Early Engagement Indicators and Student Success: Multi-Campus Perspectives

Thursday, May 28, 2026

10:45 AM - 11:45 AM East Coast USA Time

Location: Catholic University/University of DC

Institution Type: Any

Target Audience: Any

Presenter(s)

Xilin Zhang, Ph.D. (she/her/hers)

Associate Director of Institutional Research
New Jersey Institute of Technology, New Jersey, United States
DY

Dantong (Amy) Yang, M.S.

Assistant Director of Institutional & Applied Research
Penn State Behrend, United States
Jennifer X. Wu, Ph.D. (she/her/hers)

Chief Engineering Analytics Officer
Penn State College of Engineering
University Park, Pennsylvania, United States
XL

Xiaoyan (Rita) Liu, Ph.D.

Director of Institutional Research
Bucknell University
Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, United States
QS

Qingmin Shi, Ph.D.

Director of Research
University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

Session Abstract: Student engagement is a well-established predictor of success, yet campuses vary widely in how they track, analyze, and utilize engagement data, especially early indicators. Fragmented approaches often miss critical opportunities for timely support. This multi-campus panel explores how early engagement signals, captured during the critical transition into college (e.g., participation of orientation) and the first semester, can inform institutions with the time and insight needed to act earlier before challenges escalate. Presenters will showcase integrated practices that identify meaningful metrics, align data with institutional goals, and translate insights into actions. Attendees will gain practical frameworks for building sustainable, data-informed engagement systems that promote student success from day one.

Keywords: Student engagement, Early engagement indicators, Student success, Multi-Campus Perspectives