Higher Ed Pulse

The “Invisible” Student: Addressing Equity in Recruitment and Retention

Episode Summary

In this thought-provoking episode, Mallory and Seth discuss the transformative potential of AI in addressing equity challenges in higher education. They explore how AI can help institutions better serve "invisible students" — nontraditional learners, first-generation students, and those balancing work or family responsibilities. Highlighting the intersection of technology and education, they provide actionable strategies to improve student success, persistence, and graduation rates.

Episode Notes

In this thought-provoking episode, Mallory and Seth discuss the transformative potential of AI in addressing equity challenges in higher education. They explore how AI can help institutions better serve "invisible students" — nontraditional learners, first-generation students, and those balancing work or family responsibilities. Highlighting the intersection of technology and education, they provide actionable strategies to improve student success, persistence, and graduation rates.

Key Takeaways

Why "Invisible Students" Need Attention 
Mallory sets the stage by defining invisible students as those who often go unnoticed in traditional education systems—such as first-generation students, working adults, and part-time learners. These populations represent a significant portion of the student body but are disproportionately likely to face barriers to graduation, compounding financial challenges like student loan debt.

How AI Can Help 
AI-first strategies can transform how institutions support these students:

  1. Proactive Intervention: Predictive analytics identify early warning signs of student disengagement.
  2. Personalized Education: Tailored experiences boost engagement and retention.
  3. Accessible Support: AI-powered virtual assistants offer help 24/7, meeting students at their point of need.
  4. Data-Driven Decision Making: Institutions can reallocate resources based on real-time insights.

Real-World Example: Trinity Valley Community College 
Mallory highlights Trinity Valley Community College’s success in implementing AI tools to address the needs of working students. Their AI assistant supports enrollment and student engagement, resulting in an 18% increase in their graduating class—an example of AI's tangible impact on student success.

The Need for Product Innovation 
Seth emphasizes the importance of designing flexible program structures. For example:

Final Thoughts

The conversation underscores the importance of leveraging AI to support nontraditional learners and first-generation students. Seth and Mallory emphasize that affordability and accessibility are key to implementing these solutions effectively, particularly for community colleges and other under-resourced institutions.