low-income graduates

Universities increase grad rates 10-15 percent with popular software


Popular business software is helping students, advisors to ensure timely graduation.

In the midst of graduation season, two universities have significantly increased their graduation rates—and both say it’s due to the effective use of relatively new-to-education sales software.

Online institution Western Governors University saw a 10 percent increase in graduation rates within two years just by switching to Salesforce technology that allows its students to create connections in a virtual environment.

George Mason University is on track to increase its graduation rate by 15 percent by upgrading its advising model to manage the workload of its advisors and make them more available for students through Salesforce.

Salesforce at Western Governors University

Western Governors University (WGU), an online university designed in 1995 by 19 U.S. governors to break the mold of traditional higher education and harness technology to teach in new ways, focuses on measuring learning rather than time, and provides more students the opportunity to build their careers by finishing that bachelor’s or master’s degree.

WGU is providing exactly that by using Salesforce’s Communities technology in 3 different areas: enrollment, active students, and student services. Communities are allowing students and student-mentors to connect, share information, build relationships, and work towards graduation.

The Salesforce Knowledge Base allows students to find up-to-date course content, information, videos, and FAQs. They know exactly what’s going on at all times and can plan or study accordingly.

Salesforce at George Mason University

Founded in 1972, George Mason University is the largest public 4-year school in Virginia and is using Salesforce to help the small staff of advisors and career counselors reach their students.

Students are able to sign in for counseling appointments and specify what they want to talk about through Salesforce. When a student comes in for the appointment, any of the available advisors can see the student and start off the discussion at the right point and makes notes in the student’s case record.

Salesforce also helps identify and track students who need to see an advisor are indeed coming in and getting assistance. Previously, only about two-thirds of at risk students came in for advising, whereas now that number is closer to 90 percent. This has been a critical first step in getting students on successful academic trajectories.

Sign up for our newsletter

Newsletter: Innovations in K12 Education
By submitting your information, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

eCampus News Staff

Oops! We could not locate your form.

Sign up for our newsletter

Newsletter: Innovations in K12 Education
By submitting your information, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.