Revolutionizing Higher Education: Adapting to the New Era of Learning

Deloitte's report by Clark, Cluver, and Selingo suggests the traditional higher education model is outdated. Historically centered around faculty needs, this approach doesn't align with today's economic and social demands. Key flaws include misaligned tuition costs and over-reliance on middle-class high school graduates. To stay relevant, institutions should adopt student-centric models, focusing on diverse learners and innovative delivery methods, such as market-aligned certifications. The report urges institutions to evolve and adapt for a sustainable future in education.

The Rising Threat: Ransomware Attacks on Educational Institutions

In a recent article by Micah Ward, it was revealed that 80% of schools faced ransomware attacks last year, a surge since the pandemic's onset. The Sophos report identified compromised credentials and exploited vulnerabilities as primary causes. The rise of the ransomware-as-a-service model has made attacks more frequent and sophisticated. First Lady Jill Biden stressed the importance of protecting students' data. Institutions are urged to enhance cybersecurity, educate about threats, and invest in secure IT to safeguard students' futures.

Efficiently Recruiting International Students: Leveraging New Opportunities with VisitDays

VisitDays and MPower have partnered to enhance international student recruitment. Leveraging MPower's Internationalstudents.com, which attracts 300,000 visitors, VisitDays offers targeted ads, free counseling for students, and hosts recruiting fairs. Their new Direct Placement Services further simplifies student enrollment. This collaboration represents a modern, efficient approach to global student recruitment.

The Untapped Potential: Understanding the Undocumented Students in U.S. Colleges

Over 408,000 undocumented students, known as "Dreamers," are enrolled in U.S. colleges, contributing significantly to the nation's diversity and economy. Despite their potential, they face challenges, notably a decline in DACA enrollments. State policies, like Texas's in-state tuition for these students, play a vital role in supporting their education. Embracing their potential and reducing barriers aligns with the principles of the American Dream.

Indian Students Lead International Enrollment: How VisitDays Paves the Way for Seamless University Admissions

The U.S. has seen a record surge in Indian student enrollment, attributed to its top-tier universities. In 2022, 125,000 visas were issued to Indian students, a 20% increase from the previous year. Platforms like VisitDays facilitate this growth by connecting universities with potential students through virtual events. This trend benefits both countries, offering Indian students a quality education and enriching the U.S. student population.

Increasing Enrollment: Georgia’s University System's Visionary Blueprint for the Future

In a bold move, the University System of Georgia unveils a revolutionary strategy, targeting an influx of 11,300 domestic students and significant academic enhancements by 2029. Amidst past enrollment challenges and a dynamic academic landscape, this roadmap also ventures into avant-garde admission models and amplifies research funding, signifying a transformative era for Georgian higher education.

Deciphering the Dynamics: A Deep Dive into US Institutions and International Student Enrollment

Sophie Hogan's article in The PIE Magazine highlights the uneven distribution of international students in US institutions, with 90% enrolling in just 10% of them. While this concentration might suggest a preference for renowned institutions or specific locations, there's potential in promoting the myriad of "hidden gems" in the country. With an anticipated decline in domestic enrollment, institutions are encouraged to diversify their recruitment strategies, considering various student demographics and needs.

Navigating the Challenges of Modern Higher Education: A Personal and Analytical Perspective

American higher education is facing a "perfect storm" characterized by economic difficulties, shifting student demographics, and increased political interference. With rising costs, there's growing skepticism about the return on investment of a college degree, leading to a public trust decline. Given the changing perceptions of higher education's value, admissions recruiters, vital to addressing these challenges, face increasing complexities in their roles.

Africa's Rising Stars: College Recruitment Amid the Shadow of Visa Challenges

African students represent a significant reservoir of talent and potential for global educational institutions. Challenges persist while colleges and universities are keen to tap into the African market. The primary concern is the rising visa denial rates for African students, with over 50% facing rejections in 2022, a rate that has surged by nearly 10% since 2015.

Reimagining Higher Education: A Response to Scott A. Bass's Call for Meeting Gen Z's Expectations

Scott A. Bass highlights the pressing need for colleges and universities to adapt to the expectations of Generation Z. Bass emphasizes the bureaucratic inefficiencies and the digital disparity between what Gen Z students are accustomed to and the current state of higher education.

