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  • Online Presence for Academics Attending Virtual Events

    Online Presence for Academics Attending Virtual Events

    I love virtual events. Maybe you do too. But it’s okay if you don’t. As my guest on The Social Academic, Dr. Julia Barzyk said, “research is becoming virtual first.” Virtual events are here to stay when it comes to academics and researchers.

    Your online presence can enhance how you experience and interact with people at conferences and events. This is true for both in person and virtual events. But today, I want to chat with you about what to do for your online presence when you’re attending or presenting virtually. In this blog post:

    Tell people you’re attending the virtual conference or event

    Sometimes, professors hesitate to tell people you’re going to a conference or event because it feels self-promotional. 

    But, actually, when you share you’re headed to an event (even when it’s virtual), you help a lot of people. You can help your

    • Colleagues
    • Students
    • event organizers
    • Speakers

    There are also people who are anxious to join the conversation. Conference attendees sometimes wait for someone, anyone else to use the conference hashtag on social media first. I get that. It can be hard to start a conversation.

    When you think about the people you have the potential to help? Thinking about those people helps the time I’ve put into crafting a post be a lot more meaningful. My professor clients have found that’s true for them too.

    Here are a few places you can share you’re headed to a virtual event:

    • Social media
    • Your website
    • Mentioning in person

    Tip: The most dynamic way you can improve your online presence and your presence at any event you’re presenting at is by improving your speaker bio.

    Subscribe to The Social Academic blog.

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    Watch my video on speaker bios with Dr. Echo Rivera

    Share about the specific talks you’re presenting or attending

    View over the shoulder of a professor who is attending a live virtual event. On his open laptop screen is the speaker, a person with short hair and glasses, smiling.

    When you share the talk you’re presenting specifically, it helps people know if they can attend. If they can attend (or even if they can’t), it helps people share the event with others who may be interested. Like their grad students.

    Sometimes conference programs are hundreds of pages and multiple days, with concurrent sessions to choose from. I love that virtual events tend to come with options to plan your schedule in advance.

    Let’s say you share your talk on social media too. And, you use the conference hashtag. Only a small percentage of the people presenting are using the conference hashtags (or posting about their talk at all). Already it’s more likely you’ll get eyes on your event.

    When you share the details people need to know if the talk is right for them, things like

    • What your session is about
    • The time and date you’re presenting at
    • Where people can find more info

    It makes a huge difference for people to have ease when learning about your particular event. Some professors make a graphic on Canva, but virtual events tend to create graphics for you. So it’s a good idea to log into the conference platform early to see if there’s a visual way for you to enhance your social media post about your talk. It’s also worth asking the conference hosts if that’s something they plan on having to avoid unnecessary labor (unless you love graphic design, in which case yay!).

    I’ve also worked with a lot of professors who host or moderate events. Sometimes they have multiple events and presentations at the same conference over several days. There’s an inclination to not share their own thing, so it’s okay if you find comfort in sharing the thing you’re hosting instead. It makes a big difference for the panelists or speakers at your event.

    The truth is, people often wait to share about themselves until the last minute (if they ever do). I think that’s often because of either imposter syndrome or time. As a host, you care about this. And you can help make it easy for the speakers at your event to share with ease when you tag them. It’s much easier to repost than to craft it themselves.

    Tips for your social media post reach the right people

    • Use the conference hashtag using #CamelCase where you capitalize the first letters of each word
    • Use up to 1 other hashtag related to your field at the end of your post
    • Tag the event organizer or conference host
    • Tag the speakers

    Visit Accessible Social from Alexa Heinrich for best practices for writing accessible social media posts.

    When you have a link where people can learn more info about your talk or event, please know that most social media algorithms downgrade how many people it shows your post to when you include a link in your post. When you have a link to share, one way to do that is by including the link in the comments or replies of your post. For Twitter/X, you can include the link in a thread.

    Here’s more on sharing your talk or conference presentation on social media.

    Subscribe to The Social Academic blog.

    The form above subscribes you to new posts published on The Social Academic blog.
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    Looking for the podcast? Subscribe on Spotify.
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    Connecting with speakers and attendees virtually 

    A bright room where a woman sits at a table with papers. She's holding an small mug in her hands and is smiling at the red mobile phone in her hands.

    At virtual events, connecting with people in ways that are lasting can actually be easier. That’s because virtual events have virtual platforms where you can have a profile, get a link to click on to find someone’s social media or website, or download their slides/resources. Virtual events may have networking sessions, pre or post events, and ways for you to stay involved.

    Most virtual events have a space for you to create a profile. Your profile helps people see you and get to know who you are. And when you update your profile early (like when access to them opens), you give people opportunity to learn about you as they’re updating their own profile.

    One way to connect with people in advance is by adding an invitation in your bio. For example:

    • Adding a scheduling link and inviting people to meet you for coffee
    • Adding your email and inviting people to contact you if they are interesting in collaborating or networking

    Some conferences have space for you to create your own virtual event (like a hangout with a shared topic of conversation).

    There are also asynchronous ways to feel like you’re part of the community. For instance, the option to ask a Question to all attendees, or to create a poll. Some virtual conferences have games you can participate in. Or a scavenger hunt.

    I love that virtual events can often create better environments to communicate with speakers as compared to in person conferences. When you’re in person, you have what, 10 minutes before your next session starts? Virtual allows for asynchronous options, giving you opportunity to ask questions to speakers before their session (even when you can’t make it live). There’s even space for speakers to upload resources and share links for you to take home.

    When their session has ended, the chat space often stays so people can engage in conversations when watching the replay. And actually, don’t wait for someone else to do it first. If you’re at a virtual even and you see that no one has said anything in the chat (after the event has ended), you can start by thanking the speaker. You can build meaningful relationships with people virtually even when you don’t have a specific conversation or feel unsure of what to say at the moment. Every relationship doesn’t need to be built on something “big” or “deep” or “collaborative.” Do what feels natural.

    Virtual events allow us to have more control, even when it comes to our schedule. I love the flexibility and accessibility they create for academics and researchers. And I know that for some people they’re maybe not your cup of tea. And that’s okay.

    Whether you prefer virtual or in person events, there are ways for you to connect with people in meaningful ways online. And there are ways you can have agency with your online presence to help the people at that conference better know who you are and what you care about.

    Looking for a great platform for your virtual event in HigherEd? Check out Forumm from my friends 448 Studio. Here’s my interview with founder, Dan Marrable.

    Your online presence is a great way to share your research, teaching, and academic life. To find collaborators and make lasting connections. And I want that for you, if it’s something you’re curious about for yourself.

    There are a lot of misconceptions about what your online presence should look like as a professor. And it stops people from feeling confident or comfortable showing up online, even when you know a strong online presence aligns with your goals.

    There are free resources to help you be intentional with your online presence on The Social Academic blog, podcast, and YouTube channel. This article is specifically about your online presence before, during, and after your talk or presentation.

    It’s also okay to want support from a partner who cares about you. Let’s chat about working together on your online presence as a professor or researcher.

    Subscribe to The Social Academic blog.

    The form above subscribes you to new posts published on The Social Academic blog.
    Want emails from Jennifer about building your online presence? Subscribe to her email list.
    Looking for the podcast? Subscribe on Spotify.
    Prefer to watch videos? Subscribe on YouTube.

    Guides and Advice Articles Online Presence How To’s Resources for Grad Students Share Your Research

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  • What to Expect at Your First InsightsEDU Conference

    What to Expect at Your First InsightsEDU Conference

    Whether you’re new to higher education conferences or a seasoned professional looking for fresh expertise, InsightsEDU offers a truly unique experience. As one of the premier conferences focused exclusively on marketing and enrollment management growth, this event is perfectly poised to equip you with networking opportunities that cultivate your understanding of the latest trends and strategies shaping the higher education sector.  

    If you are attending InsightsEDU for the first time, you can look forward to a wealth of knowledge and connections that will enhance your career in higher education and spark new strategies for enrollment growth. In this blog, we’ll guide you through what to expect and how to maximize your time at InsightsEDU 2025, taking place February 12-14, 2025 at The Ritz-Carlon in New Orleans, Louisianna.

