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Case Study
Making the Case for Student Lifecycle Management
7/25/2007
And through self-service functions, students can access similar information through a secure online portal -- for example, to register, add or drop classes, make payments, or check grades. These self-service functions help students engage in their own lifecycle management and take ownership of their graduation path. So far, we have completed full Campus Solutions implementations at 10 campuses and we expect to complete three more this coming fall.As we have implemented our initiative to facilitate graduation--which includes many efforts in addition to our use of technology--we have found that students are progressing through the university system more quickly. This will benefit students and parents directly through cost reductions due to faster graduation times, and we anticipate that more students will be able to take advantage of educational opportunities in California.
By helping students take control of their student lifecycles, we can provide higher quality service that enables a smooth, accommodating process from recruitment, to enrollment, to graduation. These students turn into satisfied graduates and alumni who support the university and come back for graduate degrees. Ultimately, this overall effort helps the CSU maintain a competitive advantage by demonstrating that we can offer a clear path to graduation and provide the best possible education at an optimal cost.
Recommendations for Making the Move to SLM
The benefits the CSU has achieved through SLM technology are well worth the time and financial investment. Institutions considering SLM initiatives should carefully evaluate technology solutions available today. Identify your "must have" functionality--self-service tools were one important item for us--and make sure it is included. And make sure the technology is flexible and scalable to accommodate future needs.
Based on our success, we would recommend that all institutions consider implementing SLM initiatives backed by technology to improve service to students. The key is to start now. Institutions who do not address the need to better manage the student lifecycle will risk losing students to institutions that do. By carefully evaluating and implementing SLM technology, institutions can help improve student relationship management and establish their institution as not only a source for high-quality education, but also a partner in the student experience.
Mike McLean is the senior director of Information and Applications Services at the California State University.
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