Student support is a critical component of higher education, influencing everything from academic success to student retention. With the growing complexity of student needs, universities are under increasing pressure to develop effective support systems. However, the current state of student support across institutions reveals several key challenges: fragmented systems, limited scalability, and the lack of data-driven decision-making. In this blog, we will explore these issues, examine the trade-offs institutions must consider, and look at how platforms like Vygo offer scalable solutions.
One of the primary challenges in student support is the fragmentation of services. Many universities have well-meaning, dedicated support teams in place, but these teams often operate in silos. Academic advising, mental health services, peer mentoring, and career guidance are often provided through separate systems, making it difficult for students to navigate and access the help they need.
This disconnection creates inefficiencies and, more importantly, gaps in support. According to research from The Education Advisory Board, students are often unaware of the resources available to them, which leads to underutilisation of services. This can exacerbate student issues, particularly for those in their first year or from underrepresented backgrounds, who might need more hands-on guidance but don’t know where to turn.
Vygo tackles this fragmentation head-on by integrating all student support services into one centralised platform. By connecting academic, social, and pastoral services, Vygo makes it easier for students to find and engage with the resources they need, all in one place. Whether it’s accessing peer mentoring, connecting with career advisors, or joining a study group, Vygo simplifies the student experience, ensuring no student falls through the cracks.
Another challenge is scalability. Many universities struggle to deliver personalised, high-touch support as student populations grow. Traditional one-on-one support systems, while effective in small groups, often become unsustainable at scale. As a result, universities must choose between providing tailored support to a smaller number of students or offering less personalised services to a broader population.
This trade-off is critical. Scaling down individualised support risks alienating students who might need it most, while attempting to maintain it for larger groups can overwhelm institutional resources.
Vygo addresses the scalability issue by automating and streamlining support services. Through its user-friendly interface, institutions can offer peer mentoring, academic guidance, and other forms of support at scale, without losing the personal touch. Students can connect with peers, mentors, and advisors in real time, no matter where they are located, ensuring that support is available around the clock.
One of the most significant challenges in student support today is the lack of actionable data. Without comprehensive insights into how students interact with support services, institutions struggle to identify which programmes are working and where there are gaps. As a result, resources may be misallocated, and critical interventions can be delayed or missed altogether.
Data-driven decision-making is essential for understanding student behaviour, improving service delivery, and increasing retention. However, many universities still rely on outdated systems that do not capture the full picture. This limits their ability to provide targeted support and adapt their services to changing student needs.
Vygo’s Insights 2.0 tool gives universities the ability to access detailed, real-time data on how students are engaging with their support services. This allows institutions to identify trends, measure programme success, and allocate resources more effectively. With over 17 new data export options and trend analysis, Vygo’s analytics tools enable universities to optimise their support systems, ensuring that students receive timely and appropriate interventions.
As universities grapple with these challenges, it is crucial to recognise the importance of providing tailored, flexible support to students. Research consistently shows that students who feel supported and connected are more likely to succeed academically and remain enrolled. A report from Student Minds emphasises that students with strong support networks exhibit higher levels of academic confidence and emotional well-being.
However, balancing personalised support with scalability and efficiency requires innovative solutions. Institutions need to adopt systems that can offer both tailored interventions and broad-reaching services in a cost-effective way.
The current state of student support presents several challenges, from fragmented systems and scalability issues to a lack of data-driven insights. However, by adopting centralised, scalable platforms like Vygo, universities can improve the accessibility and effectiveness of their support services. Vygo not only simplifies the student experience by integrating all support resources in one place but also empowers institutions with data to make informed decisions that benefit both students and staff.
In today’s rapidly evolving higher education landscape, adopting scalable, data-driven solutions is no longer optional—it is essential for student success. Vygo provides the tools universities need to meet these challenges head-on and create a more connected, supported student community.
Interested in transforming your student support system? Contact Vygo today to see how our platform can help your institution deliver more effective, scalable support.