Strategic Student Engagement: Alternative Pathways in Population Health:
A model for student-centered advising and program alignment
This student advising initiative was developed to strengthen retention and engagement for students exploring nontraditional or redirected pathways into population health.
Designed while leading the Population Health program at Utah Tech University, the model blends structured advising, outreach campaigns, and relational touchpoints to support students not initially admitted to their first-choice programs. By positioning Population Health as a powerful and flexible alternative, this approach fosters confidence, academic persistence, and leadership growth.
Core Elements of the Model Include:
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Data Collaboration: Program leaders and advisors identify and track newly admitted or redirected students to maintain real-time awareness of interest and engagement levels.
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Personalized Outreach: Students receive welcome emails, milestone celebrations (e.g., graduation messages), and check-ins to reinforce their identity within the program and invite ongoing connection.
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Ongoing Communication: Quarterly newsletters highlight success stories, program updates, and career pathways in population health to build momentum and visibility.
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Event-Based Engagement: Faculty-hosted meetups, seminars, and workshops provide relational opportunities for prospective and current students to explore population health in action.
This advising model has served as a blueprint for retention, identity-building, and pathway expansion—especially for first-generation, transfer, or redirected students seeking a meaningful academic home in the health professions.
Data Collection and Collaboration:
Objective:
To proactively identify and engage students newly admitted or exploring Population Health as an alternative or emerging academic pathway.
Process:
Advisors and the Population Health Program Director will jointly compile and maintain a centralized list of newly admitted Population Health students, including those redirected from other programs.
Management Strategy:
Implement a structured system to regularly update and review the list, enabling effective tracking of student interest, engagement trends, and advising outcomes. This supports early intervention, targeted communication, and long-term program planning.
Communication Strategy:
Welcome Email
Send an introductory email to students who matriculate as a population health student, providing an overview of population health programs and opportunities.
Regular Newsletters
Develop a monthly or quarterly newsletter featuring updates, success stories, and highlights from the population health field.
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Include information on Population Health and related programs, emphasizing the benefits and career opportunities.
Graduation Email
Send a congratulatory email in March/April celebrating the milestones the students have achieved reminding them that we want to stay with us to complete their BS in a Population Health Program.
Personalized Check-Ins
Schedule periodic check-ins via email or phone with students, especially those who weren't admitted to their first-choice program.
Provide guidance and answer any questions they may have about population health programs.
Engagement Through Events:
Invitations to Campus Events
Extend invitations to population health-related seminars, guest lectures, or workshops happening on campus.
Organize meet-and-greet sessions with faculty and current students in the BAS- HA program.
Open Houses and Q&A Sessions
Arrange open house events where prospective students can visit, interact with faculty, and get a feel for the program.
Conduct Q&A sessions where students can have their concerns addressed in real-time.
Virtual Information Sessions and Webinars
Host regular webinars and virtual info sessions covering various aspects of the population health programs.
Include topics like career paths, curriculum details, and student experiences.
Continuous Engagement:
Global and Population Health Hour
Invite students to hear from industry professionals.
Peer Mentorship Programs
Pair interested students with current students or alumni in the population health field for mentorship and guidance.
Tracking and Feedback:
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Implement a system to track the engagement levels and conversion rates of students who showed interest in population health.
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Regularly solicit feedback from these students to understand their needs better and improve the engagement strategy.