    The Purpose of InsightsEDU 

     InsightsEDU serves as a vital platform for higher education professionals to come together and explore the evolving landscape of marketing and enrollment. This conference provides attendees with knowledge and insights to specifically address the needs and preferences of the Modern Learner.   

    By focusing on the unique challenges and opportunities faced by students and institutions alike, InsightsEDU fosters a dynamic learning environment that encourages collaboration and innovation, while empowering higher ed professionals to enhance their impact within their institutions.  

    Elevate Your Knowledge while Immersed in NOLA Atmosphere 

    The 2025 InsightsEDU Conference will take place in New Orleans, where attendees can look forward to valuable insights into the latest trends and strategies in higher education while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of this iconic city. With over 100 colleges and universities represented, including higher education marketers, enrollment managers, and university leaders, you’ll find plenty of chances to network with peers who share your interest and challenges in the realm of higher education.  

    We are committed to providing attendees with an unforgettable experience, and this year’s event will fully embrace the NOLA flair. Highlights include the Bourbon Street Bash, featuring a lively parade, a reception at Bourbon Vieux, and a live jazz performance, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in New Orleans’ culture.    

    This conference promises to blend professional development with the vibrant atmosphere that New Orleans has to offer, ensuring a memorable and impactful experience for attendees.  

    Dive into Engaging Sessions  

    With over 38 sessions lined up, InsightsEDU 2025 offers a diverse range of learning opportunities, from keynote speeches and panel discussions to hands-on workshops. Sessions cover important topics related to emerging marketing trends, enrollment strategies, and evolving student demographics.  

    Sessions like “The Evolving Expectations of the Modern Learner” will explore how institutions can adapt to better serve today’s students, while “From Waitlist to Wins: Creative Strategies to Streamline Admissions & Maximize Enrollment” will share tactics for optimizing the enrollment experience. Additionally, the session “Mapping Content to the Student Journey: A Strategic Approach to Persona-Driven Marketing” will provide insights into aligning your marketing strategies with the needs and preferences of prospective students. These are just a few examples of the many sessions tailored to address the challenges and opportunities facing higher education.  

    With sessions led by over 40 experts in the field, InsightsEDU offers attendees invaluable access to innovative ideas and proven best practices, ensuring you leave the conference equipped with actionable insights to enhance your marketing and enrollment strategies.  

    Making the Most of Networking Opportunities   

    Networking is integral to the InsightsEDU experience, and we’ve crafted ample opportunities for you to connect with peers across disciplines, institutions, and roles. Sessions are designed to focus on the most timely and impactful topics in higher education, aiming to spark innovation and the exchange of ideas among peers. These sessions offer a valuable opportunity to gain fresh insight into shared challenges, while fostering genuine connections and unlocking potential solutions.  

    In addition to these structured moments, dedicated networking breaks and social events provide relaxed spaces to further connect with conference attendees. These moments are designed to cultivate conversations that can lead to valuable professional connections and collaborations. Networking takes many forms at InsightsEDU, with multiple touchpoints designed to cultivate meaningful connections. New sessions, like the “Flow Into Focus: A Yoga Journey for Modern Minds,” hosted by Dr. Jodi Blinco, offer a refreshing way to balance professional growth and personal wellness. This unique session creates another valuable opportunity to connect with peers in a relaxed setting, adding a fresh dimension to the conference experience.  

    To help you make the most of these opportunities, we encourage you to use the conference app as a resource. The app offers features that allow you to connect directly with colleagues, participate in discussion forums, and access the conference agenda, all of which support your networking efforts while keeping you informed. InsightsEDU is the perfect setting to expand your network and engage meaningfully with fellow higher ed professionals navigating today’s landscape.   

    Unlock New Opportunities at InsightsEDU    

    With February right around the corner, now is the perfect time to register for this premier higher education conference dedicated to empowering and igniting innovation within the sector. Take advantage of this opportunity to expand your knowledge and connect with fellow professionals. By actively participating and embracing the conference atmosphere, you can make the most of your experience, gain practical skills, and build meaningful connections.  

    Are you ready to be part of this invaluable event? Register by December 13th to enjoy the early-bird rate and secure discounted attendance for you and your team! 

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  • 5 School Advertising Ideas: Top Dos and Don’ts

    5 School Advertising Ideas: Top Dos and Don’ts

    Reading Time: 10 minutes

    Do you need more school advertising ideas? Today, we’re providing you with the inspiration you need. As a marketing agency with over 15 years of experience in educational marketing, we at HEM understand that school administrators and marketers face unique challenges when promoting their institutions. Traditional advertising methods may no longer yield the same results, and creative approaches are necessary to make a lasting impact. 

    Before we get the strategy, it’s important to define our goals. Though every institution has different objectives, generally, school advertising serves a unique purpose. What is the role of advertisement in education? Educational advertisements are crucial in creating awareness and attracting prospective students by effectively showcasing your educational institution’s unique features, values, and opportunities.

    It helps your school to share your programs, campus life, and success stories, making you more accessible and appealing to a diverse audience. By utilizing targeted advertising strategies, you can reach students who align with your offerings, thus enhancing enrollment rates and fostering a more engaged student body. Additionally, advertising builds a school’s brand and reputation, helping to differentiate it from competitors in an increasingly crowded educational market. In this guide, we’ll walk you through five school advertising ideas, focusing on what works—and what to avoid—so that your marketing efforts are as effective as possible.

    Looking to increase student enrollment?

    Our inbound marketing services can help your school attract and enroll more students!

    Idea 1: Virtual Campus Tours and Interactive Content

    With the increasing reliance on online learning, offering prospective students a virtual tour of your campus has become a highly effective school advertising tactic. This strategy enables you to create an engaging experience that leaves a lasting impression. A static, pre-recorded tour might offer a different personal touch than students are looking for, so consider an interactive experience that allows them to explore your campus on their own terms.

    Do make your virtual tour dynamic and customizable. It lets users choose their path, allowing them to click on different areas of the campus to explore further. This gives prospective students a sense of control and personalization, which is especially important if they cannot visit in person. You should also include interactive elements, like videos that feature current students or faculty members describing life on campus.

    Example: Here, John Cabot University in Rome showcases its unique location and stunning campus in a virtual tour. Visitors can click on different parts of the campus, zoom in for a closer look, and zoom out for a view of the Eternal City.

    JCUJCU

    Source: John Cabot University 

    However, pay attention to the importance of high-quality production. A virtual tour riddled with poor-quality video, muffled sound, or outdated visuals will do more harm than good. Investing in professional video production ensures the user experience is smooth and engaging. Also, make the tour shorter. Prospective students, especially younger ones, often have shorter attention spans, so aim to keep the tour concise but informative.

    If you could use more school advertising ideas, contact HEM here! 

    Idea 2: Personalized Email Campaigns

    Email marketing has long been a reliable channel for reaching potential students, but its effectiveness hinges on personalization. A well-crafted email that speaks directly to students’ interests can do wonders for engagement rates. The key is to use your collected data wisely and create highly targeted email campaigns that resonate with specific student personas.

    Personalize your emails based on the prospective student’s interests, location, and stage in the admissions funnel. Use their first names, reference the programs they have shown interest in, and offer tailored information about how your school can meet their needs. You could include information about extracurricular activities, scholarships, or campus events that align with their interests. Personalization can also extend to automated follow-up emails, keeping your school top-of-mind for students who may not have decided.

    Example: Here, MIT targets a warm lead – someone already interested in a specific program. It uses the prospect’s name, states their program of interest, and provides an attractive but time-sensitive call to action at the end. When creating personalized email campaigns, use segmentation to ensure each email goes to the right individual. Email segmentation is the process of dividing an email list into smaller, targeted groups based on specific criteria such as demographics, behavior, or interests. This allows for more personalized and relevant email marketing, improving engagement and overall campaign effectiveness.

    MITMIT

    Source: MIT | Gmail 

    On the other hand, don’t rely on generic, one-size-fits-all emails. Mass emailing without personalization is an outdated approach that can turn off prospective students, making them feel like just another number. Additionally, avoid sending too many emails too frequently. 

