Universities are facing the challenges of decreased enrollment, retention and graduation rates. The implementation and integraton of new technologies and deliverables are a necessity to increase and improve the aforementioned. Integrating a virtual component will provide personable on-demand services that will enhance the student, faculty, and staff experience by delivering expedited services, improved workflows and increased enrollment, retention and graduation rates.
Norfolk State University has enhanced student support and student services by incorporating Blackboard Collaborate UltraTM (Blackboard Collaborate). It is a cost-effective web conferencing tool that is browser-based, allows file and application sharing, is mobile compatible, and can be used globally to reach an international population. Integrating a virtual component into the daily processes of academic and support units can transform the way Colleges and Universities do business and differentiate them from the competition. It can also create an on-going presence, improve institutional accountability, and increase retention and graduation rates. Due to the ever-changing need of today’s students, the delivery of real-time information is not only necessary but also expected, thus, incorporating Blackboard Collaborate can increase student success, promote engagement, and encourage collaboration.
Blackboard Collaborate provides features that can permit Admissions to assist students with the completion of applications and forms, Financial Aid to provide one-on-one loan exit counseling or FAFSA assistance, Career Services to deliver various virtual workshops, and the Library to provide virtual library assistance while maintaining a high level of customer service. It can also be used to support On-the-Go Programs for Athletics, the Band, and the Theater and enhance student success with the use of online tutoring sessions and virtual study rooms.
Utilizing web conferencing can be just as effective as face-to-face interaction. It allows for convenience and flexibility and faculty and staff can connect with students anytime, anywhere.