How can colleges build and grow a diverse and inclusive community and once students get in, how can universities better support students to enable them to thrive and fit in? What are colleges doing to help 1st generation students and students of color once they arrive on campus? Having worked in several college admissions environments focused on multicultural recruitment and diversity outreach, Yancie Davis shares with us today successful strategies and techniques universities are using to help create a more diverse and inclusive environment both in and out of the classroom. Yancie is also an Associate Director of College Counseling at Bentley School in Oakland California helping students find the school that is the best fit for them.

Finding the right fit from a cultural perspective at a college is challenging. How do you help students and families navigate this challenge? As a parent who has lived and worked overseas, I know how important it is to be culturally aware of your environment and how challenging it can be to find the right fit from all aspects of life. When we look at colleges, we also have to consider the cultural fit of each campus to make sure it is one in which your student will thrive. Jennifer Hendricks has not only lived and worked overseas but she is also a parent of three and one of her daughters is studying overseas. Jen will share with us her experience as a parent of twins and the importance of considering cultural fit into the college search process.

Students today are experiencing a range of emotions and anxiety due to college life as a result of the pandemic. Many colleges have moved to online learning and even the ones who are providing in-person classes, there are changes and restrictions to life as we know it. Attendance at sporting events has been restricted or totally shut down, clubs and activities are conducting many of their meetings remotely, restaurants and bars have limited options, and many on-campus programming events were canceled (orientation, parents weekend, reunions). What have been some of the psychological impacts, positive and negative, on college students as a result of the pandemic and how can we help students to prep mentally and physically for 2021. Jed Applerouth joins us to share some ways students and parents can destress, recalibrate our lives for greater balance and create a healthier environment to live, work, and learn.

When we think of our aspirational climate, what does that mean? What type of climate, culture, and environment do we want to live, learn, and work in? Our ideal or aspiration environment on campus or in a workplace is one that protects intellectual exploration, advances mutual respect, promotes inclusivity in and outside of a classroom or office, and allows community members to thrive. We invited James Childs, a Learning Partner in D&I Learning for Facebook, on our show to share his experience and expertise on how we can create an environment and culture that fosters inclusivity, promotes diversity, and celebrates a supportive community.

The transition to college is not always easy. It is hard and it can be lonely at times. Many students end up transferring but there are others who decide to stay and give it a go. We reached out to students to share their stories to help other students experiencing the same feelings, situations or thoughts especially now during COVID. Carson Kraycik shared her experience as a freshman at NC State and now as a sophomore navigating college and COVID.

How do you set yourself up for success in college to obtain internships that will help you long term? College is the time to explore and gain valuable work and life experiences both in and outside of the classroom. Internships and research opportunities are part of the experiential learning opportunities available to students throughout their college experience. Students need to take advantage and embrace their time in college to learn, network, and gain insight into different disciplines, professions, and organizations. Sharise Kent will walk us through her steps and advice on how to make every moment in college count.

Wondering how to hit the ground running at school? A former college professor and current high school teacher Dr. Joseph Mendes shares his tips and strategies for students. As an educator in both university and high school spheres, Dr. Mendes knows what it takes to succeed as a student and how to effectively transition into college. If you have ever wondered what to say in an email to your new professor or how to write your first college paper, tune in this week and get the inside scoop from Dr. Mendes!

As we continue to reach out to parents about their college search process, we are thrilled to release Part II of the Dad's Podcast series with John Mulligan and John Goldenberg who will share their stories and insights with us about their experiences with their kids during the college admissions journey. With every person we talk with, we learn something new. It is so helpful as each story is unique and everyone has different tips and perspectives on ways to approach the college admissions process the second time around. John Mulligan has advice for parents of student-athletes and John Goldenburg, as a Penn Alumni interviewer, shares several tips for students as well as they relate to interviews.

Are you a student thinking about switching majors or programs? Do you have a dream of starting your own company? Where and how do you even begin? Olivia Menzia joins us today as a recent Marquette graduate who started not one but two companies while attending Marquette University. Liv shares her story, advice, and guidance for students.

Are you helping your son or daughter with the college admissions process? We are really excited about today’s podcast as we reached out to Dad’s to get their take on the college search process with their kids - what was helpful, what was not, what they wished they had to make the journey easier from the college search and visit perspective. When I was growing up my parents provided moral support and financial support but other than that, they were not overly involved in the process. In fact, I went to visit some colleges on my own! Days have changed. We wanted to hear from Dad’s who have been there and done that to get their perspective on what worked, what did not, what they wish they could do over again, what resources were especially helpful and what was not. What tips do they have for someone going through the process for the 1st time? We will have a Mom’s series as well.