Student disengagement is often a result of missed opportunities for connection due to fragmented and inconsistent communications and siloed data. The key to fostering student success is tackling that very issue with a Unified Student Lifecycle Engagement strategy. Whether you are at a large public institution or a smaller private school, a unified student lifecycle engagement strategy can help fuel impactful student interactions at scale by connecting your campus and leveraging the latest in responsible AI and data analytics.
A Unified Student Lifecycle Engagement strategy may sound intimidating but implementing one does not have to be complicated. And its results can be incredibly powerful — making student engagement more cost-effective and impactful from pre-admissions to post-graduation. Let us break down the steps to getting a unified student lifecycle engagement strategy off the ground:
Step 1: Assess existing applications
A good starting point for institutions is determining what already exists, and thinking through how to best leverage those applications and prior investments that came along with them. Assess current student engagement programs and the software that powers them. This involves mapping out existing data and auditing departmental systems to identify data silos and necessary connections. Understanding departmental challenges in student engagement is also crucial. Talk to faculty and staff. Talk to students and alumni. By getting a clear and accurate picture of the current state, both technically and departmentally, you can ensure your strategy is going to address high-priority issues and make the most of your institution’s existing data and investments.
Step 2: Consider student-preferred engagement channels
Think about past campaigns and efforts to reach students. Which channels worked best? That information is vital in determining the shape and breadth of your strategy. When students don’t receive timely, relevant information, it can lead to frustration, missed opportunities, and even disengagement or dropping out. It’s critical for institutions to not only have accurate data, but also make information conveniently available to students on the channels with which they most engage. In some situations, that may be via text message while in others it could be using an online virtual assistant. In times of higher need, students might seek human connection and prefer a phone call or chat with a live staff member instead. Center your strategy on enabling a multi-channel, 24/7 experience, ensuring individuals are getting the information they need when they need it, even if it’s outside of normal office hours.
Step 3: Build a foundation on responsible AI
While AI and advanced machine learning can greatly benefit institutions, they must be implemented responsibly to ensure content control and positive outcomes. A successful Unified Student Lifecycle Engagement Strategy should use responsible AI, which combines the latest generative AI capabilities with human-built safeguards to protect data privacy and maintain brand alignment. Consider prioritizing responsible AI when evaluating new solutions, using AI to handle repetitive tasks like creating Q&A libraries and answering common questions while being cautious in how much you allow AI to manage content updates without human oversight.
Step 4: Get a big-picture look of the entire student lifecycle
The real strength of a Unified Student Lifecycle Engagement Strategy is in centralizing and analyzing information. This not only allows for consistent and accurate flow of information across departments and channels but it also gives your institution an unprecedented view into the conversations happening across campus. It unlocks data on a holistic level so you can get a picture of needs from students, alumni, and prospects, at any given time. By uncovering barriers to engagement, such as the need for more mental health support information or a response to confusion arising around new housing registration processes, institutions can prevent negative impacts on student satisfaction and drive success.
To learn more about how to implement a Unified Student Lifecycle Engagement Strategy and to find out how Ocelot is specifically designed to help, download our guide: How to Implement a Successful Unified Student Lifecycle Engagement Strategy!
