Tag: Journey

  • Unlocking GA4 for Student Recruitment Journey

    Unlocking GA4 for Student Recruitment Journey

    Reading Time: 15 minutes

    Google Analytics 4 (GA4) has reshaped how colleges and universities track prospective student behaviour online. With the retirement of Universal Analytics (UA) in 2023, GA4 is now the default analytics platform, and for many higher ed marketers, the transition has been disorienting. Gone are the familiar sessions and pageviews; in their place is an event-based model, a redesigned interface, and new metrics that require a shift in thinking.

    But while the learning curve is real, so are the opportunities. GA4 offers deeper insights into student intent, behaviour, and engagement, insights that, when used effectively, can support measurable enrollment growth.

    This guide breaks down GA4 in a practical, approachable way. We’ll walk through how to use its core features at each stage of the student recruitment funnel: Discovery, Engagement, Decision-Making, and Enrollment. You’ll learn which reports matter, which metrics to ignore, and how to use GA4’s exploration tools to uncover new conversion opportunities. Throughout, we’ll also highlight how Higher Education Marketing (HEM) can help you make the most of GA4, from free audits to CRM integration support.

    Let’s start by shifting our perspective on what analytics can do, and then dive into how GA4 can support every phase of your student journey.

    GA4 unlocks powerful enrolment insights.

    Turn student journey data into smarter recruitment decisions with HEM.

    GA4’s Event-Based Mindset vs. Universal Analytics

    The most significant shift from Universal Analytics (UA) to Google Analytics 4 (GA4) is the underlying measurement model. UA was centred on sessions and pageviews, essentially counting a sequence of “hits” during a user’s visit. GA4, by contrast, is entirely event-based. Every interaction, whether it’s a pageview, a button click, a form submission, or a video play, is captured as an event. This model allows for a more flexible, granular view of user behaviour across devices and platforms, reflecting the idea that “everything is an event that signals user intent.”

    What makes GA4 different from Universal Analytics for higher ed marketers? Higher ed marketers accustomed to UA’s pageviews and sessions are now confronted with a new event-based model, a slew of unfamiliar reports, and an interface that looks nothing like the old Google Analytics. GA4 offers richer insights into student behaviour and intent, which can directly fuel enrollment growth.

    Crucially, GA4 is built for today’s privacy-first, multi-device world. It can track a single user’s journey across devices using User IDs or Google Signals and relies less on cookies, instead using machine learning to fill in data gaps, helping you stay compliant with emerging privacy standards.

    For higher ed marketers, this opens up richer insight into the prospective student journey. GA4 for student recruitment automatically tracks many common interactions (like scrolls and file downloads) and lets you define custom events aligned to your goals.

    New metrics also reflect this shift. Engagement Rate replaces bounce rate, highlighting sessions that last 10+ seconds, include 2+ pageviews, or trigger a conversion. Other core metrics include Engaged Sessions per User and Average Engagement Time, which are helpful indicators of whether your content holds attention or needs refinement.

    GA4 also brings predictive capabilities. With built-in machine learning, it can surface emerging trends or flag anomalies in student behaviour. While some advanced features like Predictive Metrics may feel out of reach initially, knowing they exist helps future-proof your analytics approach.

    It’s true, GA4 isn’t just an upgrade, it’s an entirely new platform. Many familiar reports have been retired or redesigned, and the interface now favours customizable dashboards over static reports. But don’t let the overhaul overwhelm you.

    The key is to focus on the metrics that support your enrollment goals. In the next section, we’ll show how GA4’s event-based model aligns with each stage of the student journey, from first visit to application.

    If you need support getting started, HEM offers a free GA4 audit to help identify top-performing lead sources, evaluate your marketing ROI, and ensure your setup is recruitment-ready.

    Mapping GA4 to the Student Journey Stages

    Every prospective student moves through distinct phases on the path to enrollment. GA4 can provide actionable insights at each stage if you know where to look. Below, we break down how to use GA4 effectively across the four stages of the student journey: Discovery, Engagement, Decision-Making, and Enrollment. We’ll also highlight key metrics to prioritize and reports you can skip to avoid analysis paralysis.

    Stage 1: Discovery: Awareness & Early Interest

    What it is:
    At this stage, prospective students are just beginning to explore postsecondary options. They may land on your site via a Google search, a digital ad, or a social post. They’re not ready to apply yet, but they’re starting to investigate. Your goal is to attract the right audiences and create a strong first impression.

    What to use in GA4:
    Focus on the Acquisition reports under Life cycle > Acquisition:

    • User Acquisition Report
      Shows how new users first arrive, by channel, campaign, or source. This answers, “Where are our new prospects coming from?” and helps assess brand awareness performance.
    • Traffic Acquisition Report
      Tracks sessions from all users (new and returning). Use it to evaluate which traffic sources deliver engaged sessions and prompt interaction.

    Key metrics to monitor:

    • Engaged Sessions per User: Are visitors exploring more than one page?
    • Engagement Rate: What percentage of sessions include meaningful interaction?
    • Event Count per Session: Are users watching videos, downloading brochures, or clicking calls-to-action?

    These metrics reflect traffic quality, not just quantity. For example, if organic search traffic has a 75% engagement rate while paid social sits at 25%, that’s a clear sign of where to invest.

    Landing Pages: Your Digital First Impression
    Check Engagement > Pages and Screens to see which pages users land on most. Are your program or admissions pages pulling in traffic? Are they generating long engagement times? That’s a signal they’re working. If top landing pages show low engagement, it’s time to refine content, CTAs, or UX.

    What to skip:

    • Demographics and Tech Reports: Too broad to act on for now.
    • Real-time Report: Interesting, but not useful for strategic planning.

    Pro tip:
    HEM’s free GA4 assessment can help you identify your highest-quality channels and flag low-performing ones so you can optimize marketing spend and attract better-fit prospects.

    Stage 2: Engagement & Consideration: Mid-Funnel Interest

    Once prospective students are aware of your institution and begin browsing your site in earnest, they enter the engagement or consideration stage. Here, they’re comparing programs, evaluating fit, and building interest, but may not yet be ready to contact you. Your goal is to nurture their intent by providing relevant content, encouraging micro-conversions, and guiding them toward decision-making.

    GA4 Focus: Engagement & Behaviour Reports

    In GA4, shift your attention to the Engagement reports under Life cycle > Engagement. These include:

    • Pages and Screens
    • Events
    • Conversions
    • Landing Pages

    As HEM notes, “Engagement reports are all about what prospects do after landing on your site”, whether they go deeper or drop off.

    1. Pages and Screens Report

    This is your new “Top Pages” view. Use it to identify high-interest pages such as:

    • Program descriptions
    • Tuition and aid
    • Admissions criteria
    • Campus life

    Key metrics:

    • Average Engagement Time
    • Conversions per Page
    • User Navigation Paths (Where users go next)

    If your BBA program page has high engagement and links to “Schedule a Tour,” make sure the CTA is prominent and functional. If engagement is low, revise the content or layout.

    2. Events Report

    GA4 automatically tracks events like:

    • Scroll depth (90%)
    • File downloads
    • Outbound clicks
    • Video plays

    You should also configure custom events for micro-conversions, such as:

    • “Request Info” form submissions
    • Brochure downloads
    • “Schedule a Visit” or “Start Application” clicks

    These are the mid-funnel signals that indicate increasing interest. Mark them as Conversions in GA4 to elevate their importance in reporting.

    Pro tip: Track 3–5 key events that correlate strongly with application intent.

    3. Conversions Report

    Once key events are marked as conversions, the report will show:

    • Total conversions by event type
    • Event frequency over time
    • Value (if assigned)

    This helps determine which micro-conversions are driving engagement and which campaigns or pages are most effective.

    4. Path Exploration

    GA4’s Explorations > Path Analysis lets you visualize what users do after key pages or events. For example, if many students visit the “Admissions FAQ” after reading a program page, that suggests rising intent. Use this to improve internal linking and user flow.

    What to Skip

    Avoid advanced GA4 reports like:

    • Cohort Analysis
    • User Lifetime
    • User Explorer

    These are often too detailed or irrelevant for short-term funnel optimization. Also, don’t feel obligated to use every Exploration template; build your own around your specific enrollment steps instead.

