Recruitment tools continue to evolve. What started with punch cards and simple lists has grown to Zoom calls and pocket super computers (aka smart phones). The schools that best utilize their tools and information systems will have success communicating with and actually reaching students.
3 min read
How Onondaga Community College Revolutionized Student Success with Texting
Community colleges and their students are faced with unique challenges.
3 min read
Engaging Parents of First-Generation Students
It is no secret that parents play a big role in the college search process with their children.
2 min read
Using Cadence Analytics to Improve Texts
Mongoose is excited to announce a helpful new feature, Cadence Analytics!
6 min read
How to Plan Successful Engagement Campaigns
Many higher ed professionals run student engagement campaigns, but most are cutting corners on a very important part - the planning bit.
Whether you're communicating with prospective students, current students, parents, or alumni, you need to have a strategy in place. Let's walk through the steps to executing a successful higher ed engagement campaign.
First, let's touch on why it's so important to plan.
6 min read
New Text Opt-In Requirements for Higher Ed Texting
📣 New Industry Standards for April 2022 📣
Industry-wide standards now require consent in order to text contacts through texting platforms, including CRMs with texting features.
5 min read
How to Text Students, Alumni and Parents Without Breaking Privacy Laws
You already manage student privacy when it comes to emails, phone calls and other channels. Look at texting as another channel to be treated with the same care. Yes, there are a few unique things to keep in mind, but it’s fairly simple to be compliant.
Here’s what you need to know.
4 min read
Rethinking Parent Engagement in Higher Ed
Parents are very involved in their children's college search process. According to a recent study by Niche, parental involvement has grown five-fold since the pandemic.
5 min read
8 Giving Day Strategies that Drive Results
Alumni engagement is more important than ever, and if your school has a giving day coming up, it's time to get strategic.
Here are eight giving day tips proven to drive results for your institution:
5 min read
10 Best Practices for Texting Students
Before you send any text, ask yourself, “Is this valuable information for our students?”
While texting is a powerful way to engage prospective and current college students, there are right and wrong ways to do it. Here are some tips for effective SMS texting at your college or university.
5 min read
How East Tennessee State University Uses Data to Text Students
Personalizing your communications helps increase student engagement. The more you know about your audience, the more you can personalize messages. The admissions department at East Tennessee State University (ETSU) has had success reaching prospective students by using data when texting them.
36 min read
Building a Texting Strategy for Current Students
Need a texting plan to engage your current students? We've got you covered.
Your success depends on your ability to communicate with students, and a good strategy creates the best results. This guide will help you identify attainable goals for your department and then show you how to install a plan to reach them, including important best practices to avoid pitfalls and increase your reach.
2 min read
Mongoose Ranked 3rd Best Buffalo Workplace in 2022
Disrupting the startup industry in Western New York, Mongoose is making waves in the local news.
5 min read
Modern Giving Day Strategies
Spring is right around the corner, which most likely means your institution has a Giving Day on the horizon.
2 min read
2021 Higher Ed Website Benchmarks
Colleges and universities spend the majority of their marketing budgets driving people to their websites. But what happens once they get there?
College websites received less traffic in 2021 than in 2020, and the majority of visitors are leaving right away. The latest study by Niche on 2021 Higher Ed Website Benchmarks shows bounce rates (the rate at which visitors jump right off your site without taking action) are up across the board.
Retaining an audience is as important as attracting an audience. So what should you do?
3 min read
Top Tips for Yield, Enrollment, and Retention
Higher education is a competitive landscape, which has only escalated in recent years.
4 min read
Reaching Community College Students
It’s no secret: Community colleges have borne the brunt of enrollment fallouts in the higher ed industry, with a 6% decrease in 2021.
6 min read
Higher Ed Trends to Watch in 2022
Higher ed has evolved dramatically in the past several years. Schools raced to adapt to unforeseen changes like closed campuses, flex learning, digital outreach, and new communication channels. Colleges and universities are just now finding opportunities to be proactive, rather than reactive, in their strategies for 2022. A look at current trends can help guide you in making the right decisions for your students and faculty.
3 min read
The Modern Framework to Higher Ed Budget Planning
Year after year, colleges and universities are expected to meet loftier goals with tighter budgets. With smaller teams, more staff turnover, and less money to spend, higher ed institutions are forced to look more strategically at annual budget planning.