Understanding Economic Growth in International Recruiting Markets: The Rise of the Middle Class Around the World

The rapid growth of the middle class in developing countries has been fueled by factors such as sustained economic growth, urbanization, rising wages, and economic reforms. Countries like India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and South Korea have witnessed significant expansion in their middle-class populations, leading to increased consumer spending and overall economic development.

The Current International Student Landscape: A Map to International Student Recruitment

The international student landscape in the United States is dynamic and ever-changing, with China and India being the dominant contributors to the international student population. The number of international students studying in the US saw a 4% increase in the 2021/22 academic year, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic. California and New York remain popular destinations for international students, offering a blend of academic excellence and cultural vibrancy.

The Power of a Comprehensive College Recruiting Strategy: The Blend of Virtual and Physical Engagement with VisitDays

In today's evolving landscape of college recruiting, educational institutions must adapt to reach and engage prospective students through virtual and physical channels. While virtual recruiting offers convenience and access to a broader pool of students, personal connections and a sense of belonging can only be fostered through synchronous engagement. Asynchronous engagement provides flexibility and inclusivity, allowing students to explore educational options at their own pace. However, physical interaction remains essential for students to develop a tangible connection to campuses and make informed decisions.

The Supreme Court's Rejection of Affirmative Action: An Unsettling Blow to Educational Diversity

In a recent Inside Higher Ed article titled "What the Supreme Court Rejection of Affirmative Action Means," Scott Jaschik explores the consequences of the Supreme Court's decision on admissions programs at Harvard University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The Court ruled that these programs violate the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment, departing from previous allowances of race-conscious admissions policies.

Int'l School Grads Can Help Counter Decline in US UG Enrollment

The blog post titled "Report: Int'l School Grads Can Help Counter Decline in US UG Enrollment" discusses the impending decrease in the number of college-bound students in the United States and its potential impact on higher education institutions. The article highlights the significance of graduates from international schools in sustaining and enriching these institutions, particularly in STEM fields and addressing talent shortages. To combat the decline, the report suggests strategies for attracting and retaining a diverse pool of applicants from international schools, including efforts to integrate Chinese students into American universities. While safety concerns have been raised for Chinese students studying in the US, there is still substantial interest from China and Southeast Asia. The report emphasizes the importance of targeted recruitment and marketing strategies to attract international students and maintain the competitiveness of US institutions. Overall, embracing international student recruitment can not only mitigate enrollment challenges but also enhance diversity and global perspectives on campuses while meeting the demands of the evolving labor market.

Exploring the Evolving Choices of South Korean Students: Unraveling the Appeal of Studying Abroad in the USA

The article titled "Education Fever: Unraveling the Shifting Patterns of Global Learning" by Helen Packer examines the changing trends in international education among South Korean students. It highlights the intense academic pressure and competitiveness in the South Korean education system, particularly the pursuit of admission to prestigious universities. The article also discusses a shift in attitudes towards international study, driven by a desire to pursue education abroad, obtain degrees quickly, and enter the global job market. The United States is no longer the sole preferred destination, with other countries like the UK, Canada, Singapore, and Hong Kong gaining popularity. Transnational education, including online courses and domestic global campuses, is also becoming an alternative to studying abroad. However, the article acknowledges the challenges faced by South Korea in competing with neighboring countries. The author explores the early decision-making challenges for South Korean students considering international education and suggests the gradual integration of new possibilities like branch campuses and online education. Overall, the article provides insights into the evolving dynamics of international study in South Korea and the challenges and choices faced by students and their families.

Do University AI Detectors Really Work?

The article "Turnitin's AI Detector: Higher-Than-Expected False Positives" by Susan D'Agostino discusses the issue of false positives in Turnitin's AI writing detection tool. Initially, the tool claimed to have a false positive rate of less than 1 percent, but real-world experience has shown a higher rate. The tool struggles with identifying text that combines AI-generated and human-written content, which is common in educational settings. Turnitin acknowledges the need for transparency and plans to conduct further experiments to improve the tool's accuracy. As an expert in college admissions, it is important to strike a balance between accurate detection and avoiding false positives to maintain academic integrity. Ongoing improvements in AI writing detection tools are necessary, and staying informed about updates in this field is crucial.

