FYI, host Gil Rogers travels to San Antonio, TX, for the Ellucian Live 2024 conference and catches up first with Andrew Veatch and then Matt Baker from Mongoose to talk about this year's conference, including the different sessions, and hear what’s going on with the hot topic of the conference: AI, specifically AI chat technologies.  They talk about the shift from traditional, rigid chatbots to AI's potential in offering tailored conversations and delve into the challenges of integrating AI across various departmental systems within higher education. For Your Institution Podcast is a prod ..read more

Aaron Basko, author of the new book Find Your Purpose: Manage Your Career, joins FYI host Gil Rogers to talk about the secrets to aligning your innate talents with your professional life. Aaron, with his wealth of experience in higher education, shares how to empower not only students but also seasoned professionals to refine and capitalize on their strengths for a rewarding career.  They also discuss the art of personal branding, the nuances of strategic decision-making, and how to approach resumes and interviews. This episode is rich with strategies to navigate career development even w ..read more

Carlos Cano, Director of Undergraduate Admissions at the Stevens Institute of Technology, joins FYI host Gil Rogers to talk about what it’s like steering a college's admissions helm in 2024, against the backdrop of an ever-shifting landscape. Carlos and Gil discuss subtle shifts in student preferences in the wake of the pandemic and the complexities of recruiting in a densely populated state like New Jersey. Discover the delicate dance of patience and grace in the university admissions scene, particularly in light of FAFSA delays that put students and families on edge this year. Carlos brings ..read more

Joel Bauman, Senior Vice President for Enrollment at Duquesne University, joins FYI host Gil Rogers to talk about the recent FAFSA turmoil that has left students and institutions in a bind. With Joel's unique perspective as both a university administrator and a parent, they wade through the choppy aftermath of the FAFSA miscalculation crisis.  Discover how disparities in university resources are creating waves in the financial aid landscape and what this may mean for the future of higher education. As we navigate the often confusing corridors of financial assistance, Joel's insights remin ..read more

Kyle Campbell, the founder of Education Marketer, joins FYI host Gil Rogers to talk about what happens when the dynamic world of TikTok collides with the academic arena of higher education marketing. In a landscape where every second of content is a precious commodity, they dive into why higher education marketing must move past the ‘like’ button to create stories that resonate and inform.  If you're involved in higher education or simply curious about the nexus of social media and academia, this conversation is your playbook for navigating the ever-evolving rules of digital engagement. F ..read more

Mary Beth Marks, Executive Director for Strategic Enrollment Marketing and Campus Visits and Events at University of the Pacific, joins FYI host Gil Rogers to talk about the latest information on this year's FAFSA application timelines, and what institutions and students can do to best strategize and prepare for the delayed rollout and the challenges that it will present. Mary Beth also shares some insights on some of the long-term benefits of the overhaul to the FAFSA, despite the current implementation challenges. These are challenges that face all sides of higher education and this episode ..read more

Jon-Stephen Stansel, social media strategist in both academia and entertainment industries, joins FYI host Gil Rogers to talk about crafting effective social media strategies. In an industry where platforms can vanish without a moment's notice, they discuss the resilience needed and the importance of having a pulse on the crowd's chatter – the art of social listening that shapes marketing far before a product sees the light of day. From demystifying the complexity of 'simple' posting to clarifying the blurred lines between managers and creators, this episode underscores the necessity for inter ..read more

W. Kent Barnds, executive vice president for strategy and innovation at Augustana College, joins FYI host Gil Rogers to talk about the current state of this year's FAFSA applications and information which have both been abnormally slow.   Kent shares his invaluable insights into the complexities faced by both students and university staff during this transformative period. Gil and Kent delve into the impact of FAFSA simplification on students and universities, including what offers they are able to make to students and how the degree of certainty they can make those offers directly a ..read more

Charlie Melichar joins FYI host Gil Rogers to talk about how to use technology effectively to facilitate better connections with alumni and advancement offices.  The conversation also covers Charlie's career journey, starting in radio and pivoting through journalism and public relations, before settling into higher education consulting at his own firm. Charlie makes a good argument that the quality of outcomes from any technological tool depends on the level of understanding and goals set before it ever gets used.  For Your Institution Podcast is a production of Mongoose Research. &n ..read more

Brad Barnett, Associate Vice President for Access & Enrollment Management/Director of Financial Aid & Scholarships at James Madison University, joins FYI host Gil Rogers to check back in on the unusual situation this year’s FAFSA delays have put institutions in and what steps can be done by enrollment managers to best prepare for the challenges that those delays present. Brad tells Gil about how institutions like JMU are leveraging tools like net price calculators and fostering an environment of reassurance to ensure that they are in the best position to handle the processing burden of ..read more