While enrolments are up, universities are facing some of their biggest challenges around student retention. Universities in the UK are set to lose more than £17 billion in real income over the next four years as persistent inflation erodes the value of tuition fees. And while a common strategy had been to compensate by recruiting more high-value international students, if Brexit wasn’t the final nail in the coffin, tougher international student entry policies might just be.
On the student side of the equation, the high cost of living is also adding pressure, with 27% of universities opening food banks and seven in 10 students indicating that they have considered dropping out of university in light of cost-of-living surges. Given this context, the fragility of universities’ financial viability and how closely it is tied to student retention, more universities are investing in student wellbeing alongside systems to effectively monitor and support it.
The concept of the student experience is often discussed, yet it encompasses a complex web of interconnected factors. Quality of teaching, social interactions, housing situations, extracurricular activities, work commitments and the balance of online versus in-person engagement all play vital roles. Each student’s journey is unique, marked by individual needs and circumstances. Thus, delivering a high-quality student experience at scale necessitates a robust approach to data management and analysis.
Consider the vast amounts of data universities collect about every student – whether home, international, or NEP – as well as prospective students and alumni. This data also extends to staff, facilities and other operational elements. Yet much of this information remains siloed within departmental systems, making it challenging to integrate for comprehensive insights. For instance, a university’s timetabling system must align with student records, financial management, HR systems, and more. These integrations are not only expensive but also require ongoing maintenance and testing, especially with system upgrades.
This data is not a burden but represents one of the most powerful assets universities can leverage to enhance the student experience. However, simply collecting data is insufficient without the capability to analyse it meaningfully. The true challenge lies in transforming data into actionable insights that can inform decision-making and improve student outcomes.
By identifying struggling students early, institutions can then offer targeted support before problems escalate. This proactive approach could not only enhance academic outcomes but also improve overall student wellbeing
What could a data-led future look like for university registrars and administrators?
We know that a high percentage of students are juggling work commitments alongside their studies. This new normal calls for greater flexibility and the recognition of the real-world demands facing students. And this is where smart technology can help. Universities could optimise their timetables by factoring in students’ unique circumstances, such as home locations, financial situations, health conditions and work schedules. By concentrating in-person classes to fewer days, institutions could help alleviate the financial burden of travel for students.
Universities could also use existing data to predict academic performance. By identifying struggling students early, institutions can then offer targeted support before problems escalate. This proactive approach could not only enhance academic outcomes but also improve overall student wellbeing.
A more engaging and user-friendly digital experience could also strengthen the connection between students and their institutions. By allowing students to access and update their information easily, universities could foster a sense of ownership and community among their student body.
As universities adapt to the new normal, they need technology solutions to tailor educational experiences, ease teachers’ workloads, reduce the administrative burden and help managers make decisions. However, many institutions continue to operate with outdated, siloed systems that prevent a holistic view of student data. Modernise such system is key.
Technology is only part of the solution, but it is a powerful enabler. The challenge is to unlock the power of the data you already hold to make the university more efficient, with the student experience at the centre of the decisions you make.
