S2 - E53 - Texting System about Key Issues (Nudges)

In this episode, we dive into how a simple, homegrown texting system became a powerful tool for supporting students. While third-party solutions offer robust options for texting and analysis, their high costs prompted us to create an affordable alternative to check in with students and address key issues in real-time.

We explain how this system works, including the periodic texts sent to students throughout the semester to gauge how they are doing with a number of risk-factors. Students responded by selecting one of three options that best describe their current state, triggering automated replies tailored to their needs. For students facing significant challenges, we ensured personalized follow-up by the appropriate office on campus

We also discuss how the system stored responses in a Google spreadsheet for easy tracking, allowing us to provide targeted outreach to those who needed it most. By proactively reaching out to students through via text, we eliminated barriers to help-seeking and provided timely support that made a real difference.

Tune in to learn how this practical and cost-effective approach can help institutions support student well-being and create a culture of care.