    HEM Insight: Unsure if your GA4 is tracking these mid-funnel behaviours correctly? HEM offers audits, event configuration, and CRM integration support, ensuring that when a student requests info, that action is tracked, stored, and acted upon.

    Ready for the next stage? Let’s move on to how GA4 supports Decision-Making.

    Stage 3: Decision-Making: High Intent & Lead Conversion

    In the decision-making stage, prospective students move from casual interest to serious consideration. They’re comparing programs, costs, outcomes, and culture. By now, they’ve likely returned to your site several times. The goal here is clear: convert an engaged visitor into a lead or applicant.

    GA4 Focus: Conversion Tracking & Funnel Analysis

    This is where your earlier GA4 setup pays off. With key conversion events (e.g., “Request Info,” “Submit Application”) defined, you can now analyze how and where those conversions happen. GA4’s Traffic Acquisition, Explorations, and Conversions tools are central at this stage.

    Conversions by Source/Medium

    To understand which marketing channels drive high-intent actions, use the Traffic Acquisition report and add columns for specific conversions (e.g., “Request Info count” and conversion rate). Alternatively, build an Exploration with source/medium as the dimension and conversion events as metrics.

    HEM’s webinar emphasizes looking beyond raw volume: ask “Which sources deliver my highest-intent leads?” For example:

    • Organic Search: 30 info requests, 10 applications
    • Paid Social: 5 info requests, 0 applications

    This data helps optimize channel strategy. If certain channels underperform in lead quality, revisit targeting, messaging, or landing pages.

    Funnel Exploration

    GA4’s Funnel Exploration is ideal for visualizing conversion paths. You can define steps like:

    1. View Program Page
    2. Click “Request Info”
    3. Submit RFI Form
    4. Start Application
    5. Submit Application

    Example funnel insight:

    • 1,000 users view program pages
    • 200 click “Inquire” (20%)
    • 50 submit forms (25% of clicks)
    • 30 start applications
    • 20 submit applications (67% of starters)

    This highlights where friction occurs, perhaps a clunky form (25% completion) or weak CTAs (20% inquiry rate). Use this to improve form UX, reinforce CTAs, or add nurturing touchpoints.

    You can also segment student recruitment funnels by device or user type (e.g., international vs. domestic). If drop-off is worse on mobile, consider layout changes; if international students abandon applications, address barriers like unclear visa info.

    Path Exploration

    GA4’s Path Exploration can show common user journeys leading to conversion. Start with “Application Submitted” and trace backward. If scholarship pages, FAQs, or department overviews frequently appear in these paths, you’ve identified key conversion content.

    Conversely, if users loop across pages without converting, that may signal confusion. Use these insights to surface critical info sooner or rework unclear sections.

    User Explorer: Qualitative Insights

    While not scalable, inspecting User Explorer for select journeys (e.g., converters vs. non-converters) can offer qualitative insight. One user might watch webinars and return five times before applying, proving content value. Others bounce after one visit, highlighting the need for nurturing.

    Metrics That Matter

    Focus on:

    • Conversion counts and rates per channel and funnel stage
    • Engaged sessions per user
    • Average engagement time for converters

    Example: applicants average 5 sessions and 10 engagement minutes; non-converters average 1 session and 2 minutes. Clearly, repeat engagement correlates with conversion, and nurturing campaigns (email, retargeting) are essential.

    What to Skip

    Avoid getting distracted by:

    • Cohort Analysis or User Lifetime
    • Attribution modelling (unless you’re running major ad campaigns)
    • Default GA4 templates that don’t fit your student recruitment funnel

    Stick with the custom funnel and path reports that reflect your application process.

    Pro Tip: Not confident in GA4 setup? HEM’s experts can build your funnels, configure conversion tracking, and connect GA4 to your CRM, giving you clear, enrollment-focused dashboards and team training to act on the insights confidently.

    Stage 4: Enrollment: Application to Enrollment (Bottom of Funnel)

    The enrollment stage is the final stretch, transforming applicants into enrolled students. While much of this process shifts to admissions and offline workflows (e.g., application review, acceptance, deposit), digital analytics still play a critical role. GA4 helps marketing teams identify friction points, evaluate channel performance, and inform efforts that influence yield. It also closes the loop on campaign effectiveness, especially if tied to downstream outcomes.

    GA4 Focus: Funnel Completion, Attribution, and Post-Application Insights

    Application Funnel Completion

    Using Funnel Exploration, ensure your funnel captures key milestones like “Apply Clicked” and “Application Submitted.” If many click “Apply” but few complete the form, GA4 highlights a clear drop-off. For instance, if desktop converts at 30% but mobile only 10%, there may be UX issues on mobile or a third-party form that isn’t optimized. This insight can guide IT discussions or quick fixes (e.g., warning banners or responsive design improvements).

    Attribution Paths

    GA4’s Advertising > Attribution > Conversion Paths report reveals the sequence of marketing touches that lead to applications. Common patterns in higher ed include:

    • Organic Search → Direct → Conversion
    • Paid Search → Organic → Direct → Conversion
    • Email → Direct → Conversion

    These paths underscore that enrollment isn’t a single-touch journey. For instance, Organic Search may start the process, while Direct or Email closes it. If you frequently see Email leading to conversions, it validates your nurture sequences. Also, keep an eye on new referral sources, like “Chat” or “Perplexity”, which may signal traffic from AI tools, as teased in HEM’s presentation.

    Post-Application Engagement

    Some schools track events beyond submission (e.g., clicking an admitted student portal link, viewing housing or financial aid info). While GA4 may not capture yield or melt directly, it can show post-application interest signals. Continued engagement, like visiting tuition or residence life pages, suggests intent to enroll or lingering questions that marketing content can address.

    Benchmarking and Outcomes

    Use GA4 to evaluate ROI by channel. For example, if Paid Search generates 10 applications at $5,000, while Organic Search drives 30 at no direct ad cost, that’s a critical insight. While GA4 doesn’t include media spend (unless connected to Google Ads), you can overlay cost data offline to calculate rough efficiency.

    You can also segment Applicants vs. Non-Applicants using GA4’s Explorations. Let’s say applicants averaged 8 sessions while non-applicants averaged 2. That suggests high engagement correlates with conversion, reinforcing the value of remarketing, email campaigns, and sticky content.

    Research supports this: EAB found that highly engaged users (multiple sessions, longer duration) were significantly more likely to apply.

    What to Skip

    Once a student applies, most enrollment decisions move to CRM or SIS platforms, not GA4. Don’t expect GA4 to tell you who enrolled, who melted, or who was denied. Similarly, ignore reports like Predictive Metrics, User Lifetime, and Cohort Analysis, which are less actionable for enrollment marketing. Focus instead on your core funnel, attribution, and engagement data.

    Final Takeaway

    By now, your GA4 setup should illuminate your recruitment funnel: how students find you, how they behave, when they convert, and where they fall off. This data is crucial for optimizing spend, improving user experience, and shaping strategic decisions.

    Priority GA4 Reports:
    • Traffic & User Acquisition (channel quality)
    • Pages and Screens (top content, engagement)
    • Events & Conversions (key actions)
    • Funnel & Path Explorations (journey analysis)
    • Attribution Paths (multi-touch influence)
    Reports to Skip:
    • Demographics & Tech (unless troubleshooting)
    • Realtime (not strategic)
    • Cohorts, LTV, Default Templates (too advanced or unfocused)

    Pro tip: HEM can help you build enrollment-specific GA4 funnels, connect data to your CRM, and surface dashboards that show “visits → inquiries → apps → yield” at a glance, so you can finally act on your data with confidence.

    Real-World Examples: GA4 Insights Driving Enrollment in Higher Ed (from various colleges & universities)

    Clemson University (College of Business) Clemson’s Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business leveraged targeted digital campaigns and GA4 event tracking to dramatically increase prospective student engagement.

    The college saw a 207% increase in page engagement and a 222% growth in program page views for a key graduate program after the campaign. In just a two-month push, GA4 recorded 498 users requesting information and 44 clicking “Apply” to begin their applications.

    HEM BP Image 2HEM BP Image 2Source: Clemson University

    University College Dublin (UCD). This university fully transitioned to GA4 and implemented a unified analytics dashboard via a data warehouse for all its websites. The new GA4-powered reporting interface, featuring Overview, Page Performance, and User Engagement reports, loads much faster and retains up to two years of data.

