EMPOWER SIS is Attending the AACRAO Annual Meeting March 26-28th. Come see us at booth #608.
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Prioritize Training And Support: Tips To Choosing The Best Student Information System

A university should be a safe haven for students and staff, yet many campuses don’t feel that way. In 2019, the number of reported criminal cases at universities in the United States was over 27,000. Protecting students and mitigating risk of incidents should be a top priority for universities, which is why campus security systems and software are more important now than ever before. 

When choosing a SIS, carefully consider what features you need, how easy the features are to use, and how they will work to assist your school. One of the most important features to look for is software training and support. Here’s why.

The Importance of SIS Software Training And Support

There will be a learning curve when you’re integrating a new system or technology. Once your SIS is ready for testing and launch, you want to make sure that you’ll be able to turn to someone to answer questions or handle any issues that arise.

A reliable technology partner will stand by your side every step of the way. It’s important to work with a company that has a deep online knowledge base as well as a responsive support desk that responds quickly. The best SIS providers offer customized and detailed on-site and online training for your staff and other users. 

Unlimited and ongoing access to support is integral to the success of your school when implementing a new SIS. There’s no point to integrating a brand new system if no one understands how to navigate it properly, and without training you’ll only be adding to the frustrations and workload of your staff.

Choose EMPOWER For Exceptional SIS Training And Support

From the design of your platform to training and ongoing maintenance, no provider of SIS will support your school like EMPOWER.

Your EMPOWER system is set up with your institutional data, your business rules, and your variables from your migrated data. Using school data makes the training more relevant for staff members and provides a better opportunity to review and become comfortable with EMPOWER.

Training typically takes place over a two month period, allowing staff members to try out new skills, ask questions, and become familiar with the system. They receive exceptional, personalized training at a comfortable pace.

Contact us to learn more about how we can support your school.

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EMPOWER Software For Campus Security: Making Your College A Safe Place

A university should be a safe haven for students and staff, yet many campuses don’t feel that way. In 2019, the number of reported criminal cases at universities in the United States was over 27,000. Protecting students and mitigating risk of incidents should be a top priority for universities, which is why campus security systems and software are more important now than ever before. 

What Is Campus Security Software?

Campus security software includes systems designed to improve the safety of students, faculty, and staff while on campus. It integrates every aspect of your security system into one platform, from incident reporting and surveillance to visitor registration and parking enforcement.

EMPOWER Campus Security Software Features

EMPOWER’s Campus Security module helps parking enforcement, public safety and the dean of students work together to help ensure a safe, smoothly-running campus environment. 

EMPOWER Campus Security software features include:

  • Campus security data collection 
  • Incident reporting and management
  • Campus judicial process data collection and processing
  • Parking management, vehicle registration, and related fees/fines
  • Visitor registration
  • Campus facility descriptor and location database
  • Access to housing assignments, academic schedules, and photo IDs for security officials

The Benefits of Campus Security Software

1. Response Time

When it comes to responding to threats and incidents, time is of the essence. Security needs to ensure a fast response time and accurate incident reporting to help local authorities and internal security teams to resolve issues quickly. 

2. Analytics

A standardized security management solution helps to create better data analytics. Colleges can use data to find proactive ways to mitigate campus safety risks and handle future incidents effectively.

3. Visitor Management

With the number of visitors that come in and out of your campus every day, having a real-time list of expected visitors and a list of unauthorized visitors can make all the difference in keeping your campus safe. 

4. Monitoring

With facilities and students spread across large or multiple campuses, the monitoring of education facilities presents unique challenges. Having monitoring and access control solutions integrated in one module makes it easier to report and track incidents. 

EMPOWER: The Best Campus Security Software

Failure to keep your students safe can result in potential physical, financial, and reputational harm to the school. Providing reliable campus security is paramount, and EMPOWER provides the best solutions for your college. Contact us for more information on how our Campus Security module can help you monitor your school’s safety effectively, securely and privately.