    Bombarding your prospects with irrelevant or repetitive content could cause them to unsubscribe or mark your emails as spam. Finding the right balance between engagement and oversaturation is key.

    Idea 3: Social Media Takeovers and Student-Generated Content

    Social media remains one of the most powerful platforms for schools to engage with prospective students, especially when using platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn for graduate programs. One creative way to leverage social media is through student takeovers. Handing over your social media channels to current students for a day or even a week can offer an authentic look at what life is like at your school. Prospective students are more likely to trust the words and experiences of their peers than a polished marketing message.

    Encourage students to share genuine, unfiltered content that represents their daily lives, whether that’s a behind-the-scenes look at classes, clubs, or dorm life. User-generated content can also effectively highlight diverse voices and experiences, allowing prospective students from all walks of life to see themselves reflected in your school’s culture. User-generated content showing real students living out their passions and making the most of their education can be a powerful marketing tool.

    Example: This student takeover by Oxford University showcases a unique aspect of the school’s culture – formals! Student takeovers are an excellent school advertisement tactic for targeting students who view their learning experience as an opportunity to earn new certifications and make memories.

    englishfacultyenglishfaculty

    Source: Oxford University English Faculty | Instagram 

    However, don’t lose control over your brand’s messaging. While student-generated content should be authentic, it’s important to provide guidelines so that the content stays in line with your school’s values and branding. Avoid situations where inappropriate or irrelevant content is on your official platforms. Striking the right balance between authenticity and professionalism is crucial for this strategy’s success.

    Idea 4: Search Engine Marketing (SEM) with a Focus on Long-Tail Keywords

    Search engine marketing (SEM) is another essential strategy when advertising for schools. While general keywords like “best universities” or “top colleges” are incredibly competitive and expensive, long-tail keywords can help your school reach a more specific audience. For example, keywords like “best nursing programs in Ontario” or “liberal arts colleges with study abroad options” are more likely to attract students who are already well-informed in their decision-making process.

    Do optimize your campaigns by focusing on long-tail keywords that match the unique aspects of your school’s programs. Conduct thorough keyword research to identify phrases that align with what makes your institution special. Additionally, ensure that your ads lead to well-designed landing pages relevant to the search query. If prospective students click on an ad about your nursing program, for example, they should be taken directly to a page with information on that program, not a generic landing page.

    Example: In the metadata of Randolph-Macon Academy’s blog, the title and meta description have been optimized using the long-tail keyword ‘military boarding school’. Be sure to use specific and relevant keywords that fit your target audience.

    rma coderma code

    Source: Randolph-Macon Academy 

    But don’t overspend on highly competitive keywords unlikely to yield significant results. Budgeting for SEM can be tricky, especially for schools with limited resources, so avoid the temptation to compete with bigger institutions on broad, expensive terms. Also, don’t neglect mobile optimization. Many students will be researching schools on their phones, so your SEM efforts should consider mobile-friendly landing pages and a seamless user experience across devices.

    Idea 5: Influencer Partnerships and Micro-Influencers

    The rise of influencer marketing has opened up new opportunities for schools to reach younger audiences, particularly through platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. While partnering with mega-influencers can be costly and may not yield the desired results, working with micro-influencers—those with a smaller but highly engaged following—can be an excellent way to build trust with prospective students. These influencers, often niche content creators or even current students, can offer authentic endorsements of your school.

    Do choose micro-influencers who align closely with your school’s values and the interests of your target audience. For instance, if you’re promoting a nursing program, you might partner with a healthcare-related influencer who can speak authentically to the value of your school’s education. Establish clear objectives for the partnership, whether increasing applications, building brand awareness, or driving traffic to your website.

    Example: This is an excellent example of influencer content your school can use to reach prospects organically. Particularly when it comes to colleges and universities, students worldwide use the experiences of creators like Lydia, who are both relatable and aspirational, providing honest, helpful information about academics and student life. A small audience like Lydia’s is more likely to be trusting and have a very specific or niche interest in various subjects related to your school. Lydia’s YouTube channel posts authentic vlogs of her experience at Yale University, making her content perfect for any student considering enrollment there. You can launch an organic, effective, and cost-efficient school advertising campaign by partnering up with an influencer like her.

    yale youtube videosyale youtube videos

    Source: Lydia Choi | Youtube  

    However, don’t choose influencers solely based on follower count. Engagement rates and the influencer’s connection to your target audience matter much more. Also, avoid overly scripted partnerships that come off as inauthentic. The power of influencer marketing lies in its relatability, so the content produced should feel organic and aligned with the influencer’s usual style.

    Effective school advertising is about blending traditional marketing methods with creative, student-focused approaches such as the digital marketing tactics we’ve explored. You may have heard plenty of buzz around digital marketing, but you may still wonder: Do schools need digital marketers? Schools benefit from digital marketers to effectively reach and engage prospective students online, leveraging platforms like social media, search engines, and email to attract the right audience. Digital marketers use targeted campaigns and data-driven strategies to boost enrollment, enhance the institution’s visibility, and build a positive brand image in an increasingly competitive education landscape. 

    Idea 6: Video Advertising for Maximum Engagement

    Video content is one of the most powerful tools in advertising. When it comes to promoting educational institutions, it offers an engaging way to communicate your school’s values, culture, and opportunities. Platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok provide an ideal space for reaching prospective students, allowing you to tell compelling stories that resonate emotionally. A well-crafted video can showcase your school’s strengths, provide testimonials from current students, and highlight campus life in a way that static images simply cannot.

    Do make use of authentic storytelling in your video ads. Feature real students and staff sharing their experiences, whether about academic achievements, extracurricular activities, or campus culture. A relatable story goes a long way in building a genuine connection with your audience. It’s also important to tailor the content to the platform—short, catchy videos work great on TikTok, while longer, more in-depth content can thrive on YouTube. Keep your audience engaged by adding subtitles since many users watch videos on mute.

    Don’t create overly promotional or staged content. Today’s students can easily spot a scripted advertisement that lacks authenticity. Avoid focusing only on flashy visuals without providing meaningful information; remember, the goal is to attract students genuinely interested in what your school offers. Monitoring your campaigns and understanding which video styles or narratives resonate with your audience is also essential.

    college villacollege villa

    Source: Collège Villa Maria High School | Instagram

    Example: Villa Maria High School uses an engaging video ad to share useful information regarding an open house. Use your advertising to guide prospects to the next desired outcome. 

    To help schools navigate the intricacies of video advertising and other digital campaigns, Higher Education Marketing offers specialized paid advertising services. Our team can help improve your school’s reach in crucial regions, target specific audiences effectively, and strategically remarket to existing leads. With a free consultation, we analyze your paid advertising strategy and identify areas for improvement, ensuring that you get the best return on your investment.

    Whether you’re exploring virtual campus tours or into influencer partnerships, the key to success is connecting with your audience. Your school can stand out in a competitive market by focusing on high-quality, personalized, engaging content. Avoid pitfalls like impersonal messaging, poor production value, or misaligned partnerships. With these strategies, you’ll be well on your way to capturing the attention and interest of prospective students.

    Looking to increase student enrollment?

    Our inbound marketing services can help your school attract and enroll more students!

    FAQs

    What is the role of advertisement in education?

    Educational advertisements are crucial in creating awareness and attracting prospective students by effectively showcasing your educational institution’s unique features, values, and opportunities.

    Do schools need digital marketers?

    Schools benefit from digital marketers to effectively reach and engage prospective students online, leveraging platforms like social media, search engines, and email to attract the right audience.

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  • A Guide to Engagement and Climate Surveys That Inspire Action

    A Guide to Engagement and Climate Surveys That Inspire Action

    by Julie Burrell | October 30, 2024

    Surveys can be a powerful tool for improving workplace culture and employee satisfaction, but they can have unintended consequences if no action planning follows. In fact, the lack of tangible — and rapid — action planning often lead to a cycle of employee disengagement and eroded trust, which results in fewer employees taking future surveys, and ultimately weakens their effectiveness overall.

    But getting surveys right is possible. By implementing targeted surveys and following up with action planning, higher ed workplaces can earn a reputation for valuing employee insights. CUPA-HR’s recent webinar Turning Insights Into Action: Designing and Implementing Impactful Employee Climate/Engagement Surveys explains how to build, or regain, employee trust and confidence in surveys, increase response rates, and create a campus culture in which employees’ perspectives are prized.