    This enables UCD’s faculties and departments to easily track user behaviour across the university’s web presence, gaining insights into what content is engaging visitors and where improvements can be made.

    HEM BP Image 3HEM BP Image 3

    Source: University College Dublin

    Boise State University. Boise State created a centralized GA4 “Comprehensive Dashboard” accessible to campus stakeholders and paired it with training tutorials on common GA4 tasks. Their web team produced self-paced video guides on how to filter GA4 data to answer specific questions (such as finding top pages, viewing traffic sources, or seeing visitor geolocation).

    This approach empowers individual departments to slice the raw GA4 data for their own needs and quickly get answers about user behaviour, for example, identifying the most popular pages or where visitors are coming from, without needing advanced technical skills.

    HEM BP Image 4HEM BP Image 4

    Source: Boise State University

    UC Riverside. UC Riverside moved all its many departmental and unit websites to GA4 under a centralized analytics structure. The university’s web team built a curated “Web Analytics for Campus Partners” GA4 dashboard with custom reports, including a Broken Links report and a Top Landing Pages report.

    These tailored GA4 dashboards help site owners across campus quickly spot issues (e.g. finding and fixing 404 error pages) and identify content that attracts new traffic. By giving each department actionable insights, such as which pages are bringing in the most new visitors, UCR has improved user experience and informed content strategy across dozens of sites in its domain.

    HEM BP Image 5HEM BP Image 5

    Source: UC Riverside

    Texas A&M University. Texas A&M established an Analytics Community of Practice that meets monthly, bringing together marketers and communicators from different colleges and units to share GA4 insights and techniques.

    In these sessions, participants discuss recent findings (for example, which pages on their sites show unusually high engagement rates, or how referral traffic patterns are shifting) in a collaborative forum. This ongoing knowledge exchange ensures continuous learning and helps cultivate a data-informed culture campus-wide.

    HEM BP Image 6HEM BP Image 6

    Source: Texas A&M University

    Turning GA4 Insights into Enrollment Growth

    Embracing GA4’s event-based, student-centric model can reshape how your team drives recruitment outcomes. By moving beyond vanity metrics like pageviews, GA4 prompts higher ed marketers to focus on real indicators of student intent, such as engaged sessions, application clicks, and program page sequences. Across each funnel stage, GA4 reveals which channels attract interest, what content sustains it, and which actions convert it.

    This clarity empowers you to refine campaign targeting, improve website performance, and simplify the inquiry or application path. GA4 also bridges the long-standing gap between marketing and admissions by giving both teams shared metrics and a common funnel narrative. Instead of saying, “We got 10,000 visits,” marketing can report: “We drove 300 info requests and 50 applications, and here’s what influenced them.”

    It’s true, GA4 can feel overwhelming at first. But by focusing on core engagement metrics, key conversion events, and simple funnel analyses, you can avoid the noise and surface what truly matters. Start small, then grow into more advanced insights as you gain confidence. What should higher ed marketers avoid focusing on in GA4? Don’t worry if GA4 isn’t tracking beyond the application. 

    Also, avoid misattributing things to GA4 that it can’t measure – e.g., GA4 won’t tell you ‘admitted vs. denied’ or ‘enrolled vs. melt’ – that’s outside its scope. Focus on what GA4 can concretely tell you about the marketing funnel leading up to enrollment.

    Above all, GA4 is most powerful when used collaboratively. Share funnel data with admissions. Highlight high-performing content to your copy team. Use insights to inform international recruitment or retargeting campaigns. And if needed, partner with specialists. At HEM, we help institutions build clear, actionable GA4 setups, from audits and event tracking to CRM integrations, so your analytics directly support enrollment.

    GA4 isn’t just an upgrade; it’s a strategic advantage. When aligned with your funnel, it can become your most effective tool for enrollment growth.

    GA4 unlocks powerful enrolment insights.

    Turn student journey data into smarter recruitment decisions with HEM.

    FAQs

    What makes GA4 different from Universal Analytics for higher ed marketers?
    Higher ed marketers accustomed to UA’s pageviews and sessions are now confronted with a new event-based model, a slew of unfamiliar reports, and an interface that looks nothing like the old Google Analytics. GA4 offers richer insights into student behaviour and intent, which can directly fuel enrollment growth.

    What should higher ed marketers avoid focusing on in GA4?
    Don’t worry if GA4 isn’t tracking beyond the application. Also, avoid misattributing things to GA4 that it can’t measure, e.g., GA4 won’t tell you ‘admitted vs. denied’ or ‘enrolled vs. melt’, that’s outside its scope. Focus on what GA4 can concretely tell you about the marketing funnel leading up to enrollment.

    Which GA4 reports should we prioritize for enrollment marketing?
    Focus on the critical reports:

    • Traffic Acquisition & User Acquisition (for awareness channel quality)
    • Engagement > Pages and Screens (for top content and engagement per page)
    • Engagement > Events & Conversions (for tracking micro and macro conversions)
    • Explorations: Funnel Analysis (for visualizing the enrollment funnel and drop-offs)
    • Explorations: Path Analysis (for seeing common user journeys and sequences)
    • Advertising > Attribution Paths (for understanding multi-touch conversion paths)”

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  • Tiny House Communities are storming America & changing real estate (Tiny House Giant Journey)

    Tiny House Communities are storming America & changing real estate (Tiny House Giant Journey)







    Higher Education Inquirer : Tiny House Communities are storming America & changing real estate (Tiny House Giant Journey)




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  • Designing a Seamless Student Journey

    Designing a Seamless Student Journey

    Every Gap Is a Broken Promise 

    Ever call a service provider only to get bounced between departments, retelling your story to every new agent, each one promising a fix that never comes? You hang up frustrated, unheard, and uncertain.

    This same dynamic plays out in higher ed every day. A prospective student tells an admissions counselor, “I need to finish my graduate degree in one year.” That context gets lost in the handoff. The student success team never hears it. Course sequencing doesn’t line up. Frustration builds. Momentum stalls.

    That isn’t just a communication slip. It’s a broken promise.

    Too often, institutions treat the student journey as a series of separate phases — marketing handles outreach, admissions manages enrollment, and student success supports retention — but students don’t experience their education in phases. They experience it as one journey.

    And when we don’t design for that, we create invisible gaps that undermine trust, break continuity, and erode outcomes.

    This isn’t a marketing problem. Or an admissions problem. Or even a student success problem. It’s an alignment problem. 

    The real challenge is that internal teams aren’t playing from the same sheet of music. Without shared data, shared metrics, and shared goals, it’s impossible to have a meaningful conversation about where the student journey breaks down.

    It also makes improvement feel like guesswork. One team pushes harder on applications. Another tries to boost first-term persistence. But without a full-funnel view, efforts remain disjointed and hard to scale.

    To grow enrollment and retention sustainably, you need institutional alignment around the full journey, from first click to graduation.

    Full-Funnel Enrollment Planning as a Solution for Growth

    A full-funnel strategy doesn’t just connect dots — it puts everyone on the same map. Sustainable enrollment growth requires moving beyond early-stage efforts and focusing on a unified enrollment strategy that carries a prospective student from interest all the way through graduation. That means marketing, admissions, and student success teams need to share the same data, vision, and goals. Here’s what that looks like in practice.

    Connect Marketing, Admissions, and Student Success

    Replace handoffs with collaboration. That means shared access to student data, from first inquiry to graduation. When teams see the same big picture, outreach becomes more relevant, timing improves, and support gets proactive.

    Build a Shared Road Map With Clear Metrics

    Institutions need to establish a single road map that charts the student journey from inquiry to enrollment to graduation and attach measurable goals to each phase, such as enrollment yield, first-term persistence, and long-term retention rates. A shared scorecard keeps the discussion focused on the big-picture student journey, rather than team silos.

    This shared dataset should be analyzed to detect patterns and trends. Where are students dropping out of the funnel? Which programs retain the best-fit learners? Which messages produce the best engagement? The insights you glean from your analysis can help you tweak targeting and support.