The Students Who Aren't Coming: An Alarming Disparity in College Aspirations

The article titled "The Students Who Aren't Coming" discusses the results of a survey conducted by YouthTruth, which reveals a significant gap between high school seniors' desire to attend college and their belief in actually enrolling. The survey data highlights a particular mismatch among male, Black, and Latino students. Community colleges, traditionally serving low-income and minority students, are also facing a decline in enrollment expectations, from 25 percent in 2019 to 20 percent in 2023. This decline, coupled with the underrepresentation of Black students, raises concerns about equity in higher education. There is a worry that students who initially planned to attend community colleges may now forgo college altogether, indicating potential financial barriers to accessing four-year institutions.

The Impact of VisitDays Technology on Schools Today

This article discusses the transformative impact of VisitDays technology on K-12 schools today. Technology has revolutionized education by introducing features such as seamless scheduling, efficient appointment booking, QR code check-in, interactive video conferencing, comprehensive resource libraries, timely automated texting, and webchat support.

Enhancing Hands-On Support in Remote Rural Education: The Power of Virtual Technology

This article highlights the importance of virtual technology in enhancing hands-on support in remote rural education. Virtual technology offers connectivity, saves time, provides personalized guidance, and grants access to comprehensive educational resources. It facilitates effective communication, secure payment processes, and continuous improvement through feedback. Incorporating virtual technology into the role of traveling teachers expands their reach and impact. Engagement help through virtual technology promotes interactive learning experiences, access to resources, and collaboration among students. Strategies to enhance hands-on support include leveraging virtual classrooms, training sessions, and online communities. However, barriers such as the limited availability of educators, transportation logistics, and financial resources need to be addressed. Hands-on support positively impacts student achievement, leading to improved academic performance, engagement, and the development of critical skills.

A Virtual College Fair for Students Unable to Attend In-Person Events

Virtual college fairs have emerged as a groundbreaking solution to provide equal access to valuable resources for students who are unable to attend traditional in-person events. These online platforms, such as VisitDays, replicate the experience of physical college fairs by bringing together representatives from various institutions in a virtual space. Students can explore a wide range of colleges and universities, access information, and engage in interactive sessions with admissions officers and current students. Virtual college fairs offer convenience, equal access, and personalized experiences, enabling students to make informed decisions about their educational future. With the ability to network, gather resources, and customize their fair visit, virtual college fairs are transforming the college exploration process and shaping the future of higher education engagement.

VisitDays is Transforming K-12 Schools with QR Codes

QR code check-in systems have revolutionized attendance management in K-12 schools. These systems simplify the attendance tracking process, providing students with unique QR codes they can easily scan upon arrival. This streamlines the process, eliminates errors, and reduces classroom disruptions. QR code check-in systems also provide accurate and real-time attendance data, enhancing security measures, streamlining administrative processes, and empowering students to take ownership of their attendance. By embracing this technology, K-12 schools can optimize resources, increase efficiency, and create a safe and engaging learning environment for students and staff.

The Truth About Rising Tuition Costs and Discount Rates

Rising tuition costs in higher education is a significant problem, and tuition discount rates do not address the root cause, which is increasing costs. The problem is driven by administrative bloat and investment in expensive amenities, leading to increased overhead costs for students. Institutions need to find ways to reduce costs without sacrificing the quality of education to make college more affordable and accessible.

College Orientation: Why Colleges and Universities are now hosting Pre-Orientation Events

Starting college is a new and exciting chapter in the lives of many students, but it can also be overwhelming for both students and their families. To help ease this transition, colleges, and universities offer orientation programs designed to familiarize incoming students with campus resources, academic expectations, and social opportunities.

The Changing Landscape of College Admissions: How New Behaviors Are Making it Harder to Predict Enrollment

The Hechinger Report highlights the challenges colleges and universities face in the admissions process due to shifting behaviors. Factors such as the decline in SAT/ACT testing, students applying to more schools, and multiple deposits make predicting enrollment numbers difficult. To adapt, institutions must leverage new recruitment strategies, improve communication, and focus on measuring student engagement.

College and University International Student Recruitment: A Guide for Educational Institutions

As globalization continues to shape the world, the demand for higher education has expanded beyond borders. College and university international student recruitment have become critical to higher education institutions marketing strategies. Educational institutions have recognized the need to tap into the international market to recruit the best talents and enhance their diversity. This article will discuss the importance of international student recruitment for colleges and universities and provide a guide on effectively recruiting international students.

Ensuring Enrollment Deposit Success: The Importance of Close Engagement Between Colleges, Students and Families

Sending a deposit to a college or university is a significant milestone for students and their families. It represents a commitment to furthering their education and investing in their future. However, once the deposit is sent, colleges and universities need to continue working closely with students and their families to ensure a positive and successful experience.