    Ask These Two Questions First

    Before launching a survey, ask these critical questions: Does our institution need a survey? And, if the answer is yes, does our institution have the resources to act on the survey results?

    Without a solid “yes” to both questions, consider pausing survey efforts. It’s better not to conduct a survey at all than to conduct one and not follow it with action planning.

    Surveys should also focus on clear objectives, addressing one to three specific topics in depth. They should be topics the institution is ready to act promptly on once the survey is concluded. It’s also best to avoid questions with predictable answers. For example, you may already know that employees want parking that’s both closer and less expensive. Asking more refined or open-ended questions might lead to actionable results. In the case of employee satisfaction around parking, the right question might reveal that safety is a primary concern, something that can be addressed by installing more lighting in lots or strengthening security for employees using parking garages after dark.

    Increase Response Rates by Building Trust

    Effectively communicating the survey rollout and offering incentives can boost completion rates, but responses are ultimately determined by the trust employees have in your institution and the survey process itself.

    Make it anonymous. Clearly communicate how the survey will be kept anonymous and confidential. This is especially important for open-ended or text-based responses. If you’re not using an outside vendor, consider adding a survey analyst to your committee — you probably already have employees with these skills.

    Know that timing is everything. The survey should be sent out at the right time to avoid clashing with other surveys and to steer clear of any big campus plans or events that might skew results (for example, a recently announced capital project like a new stadium). A timely response from leadership is key, as are timelines in action planning. Any follow-up items should have target completion dates.

    Be clear on when and how employees will see the results. Don’t wait for a grand reveal when action items have been completed. This might take months, long after employees remember how they’ve answered survey questions. Instead, publicize the survey results as soon as possible and begin listening sessions to both refine results and include departments and divisions in planning.

    Build in accessibility and offer time to complete it. Consider if you need to translate the survey into multiple languages or if employees working outside of an office might benefit from a hard copy. Encourage supervisors to offer incentives like an early departure after completing the survey and ask them to send calendar invites to block off time for completion.

    Take Action. This is by far the most important way to build trust. The webinar offers concrete processes for building and planning a survey, impact planning (including templates to send to campus leadership for quarterly tracking), ideas for holding listening sessions, and proven employee engagement strategies.

    Discover More Resources for Data-Informed Decisions

    Read the article Employee Engagement/Satisfaction/Climate Assessment: Producing Actionable Results, which offers a six-step guide to creating and implementing effective surveys.

    Explore other webinars in CUPA-HR’s Data and HR series: Data You Can Count On: Using CUPA-HR’s Data Resources for Strategic Decision-Making and Data Visualization and Storytelling Tips and Tools for HR.

     



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  • Grading Accuracy with Automated Tools

    Grading Accuracy with Automated Tools

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    Why Accuracy in Exam Grading is Essential?

    As the Controller of Examinations, you know how important it is to give correct grades and conduct error free exam results. When grades really show how well a student did, trust grows among students, parents, teachers, and accreditation groups. Fair and accurate grading has a big effect on many things, from the motivation of students to the image of your HEI.

    But let’s be honest: Manual exam results management isn’t easy. Stress, working long hours, and having to meet tight targets can all cause mistakes. It’s hard to keep people from making mistakes, whether it’s a simple math error, bias, or getting tired in the last few miles. These errors not only add more work but can also make it harder to trust the graders.

    These are the times when tools can actually benefit you! By ruling out mundane chores, they can free you up to ensure that your institution’s examination procedures are up to par and flawless.

     

    How to Reduce Human Errors in Exam Grading with Automated Tools? Top 9 Ways for Error Free Exam Results

     

     

    1. Software-assisted scanning of Answer Sheets

    OCR (Optical Character Recognition) is a software application in modern-day exam management systems that instantly reads and digitizes handwritten responses. It eliminates the necessity for laborious reading by scanning answer sheets and converting them to digital text.

    Why It’s a Win?

    Streamlined Processing: OCR automates the process, thereby reducing the number of hours necessary for manual labor.

    Data Entry Reliability: OCR eliminates errors that result from manual inputs, ensuring that your data is accurate and uncontaminated.

     

    2. Integration of AI-Powered Grading Systems

    It’s not necessary to guess when AI can do it for you when it comes to exam results management. Adding AI grading to your exam software makes sure that essays and open-ended answers are graded correctly. The AI will learn from your patterns and use consistent grading.

    Why It’s a Win?

    Fair Evaluation: AI gets rid of bias so that results are fair for everyone.

    Consistent Results: The grades are always the same, no matter how many people grade them.

     

    3. Embrace Digital Rubric-Based Grading

    Think about a way to grade where everyone follows the same rules. All of this is possible with digital rubrics within the exam results management! You can be sure that every answer will be scored the same way by setting clear criteria for scoring. No more guessing or interpreting things in your own way; just a clear review.

    Why This Matters?

    Consistency is Key: With digital rubrics, you eliminate variability in scoring, so every student’s work is assessed fairly and uniformly.

    Transparent Criteria: Students know exactly what’s expected, making the grading process clearer and more transparent.

    Using digital rubrics isn’t just about grading; it’s about fostering an environment of fairness and clarity. Want to see how this can enhance your examination process? Let’s move on to the next strategy!

     

    4. Leverage Auto-Verification of Scores

    Imagine that you’re about to give out grades, and a tool checks right away to see if there are any mistakes. Auto-verification methods within the exam results management make sure of that! Cross-checking scores instantly makes sure that everything adds up and points out any problems before grades are finalized.

    Why This Matters?

    Resolve Mistakes Promptly: This preventative method will save you from humiliating slip-ups by rapidly identifying any discrepancies in totals or unusual variances in scores.

    Becoming Stress-Free, 100%: You can rest assured that the final grades and transcripts are perfectly accurate because your scores have been automatically validated.

    Using auto-verification in your marking process will not only speed up the process, but it will also make sure that the results are accurate.

     

    5. Embrace Cloud-Based Grading Platforms

    Imagine a system whereby students may check their initial marks as soon as they become available and mark any disparities. This certainly adds to your team’s efforts for error free exam results! Systems of real-time feedback enable students to participate actively in their grading process.

    The reason this matters is;

    Early Error Detection: By letting students check their marks immediately, possible errors can be found and corrected early on, therefore reducing later on uncertainty.

    Improved Transparency: This open approach makes students feel more involved and faculty can guarantee grading accuracy.

     

    6. Implement Real-Time Feedback Mechanisms

    Let students evaluate their initial grades and indicate any possible mistakes; it changes everything. This method not only keeps students updated but also gives them opportunity to take responsibility for their academic path.

    The reason this matters is;

    Early Error Identification: Early on when students can view their grades as soon as they are accessible, they will be able to rapidly find any differences, so facilitating error correction before final results are locked in.

    Improved Transparency: By means of this open channel of contact, teachers and students build confidence that guarantees everyone agrees on grading results.

     

    7. Utilize Pre-Configured Exam Templates

    Using pre-configured test forms will transform the grading process. Standardizing question forms and grading criteria helps you to make sure every evaluation supports your learning objectives.

    Why it’s a Win?

    Clear, Sketched-Out Goals: Templates make it easier to understand questions and standards for grading without getting them wrong.

    Consistent Grading: Using standardized criteria makes sure that all tests are fair and accurate.

     

    8. Embrace Digital Exam Submission and Evaluation

    Encouraging digital submissions can revolutionize your grading process. The risk of errors associated with physical handling and transcription is substantially reduced by transitioning from traditional paper-based exams.

    Why it’s a Win?

    Reduces Physical Errors: Digital submissions eradicate the possibility of misplacing exam sheets or losing papers during collection, guaranteeing that each submission is properly recorded.

    Simplifies Grading: Since everything is now digital, grading is much faster and easier, which is especially helpful when there are a lot of tests to grade.

    Allows Easy Access: Teachers can see comments from anywhere, which makes it easier to run tests while they’re out and about.