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The Best SIS For Continuing Education Programs

What Is A Student Information System? 

Student information systems are the best way to digitally store and track data such as grades, transaction records, and more. They are integral to streamlining educational institutions’ processes and communications. Students use SIS to gain access to crucial information regarding programs, pay for courses, and connect with the institution. Administrators are able to access all relevant information regarding the student’s academic experience.

SIS For Continuing Education programs

Continuing education programs have a unique set of needs and require more flexible administration practices than traditional college programs. Considering that 71% of higher ed students are non-traditional students, the learner’s experience for higher education programs is more important than ever. 

If you offer community education courses, workforce development programs, professional certifications, adult education, seminars, workshops or even high school courses, an SIS for continuing education is the right choice for your school.

The Problems Solved By Continuing Education SIS

Here are a few of the administrative issues that continuing education management software can resolve.

1. Inefficient Administration

Building a continuing education module unit on the back of an SIS designed for traditional higher education can create significant headaches for staff. A SIS specifically for higher education programs will eliminate the inefficiencies that slow workflows, and automate redundant processes so your staff can focus their efforts on tasks that matter most.

2. Poor Student Experience

Modern learners expect a seamless registration and enrollment experience that allows them to take control of  their education. They want to manage their own engagement through tasks like registration, payment and course dropping, online and at their own pace. Remove the tedious process of on-campus administration with a seamless, self-directed, digital environment.

3. Inability to Innovate

When an education program runs on systems designed for a main campus, it can be difficult to innovate. Antiquated systems take up the valuable time and resources of your staff, while administrators repeat work or re-enter information multiple times. An SIS made for continuing education automates tedious tasks and allows for new, innovative processes.

EMPOWER SIS For Continuing Education Programs

EMPOWER SIS offers a responsive design and functionality that suits the needs of education programs. Our modules are completely customizable to each school. Manage every aspect of your non-traditional learner’s experience with efficiency, and make life easier for your staff. Contact us to learn how we can support your educational institution.

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How Admissions Systems Can Improve Your University’s Enrollment

From dips in student enrollment to difficulty finding the right candidates to tracking online inquiries and applications, universities face a number of pain points within the admissions process. Admissions management systems streamline the admissions process for administrators, staff, and students. Here are eight ways admissions systems can help your school and improve enrollment.

1.) Creating a Seamless Workflow

An admissions systems management platform helps create a seamless workflow by automating repetitive tasks that are typically performed manually. Staff are less likely to make mistakes, and they can focus their attention on more pressing tasks like communicating with students.

2.) Managing Online Admission Inquiries

Inquiry and registration forms are usually the first point of contact between colleges and their prospective students. An automated inquiry management process gets students the information they need, when they need it. This automates manual processes like sending emails, scheduling interviews, and requesting essential documents. By speeding up the process and response time, you’ll retain student’s engagement and improve enrollment. 

3.) Applicant Status Tracking

Once a student completes the registration process, they should be able to view the status of their application in real-time. With application status tracking, the online admissions system will guide students through the process, rather than making multiple calls to your office.

4.) Applicant Evaluation

How can you find candidates who are the best fit for your college? An admissions management can help evaluate applicants, as well as give users the ability to easily schedule interviews and follow-up with recruiters.

5.) Payment Processing

Make the payment system easier on your staff and students with automated reminder emails, generated invoices, and online payment processes.

6.) Going Paperless

Ditch the mountains of paperwork and hours of data entry. Admissions management systems  handle student data directly, while keeping sensitive student information private.

7.) Improve Communication

A lack of communication can lead to students losing interest and choosing alternative schools. An admissions management system allows your recruiters and admissions team to interact directly with students, shepherding them through the admissions process quickly and efficiently. 

8.) Reports Analysis

Admissions systems offer institutions greater visibility into metrics by producing detailed reports regarding student intake, applicant pool, diversity metrics, and more. 

EMPOWER SIS For University Admissions

EMPOWER’s simplified recruiting and admissions software makes it easier to find and retain the best students, while saving your staff and prospects time. Connect with us to see how our SIS can improve processes for your institution.

