Case StudyRapid implementationrapid implementation supports pathway college launch

When Macquarie University decided to launch its own in-house pathway college, it was an opportunity to completely integrate the student experience with all aspects of campus life.

However, it also presented a challenge. They would need an application and admissions system that could provide prospective international students with a single offer covering English pathway, academic pathway and degree programs. And they would need it to be up and running within a few months.

“Our aim was to provide the student, as well as the education agent, with a better experience,” explains Kathy Humphrey, Director International Administration with Macquarie University.

the challenge: a new system in 3 months

Having managed major ERP system implementations in the past, Kathy knew it could take up to 18 months to gather user requirements, put those out to tender, and then design, develop, implement and test before going live.

“These extended timelines are no longer feasible, expectations of service delivery standards are changing so quickly,” says Kathy. “Plus, our current admissions and student systems were limited in terms of integration and functionality, and our IT staff were already busy with other projects.”

In addition to speed of implementation, Kathy knew she needed a system that would provide:

• A single application process for pathways and packages

• Productivity benefits for international agents

• 24/7 online access across timezones

• The ability to scale admissions without adding to administrative workload.

When your agents log on, make sure it’s with youFind out why more than a quarter of all Australian universities are already using StudyLink Connect.Email jason.howard@studylink.com for more information or to book an online demonstration.

“We wanted students to feel like any other degree student, and we wanted to provide them with one straightforward ‘package’ offer.”

the rollout: tailor-made for international education

StudyLink Connect met all those needs, and as it’s a cloud-based service Macquarie wouldn’t need to install its own infrastructure.

“StudyLink was already working for us as an application portal, and its ability to interface with major agent systems, like IDP’s OSCAR, was considered a real time saver,” explains Kathy.

“However, the critical key difference is that StudyLink’s business analysts understand international higher education – and that gave us a real advantage in implementation, because they could advise us on best practice for both system configuration and application workflow.”

Taking a ‘just in time’ approach, StudyLink staged the delivery so Macquarie’s admissions staff could continue operations as the elements were rolled out.

“Once we had the application process in place for the new college and package offers, we converted the applications in our legacy system over to StudyLink Connect and then over time brought in other student cohorts, such as study abroad and inbound exchange. This let us minimise the implementation risk, but still meet our launch deadline.”

The result: 50% student uplift in 18 months

With over 1,000 new pathway college commencements, combined with significant growth in Macquarie’s degree commencements, StudyLink Connect has underpinned a 50 per cent growth in acceptances with a minimal staff increase.

“We’re seeing growth in online applications from our agents and also direct students,” confirms Kathy. “It’s easy and intuitive for agents to use, and it gives them online access to data and documentation.”

For Macquarie’s admission staff, key productivity improvements include: • Automated rules-based allocation of applications • Tailored templates for different offers and forms • Online workflow for faculty approvals • Ability to produce OSHC schedules

“It’s also a really good reference source,” says Kathy. “All our admissions correspondence and documentation is stored within one system. We can review our turnaround time performance regularly, including outstanding assessments, which helps us maintain our service standards.”

“I’m very happy to recommend the system,” she concludes. “StudyLink really understand higher education in general and especially international student admissions, and that translates into a fit for purpose international admissions system. It works exactly as we had expected.”

Connect now...Find out why more than a quarter of all Australian universities are already using StudyLink Connect.Email jason.howard@studylink.com for more information or to book an online demonstration.

“We’re seeing growth in online applications from our agents and also direct students”

Case StudyRapid implementation