     

    9. Integration with Learning Management Systems (LMS)

    The bestest way to make grading painless is to integrate your automatic grading tools with the Learning Management Systems you use! Thanks to this connectivity, data may flow freely, simplifying the process of precisely recording and analyzing grades. 

    Why it’s a Win?

    Directly transfer grades from the grading tool to the learning management system (LMS), hence eliminating the need for manual data entry. This simplifies the process of recording grades.

    Reduces the likelihood of mismatches and discrepancies in grade reporting, so ensuring that students obtain accurate evaluations thanks to the reduction in the number of errors.

    The enhanced reporting capabilities found in the learning management system (LMS) provide insights into student performance trends, which helps faculty make informed decisions.

     

    Wrapping up: Improve Your Grade Game

    About ready to improve grading accuracy? The revolutionary is automation. From digital criteria and real-time feedback to AI-powered grading, these tools reduce mistakes and save valuable time, therefore guaranteeing fair and consistent assessments.

    All of this is done on a single, powerful platform by Creatrix Campus Exam Management Solutions. Make it easier to grade, work together, and keep your info safe. Find out how Creatrix Campus can make taking tests easier and help you get perfect scores. Contact our team to figure out how we have been assisting institutions deliver error free exam results.

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  • Three Key Takeaways from P3 EDU 2024

    Three Key Takeaways from P3 EDU 2024

    Three Key Takeaways from P3 EDU 2024

    I love the Fall for a number of reasons, one of which is the vast number of conferences and events within the higher ed and education technology space. I’m continually impressed and inspired by the intelligence and expertise of the leaders and tacticians within our industry. When you bring together smart people to share insights and learns, discuss ways to navigate challenges and evolving market paradigms, and work together to uncover new growth opportunities, great things start to happen. You can see pathways to transformation and how you can make a positive impact. It’s both refreshing and inspiring.

    I recently had the opportunity to attend and speak at the P3 EDU conference. All the panels were insightful and topical, and the panelists paired their expertise with strong points of view about where higher education is headed. It was a powerful reminder that we must adapt to a rapidly changing landscape, embrace innovation, and prioritize student success.

    As we all know, the higher education space is facing significant challenges. We’re navigating demographic shifts and cliffs, a relentless focus on affordability and outcomes, and the ever-present need to adapt — and adapt quickly. While the pressures can feel overwhelming, the P3 conference reminded us that we don’t have to go it alone. It also reinforced that Collegis Education is not only focusing our time and effort on the right things but leading the way in many areas.

    Here are the key themes that resonated with me and what I walked away with.

    1. Data-Driven Decisions: The New Normal

    There was an undeniable consensus around the power of data and its role in helping schools evolve. Institutions have become acutely aware of where they have or lack data proficiency and how data is used or misused across the organization. Schools now understand the role that strategic partnerships can play in eliminating data deficiency and unlocking data potential.

    This is what we at Collegis call being data enabled. Being data-driven has become table stakes –– but being data-enabled is a step above. Enabled data is achieved by eliminating tech and data siloes and elevating your data integrity and thoroughness. Once that is done, it open up new data enabled capabilities to drive impact across the entire student lifecycle.

    But to maximize your ability to drive meaningful growth, retention, and outcomes, you must first unlock the potential within your systems and the underlying data.

    2. AI: A Double-Edged Sword

    If your inbox or LinkedIn feed looks like mine, it’s hard not to come across some AI-related article, product, or debate. It’s no surprise AI in higher ed was a hot topic at the conference. While some view it as a threat, I believe AI offers higher ed immense opportunities and can be transformational.

    But to take advantage of AI, you must get your data house in order. If you start to power your AI tools with spotty data, you’ll get lackluster outcomes, poor ROI, and a lot of frustration along the way.

    At Collegis, we’re using AI to drive effectiveness across the student lifecycle. We’re helping schools leverage automation to make administrative tasks less cumbersome, creating capacity and allowing limited human capital to focus on where they can make the most impact. But AI’s impact goes beyond automation. We’re also helping our schools harness its power to enable predictive analytics, using AI to analyze large data sets. Now, our partners can begin to deploy proactive strategies rather than reactionary ones, helping them to anticipate student needs, identify points of failure before they occur, and refine their programmatic offerings to keep pace with workforce demands. We must continue to innovate, leveraging new AI advancements, for the sake of our partner institutions.

    3. The Power of Partnership: The Expanding Landscape of P3s

    At the conference, there was a clear sense that P3s (public-private partnerships) are expanding beyond their traditional scope. More schools are welcoming partnerships to address complex challenges like the enrollment cliff and seizing emerging opportunities in technology, campus development, research collaboration, student housing, and infrastructure. Our industry needs to become less risk-averse, and we need to push ourselves to lead the way rather than chase the trends or replicate the innovators in our space who have found success by challenging the status quo.

    The disruptions we face indicate a wider shift in the educational landscape. By embracing partnerships, leveraging data and technology, and preparing our students for the future, we can emerge stronger and more innovative than ever before.

    You have to ask yourself, “How well am I, my institution, and the companies I partner with positioned to succeed in this disruptive market?”

    — Kim Fahey, CEO Collegis Education

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  • College of Western Idaho Boosts Enrollment and Retention with Data-Driven Solutions

    College of Western Idaho Boosts Enrollment and Retention with Data-Driven Solutions

    In late 2021, the College of Western Idaho (CWI) needed to address a consistent enrollment decline and improve student retention. With an ambitious vision to improve and optimize its technological infrastructure and student outreach, CWI sought to build a best-in-class system to enhance student engagement and elevate enrollment strategies. To ensure that data and technology were aligned with CWI’s growth objectives, the college partnered with Collegis Education to analyze their combined impact. Were its data and tech aligned for impact, or were gaps hindering progress and creating unnecessary burdens across the team?

    Key Takeaways

    • Six consecutive terms of YoY enrollment growth
    • Experienced the highest YoY increase in persistence in history of the college from Fall 2022 to Fall 2023
    • Consistent improvement in term-over-term retention

    CHALLENGES:

    • Declining enrollment
    • No established retention strategy
    • Lack of CRM
    • Underutilized LMS
    • Siloed technology and data systems

    SOLUTIONS:

    • Connected Core®
    • Advanced analytics + business intelligence
    • LMS support
    • Website optimization
    • Data-driven outreach and support for students identified as at-risk

    Strategy

    Collegis Education and CWI began collaborating on building a best-in-class student journey from the point of initial inquiry through graduation.

    A comprehensive evaluation of existing CWI systems allowed Collegis to assess the college’s digital readiness, technology infrastructure, and enrollment ecosystem to understand how they aligned with its growth objectives. The partnership quickly proceeded from consultation to implementation.

    Collegis prescribed a set of solutions to enhance student engagement from first contact and elevate the school’s enrollment strategies:

    • Connected Core® to unite siloed systems, data sets, and other enrollment technologies, providing more accurate, actionable, unified institutional intelligence with clear visualizations to support data-enabled decision-making at all levels.
    • Website optimization to improve conversion and deliver a student-centric digital experience that supports the objectives, goals, and mission.
    • Prospective student nurturing campaigns with a messaging protocol designed to drive conversion and prospective student engagement with CWI.

    Collaborating closely with CWI, Collegis developed a well-defined student retention strategy that established meaningful student-advisor relationships early on, ensuring students felt supported from their first interaction onward.

    • Enrollment conversation training gave student-facing staff the tools to drive positive experiences for CWI learners while embracing a liaison approach to student engagement.
    • Collegis student success coaches conducted proactive outreach to engage students while leveraging an at-risk alert system to drive intervention. This early alert system flags students needing support based on learning management system (LMS) data on attendance, current grades, and assignment completion.

    Results: Average YoY growth each semester since our partnership began has averaged 5%

    By working with Collegis, CWI could focus on its student journey and how it could better use data and technology to deliver superior student engagements and reach its growth targets. This has helped not only stop, but reverse historical enrollment declines. In 2024, CWI projected year-over-year growth for the sixth consecutive academic term. The school has achieved an average year-over-year term growth of 5%, with a trendline for fall 2024 of over 9% growth.

