How Cypress College Marries Data with Creativity

About the Episode:  

Join Brendan Henkel live from eduWeb 2024 as he chats with Marcie, a communications specialist from Cypress College, about their implementation of Element451. Marcie shares her insights on networking at the conference, the power of automation and data integration, and her initial hesitations and newfound enthusiasm for AI in higher ed. Discover how Element451 has revolutionized their student engagement strategy and hear Marcie's top tips for successful CRM implementation.

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Key Takeaways

• Embrace Automation and Workflows: Streamlining processes through automation saves time and enhances communication with students, helping institutions focus on high-value tasks.
• AI as an Amplifier, Not a Replacement: When used effectively, AI enhances productivity, supports creativity, and reduces mundane tasks, allowing teams to focus on strategic priorities.
• Collaboration is Key: Successful implementation of tools like Element 451 requires buy-in from key stakeholders and fosters stronger interdepartmental relationships.
• Data-Driven Storytelling: Integrating data collection into workflows enables targeted, personalized communication that resonates with students.

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Networking and Learning at EduWeb

For Marcie, EduWeb offered a unique opportunity to network with higher ed professionals and gain insights from peers working at both community colleges and four-year institutions. She attended sessions on analytics and integration, sparking ideas about how to refine Cypress College’s own systems to better leverage tools like Element 451.

A standout session focused on consolidating data from various platforms—like websites, CRMs, and ads—into a cohesive, actionable strategy. This inspired Marcie to think critically about how to strengthen her college’s data infrastructure and create a more holistic view of student engagement.

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Cypress College’s Journey with Element 451

Cypress College is in the early stages of maximizing the potential of Element 451, but the platform has already delivered significant wins for the team. Marcie highlighted three key areas of success:

1. Automation and Workflows
   • Challenge: Before implementing Element 451, Cypress College relied on piecemeal communications that lacked efficiency.
   • Solution: The workflows in Element 451 have streamlined processes and enabled the college to automate repetitive tasks, freeing up time for more strategic initiatives.
   • Impact: Automation has enhanced the team’s ability to track student milestones and touchpoints, providing a clearer picture of the student journey.
2. Data Integration and Targeted Communication
   • Challenge: Collecting and analyzing data from multiple sources was difficult and time-consuming.
   • Solution: Element 451’s data integration capabilities allow for seamless tracking of student interactions, from event sign-ups to application milestones.
   • Impact: The team can now deliver personalized messages that align with students’ specific needs, improving engagement and conversion rates.
3. Event Management
   • Challenge: Events were previously managed as isolated projects, limiting their impact on broader communications strategies.
   • Solution: By integrating event data into Element 451, Cypress College can create targeted follow-ups and seamlessly tie event attendance into larger campaigns.
   • Impact: Event communications are more cohesive and effective, helping students feel supported throughout their journey.

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Words of Caution for Other Institutions

Marcie shared several lessons learned during her implementation journey:

• Avoid Piecemeal Processes: Investing time upfront in building strong workflows pays dividends in the long run, allowing teams to focus on higher-priority tasks.
• Secure Buy-In Early: Getting institutional support—especially from teams that manage data—is crucial to unlocking the full potential of any platform.
• Prioritize Data Collection: Without accurate and comprehensive data, even the most powerful tools will fail to deliver meaningful results.

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Exploring AI at Cypress College

Initially hesitant about AI, Marcie has begun experimenting with its capabilities, particularly in the context of FAQs and campaign development. She praised Element 451’s AI-driven chatbot, which consistently delivers accurate and helpful responses—a stark contrast to her previous experiences with less reliable chatbots.

Marcie’s team is also exploring how AI can assist in building marketing campaigns. While still learning how to refine prompts for optimal results, the early outcomes have been promising, with AI generating high-quality campaign assets that require minimal adjustments.

“AI doesn’t replace us—it amplifies what we do,” Marcie shared. “It’s a superpower that helps us tackle the overwhelming workload in higher ed communications.”

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Connect With Our Co-Hosts:

Daniella Nordin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellanordin/

Brendan Henkel
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bkhenkel/

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About The Enrollify Podcast Network: In Your Element 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 Visionary Voices: The College President’s Playbook and Higher Ed Pulse. 

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.