Summer melt is not just the ice cream cone in your hand. It's those students, who pre-pandemic were eagerly planning for college in the fall, but who are now re-considering their plans entirely. And you probably know some of them. In a recent national survey by Strada Education Network, 2 out of every 3 students (aged 18-24; read more here) have re-considered their educational plans. This is far more than the typical 10 to 20% melt that we have seen in the past.

With so many campuses shifting their “back to school” plans for Fall 2020, first-year college students are deciding whether: 1) continue as intended at their chosen 4-year university but with the uncertainty of an unknown number of courses offered only online; 2) attend community college (likely also online) but closer to home; or 3) take the year off.

Universities have ramped up their outreach to admitted students. Attempting to stop summer melt is evident in the texts to admitted students, psyching them up for online orientation or unveiling the new virtual campus tour. It’s in the use of chatbots, like Pounce at Georgia State University, that remind students about deadlines and offer assistance. Check out Pounce.

 These efforts are AWESOME and absolutely necessary. They help students establish an affiliation with the campus, which is critical in developing students' sense of belonging and institutional commitment to credential completion (degree, certificate, or otherwise).

But we may just need a cone full of chocolate at the bottom to prevent this year’s summer melt. This includes the work of college access and attainment organizations like College Point, College Possible, College Advising Corps, and Reach Higher along with every high school’s teachers and counselors. At the end of the day, students, who are questioning their college decision, are probably more likely to reach out or respond to the folks they already know and trust, who have helped them get to this point already. That’s YOU!

 The normal dog days of summer can heighten worries and introduce anxieties of not being good enough or smart enough. But this isn’t a normal year. This summer, students are questioning whether online learning is worth it or their financial situation may have changed due to job losses within the family. This is the time when teachers, counselors, educators, friends can make all the difference. A short text saying “You’ve got this” or a kind offer to listen may be just what that student needs.

 This is the time to be the chocolate in the bottom of the ice cream cone, preventing summer melt and promoting students to go after the goals they set in the spring.

I’d love to hear how you are stopping summer melt in your own community. Take a moment and leave a comment.

Tricia Seifert is a student success author, researcher, and innovator. One of her greatest joys is working with students to develop games and other ideas to support student success.