Over the past decade, U.S. colleges and universities have faced increasing pressure from funders, policymakers, and advocates to improve degree completion rates and demonstrate their value to students. At the same time, researchers have produced substantial evidence about the efficacy of a number of structural and pedagogical changes institutions can make to help students succeed. These changes include remedial course redesign, proactive advising and coaching, active learning pedagogies incorporating technology, and streamlined pathways through institutions. Since January 2015, Ithaka S+R has published a series of case studies focused on exactly this question: how have institutions with demonstrated success in improving student outcomes managed the implementation of effective and innovative practices? This report elaborates the strategic essentials using illustrative examples from Ithaka S+R case studies.