Maximizing the Opportunities of Digital Transformation on Campus
In my January post, I mentioned the terabytes of payment, transaction, and check-in data generated on campus and its potential to improve student experience. Based on my tradeshow conversations this spring, the prevalence of people talking about how to use student data effectively makes me believe it’s a topic worth delving into more deeply.
With the current emphasis on student success and engagement as they relate to student retention, we understand how overwhelming big data can be. The ground-level administrators of commerce and credentials systems are integral to funneling an entire ecosystem of data to people and departments on campus that in many cases didn’t exist a few years ago.
At some schools, one new role with the power to affect data-driven change is that of Chief Transformation Officer. This individual monitors university enrollment rates, analyzes activity data from outside the classroom, models student outcomes, and shares positive impacts and areas where additional work is needed to achieve student success and retention.
It’s also important to understand who can best help interpret your data. It might be a partner, or it might be a new administrative role. If you’ve reached this stage, Choosing a Predictive Analytics Vendor: A Guide for Colleges is a useful publication for exploring key topics such as ensuring data transparency, supporting privacy and security, and facilitating staff professional development.
Why do transformation efforts and comprehensive student data matter? Imagine the advisory potential with insights from both payment and credential systems. Monitoring campus engagement, automating reminders for time-sensitive transactions, and advisory services to prevent attendance or payment problems from snowballing into student withdraws are just a few of the opportunities made possible by 360-degree data integration.
Transformation can go many different directions. Fortunately, with the right tools, people, and context in place you’ll enjoy a clearer path toward better student experiences and educational outcomes.