Case Studies

Wayne State University

Detroit, Michigan

Wayne State University is a major public research university located in Detroit, Michigan, known for its urban campus and wide range of academic offerings. With an enrollment of around 23,000–24,000 students, it is one of the largest and most diverse universities in the U.S., offering more than 370 academic programs across undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels. A Carnegie R1 research institution, Wayne State combines comprehensive academic excellence with community engagement and career preparation, making it a significant presence in American higher education.

23,000
+
Students
450
+
Planners
USA
Region

The Challenge

Like many institutions, Wayne State University was navigating challenges related to:

  • Student wellbeing and mental health pressures
  • Engagement and motivation during the academic year
  • Supporting student persistence and retention
  • Ensuring students were aware of and actively using existing support services

The institution was seeking a solution that would complement existing initiatives while providing students with a practical, everyday tool to support success.

The Approach

Semester Student Planner worked closely with the student affairs team and supporting functions across the institution to co-create a bespoke planner aligned with their student success strategy. The process included:

  • In-depth consultation with student success and wellbeing teams
  • Alignment with existing support services, resources, and institutional priorities
  • Selection of coaching, wellbeing, and personal development frameworks relevant to their students
  • Design iterations to ensure relevance, usability, and student engagement

The result was a planner designed not just to organize time, but to actively reinforce positive behaviors and help students take ownership of their growth.

What We Delivered

A snapshopt of what was provided:

  • Number of planners produced: 1,500
  • Student population: Full-time on campus students
  • Academic year: 2022–2026
  • Delivery format: Physical planners (bespoke student success planners)
  • Keynotes included: Yes
  • In-person or virtual coaching: Yes

What They Said

What the Institution Said

Working with the cofounders, Nathan Marr and Joe Hilton, has been an absolute pleasure. Throughout the entire process, they have been thoughtful partners—listening closely, welcoming feedback, and offering innovative ideas that elevated the final product far beyond the standard academic planners we had provided to our studentathletes in the past. Their responsiveness and attention to detail made the project not only smooth but truly enjoyable.
-
Madeleine Mckenna (Assistant Athletic Director for Student Support Services)
|
Wayne State University

Impact

Through the partnership, Tarleton State University was able to

  • Provide students with a tangible, structured support tool
  • Reinforce wellbeing, reflection, and proactive planning
  • Create a shared framework that aligned students, staff, and support services
  • Strengthen the institution’s approach to student engagement and success

Location

Institution Location

  • Newcastle, United Kingdom

The Result

Through the partnership, [Institution Name] was able to

  • Provide students with a tangible, structured support tool
  • Reinforce wellbeing, reflection, and proactive planning
  • Create a shared framework that aligned students, staff, and support services
  • Strengthen the institution’s approach to student engagement and success

(If quantitative outcomes are available, this is where they sit. If not, keep impact narrative-led and credible.)

Interested in a similar partnership?

We work with colleges and universities across the US, UK, and Australia to design bespoke student success planners aligned with institutional goals.