    Align Around Student Fit Early

    Retention starts with recruitment. When marketing and admissions teams are aligned with student success, they can spot patterns of persistence and adjust targeting accordingly. It’s not just about getting more students in the door — it’s about attracting students who will thrive.

    Structure Cross-Team Check-Ins

    Yes, it means more meetings, but structured, purposeful alignment sessions across departments can surface insights you’d otherwise miss. Better yet, tie every meeting to shared key performance indicators (KPIs) and use that data to drive strategy.

    Treat Technology as a Bridge, Not a Band-Aid

    Modern customer relationship management (CRM) platforms give you visibility into every stage of the funnel. Real-time reporting and alerts enable teams to identify issues — where students are disengaging, where more support is needed, which outreach messages are failing to resonate — and respond quickly before they become systemic.

    Reframing Retention as a Targeting Opportunity 

    Strong retention doesn’t begin in week eight of the semester. It begins the moment a prospective student clicks “Learn More.” Strategies for success include the following:

    • Target right-fit students using behavioral and demographic data.
    • Tailor outreach to meet the expectations of adult and online learners.
    • Use predictive insights to intervene before a student disengages.

    When you design a journey that prioritizes clarity, continuity, and fit, your enrollment and retention numbers start to reflect that.

    Key Takeaways

    With the value of higher ed under scrutiny and students facing more choices than ever, institutions must start treating the student journey like a customer journey.

    That means designing around measurable satisfaction at every stage. Rallying around shared information. And giving every team a role in both the promise and the delivery of student success.

    Because when students fall through the cracks, they don’t just feel confused. They feel let down.

    Enrollment growth requires an end-to-end student journey approach, not a single-stage fix. 

    Full-cycle planning drives stronger enrollment and better retention.

    Alignment among internal teams is the foundation for sustainable results.

    It’s Time to Close the Gaps

    At Archer Education, we partner with institutions to connect marketing, enrollment, and student success into one seamless journey. We help you build full-cycle strategies that grow enrollment, increase retention, and, most importantly, deliver on your promises to students.

    Ready to start the conversation? Let’s talk.

    Contact our team to learn more about our tech-enabled strategy, marketing, enrollment, and retention services.

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  • Veronica Alvarez’s Journey in Arts Education – The 74

    Veronica Alvarez’s Journey in Arts Education – The 74


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    Veronica Alvarez was 4 when her family came to the U.S. from Cotija in Michoacán, Mexico, a small town famed for its cheese. Her father picked avocados amid the scorching heat in the San Fernando Valley, while her mother cleaned houses. One of nine children, she learned how to scrimp and save, how to work hard and how to dream big.

    “We were so poor, I knew not to ask for much,” said Alvarez, 52, now executive director of Los Angeles-based Create CA, one of the state’s leading arts education advocacy organizations. “Looking back on those years now, I don’t know how my parents did it. I have a white-color job and two sons, and I can barely afford it.”

    Her sunny disposition belies a steely resolve. She remembers well the sting of being an undocumented immigrant in the age of Gov. Pete Wilson, an era when some felt ashamed to even speak Spanish in public. She brings that fire to her arts education mission. 

    “I believe access to the arts is a social justice issue,” as she puts it.

    “Unfortunately, students that have the most need do not get equal access and opportunities.”

    Her chops as a fighter, someone who doesn’t give up on a cause, are part of what makes her special, arts advocates say.

    “Veronica is an inspiring and dedicated arts education advocate and leader,” said Merryl Goldberg, a veteran music and arts professor at Cal State San Marcos, who also serves on the Create CA board. “Her commitment to equity and lifting student voices is front and center.”

    Alvarez didn’t become fluent in English until about the fourth grade, but she instinctively understood that education was the key to escaping poverty. 

    Education was my path out of poverty. That was always my thing. I loved school.

    Veronica Alvarez

    The only one in her family to graduate from high school, for her, school was always a matter of sink or swim. She chose to dive deep. She paid her way through college working at Chuck E. Cheese, where she honed her chops in engaging children.

    “I’ve always been pretty driven,” said Alvarez, a mother of two boys with a doctorate in education and a master’s in ancient history. “Education was my path out of poverty. That was always my thing. I loved school.”

    She also loved to walk to the library. It conjured an oasis of calm amid her raucous household.

    “I’d come home with bags of books and sit in a corner to read and immerse myself in the world created by the author,” she remembers. “That love of reading has lasted to this day.”

    At first, she wanted to be an artist, but her fourth grade teacher said she lacked talent. 

    “I loved making art as a child,” said Alvarez. “But I had always been taught to respect your elders. I didn’t think it was my place to question it.”

    So, she stopped trying to make art, channeling her drive into academics. Determined to graduate early, she took every AP class she could in high school and found her happy place in art history. A self-professed nerd, she always felt drawn to the world of books and ideas.

    “To be able to sit and read and learn always seemed like a luxury to me,” she said. 

    As a child, she was first entranced by Caravaggio and Bernini, and later became beguiled by the works of Frida Kahlo and Graciela Iturbide. 

    Making sure everyone can participate in the arts is what drives Veronica Alvarez, now head of Create CA. (Courtesy of Veronica Alvarez)

    “I loved Bernini’s ‘David’ because of his teeth biting his lip; he looked vulnerable and intense — along with the fact that he was mid-motion as he threw the rock at Goliath,” she remembers. “The ‘Barberini Faun’ made me blush. A big piece of marble made me blush.”

    She’s a full-fledged museum addict and a politics junkie with a passion for the place of women in antiquity, particularly Greek and Roman history. That expertise is what led her to the Getty Museum, where she helped launch the Getty Villa. 

    “My parents would’ve never dreamed of taking us to museums; that was not a place for us,” said Alvarez, who later became the director of school and teacher programs at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. “My passion has always been about access and equity, making a place for everyone.”

    While at the Getty, she worked on an English learners program with migrant workers who often start work at 4 a.m., which means language classes happened at all hours of the day and night. It was a struggle to convey the meanings of words until she landed on using the visual realm. 

    “When you learn a new language, you learn ‘manzana’ means apple, and then you see a picture of an apple,” she recalls. “I thought, why don’t we use Cézanne’s ‘Still Life with Apples’? And the conversations suddenly got so much more interesting. We got the students to really engage, centered around the artwork.” 

    That obsession with making sure everyone, not just the lucky few, can feel the transformative power of the arts is why she feels right at home at Create CA, which has been helping schools navigate the rules around Proposition 28, the state’s arts education mandate. 

    The organization has long fought for expanding access to arts education and helped advocate for arts educators and teaching artists in the classroom. One of the biggest challenges facing the organization now is making sure Prop. 28 funds are spent as they were intended, as well as pushing for more funding.

    “With the passage of Prop. 28 and dedicated funds for arts education, people may think we have solved arts education,” she said. “However, while a billion dollars may sound like a lot of money, we have 6 million students in CA. When we parcel out what that means to individual school districts, especially in rural areas, sometimes the funds aren’t sufficient to hire one art teacher.”

    Alvarez is known for her poise and her ability to keep the peace amid intense personalities.

    “I’ve been struck by her powerfully calm demeanor and her openness to advocacy as a ground-up endeavor versus a top-down activity,” said Goldberg. “Being an arts leader can be challenging in so much as there are many voices in the mix and they don’t all agree.”

    Alvarez has the polish to be diplomatic in a deeply divided world, partly because she puts the cause first. 

    “She brings a worldly and positive energy to the discussions, and she strikes me as very much always in the problem-solving and equity-centered mode,” said Letty Kraus, director of the California County Superintendents Statewide Arts Initiative. “I also have experienced her as hands-on, participatory, and collegial in her approach.” 

    For Alvarez, art is the tether that connects us to our shared human heritage. It’s a bridge to the past that all should be encouraged to cross. 

    “Human beings are unique,” she said. “Out of all the animals, we have the ability to create art, to connect across time and culture. That’s why I love the arts so much. The craftsmanship of the human hand, the human eye, is so important to me.”

    As an educator, the elusive nature of cognition — why the human mind absorbs some concepts while discarding others — also fascinates her. 

    “To me, what you have to teach is the love of learning,” she said. “How does the mind retain information? It’s all about making connections. You learn something in history, and then you apply it in English. It’s about providing the full context; that’s how you retain information.”

