About the Episode
About the Episode:
In this episode of "In Your Element," we welcome Orna Shearin, CRM Specialist, from Guilford Tech Community College to discuss innovative strategies for student retention and engagement using Element451. Orna shares how the college is personalizing student communications, utilizing AI, and implementing effective communications to support students' academic and personal needs. Dive into the exciting developments at GTCC and discover practical ways to enhance student experiences at your institution.
Orna’s Journey to Her Role
Orna’s journey at GTCC began as a student nine years ago. Starting as an English tutor, she transitioned to working for Tight Link, the social service arm of the college that addresses non-academic needs like food and housing insecurity. Her knack for data and a dual degree in IT and business led her to her current role. Now, as the CRM Specialist, Orna oversees various "Element" tasks, making her an integral part of the college’s communication and engagement strategy. Her path from student to staff exemplifies the transformative power of education and the diverse career pathways available within community colleges.
Leveraging Technology for Student Retention
A year into her role, Orna has been instrumental in utilizing Element 451 to enhance student communication, focusing heavily on retention. Community colleges face unique challenges, such as supporting students who may not be academically prepared or who face significant life challenges. At GTCC, retention strategies include personalized communication and holistic support services. They send tailored emails to students, welcoming them to each semester and informing them about available resources like free counseling, disability services, and emergency financial help. These personalized touches make students feel supported and connected, increasing their likelihood of staying enrolled and succeeding.
The Role of Technology in Personalized Communication
One standout feature of GTCC's approach is the use of BoltBot, which engages in about a thousand conversations a month, answering various student inquiries. This tool, combined with personalized emails and texts, ensures students receive timely reminders and support. Orna shared that the average open rate for their communications is around 33-35%, a testament to the effectiveness of their personalized approach. By integrating data from different campus departments into Element 451, GTCC ensures that students are not overwhelmed with repetitive information, keeping communication relevant and engaging.
Data-Driven Decisions for Better Outcomes
Orna emphasized the importance of data in shaping communication strategies. For instance, payment reminders are sent based on data from the cashier's office, leading to higher payment rates and fewer students deregistering for non-payment. By tracking open rates and click-through rates, GTCC continually refines their messages to ensure they are meeting student needs. This data-driven approach not only improves communication efficiency but also enhances student experiences, leading to better retention and success rates.
Looking Ahead: Embracing AI and Streamlining Applications
Looking forward, GTCC plans to further integrate technology into their processes. They aim to streamline applications for competitive entry programs and automate acceptance communications, making the enrollment process smoother for students. Orna is particularly excited about the upcoming AI assistance features, which promise to revolutionize how GTCC interacts with and supports its students. These advancements align with GTCC's mission to provide accessible, high-quality education and support to all students.
Key Takeaways:
- Personalized communications via Element451 have significantly improved student retention and engagement.
- BoltBot handles nearly 1,000 student inquiries per month, enhancing support and accessibility.
- Open and click-through rates for emails and texts have increased, demonstrating the effectiveness of personalized outreach.
- GTCC uses data from applications to tailor support services for students with specific needs, such as first-generation students or those facing food insecurity.
- Effective payment plan communications remind students of due dates and provide options for financial aid or payment arrangements.
- Plans for the future include integrating AI assistants to streamline processes and enhance student support.
Calls to Action:
- Subscribe to "In Your Element" for more insights on innovative higher education strategies.
- Explore how personalized communication tools like Element 451 can benefit your institution.
- Attend the upcoming Engage Summit to learn about the latest developments in AI-assisted student support.
- Connect with GTCC to learn more about their successful retention strategies.
- Implement data-driven approaches to identify and address students' unique needs.
- Enhance your institution's payment plan communications to support student financial management.
Connect With Our Co-Hosts:
Daniella Nordin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellanordin/
Brendan Henkel
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bkhenkel/
About The Enrollify Podcast Network: In Your Element is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!
Some of our favorites include Visionary Voices: The College President’s Playbook and Higher Ed Pulse.
Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.
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