Unlocking Student Success: The Power of Predictive Modeling and Engagement

Predictive modeling has become increasingly important in higher education for predicting student enrollment and retention, and it can provide valuable insights for universities in their recruitment and retention efforts. Predictive models use statistical algorithms to analyze historical data and identify patterns that can be used to make future predictions. In the context of university enrollment, predictive models can help universities understand the factors that influence a student’s decision to enroll and the likelihood of a student completing their degree.

The Importance of Student Engagement Data

Tracking engagement is an essential aspect of the university experience, as it helps universities to understand and support the needs of their students and alums. Student appointments can include a wide range of activities, such as academic advising, career counseling, and mental health services. They play a critical role in the student and alum life cycle.

VisitDays Recognized as High Performer in Multiple Categories in G2 2023 Winter Reports

We are excited to announce that VisitDays has been recognized as a High Performer in multiple categories in the G2 2023 Winter Reports. G2, the world's leading business solution review platform, has published its latest report on the top-performing software products and services in various industries.

How National Portfolio Day Uses VisitDays

As a non-profit organization in education, you understand the importance of providing valuable resources and opportunities for your students and participants. One way to do this is by utilizing virtual events, and National Portfolio Day (NPD) has had great success using VisitDays to organize and manage theirs.‍

Custom College and Career Rep Directory for Students and Counselors

As a high school college counselor, you understand the importance of providing your students with the resources and opportunities they need to make informed decisions about their education and career paths.

QR Codes for Higher Ed Marketing

If you work in higher education marketing, chances are you've considered using QR codes to reach prospective students. But what are QR codes, and how can they be used effectively in higher ed marketing? Keep reading to find out.

Why you should use PowerBI for Higher Education Student Retention, Persistence and Graduation Reporting

Power BI is a powerful tool higher education marketing departments can use to track, analyze, and visualize student retention and persistence. It has features that allow users to quickly build reports, dashboards, and interactive visuals from their data sources. With the help of Power BI, higher education marketers can obtain real-time insights into their students' behavior and preferences for better targeting of university initiatives.

The Top 5 Reasons Why South Korean Students Study in the United States

South Korea is a country that values education highly. Students in South Korea are some of the most academically successful in the world. So it's no surprise that many students from South Korea choose to study abroad, and the United States is one of their most popular destinations. In this blog post, we will discuss the top 5 reasons why South Korean students choose to study in America.‍

How to recruit international students from Korea and Indonesia

VisitDays International is the playbook for hundreds of institutions around the country, if you your institution would benefit from increasing the quality and quantity of international students, you can use VisitDays Internation to expand and grow your international student population.

Key Takeaways From TACAC 2022

VisitDays went to TACAC’s annual conference and joined hundreds of colleges and universities across the country as we listened to keynote speakers, engaged with our peers, and learned more about the future of college admissions. 

Say Goodbye to Zoom: Announcing Our New In-App Video Feature

Learn about our latest feature update: Embedded video platform.

Successes from Northeast Texas’ College Access Program Launch

Learn more about ESC Region 8’s college access programming and how you can start getting engaged prospective leads.

How VisitDays helps build high school counselor and admissions representative relationships

Learn how VisitDays can help improve the high school counselor and admissions rep relationship.

3 tips to get the most out of a college access program

Over the past several months, VisitDays has launched multiple College Access Programs with districts and K12 organizations across the US and internationally. Read our blog post to learn more about what a college access program is, how it’s different from virtual events you’re accustomed to, and tips to help your college or university stand out.

How Northeastern University's Fall Virtual Open House became an evergreen community

How VisitDays helps students overcome barriers on the college journey

Learn how VisitDays can help students and their parents navigate the college process and overcome challenges.

An overlooked opportunity with CBOs: How to reach students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds

Learn about the importance of partnerships with community based organizations in reaching low-income and first-generation students.

What's New for 2022 - VisitDays Brand & Product Updates

Over the last year, VisitDays has made vast improvements to our website and our product. Check out what's new for VisitDays in 2022!

How—and why—parents are getting more involved in the college search process

We were surprised by the number of parents that attended a recent virtual College Night. Learn how VisitDays helps more parents get involved sooner in the college research process.

