äçÐÄvlogÃâ·ÑBÕ¾

University to conclude partnership with Gardner Institute

Aug. 27, 2025

The äçÐÄvlogÃâ·ÑBÕ¾ has elected to end its formal partnership with the Gardner Institute, bringing the current project to a close in September.

This decision follows a similar decision by the University of Alaska Southeast to discontinue its own partnership with the Gardner Institute earlier this year. The äçÐÄvlogÃâ·ÑBÕ¾ Gardner Institute Steering Committee recommended this after determining that Gardner Institute’s facilitation style and processes did not align with äçÐÄvlogÃâ·ÑBվ’s distinct context and needs. While äçÐÄvlogÃâ·ÑBÕ¾ remains committed to strengthening the foundational postsecondary experience to promote and improve student success, it was clear that a different approach would be more effective for the äçÐÄvlogÃâ·ÑBÕ¾ campus.

The university will continue this work through existing efforts, most recently advanced under the First-Year Redesign, which will continue through the äçÐÄvlogÃâ·ÑBÕ¾ Retention Hub. A final report, based on recommendations from the Retention Hub, will be reviewed by the project’s steering committee and leadership team in September. That report will guide the development of a forward-looking plan that builds on the top priorities identified for äçÐÄvlogÃâ·ÑBÕ¾.