Innovative, Evidence-Informed Student Engagement – August 4, 2026

Tuesday, August 4, 2026 11:00 am – 12:30 pm ET Practical Approaches to Increase Participation and Build Connection & Belonging Today's students are redefining what they expect from their college experience, challenging institutions to rethink how they design programs, allocate resources, and foster meaningful connections. As social isolation and mental health concerns continue to impact student engagement, many campuses struggle to provide experiences that resonate with students' evolving needs and preferences. When students do not feel connected or supported, persistence can suffer. At the same time, institutions face increasing pressure to demonstrate the impact of co-curricular programming, improve participation rates, and protect both student success outcomes and institutional resources. Join us on August 4, 2026 to explore innovative, evidence-informed strategies that help students build connection and belonging while equipping practitioners with practical approaches to increase engagement and support persistence. Topics Covered Leave this webinar prepared to confidently: Identify opportunities to close the engagement-expectation gap and better align programs with today's student needs. Evaluate how gamification and play-based interventions can reduce social anxiety and strengthen social readiness. Assess emerging AI-driven tools and digital resources to determine which approaches can enhance outreach, increase participation, and better support your student populations. Explore award-winning and innovative programs that have successfully increased engagement and supported student persistence. Expand your toolkit with holistic wellness and creative programming strategies designed to connect with diverse student populations. Utilize existing resources, funds, and community partnerships to build new, engaging programs that address areas of frustration and concern. Presenter Dr. Cathy Briggs currently serves as the Dean of Student Success at Rowan College at Burlington County (RCBC). Click here for full bio.