    “Our partnership with Collegis has provided expertise, speed, and flexibility in areas where we, as an institution of higher education, have been unable to improve so nimbly.  Where most consultants provide an analysis and leave, Collegis follows through with ‘and this is how we’ll make that happen for you’.  Trusting their recommendations is easy because I know they are signing themselves up to do the work with me.”

    Tyler Brown, Associate Vice President Enrollment & Student Services, College of Western Idaho

    Value-based conversations with prospective students have resulted in increased applications. Further, pre-start engagement from the advising and student success coaching teams has increased registrations from admitted students.

    By fostering a culture of meaningful interaction and support for students, CWI paved the way for improved student retention. The LMS-based at-risk model has driven 19,000+ proactive student engagements and interventions in one academic year.

    Within just one year of implementing these targeted strategies, CWI witnessed a remarkable in retention rates, all while alleviating the workload on faculty and staff.  Similar retention strategies deployed by other Collegis partner institutions have yielded term-over-term retention rates exceeding 90%, underscoring the effectiveness of our approach.

    “Whenever we want to try something new or have a challenge we need help with, my first thought now is let’s call Collegis and see if this is something they can help us with.”

    Denise L. Aberle-Cannata, Provost, College of Western Idaho

    With a proven retention strategy and access to a proactive model, CWI can now build out its internal retention capabilities and plans to take over the student success coaching function.

    The Future

    CWI’s commitment to embracing change and being agile is demonstrated by the school’s evolving partnership with Collegis to exceed industry best practices and realize sustained growth. Ongoing services and incremental work are targeting LMS initiatives to stabilize, standardize, optimize, and transform CWI’s instance of Blackboard Learn and redesign its new student orientation, among other things.

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  • Introducing Our New Vice President of Business Development Peter Moran

    Introducing Our New Vice President of Business Development Peter Moran

    Peter Moran assumed the helm of Collegis Education’s business development team earlier this year, but he’s not new to our company or higher education. Learn more about him in this Q&A.

    What brought you to Collegis Education?

    Higher ed has been at the core of my career journey. I was partnership director at Cengage Learning for several years. That role required building strong relationships with college and university leaders, and I learned very quickly about the higher ed landscape and its challenges, specifically from the partner perspective. After a brief stint with a start-up, I had the opportunity to join Collegis as senior director of partnerships. When I started, I think we had 16 partners; today, we have over 50.

    That’s some impressive growth in a relatively short amount of time.

    That was eight years ago; it’s wild to think how much we’ve grown as a company. Our partner schools have grown, too. When I started, we worked primarily with small, four-year, private nonprofit institutions, and we still do. But now, we also work with some of the largest colleges and universities in the United States, several community colleges, and other two-year institutions. It’s been a fun ride.

    What’s the best part of working at Collegis?

    From the day I started with the company, we’ve always adapted quickly to meet the market where it’s at and structure solutions to help address the biggest challenges colleges and universities are facing. I’m proud to be a part of an organization with that mindset.

    And now you’re leading the business development at Collegis. What’s that like?

    It’s great. I get to work with some incredible people and have a fantastic team. Everyone has a partner-first approach. On the surface, you can easily say, “Well, sure, it’s sales,” but there is an authenticity that each of our reps brings to their role. It’s genuine. We prioritize listening and understanding — understanding our partners’ goals, what they’re trying to impact, and the challenges they’re facing.

    What’s the best piece of advice you have ever received?

    Be early, be responsible, and be a gentleman.

    What’s the best piece of advice you have ever given?

    “Take a breath, reset, all good.”

    See, I played baseball competitively for years and have coached youth baseball for the past 12. Pitchers will throw bad pitches, and hitters will have bad swings. When that happens, you can see stress, anxiety, pressure, and even a little embarrassment start to mount. In those moments, “Take a breath, reset, all good.” I think it’s also applicable professionally, and while I may not use those exact words, I think of them often as our team and I work through different challenges.

    OK, so if your career wasn’t in sales, what job would you likely be doing and why?

    I think I would really enjoy being an athletic director at a small college. It would be a perfect blend of sports and higher ed. Plus, you have the opportunity to make a positive impact on young adults.

    So, I’m getting the sense you’re a big sports guy, huh?

    Yes, definitely – attending, playing, watching on TV. I am also extremely involved with our area youth sports organization. I coach and sit on the board. I’m also a sports dad and am often on the move, attending our sons’ various sporting events.

    Any other hobbies and interests outside of work?

    I enjoy reading, fishing, skiing in the winter, golfing from time to time, family dinners, and spending time with our golden retriever, Briggsy. Additionally, I am a dedicated, albeit reluctant, runner.

    Back to shop talk. What do you see as the major challenges and opportunities facing higher ed right now?

    How much time do you have? In all seriousness, it’s a really competitive market right now. It always has been. There’s the impending demographic cliff, the national discount rate continues to rise, and according to more recent studies, tuition revenue, in turn, is going down. Staff reductions are happening at many schools, and we’re hearing more conversation around consolidation.

    Oh, is that all?

    [Laughs] Look, every industry has its peaks and valleys, and sure, this is one of higher ed’s more challenging times. But every problem has a solution. You first have to get to the root cause of the issue, what’s preventing progress. There’s a lot of disruption going on, and that typically provides motivation for change, which can be a very good thing.

    Alright, I’ll take the bait. What is preventing the progress, Peter?

    It comes down to data, tech, and talent. When these three things work together, schools find efficiency, offer a better experience for students, and make better decisions. But when they are not aligned, or worse, working against one another, it’s paralyzing.

    Let’s look at the data element: What is an example of how Collegis helps schools be more data-enabled to win in this competitive market?

    The higher ed market, despite best intentions, is a bit behind other industries in how it uses and governs data. Most partners don’t have the financial resources to compete in ways that other schools do. We support them by putting an integrated tech infrastructure in place that allows them to connect data sets from across the entire student lifecycle and utilize that data to make more informed decisions. This enables them to connect upstream investments to downstream outcomes and helps them determine how to spend money — what activities and programs they should support and what actions they should take. All of these factors help them to be successful.

    How does data help your partners develop new offerings?

    For institutions exploring new offerings, we can provide them with an informed point of view on what their data is saying, where we see opportunities or challenges, and what investments make sense for them. Before going down a path, making an investment, and doing all the work necessary to set up a new program, we want to make sure they have the information they need to make the best decision possible, utilizing not only their own data but also data from external sources. Collegis can guide them through that process and help them successfully move in a direction that supports their goals –– from increasing enrollment to generating new revenue and more.

    Who has had the biggest influence on you, personally or professionally?

    As a child, my mother; as an adult, my wife. They are the two most kind, giving, thoughtful, and selfless people I have ever known.

    I asked you earlier about what brought you to Collegis; now tell me, what keeps you here?

    I believe in what we do and how we do it.

    And what is that?

    Hey, if you’re asking for the sales pitch, I’ll give it to you.

    [Laughs] OK, let me hear it. I guess it’s only fitting to end this interview with the new VP of business development delivering the sales pitch.

    Number one, we’re not offering one particular service or product. We provide different services, ranging from marketing, recruitment, and retention to instructional design and IT support. There are many companies that help schools with their marketing, companies that support recruitment, tons of instructional design companies, and certainly many IT support companies. There aren’t many out there today that do all those things and help institutions activate data to inform decision-making.

    Second, every single one of our partnerships is different from the next. Through a series of meetings with their various functional teams, we identify strengths and gaps, and then develop a customized plan that leverages our experienced team and resources to achieve their desired impact. That makes us unique in the marketplace.

    Our partner institutions have talented people, but often, they deal with small teams that are stretched very thin. One value we bring is to augment their existing team with our experienced team through consistent communication. There are, of course, regularly scheduled calls on a weekly or biweekly basis, but there’s also organic communication happening every day between us and the institution’s teams. Many of those conversations focus on the use of data, uncovering and interpreting insights, and recommending action. That doesn’t mean an institution has to move in that direction, but with our experience and expertise, we can provide an informed point of view and have a collaborative discussion.

    We’ve pioneered and proven the fee-for-service model in higher education, unbundling a collection of services into customized plans for institutions. When I first came to Collegis, that was really new in the marketplace. Now, we’re seeing other companies try to replicate it, which is great validation. So even though other companies are offering similar engagements, our model is proven, and we are more established. We’re not learning how to do our job on our partner’s dime and time.

