Understanding and Combating Student Melt

Besides texting, schools can create a communication strategy that aims to keep students stitched-in from spring through fall by using a variety of targeted data pieces:

1. Identify your melters from previous data. If they are typically your out-of-state students, communicate positive messaging that focuses on the services and resources to help long-distance students adapt. If your melters are first-generation students, create a family-centric campaign that includes parents/guardians in key steps and processes that may be challenging for first-timers. 2. Create messages that connect to what students value. Are you sending out communication that’s timely, relevant, succinct, and has a “what’s in it for me” payoff? These messages will appeal most to your audience and make it worth their while to continue engaging with your communications. Resource: Summer Melt Sample Nine Steps 11 3. Remind them why they chose you. Allow students to see what makes your school unique. Use current student voices, videos, messages from academic deans, and even a personal note from the admissions or first-year staff to convey a sense of belonging to your incoming students. Resource: Best First-Year Experiences 12 4. Convey support and make it happen. Since students may not know about or feel comfortable using campus supports, point them out to students. And to borrow a texting technique, change the default option: schedule a phone appointment to help the student review any final matriculation items and inform them of their scheduled meeting. They’re more likely to engage when the default option has already been selected for them. Resource: Summer Melt Student Intake Form 11