Student Success Insights
for your Community

This white paper presents an innovative, neuroscience-informed approach to increasing student retention and su...

This white paper presents an innovative, neuroscience-informed approach to increasing student retention and success in higher education. By fostering a sense of belonging and creating psychologically safe environments, institutions can significantly impact student engagement, achievement, and overall well-being. This approach is particularly effective for at-risk student populations and can significantly impact retention rates. By integrating neuroscience insights, student development theory, and cutting-edge technology, institutions can create transformative educational environments that empower every student to thrive.

Purpose is the foundation and the guiding force of a student's journey, and storytelling builds out the framew...

Purpose is the foundation and the guiding force of a student's journey, and storytelling builds out the framework of their experience. The stories we tell on our campuses can be used as tools to build connection and communicate essential themes in our culture.

If you want to build authentic and lasting relationships, you'll need to embrace vulnerability–which is easier...

If you want to build authentic and lasting relationships, you'll need to embrace vulnerability–which is easier said than done. Here's some insight on the value of vulnerability and how it can be used to foster deeper connections on your campus.

In higher education, our students should understand the value of learning from failure. As we work to prepare ...

In higher education, our students should understand the value of learning from failure. As we work to prepare our students for the challenges that lie ahead of them, let's build an environment where they feel encouraged to take risks and expand their comfort zone.

As the spring semester wraps up on campuses across the nation, many of us are gearing up for summer vacations ...

As the spring semester wraps up on campuses across the nation, many of us are gearing up for summer vacations and catching up on rest. Here are some tips on setting healthy work boundaries to ensure successful relaxation.

Our greatest work is accomplished when we are focused on the success of our students. When we think about the ...

Our greatest work is accomplished when we are focused on the success of our students. When we think about the type of culture we want to build on our campus, let's aim to create an environment that shows students that they belong and will succeed as a member of our community.

"By keeping the outcome in mind, Rachel channels her gifts for the betterment of those around her, and she und...

"By keeping the outcome in mind, Rachel channels her gifts for the betterment of those around her, and she understands the potential impact of her daily work." Rachel Elam, the Director of Client Services at Pharos, used her experience as an art major to find her vocation at the intersection of purpose and passion. Here are some insights from Rachel's journey to find a role that allowed her to thrive.

Bradon Owens, the Director of Operations at Pharos, has been working in higher ed since she was a 17-year-old ...

Bradon Owens, the Director of Operations at Pharos, has been working in higher ed since she was a 17-year-old freshman in college. Here are some insights from her time serving in financial aid, career counseling, and the registrar's office.

If you want to transform your most ambitious goals into reality, you'll need a great team to make it happen. F...

If you want to transform your most ambitious goals into reality, you'll need a great team to make it happen. First, you need to learn how to build a vision and communicate it in a way that unites your champions and your decision-makers.

As we continue our conversation on change, learn about the shock factors that will cause your students to cons...

As we continue our conversation on change, learn about the shock factors that will cause your students to consider leaving so you can prepare your organization to leverage the power of community during unexpected hardship.

As we continue our discussion on the topic of change in 2022, let's think about how we can reignite the passio...

As we continue our discussion on the topic of change in 2022, let's think about how we can reignite the passion on our teams and use collaboration to create an impact that lasts.

Higher ed professionals have always been able to adapt to the challenges that come with the rhythm of the acad...

Higher ed professionals have always been able to adapt to the challenges that come with the rhythm of the academic year. The past couple of years, however, presented us with many new problems to solve, and many of us are still in the midst of deciding how to move forward. Today, we want to share how our team is learning to approach the new "no normal" and embrace a new theme for 2022: Change.

We are thrilled to announce Jessica Angelo as our first ever Anchor Athlete! The Anchor Athlete Sponsorship is...

We are thrilled to announce Jessica Angelo as our first ever Anchor Athlete! The Anchor Athlete Sponsorship is for student-athletes who have proven themselves to be a hardworking, resilient, and exemplary teammate on and off the court. We are proud to celebrate Jessica and her commitment to her community!

The Student Success Funnel model is a proven method for increasing student success and retention. Listen to Be...

The Student Success Funnel model is a proven method for increasing student success and retention. Listen to Beth Ross, Dean of Institutional Effectiveness/Chief Data Officer, and Alison Vallereux, Director of Institutional Research, at Emmanuel College talk about their process of using innovative data and practices to identify their most at-risk students and then connect those students with student support colleagues to address students’ most pressing challenges.

A retention-focused campus must have a plan to connect with students, solve problems, and measure success.

Midterm is too late to begin the work of finding and supporting students who are struggling academically.

30 years ago, Dr. Ernest Boyer presented principles that capture the essence of Higher Education--identifying ...

30 years ago, Dr. Ernest Boyer presented principles that capture the essence of Higher Education--identifying “community” as the central organizing factor.

COVID has revealed significant systemic equity issues in Higher Education as students were removed from the fa...

COVID has revealed significant systemic equity issues in Higher Education as students were removed from the facilities, technology, resources, and communities that were put in place to help them succeed. The realization and acknowledgment that this has impacted some of our most vulnerable students led Pharos Resources to create The Summit Initiative in order to address closing the equity gap.

Historically, student conduct has centered around violations, hearings, and sanctions. Please join Rachel Phil...

Historically, student conduct has centered around violations, hearings, and sanctions. Please join Rachel Phillips-Buck, Vice President for Student Success at Pharos Resources, and Michael Burns, Dean of Students.

A team of highly trained success coaches is an important tool for increasing student success. Whether you alre...

A team of highly trained success coaches is an important tool for increasing student success. Whether you already have a team like this in place.

In academics, it is often difficult to connect the many silos that exist on a campus. Blair Cutright, the Lear...

In academics, it is often difficult to connect the many silos that exist on a campus. Blair Cutright, the Learning Services Coordinator.

In many ways, 2020 was a year defined by questions. How much of an impact would the pandemic have on our socia...

In many ways, 2020 was a year defined by questions. How much of an impact would the pandemic have on our social and economic systems? How long would the ‘new normal’ remain in effect?

Looking back on the year we had, it’s easy to reminisce on the hardship we faced while acknowledging the conti...

Looking back on the year we had, it’s easy to reminisce on the hardship we faced while acknowledging the continued after-shock of a historically difficult moment. But when we turn our attention to the future, to the shore ahead, we also realize the opportunity we’ve been given. Over the last 12 months, we learned just how resilient we are and, in the case of higher education, schools were forced to re-examine their processes. Educational professionals had to consider how to support students, at a time when academic/social support would, in large part, determine their continued success.

In many ways, the pandemic opened up the ground beneath our feet, and, unfortunately, some students simply did...

In many ways, the pandemic opened up the ground beneath our feet, and, unfortunately, some students simply didn’t have anything to hold on to. Not all students have access to the “bare necessity” resources at home, so how could we expect all students to succeed within this format? The Summit Initiative will bring together participating schools to share the way(s) they’ve solved problems, share best practices, present on challenging topics, compare equity challenges, and compare equity assessments against other benchmark data.