    Our market is broadening, and we are seeing opportunities at schools that eight years ago may not have even considered our approach. We’re expanding and partnering with new types of institutions, which is exciting. We’re looking forward to spreading our message even further and helping more colleges and universities make an impact.

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  • Meeting Accreditation Standards for Higher Education with Technology

    Meeting Accreditation Standards for Higher Education with Technology

    Tune In To Our Audio Blog

     

    Overview – Reimagining Accreditation

    Let’s get into the actual difficulties surrounding accreditation. You Directors of Accreditation are well-versed in the process and are very much aware that accreditation is not a game. It’s not enough to merely do the necessary compliance tasks, is it? Meeting accreditation criteria, establishing your institution’s value, enduring the never-ending audits, and keeping up with changing regulations are all part of it. The stakes are high and the pressure is intense. It remains constant. Traditional methods? They won’t cut it anymore.

    Imagine, though, if the tables could be turned. Envision yourself to use technology to not just complete the certification process, but to turn it into an asset. Think of real-time data, seamless procedures, and openness at every level. It’s time to go beyond the minimum and leverage approval to your benefit. Automating, cloud computing, and utilizing artificial intelligence-powered analytics will not only enhance the reputation of your university but also enhance the efficiency of operations.

    To help Directors of Accreditation use technology to improve institutional standards, ease compliance, and streamline accreditation data administration, we have put together this handbook. This will empower you to make critical decisions.

     

    A Dynamic Challenge for Directors: Redefining Accreditation

    As Directors of Accreditation, you are aware of the rapidity with which accreditation standards can evolve. Meeting accreditation standards necessitates a more comprehensive examination of student outcomes, diversity metrics, and the degree to which the institution aligns with its own objectives. No longer is it sufficient to simply mark off boxes.

    One of the hardest things to do? The stress that comes from having up-to-date, correct information at your hands. For accreditation reviews to be valid, the proof must be complete and up-to-date, leaving no room for doubt. Still, getting this information can feel like a race against the clock, especially when old methods can’t keep up with how needs change. Here, technology can really make a difference if it is used in the right way.

     

    Tech-Driven Solutions: Streamlining the Accreditation Journey

    Technology is the game-changer. Think about using AI-powered data analytics to revolutionize your accreditation data management. These smart tools can turn those stacks of paperwork into clear, insightful reports, making the process of proving your credentials not just easier, but a whole lot smarter! No more searching through spreadsheets or endless emails—just clear, usable information that shows your school is following the rules.

     

     

    Furthermore, cloud-based accreditation systems are very useful. Consider them as a safe, central location for all of your compliance-related info. It’s possible to get important data from these options, so your team can work together easily whether they’re at the office or traveling. Adopting these technologies doesn’t just keep you current; it sets a new standard for how quickly and clearly the approval process can be done.

     

    Automation: The Secret to Simplifying Repetitive Accreditation Tasks

    Imagine having more time to work on big-picture projects instead of doing the same old things over and over again. That’s how powerful technology can be in the process of getting accreditation. With the right tools, you can cut down on your work and free up your team to focus on raising institutional standards instead of just checking off tasks.

     

    Accreditation Data Management and Reporting Automation

    Consider the time used in gathering information and writing up reports for accreditation. Reducing the time and effort required to compile metrics in real-time is possible with automation technologies. As a bonus, you’ll spend less time worrying about mistakes and more time presenting accurate, up-to-date information.

     

    Smart Templates and Dashboards

    Meeting certain accreditation body criteria calls for customization, which is absolutely important. Smart templates let you quickly construct evaluations, audits, and self-studies that exactly fit what is required. Imagine having customized dashboards right at hand that clearly show your measurements and progress—no more poring over spreadsheets!

     

    Additional Benefits of Accreditation Data Management Automation

     

    • Maintain accurate, consistent, and up-to-date documentation without the need for manual updates.
    • Maintaining Accountability: A transparent audit trail for all your accrediting operations may be easily created by keeping track of who made changes and revisions.
    • Faster Decision-Making: With real-time insights and easy access to data, your team can make informed decisions quickly, keeping the accreditation process moving forward.
    • Focus on Continuous Improvement: By automating routine tasks, you can spend more time analyzing data and implementing improvements that enhance your institution’s performance and outcomes.

     

    Building Transparency and Trust Through Technology

    Let’s discuss something absolutely important for modern society: openness. Directors of Accreditation have a special opportunity to use technology to establish confidence among all those engaged in the accreditation process. How can you make this happen?

    Real-time dashboards available for stakeholders

    Imagine having real-time dashboards at your fingertips. These tools let you instantly share your accreditation progress with stakeholders—no more waiting for quarterly updates! With just a glance, everyone can see where you stand, thanks to clear visuals of your metrics, timelines, and benchmarks.

    This degree of openness helps everyone to be responsible as well as promotes teamwork. Trust naturally comes when your stakeholders know you are always trying to meet and surpass accreditation criteria.

    Blockchain for Academic Integrity

    Let’s now explore something somewhat more novel—blockchain technology. Consider blockchain as your new best buddy helping to maintain the integrity of your certification records. Using this technique makes an unchangeable record of all information connected to accreditation. Your accreditation data management is thus not only safe but also transparent and easily verifiable. Imagine being able to assure other stakeholders and accrediting authorities of your absolutely perfect data. Blockchain helps you to reduce the possibility of conflicts over data accuracy and inspires confidence among all the players. This kind of confidence helps to protect the reputation and integrity of your university.

    Enhanced Reporting Capabilities

    Now, let’s be honest: reporting can get draggy unless you trigger the right gear! Imagine being able to quickly and accurately create detailed reports that show your commitment to regulatory compliance and continuous growth. You can easily show accreditation groups how much progress you’re making like you have a superpower. By doing more than just checking off boxes, you’ll be showing that your institution is ready to take on any tasks that come its way. Therefore, why not use that report writing duty as a chance to shine? Using technology can help you stay prepared and make a great impression!

    Joining the Community

    In addition to internal partners, transparency also applies to the public and the rest of the academic community. Sharing your accreditation path will help your university project more professionalism and draw professors and students. Who would not want to be a part of an open and reliable institution?

    Using technology to track your certification procedures and results helps you to identify possible problems before they become serious ones. This proactive strategy lets you act early to maintain everything in line.

     

    Enhancing the Student Experience While Meeting Standards

    Outcome-Based Education (OBE) and Competency Tracking

    Using technology to track your certification procedures and results helps you to identify possible problems before they become serious ones. Being proactive keeps you on target. Improving the Student Experience While Complying with Outcome-Based Education (OBE) and Competency Monitoring.

    Here’s the stars: your pupils! The right technology will improve their experience and satisfy all needs. This is where Outcome-Based Education (OBE) really shines. Imagine a system that not only makes sure that educational results are in line with accreditation standards but also makes sure that student success is the most important thing. You definitely need to keep track of students’ skills and make sure they get the help they need to do well by using technology.

    Feedback Mechanisms & Surveys

    That’s not all, though! Real-time feedback tools and polls are your secret weapons for improving quality. These resources allow you to ask students for honest opinions, which might reveal where you’re succeeding and where you might need some improvement. Engaging with your students and listening to what they have to say goes beyond simply completing goals for continuous improvement.

    In this way, you make a place where students feel appreciated and supported, and you also show accreditation bodies that you’re dedicated to continuous improvement.

     

    Preparing for the Future: Tech Trends Directors Should Watch

     

     

    EdTech Innovations

    As the Director of Accreditation, it’s important to stay on top of things. Take a look at what next year holds! First, EdTech innovations are coming soon and will supposedly make the process of getting accredited even easier. Consider banking on cutting-edge software that makes data analysis better, streamlines reports, and automates tasks!

     

    Being Prepared to Virtual Accreditation Visits

    Next, we’ll go over the basics of preparing for accreditation visits that take place virtually. As more and more things happen online, reviews and audits done from afar are becoming routine. In what ways can you become ready for this change? By acquiring robust technology that facilitates online participation and emphasizes your organization’s achievements. Ensure that all team members are informed about the use of virtual presentation techniques, online document sharing, and video conferencing. Not only will these novel concepts facilitate the acquisition of accreditations, but they will also facilitate collaboration among partners.

