Driving Student Success in Higher Ed

In today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape, supporting student success in higher ed has never been more essential. As institutions increasingly adopt online learning, students expect seamless, accessible support. Academic advising software is central to this transformation, helping institutions bridge the gap between in-person and virtual support, and making higher ed student success a reality.

What is Academic Advising Software?

Academic advising software is a technology solution tailored to enhance student success in higher ed by supporting and tracking interactions between students and advisors. This software empowers advisors to provide guidance, track progress, and facilitate efficient support through tools like appointment scheduling, virtual meetings, instant messaging, and data analytics. These functions not only streamline advising processes but also help students feel connected and supported throughout their academic journeys, boosting academic success in higher education.

The Need for Online Advising to Support Student Success

According to the Connected Student Report, students expect high levels of online services. For example, 39% of students desire 1:1 online advising, but only 20% of schools currently offer it. This demand underscores the need for advising software that can provide timely, accessible support, particularly for nontraditional students, who make up nearly half of the student population and often balance work or family responsibilities.

For students with disabilities or other accessibility needs, online advising tools are indispensable. This approach ensures that all students, regardless of background, can access essential resources, ultimately enhancing student success in higher ed and helping institutions support a diverse student population.

How Academic Advising Software Promotes Student Success in Higher Education

Academic advisors play a critical role in student success in higher education by guiding students through academic and career planning, creating support networks, and fostering a sense of belonging on campus. Research shows that a greater sense of belonging significantly improves persistence, engagement, and mental health, especially among first-year students. Supported by academic advising software, advisors and counselors can reach more students and provide meaningful, personalized support that promotes higher ed student success.

According to NASPA, "institutions are investing in technology tools that transform academic advising and promote student success." The Deloitte Center for Higher Education Excellence also highlights the importance of digital student services for enhancing student engagement and academic success. Academic advising software integrates with campus technology to create a comprehensive system that supports students from enrollment through graduation.

Key Features of Academic Advising Software for Student Success in Higher Ed

Just as learning management systems support online learning, academic advising software provides critical features that support student success in higher ed:

• Appointment Scheduling: Students can easily schedule advising sessions from any device, enabling more efficient access to support services that enhance student success.
• Virtual Meetings: Real-time, ADA-compliant video conferencing replicates face-to-face advising, making it easy to connect regardless of location and supporting inclusive engagement.
• Instant Messaging: Live chat allows advisors to respond quickly to student questions, ensuring they receive guidance that’s timely and personalized, which is crucial for academic success in higher education.
• Student Success Plans: Collaborative planning features enable advisors, faculty, and staff to develop personalized plans for each student, focusing on individual strengths and challenges.
• Data Analytics: Analytics and reporting provide valuable insights into student engagement and advising outcomes, helping institutions make data-driven decisions to further promote higher ed student success.

Choosing the Right Academic Advising Software to Support Student Success in Higher Education

Selecting the best academic advising software to support student success in higher ed means choosing a platform tailored for higher education. Tools like ConexED’s platform are designed specifically for college and university settings, offering seamless integration with Learning Management Systems (LMS) and Student Information Systems (SIS) to create a unified, efficient system for tracking and supporting student progress.

Institutions committed to enhancing student success in higher education can benefit greatly from software that not only facilitates virtual advising but also integrates with other critical student support services, like case management and business intelligence platforms. For a demonstration of how ConexED can help your institution achieve its student success goals, visit our solutions page.