    If something truly moves us, she suggests, we may remember it forever. That’s why the arts can push us to transcend boundaries and grasp universal truths. 

    “The arts are essential to students’ creativity,” she said. “When students can’t access the traditional curriculum, the arts allow them to express themselves, their feelings, and tell their stories. The arts are essential to our well-being.” 


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  • Modern Student Portal: Transforming the Student Journey

    Modern Student Portal: Transforming the Student Journey

    Reading Time: 11 minutes

    Higher education enrollment no longer begins with a handshake on campus; it starts the moment a student finds your website. That first digital interaction sets the tone for everything that follows. If the process feels outdated, impersonal, or clunky, students move on.

    Modern applicants are tech-native. They expect fast responses, personalized support, and mobile-first tools that feel like the apps they use every day. Schools that deliver that level of experience build trust and convert more students. Those that don’t? They lose out, often silently.

    A well-built student portal is your opportunity to meet those expectations head-on. It centralizes the entire admissions process, from initial inquiry to application to enrollment, into one streamlined, student-friendly platform. It also reduces stress, automates admin work, and gives admissions teams the tools they need to focus on students instead of paperwork.

    This blog post breaks down how a modern portal transforms the student experience and what your institution needs to build one that works.

    Looking for an all-in-one student information and CRM solution tailored to the education sector?

    Try the HEM Student Portal!

    What Is a Student Portal?

    A student portal is more than an application tool. It’s a fully integrated digital experience that connects prospective students with your institution at every stage of their journey. The best portals:

    • Guide students through applying, uploading documents, paying fees, and accepting offers
    • Offer real-time updates and personalized communication
    • Integrate with back-end systems to eliminate double entry and bottlenecks

    In short, it simplifies life for students while maximizing your admissions team’s productivity.

    What is the purpose of a student portal application tool? A student portal provides a centralized, secure platform for applicants and students to access essential services, like submitting documents, tracking applications, receiving updates, and completing enrollment tasks, streamlining communication between the institution and the student.

    Why Student Portals Matter More Than Ever

    The rise of Gen Z and Gen Alpha has transformed expectations. These are digital natives. They don’t tolerate friction, and they certainly don’t want to print forms or play email tag with admissions.

    To put this into context, nearly 70% of students believe their university’s digital experience should match the quality of commercial platforms like Amazon or Facebook.

    And it’s not just about convenience. A poor online experience can actively damage your brand and lead to lost enrollments. Whether you’re a large research university or a small career college, students expect you to meet them where they already are: online, on-demand, and on mobile.

    A New Standard: Digital-First From First Click

    The student journey doesn’t begin with an application form. It starts at the moment of first contact; usually a website visit, ad click, or social media link. A well-designed student portal captures this moment and turns it into momentum.

    Replicating the admissions process online is all about providing prospective students with a valuable experience from the moment they land on your website until the day they start their courses.

    That starts with smart lead capture tools:

    • “Download a brochure.”
    • “Schedule a virtual tour.”
    • “Chat with our admissions team.”
    • “Apply now.”

    Each of these CTAs feeds into a connected CRM. That’s where the magic happens: the CRM begins tracking the prospect’s interests and behaviors and triggers follow-ups that feel personal, not automated.

    Example: London Business School attracts applicants worldwide to its MBA program, so it streamlines the process by funneling everything through its online system. In fact, the school states that its “preferred format for receiving applications is via our online portal.” London Business School sends accepted candidates a series of email workflows that highlight unique aspects of the LBS experience, including video messages from faculty. These aren’t generic updates; they’re trust-building touchpoints.

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    Source: London Business School

    From Interest to Application: Streamlining the Process

    How does a student portal improve the admissions process? A student portal automates manual tasks, improves application visibility, accelerates document collection, and enhances communication. This reduces staff workload and provides a seamless experience for students, resulting in higher conversion rates and faster admissions cycles.

    Once a student decides to apply, the expectations only grow. They want simplicity. They want speed. And they want control.

    A modern student portal delivers all three by centralizing the application process into a single, intuitive interface. Students can:

    • Create an account
    • Save progress and return later
    • Upload documents (transcripts, ID, essays)
    • Track their application status in real-time
    • Pay application fees securely

    Example: Keio Academy of New York (a boarding school with students from over 30 countries) manages its intake via a dedicated Admissions Portal. Applicants create an account and complete all steps through the portal, downloading required forms and submitting their documents online. Importantly, exam results and admission decisions are posted on Keio’s portal as well; they do not send results by postal mail.

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    Source: Keio Academy of New York

    What students expect in a digital application portal:

    • A secure login system
    • A mobile-friendly design
    • Dynamic forms with autosave
    • Document upload support
    • Progress tracking
    • In-portal or multi-channel messaging
    • Transparent decision notifications

    Example: University of British Columbia’s Applicant Service Centre provides a 24/7 window into one’s application. Applicants can log in to see real-time status updates, upcoming deadlines, and any outstanding items or fees needed to complete their file. Once admitted, UBC uses the same portal to guide students through the next steps: from accepting the offer online to planning finances and registering for courses, each step is laid out in order.

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    Source: University of British Columbia

    Portals also cut down administrative chaos on the backend. Admissions teams benefit from CRM and SIS integration, automated workflows, and centralized communication tools. Instead of wasting time on data entry or chasing down missing documents, staff can focus on what matters: building relationships.

    With centralized, automated workflows, institutions can save time and resources and improve tracking and reporting for better decision-making.

    Beyond the Application: Supporting Students After Acceptance

    Here’s a critical truth: admissions doesn’t end with an acceptance letter.

    There’s a critical period between “You’re in!” and “I’m enrolled.” This is where many institutions experience summer melt: when admitted students silently drift away before showing up on campus.

    A modern portal helps close that gap. Once accepted, students often get access to a new-student dashboard with a personalized checklist:

    • Confirm acceptance
    • Pay deposit
    • Submit housing preferences
    • Sign up for orientation
    • Upload immunization records
    • Apply for financial aid

    The portal handles checklists, deadlines, and reminders, so students stay on track and don’t ghost between acceptance and enrollment.

    Schools that automate this process don’t just reduce summer melt. They create a sense of structure, confidence, and connection before students even arrive.

    Each task is tracked. Each deadline is visible. And the portal nudges students forward with timely reminders via email, text, or even WhatsApp.

    And it’s not just about logistics. Portals can foster community through:

    • Access to student forums
    • Links to private social groups
    • Welcome videos from faculty or alumni

    Example: Loyola Marymount University takes engagement a step further with its “Future Lions” portal for admitted students. LMU’s portal serves as a one-stop welcome platform: new Lions are reminded to log in regularly for important enrollment information, access orientation resources, and even find roommates through a dedicated matching system. By consolidating these tools, LMU’s portal is actively building a community, connecting future classmates and helping them feel at home before they even set foot on campus.

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    Source: Loyola Marymount University

    Choosing the Right Portal: What to Look For

    What features should I look for in a student portal? Look for CRM and SIS integration, mobile optimization, multilingual support, payment processing, real-time messaging, automated reminders, customizable dashboards, and secure document uploads.

    These are the features you can’t compromise on:

    1. Mobile-Optimized Application Forms

    Students are on their phones, and your application process better be, too. Forms should adapt to any screen size, load quickly, and allow uploads and progress saving without hassle.

    Example: Concordia University (Canada) recently replaced its old applicant site with a unified Student Hub that offers single sign-on access to all student services – from applications to course registration – in one convenient interface. This new portal features a more modern user interface and is fully mobile-responsive.

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    Source: Concordia University

    2. CRM Integration for Lead Management

    Your portal should talk to your CRM in real time. Every form submission, download, or contact should create or update a record automatically, so no prospect slips through the cracks.

    Example: Georgia State University’s admissions portal doesn’t stop at the acceptance letter; it presents each admitted student with a personalized “Next Steps” checklist to smoothly transition them toward enrollment. Upon acceptance, students unlock an Intent to Enroll form in their status checklist, allowing them to confirm their enrollment online without delay. All subsequent requirements – from submitting final transcripts to signing up for orientation – are tracked through the same portal, so nothing falls through the cracks.

