Tusculum College officials present at national conference on enrollment

Two Tusculum College enrollment management officials were recently invited to co-present at a national enrollment conference on the topic of “Leveraging Technology to Support Student Success.”

Jacquelyn D. Elliott, vice president for enrollment management, and Brandon Conner, director of freshman services and student success, co-presented along with officials from software developer EMAS Pro at the 22nd Annual Small College Enrollment Conference in Orlando, Fla.jacquielliottweb

“During my portion of the program, the focus was on emerging technologies for the future, and how these techniques should be worked through the enrollment management process from recruitment through the student’s enrollment,” said Elliott.

Elliott’s presentation focused on numerous new and emerging technologies, many of which are currently implemented in Tusculum’s recruitment and enrollment process.

Highlights of the presentation focused on augmented reality which allows a two dimensional item to take on new life when connected through technology. Examples include a campus map application for smart phones that points out hints and tips during a campus tour or a floor plan of a residence hall room that folds out to a three dimensional model when uploaded to a computer.

Elliott also discussed Internet Protocol Television which will allows small colleges to turn television advertising into direct marketing by tracking viewing habits through the Internet and allowing the institution to create personalized advertising for individuals they are trying to reach. She also profiled Quick Response Codes, which are similar to bar codes, but can be scanned by smart phones to instantly connect the user to Internet content on a related subject such as testimonial videos posted on a college’s website.

Elliott said many of the approximately 30 representatives of small colleges who attended her session were a little overwhelmed at all the technology coming down the pike. “If they don’t know it is coming and start planning for it now, they will all be behind,” she said.

Also co-presenting was Conner who focused on the student retention issue, which is often disconnected from the enrollment and recruitment efforts, but has become a critical issue for all small institutions.brandonconnerweb

Conner talked to the group about the capabilities of the EMAS Pro software and how it is improving the retention process and making the transition from student recruit to student enrollee seamless.

Tusculum College is the only small private higher education institution working with EMAS Pro to develop the database that will be used for other private institutions.

Conner told the group that the new software program is a critical tool for managing and creating call schedules and for collecting and analyzing information that determine risk factors for students that retention officers need for prioritization.

“These programs aid in setting priorities, communicating effectiveness and result in reporting that is actionable,” said Conner. “These are absolutely critical in any effective retention program in today’s higher education environment.”

Led by current and former professionals in the admissions, enrollment and retention fields, the annual National Small College Enrollment Conference offers opportunities for attendees to network with colleagues, discuss topical issues and get expert advice from the top performers in the field.

For more information on Tusculum College’s academic program or admissions and recruitment process, contact Elliott at 423-636-7300.