Running a university and creating an education brand are both exciting and overwhelming. The abundance of choices and responsibilities can be daunting. Students who pursue higher education obviously desire an experience that acknowledges their unique needs and aspirations. The University experience should be able to give an expression to student needs.
Student success strategies vary from university to university. Unfortunately, many universities offer a one-size-fits-all approach that fails to address students’ specific concerns and preferences. This can lead to feelings of disconnect and frustration, ultimately impacting their decision to stay at the institution and persist with education.
As university professionals, you can change this scenario. By personalising the student journey, you can create an environment where students feel valued, supported, and engaged. This not only enhances their overall experience but also significantly improves student success and retention rates. It does not matter how big the university is, it is about providing a small and cosy experience to the individual student.
Let’s explore three effective ways to personalise the student journey and demonstrate how these strategies can help you significantly improve your student success and retention rates. One extra game-changing strategy at the end to make your university student success strategy make a lasting impact on your students.
3 Strategies to improve student success
Here are three approaches that consistently show positive results in helping universities improve student outcomes if implemented right
1. Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS)
One of the essential strategies in enhancing student success is a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS), where intervention happens early with an early warning process to identify at-risk students.
Here’s how a well-designed MTSS can make a significant impact:
- Real-time Data Analysis: The system monitors student performance in real-time, tracking attendance, grades, behaviour patterns, and assignment completion.
- Targeted Interventions: Students get targeted support from appropriate resources, such as academic tutoring, mental health support, or personalised study skills workshops.
- Proactive Approach: By identifying potential problems early, universities can prevent them from escalating into bigger issues that could lead to disengagement or dropping out.
- Closing the Gap: MTSS ensures no student slips through the cracks. It’s all about tracking the student, being proactive in student success, providing early intervention and support before problems become overwhelming.
A multi-tiered support system in higher education creates a more adaptive, student- centred learning environment. By being proactive, educators can engage students, reduce absenteeism, and pave the way for long-term success.
2. Create an Engaging Campus Life
1 in 4 students feel lonely most or all of the time, and the number is growing. They yearn for more opportunities to connect with peers and truly feel part of a community.
Here’s how you can approach this issue:
- Foster Peer Mentorship Programmes: Create mentorship programmes that match student interests, skills, and academic needs. These efforts not only offer academic guidance and social support but also alleviate how many students feel overwhelmed with the campus experience.
- Online Communities: Establishing online communities based on student interests can significantly enhance their university experience. These platforms not only foster a sense of belonging but also encourage students to find enjoyment in their campus life. Examples could include creating communities for writers, sports enthusiasts, or aspiring entrepreneurs.
- By participating in these communities, students can not only discover their strengths but also connect with like-minded individuals. This holistic approach to student engagement allows them to build meaningful relationships based on shared interests.
- Organise Community Events: Universities can organise events and activities that foster social interaction and build excitement for students to feel more integrated into the university environment.
3. Leveraging Data & Technology for Personalised Student Support
Navigating university resources can often feel confusing for students, but offering personalised recommendations and tailored assistance can alleviate their concerns. Here’s how you can help your students feel at ease:
- Streamline Student Support: Equip students with a user-friendly service desk platform. Offer readily available FAQs for self-service solutions. For more complex issues, allow students to easily submit queries discreetly and receive dedicated support, ensuring students receive timely assistance for all their needs.
- Predictive Analytics for Early Intervention: Utilise data analytics to create a holistic view of each student’s progress, including academic performance and student history. These insights help identify students at risk of falling behind, allowing for proactive intervention strategies to ensure every student receives the targeted support needed to succeed.
The Final Game-Changing Strategy: A Dedicated Mobile App
Mobile-friendly access creates a cohesive and organised environment for students to actively engage. As Damien Cooper, CTO of Western Governors university, observes, “We have seen an increase in students that are highly active on mobile, so therefore focusing on that does drive retention.” A dedicated mobile app delivers relevant push notifications – reminders, resources, and invitations to campus events – directly to students’ phones. It goes beyond basic information, offering features like interactive student support, a personalised newsfeed, and easy access to resources.
At Engage2Serve (e2s), we prioritise students above all else. Our e2s Retain software provides universities with essential tools to implement these strategies and beyond. From personalised student support to cultivating engaged communities, e2s enables you to achieve student success and build a future where every student feels valued and empowered to succeed.
About Engage2Serve
Engage2Serve Inc. is the creator of transformational cloud-based, mobile-first Student Lifecycle CRM products for student recruitment (e2s Recruit), student success and retention (e2s Retain), and alumni engagement (e2s Connect).
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