
Strategy
Ascend

Through the Ascend survey, faculty gather anonymous student feedback multiple times during the semester to better understand students’ classroom experience. The survey captures perceptions of motivation, connection, and support, and the results help instructors reflect on how students are experiencing and engaging with the course. Faculty then meet in institutional and cross-institutional groups to discuss results, share strategies for improvement and provide professional encouragement. This data-informed approach strengthens teaching and helps build more supportive learning environments for students while building faculty networks and community.
Leadership Team

Rachael Hannah
University of Alaska Anchorage

Sushilla Knottenbelt
University of New Mexico

Christine Rodriguez
Fairfield University

Karen Schmeichel
Otterbein University



"Ascend has allowed me to understand better how students in my classes are experiencing the classroom. I have had conversations with them that would not have been possible otherwise."

Elizabeth Jensen
Associate Professor of Chemistry, Oglethorpe University
See Our Other Strategies
See more information about each strategy.