     

    Turn Compliance into a Strategic Advantage with Creatrix Campus Accreditation Platform

    By incorporating the appropriate technology, such as the Creatrix Campus Accreditation platform, Directors of Accreditation can elevate compliance from a mundane obligation to a strategic advantage. This strategy will help you satisfy accreditation criteria and match the main objectives of your institution.

    This is the time to simplify your certification application. Explore the Creatrix Campus platform for a smarter, more efficient way to meet standards. Let’s team to surpass simple compliance!

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  • The Future of Online Learning Brands

    The Future of Online Learning Brands

    Embracing a “One School” Approach for a Better Student Experience

    Let’s draw a line in the sand. On one side, we have a university campus and its on-ground offerings. On the other side, we have the digital higher education space and the online programs that live within it. 

    Traditionally, this line has been stark and rigid, with universities treating the two modalities as separate entities with dedicated teams, technology, systems, budgets, and strategies. 

    The initial separation was, in part, driven by the perception of online education as a lesser counterpart to its on-ground equivalent. This view may have held some truth in the early stages of digital learning. But the division has come with a cost, as institutions have had to do double the work, which is inefficient. 

    We can all see that significant changes are underway. Traditional educational boundaries are fading, with online learning gaining respect and sophistication. There are online programs that outpace their on-ground counterparts in quality and rigor. We’re looking at a future where traditional, hybrid, and online modalities are integrated, balancing both quality and accessibility. 

    As we leave the comfort of land and head out to sea, embracing a holistic approach is the way forward for universities.

    Separation Comes at a Cost 

    The traditional division between on-ground and online learning modalities increases costs and complicates operations for institutions, weakening their ability to present a unified, powerful brand to prospective students. Here are a few of the pain points: 

    Fragmented Systems

    Multiple Platforms: Utilizing different customer relationship management (CRM) systems, student information systems (SIS), and learning management systems (LMS) introduces inefficiencies. Each platform requires its own set of training, maintenance, and integration protocols. Those protocols often don’t integrate well, either.

    Increased Costs: The need to support various tech stacks and administrative systems significantly drives up operational costs, as resources are duplicated across the board.

    Conflicting Marketing Strategies

    Brand Fragmentation: With separate marketing teams for its on-ground and online programs, an institution risks sending mixed messages to potential students. This can lead to brand dilution and confusion about what the university stands for.

    Measurement Challenges: Disparate strategies make it difficult to track and analyze the effectiveness of marketing efforts. This makes the decisions on where to invest marketing dollars effectively difficult.

    Diluted Resources

    Split Focus: Dividing an institution’s time, talent, and budget between its on-ground and online initiatives means neither receives the full investment needed to thrive. This can result in underperforming programs that fail to meet their potential.

    By managing resources under one unified strategy, universities can maximize the impact of their educational offerings, ensuring that both online and on-ground programs benefit from full institutional support and cohesion.              

    Advances in Online Learning Have Closed the Quality Gap 

    Technology is rapidly advancing, and higher ed is keeping pace with the changes. As institutions become more skilled at applying learning technologies, the following shifts have occurred: 

    • Tech Innovations: Cutting-edge technologies have enabled more interactive and engaging learning environments. Tools such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence (AI) are being used to enhance classroom interactions and provide personalized learning experiences at scale.
    • Instructional Design: Modern instructional design tailors course content for digital consumption, optimizing learning outcomes. This involves structuring courses to leverage digital tools effectively, ensuring that the quality of online learning is equal to that of traditional classroom learning.
    • Faculty Training: Universities have increasingly invested in training faculty to excel in online settings. This includes equipping them with the skills to use digital tools effectively and to engage students who are not physically present. 

    Today, online courses match on-ground courses in their rigor and depth and offer the flexibility and accessibility that modern students demand. It’s a win-win. The shift isn’t just about maintaining academic standards; it’s about enhancing them to make education more inclusive and adaptable to students’ varied lifestyles.             

    The Case for a “One School” Strategy 

    As the distinction between online and on-ground academic quality becomes murkier, more universities are beginning to embrace a “one school” strategy. This holistic approach integrates online and on-ground modalities into a single, unified brand, ensuring a seamless and coherent student experience. 

    It’s kind of like how my son doesn’t see the athletics department, student advising, and his faculty members as being on different teams with different budget sources. They all make up one thing — his university and the way it feels to be a student. 

    By operating under a single brand, universities can streamline their processes, unify their messaging, and bolster their identity, enhancing their appeal in a competitive educational market. The unified brand experience provides students with a consistent set of resources and support mechanisms, which proves crucial in building trust and satisfaction.

    The shift toward a one school strategy also aligns with the evolving preferences and expectations of students, particularly their growing desire for flexible learning environments. Modern students increasingly favor hybrid experiences — asynchronous learning modules combined with synchronous meetings. This allows them to manage their schedules while benefiting from real-time interactions. 

    Adopting this approach not only improves the overall experience for students but also positions institutions to more effectively manage their resources, enhance their operational efficiency, and strengthen their academic offerings across the board, redefining the educational experience to be more inclusive and adaptable to today’s learners. 

    Adopting a one school approach helps universities accomplish goals such as the following:

    1. Establish a Unified Systems and Technology Stack

    Currently, the existence of different application systems for different modalities often leads to disparate experiences and management challenges, increasing the risk of students falling through the cracks. A unified technology stack can address these issues, fostering a more integrated and seamless educational environment.

    Using the same CRM and SIS systems across an organization can significantly streamline operations in all areas, from marketing through student retention. This unification not only reduces operational costs but also consolidates institutional data, enabling more effective tracking and support of student activities. 

    2. Create an Integrated Marketing Strategy

    Universities often work with multiple marketing agencies that compete against each other using similar keywords but with slightly different visuals and landing pages. Bad idea. This not only dilutes the marketing efforts but also creates confusion for students who are comparing programs. 

    An integrated approach helps streamline these efforts, ensuring a cohesive, clear marketing message that effectively attracts and retains students.

    3. Align Academic and Enrollment Calendars 

    A particularly troubling symptom of separate identities within a university is differing enrollment calendars for online and on-ground offerings. Online programs typically offer more start dates throughout the year. 

    With a single enrollment calendar, however, universities can eliminate this confusion and simplify the experience for students who might engage in both modalities. Additionally, as faculty members frequently teach in both online and on-ground formats, a unified calendar ensures that all students have equal access to faculty resources, regardless of the learning format. 

    A Note on Organizational … Resistance 

    While the theoretical benefits of integrating online and on-ground educational modalities are clear, the practical implementation can face organizational resistance. This stems from the “this is the way we’ve always done it” mindset, presenting real challenges in terms of system integration and cultural adaptation. 

    Addressing these challenges requires a strategic approach and readiness to tackle potential roadblocks. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

    • Data migration from separate systems can quickly become a miserable task. Institutions should consider a phased integration plan with substantial buy-in from technology teams. Prioritizing key areas and establishing a unified data strategy can streamline this process. 
    • Faculty and staff who are accustomed to operating within separate models may have concerns about changes to their job roles, security, workload, and work quality. That’s natural. Engaging stakeholders early, providing clear communication, and offering comprehensive training are important for easing this transition. 
    • Merging marketing strategies might initially increase confusion. A deliberate process beginning with a comprehensive brand audit can help align key messages and value propositions. Starting with a unified marketing plan that leverages institutional strengths can facilitate smoother consolidation, guiding teams toward a cohesive strategy.

    You Don’t Have to Implement the One School Model Alone

    Starting the journey toward overhauling the outdated model and creating a unified experience can be complex and challenging, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. 

    Archer Education is equipped to empower your institution at every step with our growth enablement approach, offering expert guidance in storytelling, technology, audience insights, and data analytics to support a seamless transition to the one school model. Then, once things are up and running, you’ll have the internal knowledge and capacities you need to cast us out to sea. 

    Contact us to learn more about how we can help you integrate your educational offerings and maximize the potential of your institution.

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