What happens when universities stop thinking of “student experience” as a buzzword and start treating it like an outcome-driven mission?

In this episode of The Vinedown, host Emily Smith sits down with Joe Hartman, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs at UMass Lowell, to explore how his university reimagined student success by breaking down longstanding silos between academics, student life, and career services.

Drawing on insights from employer feedback and research-backed frameworks, Joe and his team developed the groundbreaking Mosaic Student Experience. It’s an intentional system that helps students build a comprehensive record of not just classroom achievements, but also real-world experiences, co-curricular activities, and professional milestones. The goal: Ensure that every student leaves campus career-ready, equipped with crucial soft skills, and fully prepared for life beyond graduation.

In this conversation, you’ll learn:

• Why academic and student affairs should live under one roof—and how merging these typically separated functions can radically improve student outcomes.

• The “Mosaic” framework UMass Lowell uses to guide students intentionally through a customized, holistic college experience.

• How UMass Lowell tackles equity gaps by guaranteeing paid, career-aligned internships for all students—including majors traditionally excluded from these opportunities.

• Joe’s unique insights into why soft skills like communication, teamwork, and adaptability increasingly determine graduates’ career success—and how higher ed can better cultivate them.

• What higher ed leaders can do right now to build meaningful career-connected experiences that benefit first-generation, Pell-eligible, and underserved student populations.

If you care about closing gaps, breaking outdated structures, and helping students succeed in college and beyond, you won’t want to miss this episode.

Tune into the full episode on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts!