Last month, the University of Louisville implemented a new platform to digitally transform the management of the university’s collective international programs. Nearly 1,000 University of Louisville students and faculty study abroad each year, and the university’s International Center programs host nearly 1,000 international student and scholars annually.
Using Terra Dotta’s Global Engagement Platform, the school expects to help integrate workflows, streamline communication and automate documentation across the University of Louisville’s International Center including International Admissions, Education Abroad, International Student & Scholar Services, International Travel and Global Initiatives. The increased operational efficiency will help enhance student success outcomes by providing more personalized support and timely information.
In a recent discussion with eCampus news, Dr. Hoffman provided insights into the University of Louisville’s efforts to enhance its international education infrastructure. The University, a prominent research institution founded in 1798, has evolved significantly over the years and is now focusing on expanding its international programs. Terra Dotta’s platform has been chosen for its comprehensive, modular approach to managing international education, which includes study abroad programs, international student services, and travel approvals. Click below for details.
Dr. Hoffman highlighted the platform’s advantages, including its integrated approach, flexibility for customization, and robust data analysis capabilities. The platform supports both administrative functions and student-facing services, such as program applications and visa processing. Despite a challenging implementation phase, the University is now optimizing the system and exploring further enhancements, particularly in reporting and data assessment.
Key Takeaways
- University of Louisville Overview:
- The University of Louisville is a historic institution, founded in 1798, evolving from a private to a municipal institution, and now a premier research university located in Louisville, KY.
- International Center’s Role:
- The International Center handles outbound study abroad programs, inbound international students and scholars, and international admissions. The goal is to increase global engagement and support the growth of international programs.
- Terra Dotta Platform Implementation:
- The University adopted Terra Dotta’s modular platform, designed specifically for international education management, allowing the integration of various modules under one system. This approach is favored over using multiple standalone systems.
- Features and Benefits:
- Terra Dotta’s platform offers modular flexibility, customizable features, and improved data analysis capabilities. It integrates student data with administrative processes and supports efficient visa and travel management.
- Student and Administrative Use:
- The platform includes student-facing modules for studying abroad and international student services, as well as administrative tools for managing data and workflows.
- Optimization and Future Directions:
- After a challenging implementation period, the University is now focused on optimizing the system. Future improvements include enhancing reporting capabilities, assessing student demographics, and refining data collection and analysis.
- Data Security and Integration:
- The implementation includes careful data management practices, such as deferred and direct data fetching, to balance data security with operational efficiency.
- Ongoing Development:
- The optimization phase is expected to continue over the next few years, with ongoing adjustments to adapt to new regulations and to further customize the platform to meet evolving needs.
