Hobsons Launches Cutting Edge Online Student Orientation, Engagement And Retention Tool

Open 24/7, Virtual Orientation is a win for staff and students

10 September 2012

Hobsons, education’s leader in enquiry and offer conversion services, technology products and integrated marketing solutions, today launched their much anticipated Virtual Orientation application in the UK, mainland Europe and the Middle East.

Hobsons’ online Virtual Orientation application walks students through detailed orientation steps that are customised and institution specific, such as registration, scheduling, financial services, meeting with an adviser, health care, and getting to know the campus. The application allows institutions to engage meaningfully with students from the minute they enrol and students to get to know the campus, their course tutors and fellow students ahead of time.

Virtual Orientation was developed as a joint project between Hobsons and Tiffin University.  All education providers are looking for ways to increase retention and success. Effective and meaningful orientation programmes are a key way to achieve this. Simply equipping new students with answers to their questions speeds the familiarisation process and drives student retention.

Speaking ahead of today’s European Association of International Education (EAIE) Conference in Dublin, Ireland Kenny Nicholl, Commercial Director Hobsons EMEA, said “All universities and colleges are looking for ways to increase student retention and success as well as improve their own effectiveness.  We are delighted to be able to launch our Virtual Orientation application in the UK, European and Middle Eastern markets. 

“The feedback that I have had already from admissions and student services teams is that Virtual Orientation is a win for them; allowing them to connect with new students in a meaningful and efficient way.” 

Universities and colleges are able to use Virtual Orientation to improve the effectiveness of open days and to move all orientation online, dramatically reducing printing and postage costs.  They are also able to much better manage retention and attrition, especially over the summer months and in those critical first few weeks of term.  Kenny Nicholl adds, “Of course it’s also a win for students allowing them to engage with the institution in their own time from the moment they enrol.”

About Hobsons Technology Services

Hobsons is a premier provider of innovative technology and integrated marketing solutions that empower education professionals to manage the entire student lifecycle including recruitment, enrolment, and retention.

With end-to-end, enterprise-class products built from over thirty years of education experience and market knowledge, Hobsons helps more than 7,500 global secondary schools, colleges, and universities achieve their goals.

In the UK, Europe and the Middle East partners include over 50 of the largest higher education institutions, including the University of Bristol, the University of Birmingham and the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology.

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