About the Episode
About the Episode:
In this special live episode recorded at the 2024 Engage Summit in Raleigh, NC, Dustin chats with Shane about his journey into podcasting as well as the importance of cross-campus partnerships. Shane shares actionable insights on how to break down silos in higher education and highlights successful collaborations that have made a significant impact on his campus.
Key Takeaways
- Breaking Silos is Critical for Campus Success
- Cross-department collaboration helps institutions work smarter, not harder, by breaking down duplication and fostering stronger relationships across teams.
- Shane’s podcast, Breaking Silos, showcases real-world examples of collaboration, offering actionable advice for building partnerships on campus.
- Digital Transformation is Non-Negotiable
- Institutions like Muhlenberg are embracing online programs to adapt to changing learner needs, including adult and non-traditional students.
- Flexibility and distance learning are no longer optional but essential, requiring a shift in both program offerings and marketing strategy.
- The Role of the Website in Student Recruitment
- The website remains the most important marketing tool for any institution.
- Key priorities for redesigns include:
- Improving search functionality for intuitive navigation.
- Consistent page structure to help users find the information they need quickly.
- Building a seamless user experience that mirrors what students expect from top consumer brands.
- Meeting Students Where They Are
- As stealth applicants increase, institutions must focus on providing clear, accessible, and frictionless information online.
- Balancing regional recruitment with targeted, data-driven campaigns ensures the right students are reached efficiently.
Episode Summary: FAQs Answered
What is Breaking Silos, and why does it matter in higher ed?
Shane Baglini’s podcast, Breaking Silos, focuses on collaboration between marketers and non-marketers across campus. By highlighting successful cross-campus partnerships, the podcast offers actionable tips for improving teamwork, breaking down silos, and fostering innovative projects that benefit students and staff.
How is Muhlenberg College navigating digital transformation?
Muhlenberg recently transitioned all graduate and adult learning programs to fully online formats, marking a significant shift for the traditional liberal arts institution. The move enables the college to serve adult learners and non-traditional students better while expanding its geographic reach. The digital transformation also includes strategic website redesigns and data-driven marketing campaigns to meet the needs of today’s students.
What should institutions prioritize in a website redesign?
When redesigning a website, focus on:
- User-friendly navigation and search functionality.
- Consistent, clear page layouts that make finding key information easy.
- A seamless, frictionless experience that aligns with user expectations set by consumer brands like Amazon or Apple.
- Flexibility to adapt the website over time to stay relevant and meet evolving needs.
How can institutions better market online programs?
To market online programs effectively:
- Leverage data to target students based on career stage, industry, or geographic location.
- Balance regional recruitment with expanding reach strategically.
- Offer clear, concise information that minimizes barriers to applying or enrolling.
A Closer Look: Muhlenberg’s Digital Evolution
Muhlenberg College is embarking on a multi-year journey to modernize its approach to marketing and enrollment. The transition to fully online graduate and adult learning programs, coupled with a website redesign, reflects a larger effort to position the institution for long-term success in an increasingly competitive higher ed landscape.
One of the key challenges, as Shane explains, is balancing the need to recruit students broadly while being mindful of budget constraints. By leveraging data and focusing on clear, strategic communication, Muhlenberg is finding innovative ways to reach the right students without overspending.
Advice for Higher Ed Leaders
- Embrace Change Proactively
- The enrollment cliff is here, and institutions must adapt by modernizing their offerings and digital experiences.
- Take the time to listen to student needs and invest in flexible, online programs that meet them where they are.
- Streamline and Simplify
- Redesign your website with usability in mind. Focus on intuitive navigation, consistent structure, and a frictionless experience.
- Ensure critical information is easily accessible, especially for stealth applicants who might not engage until they’re ready to apply.
- Collaborate Across Campus
- Breaking silos isn’t just a buzzword. Cross-department partnerships can drive innovation and efficiency, benefiting students and staff alike.
- Be Strategic with Digital Marketing
- Use data to focus your efforts on the right students in the right places.
- Prioritize authenticity and clear communication to stand out in a crowded market.
About the Show: The Higher Ed Geek Podcast explores the impact of edtech on the student experience by speaking with diverse leaders from institutions, companies, and nonprofit organizations. Each week we aim to provide an engaging, fun, and relevant dose of professional development that honors the wide range of work happening all across the higher ed ecosystem. Come geek out with us! The Higher Ed Geek Podcast is hosted by Dustin Ramsdell and is a proud member of the Enrollify Podcast Network.
Connect With Our Host:
Dustin Ramsdell
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/
https://twitter.com/HigherEd_Geek
About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Geek is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!
Some of our favorites include Generation AI and I Wanna Work There.
Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.
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