Boost Student Engagement with Data and Easy-to-Use Technology

As a Student Success Strategic Leader at EAB, I’ve worked with dozens of partners of all shapes and sizes to meet their unique goals, but one common focus is the desire to improve student engagement. They recognize that engaged students are more likely to persist, but many institutions struggle with finding effective ways to foster meaningful engagement. Continue reading for my recommendations, based on my experience working with these schools, to help you create stronger connections with your students and improve their overall success.

Understand Who You’re Talking to

A great starting point for understanding your students’ needs is analyzing the data you already have—admissions, financial aid, residence life, and LMS data can all provide a strong foundation. However, the best way to truly understand what your students want is to ask them directly. Regularly surveying students throughout the year provides real-time insights into the resources and support they find most valuable, allowing you to deploy interventions more quickly. These pulse checks help you stay proactive and adjust your strategies based on their feedback.

When designing these surveys, take a help-focused approach with positive phrasing that encourages students to seek out resources. Be intentional about when you ask—whether it’s at the beginning of the semester or during high-stress times like exams—and make sure each survey has a clear goal and actionable steps based on the responses you receive.

Click here to explore our infographic with 72 outreach ideas for community colleges

I’ve seen partners like Arapahoe Community College (ACC) use quick polls as a connection point to ensure students have the basic tools they need to complete coursework—like access to a computer and reliable Internet—and gauge students’ plans for the upcoming semester. To ensure students’ challenges and needs are acted on, Navigate360 sends for students in need of support so care team members can intervene.

Meet Students Where They Are

Engaging students effectively means connecting with them on platforms they already use, such as texting, student apps, or social media. By meeting students on these familiar channels, you can ensure your communications are seen and acted upon in real time. Students are constantly connected to their phones, checking messages, notifications, and apps throughout the day. Sending important updates through these channels—whether it’s a reminder to register for classes, a quick poll to check on their well-being, or an announcement about campus resources—makes it easier for students to stay informed and engaged with campus life.

Ensure engagement is a two-way street

Self-alerts, also known as Hand-raise Alerts, make it easy for students to reach out for help whenever they need it. Since these alerts can be submitted on their terms, students don’t have to wait for office hours or a scheduled meeting to ask for assistance. This flexibility is especially important for the growing number of students who are juggling school, work, and other personal responsibilities.

Additionally, allowing students to self-alert gives them more control over their learning experience. When they know they can ask for help on their terms, they’re more willing to engage with support services. This proactive approach helps schools identify and assist students before small problems grow into bigger obstacles. By making it easy and empowering for students to reach out, institutions keep students engaged throughout their journey.

Technology allows for scaled support

Engaging students early with technology tools such as Quick Polls and Hand-raises in Navigate360, EAB’s student success CRM, opens the communication pipeline between students and staff. When students receive resources proactively in this way, it builds trust and confidence that they’ll get the support they need during their time at your institution. Offering easy ways for students to ask for help and providing students with what they need in a timely manner teaches them digital literacy and help-seeking behaviors that will benefit them throughout their lives.