Skip to main content


Repost Message will copy the article into draft mode and enable you to edit/change dates and information.
Do not change the dates of this posting because it will affect the original.

MCC Daily Tribune

Nudging Students to Persist

Teams of MCC faculty and staff are developing data-informed student outreach--nudges. A nudge is a short, positive message designed to encourage behaviors associated with increased persistence.

Each nudge begins as a data-informed insight of the Data, Insights, Action, Learning (DIAL) Working Group gained from Institutional Research and Civitas Learning. Then, an ad hoc Innovation Lab team carefully crafts a targeted nudge to transform insight into action.

Past nudges sought to:

  • develop a sense of belonging for students with a high GPA but may benefit from non-academic resources to persist.
  • build a physical sense of community for fully online students.
  • refocus students on their goals to stay on path for graduation.
  • develop personal connection with learning center staff and raise awareness of resources.

Topics for the next Innovation Lab nudge campaigns:

  • Online orientation
  • Blackboard activity

Contact Ryan Messenger if you want to learn more about nudges.

Ryan Messenger
DIAL Working Group
03/26/2018