Competition in higher education is fierce, not just among institutions vying for the best and brightest students, but also in convincing college-eligible individuals of the value of a postsecondary experience. It is essential to persuade students and their families to invest tens of thousands of dollars in pursuing a degree.
Despite the substantial financial resources poured into enhancing the student experience, many higher education institutions struggle to effectively promote themselves. With a billion-dollar investment in cutting-edge technology tools, students can access innovative resources every day.
In light of this, let’s explore some ways in which higher education institutions can optimize and publicize their technology spending for maximum impact.
Enhancing Student Device Programs in Higher Education
Student device programs hold immense appeal. Who wouldn’t want a free tablet or laptop upon enrolling in college? However, the impact of such programs varies depending on the recipients. Targeted device programs tend to be a more prudent approach for higher education institutions.
Need-based digital equity programs benefit students who may lack personal devices or reliable Wi-Fi connectivity. For instance, Lone Star College loans devices to students who didn’t have them, contributing to improved student retention rates.
Allocating devices based on a student’s field of study or extracurricular activities is another effective strategy for institutions looking to provide devices on a smaller scale. At the University of Mississippi, student-athletes receive Apple devices, aiding their academic engagement and university loyalty.
Some programs share device costs between the institution and the student, encouraging students to responsibly maintain their devices. Alternatively, institutions may offer a base-level device for free and allow students to upgrade for an additional fee.
Investing in Technology for Post-Graduation Use
Providing students with the opportunity to work with technology they will encounter in their future careers is invaluable. Whether it involves acquiring state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment or using immersive tools for medical simulations, institutions like the College of Lake County are preparing students for real-world applications.
Even simple initiatives, such as Shenandoah University supplying MacBooks and iPads to music students with industry-standard software, can significantly enhance the student experience. Offering Google Workspace for Education at no cost familiarizes students with widely used business applications.
Promoting Your University to Prospective and Current Students
Effectively marketing universities’ investments in technology is crucial in attracting and retaining students. Admissions offices should highlight these investments and showcase campus amenities to prospective students. Embracing admissions as a sales function is a necessary shift to combat declining student enrollments and program closures.
Utilizing generative artificial intelligence and chatbots for year-round student engagement can enhance the recruitment process. Offering personalized touches like new laptops, digital IDs, and event tickets can create a memorable experience for incoming students.
Engaging parents in the admissions process by emphasizing safety measures, academic support systems, and extracurricular opportunities can strengthen their confidence in the institution.
In conclusion, the value of technological investments lies in maximizing student utilization. By effectively communicating available resources, institutions can pique student interest and enhance the overall university experience.
