work.

[27:51] Lynn and Regine get a little time to brag about how well their system is working. Students registering on time is huge. Seeing the data also helps them make decisions that better suit the students on their paths.

[29:48] Their intentional work also played a role in a 5% increase in retention.

 

Links and Resources:

Civitas Learning Website

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Lynne Horgan - UNC Asheville