Learn More Today!

Are you ready to learn more about EMPOWER and the many services we can offer your school? Contact us today!
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The Benefits of Degree Audit Software For Colleges

Every degree program has its own requirements and requisite courses of study. Students often need help in navigating them to ensure they take the right classes to graduate on time. Academic advisors play a role in providing support for students in their educational pursuits, from providing career guidance to monitoring their performance. However, manual systems can make the planning process slow and frustrating. 

Degree audit software is designed to make study planning easier and more effective for students and advisors. With degree audit software, students can stay on track and get the help they need from advisors. Here are some of the benefits of degree audit software for colleges.

1.) Save Staff Time

Manual tracking of academic requirements is time-consuming, reducing the professional role of advisors. Degree audit software automates manual processes like degree audits and transcripts, giving staff time to offer students more personal guidance. Academic advisors can focus on offering support beyond course planning, helping students explore their life and career goals and plan for a fulfilling future post-college.

2.) Student Empowerment

Implementing degree audit software gives students easy access to their academic path in an easy-to-use platform. Plan of study tools show them which courses to take, how many they need, and when they need to take them to graduate on time. This gives students a sense of control in their course choices, empowering them to take an active role in their education. They’re able to view their progress to reaching their academic goals in real-time. Additionally, a “What If?” tool allows advisors and students to see the potential effects of their academic decisions.

3.) Early Intervention

With degree audit software, advisors have the ability to instantly monitor students’ status and will be notified if a student is falling behind. They can target students in need of assistance, intervening early to help them maintain progress. Offering support early enough can help prevent dips in enrollment and high dropout rates.

4.) Centralized Platform

Degree audit software provides a single source for student data. It keeps track of majors, minors, concentrations, specializations and programs; degrees and certifications; course and general education requirements; and GPA. It also tracks in-progress, complete, transfer, waiver and substitute credits. Everything is centralized in a one platform that is easily accessible for students and advisors at any time.

EMPOWER SIS:The Best Degree Audit & Plan of Study Software

With EMPOWER’s powerful degree audit and plan of study module, students can work effectively with their advisors to track and manage their academic progress, all in real-time. Connect with us to see how EMPOWER SIS can help empower advisors and students to clear the path to graduation.

Learn More Today!

Are you ready to learn more about EMPOWER and the many services we can offer your school? Contact us today!
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How Student Financial Aid Software for Higher Education Supports Your Students and Staff

With millions of people weighed down with student loan debt, it’s no secret that a college education is expensive. Financial aid makes it possible for more students to earn their degrees, and for many it is the deciding factor of which school they’ll attend. For colleges and universities, creating financial aid can be a complicated process. From coordinating with departments and gathering essential data to ensuring federal compliance, there are a lot of moving parts. This is where student financial aid management  software comes in.

What Is Student Financial Aid Management Software?

Student financial aid management software can help support the process of distributing and managing financial aid. It helps financial aid offices automate their processes, eliminating hours of manual work. This makes it easier for staff to get financial aid offers to students quickly and efficiently, eliminating the fraught waiting period. 

Here are a few benefits of financial aid management software for higher education institutions.

1.) Create Compliant & Accurate Financial Aid Offers

Student financial aid management software connects your student information system (SIS) and the government’s Federal Common Origination and Disbursement System. This makes it simpler to create federally compliant and accurate financial aid offers for students.

2.) Improve Enrollment & Retention Rates

Student financial aid solutions can analyze recruitment data to create personalized and competitive aid packages. The more competitive a college’s offer is, the more likely a student is to enroll. Modern management systems also allow for direct communication between schools and students. Institutions can send personalized messages and reminders to help students meet deadlines. 

Staff can also reach out to returning students to ensure that they have the support they need to graduate on track. They may offer aid counseling or incentives to students who need a little extra help, helping to improve retention rates.