The impact of test optional on students from low-socioeconomic backgrounds

In light of the Cal State System and Harvard's decisions to go test optional, learn about the impact on students from low socioeconomic backgrounds.

What COVID-19 means for demonstrated interest

Is demonstrating interest as valuable in the remote world?

3 lessons learned from virtual college fairs

Read our top three lessons learned from helping high schools and districts across the nation host their first virtual college fair.

How Florida Gulf Coast University enrolled their largest class—while spending $0 on travel

In 2021, Florida Gulf Coast University enrolled their largest class in history and spent $0 on travel. This realization forced the university to re-evaluate how to approach student recruitment events for the future. 

What is a hybrid event?

Hybrid events help brands build experiences that impress and engage their audiences.

What is a community?

Building a community is key to growth. Here's are tips to think about when building a community.

What I learned at #NACAC19

Using Chat to engage with your audience

Chat is a key way to engage with your audiences at scale during virtual events.

2 ways personalization improves enrollment management

Here's the story of how some of our clients have mastered personalization at scale.

The Benefits of running a virtual fair

Here are 4 benefits of running a virtual fair as you think about your next event.

Rethinking your campus tour: The McMurry Experience

McMurry University is a private university in Abilene, Texas. With around 1,100 undergraduate students, this faith-based institution offers 45 majors and a 13:1 student to faculty ratio. They also host a truly meaningful and unique campus tour. The woman behind the curtain is Becca Eggleston, Coordinator of the McMurry Experience. I’ve had the pleasure of working with her and her team for the past year. She piqued my interest by sharing that one of the questions they ask prospective students when registering for a campus tour is for the name of their favorite candy bar. At the end of the student’s visit, they’re given an entire bag of their favorite candy bar.

Planning a Cost-Efficient Virtual Event

Below you will find some tips on how to maximize your budget for virtual events. This will ensure that you’ll use your budget wisely and create an experience that is both impactful for your attendees as well as cost-efficient.

Personalize the campus visit or risk losing Gen Z

It's time to reimagine struggling programs to increase enrollment

Reimagining struggling programs at colleges and universities to meet market demand and student expectations.

How virtual events level the playing field for college access

As prospective students and their families were forced to do all of their college search research online, there was a clear need to help connect students with their future colleges and universities. This need forced colleges, universities, and community colleges to rethink their approach to interacting with prospective students and their families.

How to maximize attendee engagement with VisitDays and Zoom

Easily maximize engagement with VIsitDays Zoom Webinar or Zoom Meetings anytime and from anywhere.

How to ensure memorable virtual student experiences

Ensuring memorable student experiences at virtual events this fall.

How to easily build your virtual events with VisitDays and Zoom

How to use VisitDays and Zoom for virtual events

How to create interactive virtual open houses

Engaging and interactive virtual open houses are key for this year's spring recruitment.

How to create great attendee experiences at a virtual fair

The attendee experience at virtual college fairs and virtual career fairs are vital to the success of the virtual fair.

4 factors graduate directors need to know about prospective graduate students

Engaging your audience without a physical tour

There's a massive opportunity to continue to engage your audience through virtual events.

Creative ideas for your next virtual event

Creative virtual events allows for students to continually learn more about your institution and meet with the people they will be around for the next four years.

Creating virtual and hybrid events that work in 2021

Focus on what your audience wants by creating mobile optimized virtual events and hybrid events in 2021.

Creating experiences at virtual events that go beyond the table

Create memorable virtual experiences at virtual fairs, open houses, and preview days that go beyond a table.

Building engagement with your alumni through virtual events

Build engagement with your alumni using interactive virtual events.

5 tips on hosting your next college fair

If you're currently looking to launch your first virtual college fair for your district, CBO/NGO or high school - you are not alone. Here are 5 tips to get your virtual college fairs off the ground the right way...

The status quo of undergraduate admissions no longer works: 4 easy fixes to implement today

4 ideas to transform your enrollment marketing

Learn about ways colleges and universities can transform enrollment marketing and student experiences.

3 ways to create great live content for your virtual events

3 ways to create live content and engagement for your virtual events.

3 ways to build next generation virtual events

3 ways to easily build next generation virtual events by maximizing VisitDays, Zoom, engaging content, and social media.

3 strategies to increase adult learner enrollment

Learn how to increase adult learner enrollment.

3 strategies to improve summer and fall recruitment this year

3 strategies to improve recruitment and enrollment for colleges, universities, and community colleges.