Episode 52: Three Tactics to Stop Summer Melt

About the Episode

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About the Episode:

In this special compilation episode of Talking Tactics, host Day sifts through the archives to bring you a trio of field-tested summer strategies that actually move the needle. From boosting post-deposit engagement with 90% email open rates to winning back withdrawn students with a creative goodbye message, these stories from real enrollment pros are packed with actionable ideas for reducing summer melt.

Targeted post-deposit emails can drive serious results—Darcy Porter at SUNY Brockport boosted fall registrations 8x year-over-year with a focused email strategy. — Listen to Episode 4
Texting about financial aid isn’t just helpful—it’s powerful. Kristin Miller at Frostburg State saw a 7% drop in melt after guiding families through the billing process with timely texts. — Listen to Episode 49
Withdrawn doesn’t mean gone forever. Sean Whitten at SMU brought 10% of withdrawn students back with a personalized GIF goodbye email.— Listen to Episode 44

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People in this episode

Host

Dayana Kibilds

Dayana is the Vice President of Strategy at Ologie.

Interviewee

Darcy Porter

Darcy Porter is the Associate Director of Communications and Content Strategy at SUNY Brockport, where she focuses on web content, enrollment marketing, and social media. She is passionate about pushing boundaries and continually seeking innovation in the ways in which Brockport, and all of higher ed, communicates to prospective students. When Darcy is not scrolling TikTok or attending her kids’ soccer games, she enjoys traveling, skiing, and snuggling every dog she sees.

Kristin Miller

Kristin Miller believes good communication brings people together.

Sean Whitten

Sean Whitten works as the inaugural Director of Strategic Partnerships for SMU in Dallas

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