3.) Enable A Seamless Processes

Filling out financial aid information and meeting deadlines can be stressful, but a financial aid management software makes the process seamless. A user-friendly interface helps make it simple for students to upload documents, pay bills, track their application status, and communicate with staff all on one single platform. This improves the student experience, while allowing staff to spend more time addressing questions and concerns. 

The Best Student Financial Aid Software

EMPOWER SIS is the most efficient and integrated student financial aid software. Our innovative design allows us to offer a customized software built specifically for your school, so you can pick and choose aspects of our financial aid module that best applies to your office. We offer unparalleled customer support and are here to answer any questions about implementing our SIS. Contact us to learn more about how we can help your school.

Learn More Today!

Are you ready to learn more about EMPOWER and the many services we can offer your school? Contact us today!
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Attract The Best Students For Your School With University Admissions Software

Applying to college is a stressful process. Students face the challenge of keeping track of deadlines, organizing paperwork, and tackling an endless application to-do list. When prospective students experience delays, they may consider alternative options, damaging your school’s potential growth. Implementing a university admissions software alleviates the stress of college admission for both students and administrators. Here are the top 5 ways EMPOWER’s university admissions software can benefit your institution.

1.) Connect Your Team

EMPOWER’s college admissions software connects your team through a single platform. It provides simple and straightforward capabilities that save your staff time. It also improves communication and collaboration, making it easier to share information in one place rather than through scattered email chains.

2.) Admissions Tracking

With a university admissions software, parents, students and admins can view admissions progress in real time. This avoids frustrating delays and wait times in receiving admissions updates. Parents and prospective students can evaluate admissibility to each institution on their list, helping plan for a successful future. 

3.) Information Storage

A university admissions software makes it easy to access college application information in one place. Upload, store, and track all the important documents required in each step of the admissions process. Think of EMPOWER as your filing cabinet for student data such as applications, essays, financial aid, test scores, grades, and more.

4.) Recruiter Engagement

Manually managing the recruiting process can be time-consuming and complicated. EMPOWER’s university admissions software puts prospect information and status at recruiters’ fingertips, making it easier to find the best students. The module includes built-in measurement tools to analyze recruiters’ effectiveness. By tracking students’ engagement, you can improve your recruiting strategy in the future to help your school land the most qualified students.

The Best University Admissions Software

EMPOWER SIS is the best software for university admissions because it eliminates the tedious and repetitive tasks from the recruiting and admissions cycle that prospective students, recruiters, and admissions staff must navigate daily. We offer unparalleled customer support and are here to answer any questions about implementing our SIS. Contact us to learn more about how we can help your school.

Learn More Today!

Are you ready to learn more about EMPOWER and the many services we can offer your school? Contact us today!
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6 Reasons Why Your School Needs An Alumni Management Software

For administrators with the responsibility of managing alumni, there’s nothing worse than juggling spreadsheets and pouring endlessly over data. An alumni management software can eliminate laborious tasks and take the stress out of managing donations, events, mentoring programs, and more. Here are a few reasons why your school should invest in an alumni management software.

1.) Create A Personalized Experience

Personalized experiences are more engaging and memorable, helping build a deeper relationship with alumni. An alumni management software allows schools to segment donors into lists for unique targeting by campaign. You can leverage data analytics and marketing automation to create a more tailored experience. Alumni will receive information that is pertinent to them, increasing their engagement with the school community.

2.) Keep Data Updated

Maintaining an up-to-date database can be challenging, especially if you do not have a system for regularly updating records. An alumni management software combines your data into one central platform. It makes it easier to manage, organize, and report on alumni data such as contact information and past touchpoints with crucial donors.

3.) Centralize Your Tools

Software for alumni management centralizes tools in one place, rather than across multiple platforms. This will save time on administrative tasks and simplify the management of your network. With all your data in one place, you can make data-driven decisions to manage members and refine engagement strategies.

