So, how can administrators make such a resolution stick? They should start by reconsidering how they implement their network strategies. Listed below are three outcomes that colleges can achieve by revamping network capabilities:
1. Reduced tuition costs
As discovered by the aforementioned survey, graduates are second-guessing whether or not their degrees have been worth the debt they amassed to obtain them. According to a 2015 Harris poll of alumni, 65 percent of the respondents with student debt reported having to put off their major life goals—such as purchasing a car, buying a home or getting married—simply because they are overburdened by student debt. One solution to this problem is to reduce university costs by increasing the number of online students and courses available. Case in point, Utica College plans to increase its online presence as a key part of its plan to reduce tuition by 42 percent in 2016. The shift will require added networking capabilities to address data storage, adequate bandwidth and wireless coverage for on-campus students, but will reap tremendous benefits by bringing in more students.
2. Increased bandwidth
Ubiquitous Internet access across campus has moved from being viewed as an amenity to a necessity in the eyes of students. By 2014, 94 percent of students were using wireless devices for their coursework, according to an Ipswich survey. Two-thirds of those surveyed had between two and four devices connected to their college networks. Yet they also reported technology limitations related to slow connections, offline networks and limited accessibility. Schools whose networks are challenged by the surging need for bandwidth should be looking to cloud-based networking solutions, which provide affordable scalability, to replace their legacy networks. A best-in-class third-party cloud provider can supply higher-quality services for students while reducing network costs for administrators.
3. Optimized IT staff
With the proliferation of technology being utilized on campuses and in classrooms that is reliant upon strong network connectivity, the role of IT departments is pivotal in smooth-operating college infrastructure. Another way that administrators can help increase the value of the education they provide is to utilize cloud technology to optimize existing IT personnel. Cloud-based networks can provide around-the-clock help-desk support to troubleshoot basic issues, freeing up IT staff to handle complex issues if and when they arise. Using this model, higher education institutions won’t have to increase their IT budgets exponentially when the number of devices on campus grows. Again, this will enable schools to provide better services to help justify tuition costs.
Ultimately, the true test of a college or university’s success is how well its alumni do. Since many of these individuals are facing the real world strapped for cash, the current model for higher education does not reflect favorably on these institutions of higher learning. To enhance the cost-benefit ratio of their offerings, administrators should re-examine their network strategies in the New Year.
The technological capabilities of campuses have become more important than ever. As institutions embrace innovations like online learning, they become more reliant on robust connectivity, data access and storage. Be sure your school is capable of offering the latest and greatest to attract today's lifelong learners. To learn more about Cox Business Education Solutions, visit us at www.coxbusiness.com/education.