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    Source: Georgia State University

    3. Student Information System (SIS) Sync

    From applicant to enrolled student, data should flow seamlessly. Integration with your SIS means no double entry and a smoother transition into class registration, billing, and campus life.

    Example: The University of Melbourne provides a one-stop solution through its portal. This student portal provides a single place for students to manage course administration and university life. In practice, that means a student logs into one dashboard for everything: enrolling in classes, viewing schedules, checking financials, and accessing support resources.

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    Source: University of Melbourne

    4. Automation for Reminders and Follow-Ups

    Set up triggers for missing documents, incomplete applications, or upcoming deadlines. Automated nudges keep students moving forward and reduce the load on your staff.

    5. Multichannel Communication Tools

    Meet students where they are: email, SMS, chat, ideally all three. Your portal should support direct messaging, automatic confirmations, and personalized updates through multiple channels.

    6. Live Application Tracking

    Students hate waiting in the dark. Let them see whether their application is submitted, under review, or accepted, along with their checklist status and next steps.

    Example: The University of Toronto directs every applicant to its “Join U of T” portal, where they can track application status, upload documents, and receive admission decisions all in one place. About a week after applying, students get instructions to access the portal and are told to check it regularly for status updates, required documents, and eventual offers. In fact, U of T applicants even accept their offers of admission through the portal instead of mailing forms.

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    Source: University of Toronto

    7. Secure File Uploads and e-Signatures

    From transcripts to ID cards and essays: make it simple and safe for students to submit everything online. Support all common file formats and include e-signing where needed.

    8. Role-Based Access for Staff

    Admissions, faculty reviewers, and financial aid each group needs the right level of access. Role-based permissions let your team collaborate efficiently without compromising security.

    9. Internationalization Support

    If you’re enrolling global students, your portal should handle different time zones, document types, phone number formats, and (ideally) multiple languages.

    Example: The International Language Academy of Canada (ILAC), which enrolls students from dozens of countries in its English programs, emphasizes a fully digital application. Prospects are invited to “start your journey” by completing ILAC’s online form and making a payment, after which they receive an electronic letter of acceptance needed for visa processing; no paper forms or international mail delays.

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    Source: ILAC

    10. Post-acceptance Workflow Tools

    The portal shouldn’t stop working after admission. Use it for onboarding: orientation sign-ups, housing applications, deposit payments, and beyond. A one-stop platform improves both experience and yield.

    A quick rule of thumb is, the more customizable and connected your system, the more you can reduce friction and boost results.

    Example: Northwest Career College in Las Vegas is a more intimate vocational school that prides itself on personal guidance. Their admissions process blends human interaction with digital convenience: a prospective student first speaks with an admissions advisor (often by phone or in person) and only then receives an invite to the online student portal to formally apply. In doing so, Northwest ensures that every applicant gets one-on-one support in navigating requirements, while the portal handles the data capture, document uploads, and progress tracking in the background.

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    Source: Northwest Career College

    Transforming the Student Journey With HEM-SP

    At Higher Education Marketing, we’ve built HEM-SP. A purpose-built student portal that integrates CRM for higher education, student enrollment systems, and behavioral analytics. It enables institutions to centralize data, improve the student experience, and meet digital expectations.

    HEM-SP Offers:

    • End-to-end application processing
    • Real-time behavior tracking
    • Personalized email/SMS/WhatsApp comms
    • Custom dashboards for staff and students
    • Cohort, class, and instructor management
    • Seamless SIS integration

    Request a free demo here!

    What’s Next: Why This Matters Now

    Implementing a student portal isn’t just a digital transformation; it’s a mindset shift.

    You’re not just moving forms online. You’re creating a student-centric experience that matches the speed and personalization of the rest of their digital life. That makes your school more attractive, more trustworthy, and ultimately more successful.

    In the era of digital admissions, a student portal is no longer a luxury; it’s rapidly becoming a standard. Institutions that modernize are already seeing:

    • Higher completion rates
    • Lower melt
    • Better data
    • More efficient staff workflows
    • Stronger enrollment outcomes

    Those that don’t? Risk losing applicants to schools that are simply easier to work with.

    Partner With Hem for Success

    From the first click to the first day, every moment matters. A student portal connects those moments into one seamless experience.

    It’s the digital front door. The application guide. The welcome mat. The checklist. The counselor. The map.

    When built right, it becomes more than software; it becomes part of your institutional promise: we’re here to make your education journey clear, personal, and achievable. Do you want help evaluating or implementing a student enrollment system that works for your institution? Get a free demo and see what HEM’s Student Portal can do for you today!

    Looking for an all-in-one student information and CRM solution tailored to the education sector?

    Try the HEM Student Portal!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Question: What is the purpose of a student portal?
    Answer: A student portal provides a centralized, secure platform for applicants and students to access essential services, like submitting documents, tracking applications, receiving updates, and completing enrollment tasks, streamlining communication between the institution and the student.

    Question: How does a student portal improve the admissions process?
    Answer: A student portal automates manual tasks, improves application visibility, accelerates document collection, and enhances communication. This reduces staff workload and provides a seamless experience for students, resulting in higher conversion rates and faster admissions cycles.

    Question: What features should I look for in a student portal?
    Answer: Look for CRM and SIS integration, mobile optimization, multilingual support, payment processing, real-time messaging, automated reminders, customizable dashboards, and secure document uploads.

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  • My Journey in Alternative Grading: From Curiosity to Clarity – Faculty Focus

    My Journey in Alternative Grading: From Curiosity to Clarity – Faculty Focus

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  • The Tools Helping University Students Succeed After Graduation (Post College Journey)

    The Tools Helping University Students Succeed After Graduation (Post College Journey)

    Seattle, Wash.– As thousands of university students graduate each year, many find themselves
    facing an unexpected challenge: career uncertainty. Despite earning degrees, a large portion of
    graduates report feeling unprepared to enter the workforce. Post-college career expert Laurie
    Nilo-Klug     is tackling this issue head-on, providing students with the tools they need to build
    confidence and thrive in their careers.

    Ms. Nilo-Klug, an Adjunct Professor at Seattle University and the founder of Post College
    Journey    , has dedicated her work to helping students transition from college to the professional
    world. Through her programs, Laurie has empowered students to take control of their career
    paths, addressing common issues such as imposter syndrome, skill uncertainty, and job market
    navigation.

     

    After implementing her career confidence-building tools in the classroom, Laurie observed a
    remarkable 60% increase in student confidence levels. “Many students leave college with
    impressive degrees but lack the self-assurance to effectively launch their careers. 

    My goal is to bridge that gap with actionable strategies that instill confidence and competence,” says Laurie. Laurie explains, “In a recent assignment, I had students choose two career exploration activities, and their selections revealed a strong drive to connect classroom learning with their post-college goals. 

    Their enthusiasm for hands-on experiences, such as job applications and simulations, highlighted the critical need for practical, real-world learning opportunities. After gathering student feedback and analyzing the data, I found a 60% increase in their career confidence levels. This reinforced my belief that early and direct exposure to career exploration is essential for student success.”

    In this activity, students were tasked with selecting two career exploration activities from the
    following options:

    ● Attending a career development event;
    ● Having an appointment with the career center;
    ● Joining a student club;
    ● Doing a career self-assessment
    ● Applying to a job;
    ● Or completing a job simulation and then reflecting on what they have learned.

    This assignment aimed to show that career development offers many paths, so it’s crucial to
    understand why you choose an activity, what you hope to gain, and reflect on what you learn.
    Laurie expected students to pick low-effort options like self-assessments or joining a club, given
    their frequent concerns about time constraints. Instead, nearly all chose job simulations or
    applied for a job, showing a strong preference for hands-on experience.

    For media inquiries or to schedule an interview with Laurie Nilo-Klug, please contact:
    Marisa Spano
    [email protected]

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  • From Soviet Influence to Market Economy: Mongolia’s Higher Education Journey

    From Soviet Influence to Market Economy: Mongolia’s Higher Education Journey

    It’s been a while since we did an episode looking at the higher education system of a far-flung corner of the world. Recently I was perusing the pages of International Higher Education, a wonderful quarterly publication out of Boston College, and I saw a great little article about the challenges facing Mongolian higher education, and I knew this was something we had to cover on the podcast.

    Unless you spend a lot of time reading about the Chinggis Khan Empire, or in my case, watching the upper echelons of professional Sumo, my guess is you probably don’t think about Mongolia that often.

    As a state it’s only a little over a century old, a child of the disintegration of the Chinese empire, which found protection under the Soviet banner. Its fortunes, both as a country and as a higher education system, therefore, look a lot like those from the further flung stands of Central Asia — that is seriously under-resourced and heavily influenced by a Russian model, which splits teaching and research into two very different buckets.

    Today my guest is Dendev Badarch, a professor at the Mongolian University of Science and Technology in Ulan Bator, and one of the co-authors of that IHE article. He has an interesting take on the current situation in Mongolia and the likely keys to the system’s future success as the country moves towards upper-middle-income status and deals with the challenge of becoming a service economy.

    But enough for me. Let’s turn it over to Dendev. 

    The World of Higher Education Podcast
    Episode 3.24 | From Soviet Influence to Market Economy: Mongolia’s Higher Education Journey 

    Transcript

    Alex Usher (AU): Let’s start with a brief history of Mongolian higher education. You’re from the oldest university in the country, and the National University of Mongolia is only about 80 years old, founded in 1942, if I’m not mistaken. My guess is that, at the start, the system would have been heavily dependent on the Soviet model.

    How did higher education develop during the socialist period up to the late 1980s? Beyond training government cadres, what industries was it designed to support, and how quickly did Mongolian become the primary language of instruction?

    Badarch Dendev (BD): First of all, thank you very much for inviting me to this podcast. Yes, you are correct—the Mongolian higher education system was heavily influenced by the Soviet system. The first university, the National University of Mongolia, was established in 1942, and its curriculum, structure, and administration closely followed the Soviet model.

    To meet the needs of Mongolia’s planned economy, several small, specialized schools were established from the 1950s to the 1960s, including institutions for medical training, agriculture, teacher education, and polytechnic studies. These schools played a significant role in supplying specialists with the skills necessary to support the Mongolian economy.

    In its early years, instruction at the university was conducted in Russian. However, as more Mongolian specialists graduated with higher education degrees, Mongolian gradually became the primary language of instruction. By the 1960s, many courses—particularly in the social sciences and humanities—were being taught in Mongolian.

    AU: By the 1970s, Mongolia had a system that was producing professionals, and instruction was primarily in the Mongolian language. Then, at the end of the 1980s, there was a shift to a market economy, which must have had a profound impact on higher education. What were the biggest changes that occurred in that first decade of a market economy?

    BD:  The Democratic Revolution of 1989–1990 marked a historic transition in our country. We moved from a socialist one-party system to a multi-party democracy and a free-market economy. This shift led to significant changes in higher education.

    In response to the pressure from the new democratic system, the government, in my opinion, took three key steps.

    The first was significant changes to public institutions, reclassifying old public institutes as universities and giving them more authority. Mongolia faced economic difficulties at the time. Under socialism, higher education was fully funded by the government—covering tuition, student stipends, faculty salaries, and more. But after the transition to democracy, we faced a very difficult situation.

    Second, under socialism, all higher education institutions were public. With the reforms, the government allowed the establishment of private universities and colleges, which significantly increased access to higher education.

    The third major step was the adoption of Mongolia’s first higher education law. These three key steps taken by the government shaped Mongolia’s higher education system as it exists today.

    AU: What’s the division now between public and private higher education? In countries like China and Russia, maybe three-quarters of students are still in public universities, but there’s still a significant private or non-state sector that educates about a quarter of the students. Is that the case in Mongolia as well? How big is the private sector?

    BD: You see, when the government made the decision to establish private institutions, there was a boom—a surge of small private colleges that had no infrastructure, no proper teaching facilities, and not enough qualified faculty. At one point, there were almost 200 private colleges.

    But as of last year, the 2022–2023 academic year, we have 69 higher education institutions—19 public and 50 private.

    However, in terms of student numbers, 60 percent of students are in public universities—because of reputation, infrastructure, and other factors. In total, Mongolia has about 145,000 students.

    AU: My understanding is that both public and private institutions rely heavily on tuition fees, and that tuition fees are quite high. Is that good for financial sustainability, or does it create risks for institutions?

    BD: Tuition fees are not high, but universities and higher education institutions depend almost entirely on tuition. About 90 percent of their income comes from tuition. There is no public funding—except for some government subsidies for students.

    AU: So, in that situation, it’s not really a question of whether a high dependence on tuition is bad. If there’s no public subsidy, it’s simply the only way to operate, right?

    BD: Yes. Exactly.

    AU: Badarch, another critical function of universities is research. How does Mongolia compare internationally in terms of scientific research? What are the successes, and what are the biggest barriers to developing a stronger research culture?

    BD: You know, from the beginning, Mongolian universities were primarily training institutions, not research institutions. But in the last 10 years, there has been significant investment in higher education, especially in public universities. For the first time, university professors have started publishing internationally. In fact, the five largest public universities now produce 65% of all internationally published research papers. However, in Mongolia, higher education and research have been separate from the start, following the Russian model.

    AU: You would have an Academy of Sciences?

    BD: Yes, research was traditionally conducted by the Academy of Sciences. But universities have received significant investment in research infrastructure. For example, the National University of Mongolia now has more than 40 research laboratories in fields like biology, environmental sciences, and even nuclear physics. The Mongolian University of Science and Technology has supercomputer laboratories and modern mechanical engineering facilities. In addition, we now have many graduates returning from foreign universities to work in Mongolian universities, and they are contributing to research.

    But there are still major challenges. Universities do not receive sufficient research funding because most of the research budget goes to the Academy of Sciences. There is very little collaboration with industry and almost no funding from the private sector. There are also no endowment funds or other financial support systems for university research.

    Another critical issue is the weak graduate programs. Almost 99% of graduate students are part-time—there are no full-time graduate students. This severely limits research output. Without strong graduate programs, research activity remains low. This is one of the biggest challenges for Mongolian universities.

    AU: A couple of years ago, a set of laws were passed aimed at increasing university autonomy—governance, leadership selection, those kinds of things. Do universities now have real independence, or does political influence remain a challenge? And what did the laws do to promote political independence?

    BD: Over the last three years, there were extensive discussions about the concept and details of these new laws. In July 2023, Parliament adopted a set of education laws. For the first time, these laws covered all levels of education as a single system, creating better interconnection between different stages of education. That is a very good sign.

    Second, for the first time, the law explicitly recognized academic freedom as a key principle of higher education, which is another positive step.

    The third important issue relates to governance. According to the law, if implemented correctly, universities should have independent governing boards. Another key aspect is the diversification of funding for universities, as well as strengthening university research. The law also states that public universities should receive government subsidies to help cover maintenance costs.

    I think these are the positive aspects of the new law. However, in reality, the implementation of these important measures has not yet happened. Political interference still exists, particularly in the selection of university directors and key leadership appointments.

    AU: We’ve talked a lot about the challenges in Mongolian higher education. What do you see as the opportunities? Where do you think the greatest improvements could happen in the next few years?

    BD: Yes, there are definitely opportunities. First, universities are expanding their cooperation with international communities, and they are learning a lot from these collaborations. Also, as I mentioned earlier, we have a new wave of young specialists and graduates from world-leading universities. We need to hire them. If we bring in these young professionals, give them opportunities to conduct research, teach, and help reform higher education institutions, we will see positive changes soon.

    Second, there is a major opportunity in digital technologies. If we use them smartly and correctly—things like AI, online learning, and MOOCs—then Mongolian universities can take a big step forward.

    But in order to take advantage of these opportunities, we need to ensure that the new laws are properly implemented.

    AU: If we think even further ahead, maybe to 2050, what do you think the system will look like? Will Mongolia have caught up with countries like China, Korea, or Japan? Do you think the system will have developed to the point where it can be considered alongside those peers?

    BD: You may know that the government has adopted the “Vision 2050” long-term strategic development plan. According to this plan, by 2050, Mongolia should have one of the leading universities in the region.

    I see two possible scenarios for the development of higher education in Mongolia by 2050—one optimistic and one pessimistic.

    Starting with the optimistic scenario: If we can reduce government and political interference in university governance and give universities full autonomy, that would be a big step forward. The government should also increase its support for universities, establish strong links with industry, and adopt models like the triple helix approach. Additionally, partnerships with leading international universities would help improve graduate programs.

    If these changes happen, Mongolia could develop strong higher education institutions. But right now, many of the most talented secondary school students are not choosing local universities—they are looking abroad for their education.

    The pessimistic scenario is that if things continue as they are today, universities will still exist, but they will lack freedom and independence. The issues we are currently facing—political interference, funding limitations, and weak institutional autonomy—will persist. That would be very unfortunate. However, I hope that we will see changes in government policy and that Mongolia will implement best practices from other higher education systems around the world.

    AU: Thank you so much for joining us today.

    BD: Thank you.

    AU: And before we go, I’d like to thank our excellent producers, Tiffany MacLennan and Sam Pufek, as well as our listeners, viewers, and readers for tuning in. If you have any questions or comments about today’s podcast, please don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected]. If you’re worried about missing an episode of The World of Higher Education, why not subscribe to our YouTube channel? Go there today—don’t delay—never miss an episode!

    Join us next week when our guest will be Steven Mintz, a professor of history at the University of Texas at Austin. We’ll be discussing his new book, The Learning-Centered University. Bye for now.

    *This podcast transcript was generated using an AI transcription service with limited editing. Please forgive any errors made through this service. Please note, the views and opinions expressed in each episode are those of the individual contributors, and do not necessarily reflect those of the podcast host and team, or our sponsors.

    This episode is sponsored by Studiosity. Student success, at scale – with an evidence-based ROI of 4.4x return for universities and colleges. Because Studiosity is AI for Learning — not corrections – to develop critical thinking, agency, and retention — empowering educators with learning insight. For future-ready graduates — and for future-ready institutions. Learn more at studiosity.com.

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  • Shaping Future Healthcare Leaders: The Journey of Mielad Ziaee

    Shaping Future Healthcare Leaders: The Journey of Mielad Ziaee

    Mielad Ziaee

    Healthcare is constantly evolving, and the future of the industry depends on the next generation of skilled professionals who are prepared to lead with knowledge, innovation, and compassion. Organizations like HOSA-Future Health Professionals play a critical role in shaping these future healthcare leaders by providing students with the resources, experiences, and mentorship needed to thrive in various medical and health-related careers.

    HOSA is an international student organization dedicated to empowering young people who are passionate about healthcare. Through leadership development, competitive events, networking opportunities, and hands-on learning experiences, HOSA helps students build the essential skills they need to succeed in the medical field. Members engage in real-world healthcare scenarios, gain exposure to public health initiatives, and develop professional competencies that set them apart in their future careers.

    Mielad Ziaee

    Alumni and Former International Executive Council Member, HOSA-Future Health Professionals

    One such success story is Mielad Ziaee, a Marshall Scholar, Truman Scholar, public health advocate, and innovator. Ziaee’s parents immigrated from Iran to the United States to manifest a new life. Their resilience and perspective deeply influenced his understanding of community, determination, and health from an early age. Before hitting the labs of prestigious institutions, Ziaee joined HOSA as a high school freshman thanks to their support. He saw it as a promising steppingstone to engage in his healthcare aspirations.

    “I really wanted to hit the ground running with HOSA. It was so empowering to have [an organization] created for students interested in healthcare, where we could all sort of geek out together,” Ziaee recalled.

    Climbing the ranks

    His two advisors, Angela Vong and Zenia Ridley, provided mentorship and guidance to immerse Ziaee in all HOSA could offer. His leadership journey quickly unfolded — from member to area officer, to Texas state officer, and eventually, to serving on HOSA’s International Executive Council. His tenure coincided with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Finding creative ways to engage members across middle school, high school, and college in virtual settings connected the dots between leadership and innovation.

    “Being part of the ‘COVID generation’ was both challenging and inspiring,” Ziaee shared. “It taught me how to build community and how that community can enact change.”

    Ziaee’s experiences ignited a passion for research, where he found the intersection of policy, public health, technology, and community engagement. In particular, food insecurity has become a focal point of his academic work.

    “I’m a proud Houstonian. I go to the University of Houston, so one of the biggest challenges that my community faces is food insecurity,” Ziaee said. “I work with our Data Science Institute to try to understand both technological and community-based cultural approaches to food insecurity. A lot of the skills I learned in HOSA, like Zoom calls or identifying key problems and addressing them, are the same things I do in my research — just different vocabulary.”

    Gaining global experience

    Ziaee will continue his study of public health as a Marshall Scholar at the University of Edinburgh this fall. He beamed with excitement as he described studying at an institution that nurtured scientific legends such as Charles Darwin and Alexander Graham Bell and exploring Scotland’s unique healthcare system.

    “Edinburgh, specifically, is where they did the Dolly the Sheep experiment, which is super cool,” Ziaee said. “It’s very interesting as an American to see how they’re doing things [in Scotland], and to hopefully bring that back and promote policy innovation here in public health.”

    Reflecting on his journey, Ziaee underscores the importance of seizing opportunities and embracing HOSA as more than just an organization. As Ziaee embarks on this next chapter, his story exemplifies how HOSA-Future Health Professionals and strong family values can shape a life of innovation and impact. Following in his footsteps, his younger sister has now joined HOSA, continuing the family’s commitment to making a difference in healthcare.

    “The connections and experiences you gain will inspire and guide you for years to come. It’s one of the main constants in my life,” he said.

    Ziaee’s journey highlights that HOSA is more than just a steppingstone — it’s a foundation for lifelong growth, leadership, and meaningful connections. For students aspiring to make a difference in healthcare, organizations like HOSA offer an unparalleled opportunity to gain real-world experience, develop leadership skills, and join a network of like-minded individuals committed to improving health outcomes worldwide.

    To join this inspiring legacy, become part of the HOSA alumni network today at www.hosa.org/alumni.

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  • Twenty Years on this Journey – Technology in Music Education

    Twenty Years on this Journey – Technology in Music Education

    This weekend, I will be in Spokane, Washington, presenting sessions at the NAfME Northwest Division Conference, speaking on ukulele, recorder, and technology (scanning), sponsored by Peripole.

    As I uploaded my session notes (so people don’t have to write furiously), I realized that my first presentation was on the Pocket PC in February 2005. That’s still six years before the iPad; and twenty years ago.

    I have seen a lot of change in that time; the dominance of the Chromebook is something I would have never predicted (I thought that Windows-based webbooks, a similar concept, would have been the device of schools), and I certainly didn’t see the impact of the iPad (which I am working on as I type this post).

    What has also surprised me is how technology in our field, music education, has been in a holding pattern, even before COVID. The deep dive into the use of devices during COVID has resulted in a push against the use of technology by parents and teachers alike, but the technological slowdown started before that.

    Currently, technology in music education is improving gradually, and options are thinning as the market cannot sustain so many products. In a world of Dorico and MuseScore (paid and free), there is little room for a legacy (i.e. outdated) application such as Finale, and as such, Finale shuts down. Expect to see more of this in the future.

    What is unclear at this time, is what the influence of AI is going to be in music education. If you haven’t taken the time to see the tools at Magic School, or to have Gemini or ChatGPT help you with writing introductions to songs at a concert, or to respond to a parent or administrator, you need to stop and try these solutions (as a starting point). And if you haven’t played with Suno or Udio, you should check these out, too. Dr. Jim Frankel (MusicFirst) is one of the music educators writing about the implications of AI and music education, and I would refer you to his thoughts on the subject.

    And as I have mentioned before, while there are a lot of people using technology in music education, the number of active music educators who blog (or vlog) and share their experiences has never been smaller. There are a few voices out there which continue to advocate in this space, such as Dr. Jim Frankel, Robby Burns, Amy Burns, and Katie Wardrobe. But many of the voices that used to speak out on the subject do so rarely—including myself, as my focus in life has changed with my move from secondary music education to elementary education, from a wider focus on technology to the topics of ukulele AND technology—and creating content for myself and others to use.

    Incidentally…I have a Dell Pocket PC (The topic of my first presentation) and need to try to figure out how to get it to work with a modern Mac or my iPad…I know if I look hard enough, I’ll find solutions.

    And if you’re in the Washington area and going to the NAfME Northwest Division Conference, by all means, please say, “Hello!”

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