4.) Build Better Relationships

When a school fails to properly organize alumni and donor data, it risks losing one of its most important resources. With accurate and segmented data, a school can build and nurture strong relationships with its alumni and donors. This software allows you to provide alums with relevant information about their alma mater and opportunities to connect and network with peers, as well as give back to their school.

5.) Track Successful Campaigns

With an alumni management platform, you can monitor and analyze fundraising campaigns to see what types of outreach efforts have been working and for which donors. It’s a great way to track the progress of your campaigns and tweak your engagement strategy for different groups. This allows your school to be continuously evolving and getting better when it comes to reaching alumni.

The Best Alumni Management Software

EMPOWER SIS is the best software for alumni management, because it makes managing donor data simple and provides a customized experience for your alumni and donors. We offer unparalleled customer support and are here to answer any questions about implementing our SIS. Contact us to learn more about how we can help your school.

Learn More Today!

Are you ready to learn more about EMPOWER and the many services we can offer your school? Contact us today!
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3 Tips on How Your University Can Make Financial Aid More Convenient

With the cost of college tuition continuously rising, financial assistance for incoming students is more critical than ever. It is important for every institution to allow easy access to financial aid resources. Here are some ways your institution can make access to financial aid resources more accessible and convenient for students.

Keep The Process Simple

One issue students may run into during the financial aid process is that many are inexperienced in dealing with the new information and processes required for receiving financial aid. Students trying to work through financial aid procedures often find themselves frustrated and confused. 

The most effective way to make the financial aid process simple for students is to present a competent layout that is abundant with information about financial aid resources. By having all the information in one place, students will be able to better navigate their options.

Explore Mobile-Friendly Options

Offering a mobile-friendly option is essential if you want to reach students. Whether it’s via email, text, or through your SIS system, every item of information that you send out should be optimized for mobile devices. 

Focus On Communication

Institutions looking to boost enrollment need to consider making the financial aid application process more responsive and transparent. Communication with today’s students must be personalized and delivered through a channel in which students are the most active. Finding the most effective ways to communicate about financial aid with students is key.

Convenience At Every Turn

EMPOWER’S SIS helps make your institution’s financial aid process smooth and efficient. Optimize your SIS experience and boost your enrollment rates by using EMPOWER. Call today for a custom quote. 

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Are you ready to learn more about EMPOWER and the many services we can offer your school? Contact us today!
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How to Increase Student Interaction This Summer With Your SIS System

The backbone of every school is its students. That’s why it’s important for institutions to continuously offer resources and support throughout the summer. The best way to reach your students on a level they’ll resonate with is by doing it digitally. Here are some ways your institution can increase student interaction with your SIS system. 

Keep Registration Services Open

Most students take their class schedules very seriously, especially when registering for classes. Many may take advantage of late registration periods, so it’s a good idea to make registration available during the summer. There is also the option to take summer classes at many institutions, which is a separate registration process entirely. Furthermore, it’s important to provide additional resources like counseling and advisor contact information. Many of those services are available throughout the summer, so students should have easy access to that information. 

Keep Your Students Updated

It’s typical for any SIS to include a method of displaying announcements for students, faculty, and administrators. Infrastructure changes are often made during the summer. Your school should keep everyone informed on these changes, especially if it impacts them directly. Scheduling weekly updates about policy changes and campus life is a great way to keep students informed and engaged during the summertime.

Allow Access To Additional Information

There are plenty of ambitious students at every institution who are eager to study during the summer. Keep students engaged and boost interaction by allowing professors to provide students with additional information and introductory coursework during the summer months. One of the features of a great SIS is seamless communication between students and their professors. Giving students the opportunity to communicate with their professors early on increases student interaction during the summer, in addition to introducing them to your school’s SIS.

 

A SIS That Keeps Your Students Engaged

Increase student interaction with your SIS all year-round with EMPOWER! Our software capabilities help improve communication between your students and faculty and make data sharing easier and more efficient. Next time you think SIS, think EMPOWER. 

Learn More Today!

Are you ready to learn more about EMPOWER and the many services we can offer your school? Contact us today!