Welcome to Authentic Academic Insights
Transforming Small Moments into Lasting Impact
We are a boutique consulting firm that strengthens mission-driven organizations through human-centered research, mid-level leadership development, and change management.
We help colleges, schools, nonprofits, and other organizations improve climate, communication, collaboration, and retention by elevating the small interactions that shape organizational culture. Using a rigorous, qualitative approach and values-driven facilitation, we translate lived experiences into actionable insights, sustainable strategies, and mission-aligned solutions that help people and institutions thrive.
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Our Academic consulting emphasizes
Human-centered solutions
We take a systems-level approach that focuses on faculty and staff teams rather than relying on isolated programs. Instead of simply adding new initiatives, we help institutions:
- Assess & Understand – Conduct research and reporting to evaluate how students and employees currently experience belonging and where institutional structures either support or hinder success.
- Train & Equip – Provide practical training and coaching for faculty and staff to improve advising, teaching, and student engagement.
- Refine & Sustain – Develop iterative, data-informed changes to academic and student support practices that enhance student success without adding administrative costs.
Our Vision
A future where leaders and educators see students and each other holistically and approach their work with clarity and purpose.
Our Mission
We strengthen higher education institutions by cultivating belonging, optimizing student pathways, and enhancing the learning experience through human-centered approaches.
Our Academic Consultants
We have over 50 years of combined experience as faculty and leaders. We apply our training as researchers to uncover meaningful insights about learning and the student experience.
Rethinking Student Success
Colleges and universities are deeply invested in student success, creating new centers, programs, and roles to support retention and persistence. Yet, true transformation happens not through additional structures alone, but through the daily experiences students have in classrooms, advising meetings, and campus interactions. A sense of belonging doesn’t come from a single initiative—it is fostered by engaged faculty, clear curricula, and effective advising.
Our Services
Creating active and engaging learning environments
By aligning school-specific data with proven best practices, we help institutions uncover practical, mission-aligned solutions. In a competitive higher ed landscape, we support teams to create meaningful change using existing resources—small investment, big impact.
Whether it’s strengthening academic advising, refining workplace practices, or designing better student support systems, we help institutions create environments where students, faculty, and staff can thrive.
Institution-specific research and reporting on campus belonging.
Workshops and coaching on belonging and relational practice
Integration of High Impact Practices
Institution-Specific Research
Workshops and Coaching
Integration of High Impact Practices
Our Approach
We help faculty and staff maximize interactions that energize and uplift students—and minimize those that create barriers or distance.
Our approach is focused on those who support students everyday—whether in person or online, in undergraduate or graduate programs. When teams have the right strategies and structures to foster belonging, institutions can create lasting, evidence-based change that enhances both student success and workplace effectiveness.
Why Choose Us
Why Choose Authentic Academic Insights?
Holistic
A human-centered approach prioritizing people, experiences, and evidence
Focused
Institution-specific research on student belonging
Experienced
Over 50 years of experience in higher education
Expert
Trained educational and social science researchers
Personalized
Smaller firm means more affordable and more time and attention to your institution’s needs
Proactive
Planning for sustainable change rather than short-term fixes
F. A. Q
Frequently Asked Questions
We take a human-centered approach, focusing on the faculty and staff who directly impact student success. Instead of solely layering on new programs, we optimize existing structures, improve team effectiveness, and create evidence-backed strategies that foster belonging. Our work is informed by qualitative methods, including interviews and focus groups, to ensure our recommendations align with the real experiences of students, faculty, and staff.
We begin with a conversation to understand your institution’s needs, strengths, and aspirations. Then, we develop tailored recommendations—whether research, training, or program planning—to provide actionable solutions. Our process is collaborative, designed to strengthen your existing teams and structures for long-term success.
We partner with colleges and universities of all sizes – as well as schools and other educational institutions – working closely with leadership teams, faculty, advisors, and student success professionals. Our work spans high school, undergraduate, and graduate programs, in-person and online learning environments. By engaging stakeholders directly through interviews and focus groups, we ensure that our approach is relevant and responsive to the unique culture of each institution.
Yes! We offer trainings, coaching, and workshops for any size team on any of our service areas. Not sure whether your needs match the offered trainings? Just ask! We're happy to tailor trainings to meet the needs of your institution.
Reach out for a consultation! We’ll discuss your institution’s strengths and opportunities and explore how our expertise—grounded in research, interviews, and focus groups—can help you create meaningful, lasting change.
