How a CRM Supports Full Student Lifecycle Management

As educational institutions strive to attract and retain students, they need to build long-lasting relationships with them. 

One way to achieve this is through the use of a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system. A CRM is a software tool that enables higher education institutions to manage their interactions with current and potential customers. 

In the case of higher education institutions, a student-engagement CRM can be used to manage the full student life cycle, from recruitment and enrollment to alumni engagement.

The student lifecycle refers to the entire journey a student takes with your institution, from the moment they first show interest to their post-graduation engagement. 

This journey includes inquiry, application, enrollment, graduation and alumni engagement. 

Colleges and universities need to consider the full student lifecycle in order to provide a comprehensive and holistic approach to supporting students throughout their academic journey. 

Schools can identify and address the unique needs and challenges that students face at different stages. This includes providing support for academic and personal development, addressing financial and logistical challenges, and facilitating the transition to employment or further education.


This also allows institutions to develop more effective retention and graduation strategies, which are critical for student success. By understanding the factors that contribute to student persistence and success, institutions can develop targeted interventions and support services to help students overcome challenges and achieve their goals.

1. Improved Communication From Application to Graduation

Communication is key in building strong relationships with students. A higher education CRM system enables educational institutions to communicate with students in a more personalized and targeted manner. 

By tracking student interactions with the institution, such as website visits, email opens, and event attendance, a CRM system can provide valuable insights into student interests and preferences. 

Institutions can use this information to tailor their communications and provide more relevant content to students at all stages. This can help increase higher education engagement and enrollment, as students are more likely to respond positively to messages that speak directly to their needs and interests.

2. Streamlined Admissions to Make Applying Easier

The higher education admissions process is often complex and time-consuming for both prospective students and staff, with multiple steps and forms to fill out. 

A CRM system can help streamline this process by automating tasks such as application reviews, document tracking, and decision notifications. This can save time for staff and reduce the likelihood of errors or omissions in the admissions process. 

Some CRMs even provide built-in checklists that pre-populate according to the particular student’s needs. Others have landing page and microsite capabilities so students can have a hub for any necessary information they may need during the admissions process.

By providing a seamless and efficient admissions experience, institutions can improve the overall student experience and increase enrollment.

Expanding your pool of prospects takes more than offering new programs and spending more on ads. It takes creating student-centered and digital native experiences.

3. Better Student Support + Student Success

Once enrolled, students may need assistance with a range of issues, such as academic advising, financial aid, or mental health support. 

A CRM system can help higher education institutions track student requests and provide timely responses. It can also enable staff to identify trends and patterns in student inquiries, which can inform the development of new support services. 

Inside student engagement platforms like Element451, staff can create tasks to flag advisors, help track courses and utilize dynamic microsites and landing pages for academic or career support.

By providing timely and targeted support, institutions can help students overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.

Student engagement is a critical factor in higher education retention and success. By tracking student interactions with the institution, a CRM system can help identify students who may be at risk of dropping out. 

Element451’s intelligent chatbot, BoltBot, can act as another set of eyes, taking your team from early alert to early success. Institutions can use the 24/7 chatbot to gauge information and intervene early to provide targeted support, such as tutoring or mentoring. 

A CRM system can also facilitate alumni engagement by tracking alumni activities and preferences and providing opportunities for continued involvement with the institution. 

By fostering a sense of community and connection, higher education institutions can create a more positive and fulfilling experience for students and alumni.

Stronger Relationships Throughout the Full Student Lifecycle

Overall, a CRM system can help higher education institutions build stronger relationships with students throughout the full student life cycle. 

By improving communication, streamlining admissions, providing better support, and enhancing engagement, institutions can create a more positive and fulfilling experience for students, which can lead to increased enrollment, retention, student success, and alumni support.

If you aren’t an Element451 partner yet, schedule a demo today. We’ll help you get started on your journey to personalized student engagement across the full student life cycle that helps you beat enrollment and retention dips.

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