Boosting Student Engagement: The Ultimate Formula for University Support Services

As someone who has worked with universities worldwide, I am often asked, "How do we improve student engagement with support services?" Over the years, I have seen many support programs thrive and gain momentum. Still, I have also seen well-intentioned programs fail because they lack key components necessary for success. That's where the Engagement Formula comes in, which provides a framework for enhancing student engagement.

Engagement = Program Value x Execution x Technology.

The Engagement Formula is a simple equation: Engagement = Program Value x Execution x Technology. This formula identifies the three key inputs that are essential to increasing student engagement: program value, execution, and technology.

Program value is all about clearly communicating the support program's value to students and staff. In fact, research from the University of Missouri-Columbia found that students who felt their institution cared about their success were more engaged and had higher retention rates.  By clearly communicating the program's value, students will understand the benefits of the program and be more likely to participate.

Execution is the time, effort, energy and strategy put in by staff to enable the program. It's about ensuring that all processes are streamlined, that support staff are trained and ready to engage, and real-time data is being assessed to support students further. According to a study by the University of South Carolina, support programs with strong leadership, well-trained staff, real-time insights and clearly defined goals have higher levels of student engagement.

Technology is about implementing a platform that scales the program's impact by digitally unlocking potential and reducing administrative workload. This is where Vygo, an online student ecosystem app, comes in. Here are five main ways that Vygo can help:

1. Connect students with peer mentors for academic and social support
2. Provide a central platform for communication between students and support staff
3. Streamline administrative tasks, such as scheduling and reporting
4. Facilitate student engagement through personalized content and outreach
5. Provide data analytics to track program success and student engagement

Student engagement with the university's support services is crucial for academic and graduate outcomes. When the Engagement Formula's three key inputs are optimised, student engagement is increased, leading to greater connection, a sense of belonging, and support during times of uncertainty.

So, if you're a program coordinator or senior manager at a higher education institution looking to enhance student engagement, I highly recommend taking a closer look at the Engagement Formula and leveraging technology like Vygo to help you get there. Book a demo today to learn more about our comprehensive support system, personalised approach, and analytics tools. Contact Vygo now.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How can universities improve student engagement with support services?

Universities can improve student engagement with support services by focusing on three key components: program value, execution, and technology. By clearly communicating the value of the support program to students and staff, streamlining processes and training support staff effectively, and implementing technology platforms like Vygo, universities can enhance student engagement.

2. Why is program value important for increasing student engagement?

Program value is important for increasing student engagement because when students perceive that their institution cares about their success and well-being, they are more likely to engage with support services. By effectively communicating the value and benefits of the program, students understand how it can benefit them and are more motivated to participate.

3. What role does execution play in enhancing student engagement?

Execution refers to the effort, strategy, and resources invested in the support program. It includes streamlined processes, well-trained staff, real-time data analysis, and clearly defined goals. Programs with strong execution tend to have higher levels of student engagement, as they are better equipped to provide effective support and address student needs.

4. How can technology contribute to improving student engagement?

Technology, such as Vygo's online student ecosystem app, improves student engagement. It connects students with peer mentors, provides a central platform for communication, streamlines administrative tasks, facilitates personalized content and outreach, and offers data analytics to track program success and student engagement. By leveraging technology, universities can scale their support services and enhance student engagement effectively.

5. Why is student engagement important for academic and graduate outcomes?

Student engagement is important for academic and graduate outcomes because engaged students are more likely to succeed academically, persist in their studies, and have a positive university experience. When students feel connected, supported, and engaged, they are better equipped to overcome challenges, navigate their academic journey successfully, and achieve their educational goals.

6. How can Vygo assist higher education institutions in enhancing student engagement?

Vygo can assist higher education institutions in enhancing student engagement by providing a comprehensive support system, personalized approach, and analytics tools. It connects students with peer mentors for academic and social support, facilitates communication between students and support staff, streamlines administrative tasks, offers personalized content, and provides data analytics to track program success and student engagement. To learn more, book a demo or contact Vygo today.