Enhancing the Student Journey Through Objective Assessment
In the competitive landscape of modern education, the student experience is paramount. From the first point of contact to post-graduation, every interaction shapes a student's success and an institution's reputation. As a leading higher education consulting service, we provide objective, firsthand assessments of the complete student lifecycle.
Our expert evaluators, acting as prospective or current students, map the entire student journey. We provide the critical data and educational market research needed to improve recruitment, boost retention, and foster strong alumni engagement, forming the basis of your strategic planning for higher education.
In summary: Our services provide the actionable insights you need to optimize the student experience, leading to increased enrollment, improved retention rates, and a stronger institutional brand.
Strategic Solutions for Higher Education
Increase Student Enrollment
A seamless admissions process is critical for attracting top talent. Our enrollment management services evaluate:
- Responsiveness and clarity of admissions staff
- Effectiveness of campus tours and open days
- Ease of use of application and financial aid portals
We provide a clear roadmap on how to increase student enrollment by perfecting the prospective student journey.
Improve Student Retention & Satisfaction
Student success depends on a supportive campus environment. Our student affairs assessment provides insights into:
- Quality of academic advising and support
- Effectiveness of student services (registrar, housing, etc.)
- The overall campus climate and culture
Gain the insights you need for how to improve student retention and satisfaction.
Strengthen Alumni & Donor Engagement
A positive student experience creates loyal alumni. Our audits can extend to post-graduation to help you develop effective alumni engagement strategies by assessing:
- Communication with the alumni office
- Value of alumni events and services
- Ease of the donation process
Cultivate a lifelong relationship that benefits both alumni and the institution.
The Lifelong Impact of the College Experience
The landmark Gallup-Purdue Index study found that college graduates who felt emotionally supported by their institution are more than twice as likely to be engaged at work and thriving in their overall well-being. This highlights the critical importance of a positive student journey.
Our Campus Assessment Process
The Prospective Student Journey
Our shoppers evaluate the entire recruitment and admissions process, from initial inquiry to acceptance, providing key enrollment insights.
The Current Student Experience
We assess key student services, including financial aid, registrar, and housing, to identify opportunities to improve retention.
Actionable Reporting & Strategy
We deliver comprehensive reports with objective data and strategic recommendations to guide your institution's improvement efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does mystery shopping work in an educational setting?
Our trained evaluators pose as prospective students, parents, or current students to interact with various campus departments. They follow a detailed plan to evaluate every touchpoint of the student journey, from the initial website inquiry and campus tour to interactions with admissions, financial aid, and student services. This provides an objective, firsthand account of the student experience.
How can your services help increase student enrollment?
Our enrollment management services focus on the prospective student's journey. By identifying friction points in the recruitment and admissions process—such as slow response times, unclear information, or a poor campus visit experience—we provide a clear roadmap on how to increase student enrollment by creating a more positive and compelling first impression.
What is a campus climate assessment?
A campus climate assessment is a comprehensive evaluation of the perceptions and experiences of students, faculty, and staff. While traditional surveys are one tool, our mystery shopping approach adds a vital qualitative layer by observing the campus environment and interactions in real-time, providing deep insights into the lived experience at your institution.
Can you help us improve student retention?
Yes. Student retention is heavily influenced by the quality of student support services. Our student services assessment evaluates departments like the registrar, financial aid, and academic advising from the student's perspective. By identifying areas of frustration or inefficiency, we provide actionable data on how to improve student retention by enhancing the support system.
I am interested in becoming a campus evaluator. How do I apply?
We are always looking for articulate and observant individuals to help our clients. If you are interested in becoming a mystery shopper for educational institutions, you can learn more about the requirements and apply on our 'Become a Shopper' page.
Ready to Enhance Your Student Experience?
See your campus through the eyes of your students. Contact us today to design a custom educational assessment program that drives enrollment, retention, and lifelong loyalty.
Become a Client