3 min read
The Legalities of Texting in 2022: What You Need to Know
Texting is by far the preferred communication channel for college students, but many institutions still worry about compliance.
4 min read
When, How, and How Often to Text for Higher Ed
“When is the best time to text students?”
“How often should our school use texting?”
“How do we make sure we don’t come across as spam?"
4 min read
Why Your CRM Isn’t Built for Texting Students
Your college's CRM is a powerful tool in your communication strategy. But using your CRM instead of a texting platform to engage with students gets complicated. It's important to know if CRM texting will help, or hinder your student engagement efforts.
1 min read
Creating a Campus-Wide Texting Policy at Your Institution
Texting is a powerful medium for reaching students, parents, and alumni, but you need proper governance to ensure your staff uses your texting platform to its full potential.
1 min read
What Students Want - Insights on the Future of Higher Ed
What do students want from your school?
You've got to ask them to get an answer.
5 min read
Best Practices for Higher Ed Parent Engagement
The future of parent and family engagement is here, and parent involvement in the college experience is at an all-time high. If your school is looking for ways to leverage this involvement into positive student outcomes and giving goals, you're not alone.
5 min read
Gen Z Parents & Their Role in the College Search Process
Move over helicopter parents, we've officially entered the reign of the bulldozer parent. And as bulldozer parents enter the scene, you need to revisit your student recruitment strategy.
2 min read
How to Help Students Better Utilize Mental Health & Support Resources on Campus
Helping students cope with Mental Health is difficult for a number of reasons.
It’s hard to get the word out to all students and make them aware of potential resources available on your campus. Many students are likely to be reluctant to seek help in the first place.
2 min read
Challenges & Opportunities in Online Learning: Key Findings from University Leaders
A new study by Juji names student engagement and recruitment as top priorities for online program success after interviewing 42 higher ed leaders. Colleges and institutions need to adopt tech solutions to streamline their strategies and personalize at scale.
3 min read
Recruiting First-Generation College Students
First-generation students are among the most highly sought in higher ed, and competition is fierce between colleges and universities looking to attract them.
So what strategies should you use?
New data from Niche offers some insight:
1 min read
Putting the “Community” into Community College When It's Needed Most
Two years ago, when the brutality of life was constantly jabbing away at our psyche, the pandemic stepped in and said, “Hold my beer!” Combining work with education is even tougher these days. If your job is helping Community College students, you may have noticed their list of hardships has only increased.
4 min read
Using 2-Way Texting to Reach Giving Day Goals
Colleges across the country are preparing for Giving Day but there are plenty of other important headlines.
3 Influences on a Student’s College Decision
Some folks need 8 friends to convince them what to eat for lunch. Other people pursue exhaustive deep-dives into online reviews to make a choice on purchases.
When a student chooses a school, they’re usually influenced in that decision by many outside sources.
2 min read
How Do You Know That Students Actually Want to Receive Text Messages from You? Here’s Proof.
Your school is ready to text students but the question is: Are students ready to receive texts from you?
12 min read
Communicating With Parents of Prospective Students
Parents are involved in the process of picking a college for more than 60% of High School Juniors and Seniors. Reaching those parents and making a good impression gives your institution an upper hand in recruitment.
Here are some tips on how to identify who you’re talking to and how to best earn parents’ trust.
2 min read
Top 5 Reasons to Have a Chatbot on Your College Website
Do you browse the internet during banking hours or are you on your phone at night watching ‘The Office’ for the 50th time?
Most college students visit your website outside of the 9-to-5 timeframe. If you’re searching for the best ways to engage with students and potential students, a chatbot is the best way to make sure someone is there to greet them at all hours of the day or night.
Because websites for universities and colleges hold so much information, a chatbot can be a useful tool in helping visitors navigate.
2 min read
How Often Should I Be Texting Students?
You want to help students, but you don’t want them throwing their phones in a river because they’re so sick of the constant buzzing from your outreach. There’s a fine line to balance.
2 min read
What Students Are Looking for on Your Website (And How to Make it Easier to Find)
According to RNL's 2021 E-Expectations Report, a college's website is the most influential source in a student's college search process. So they're putting a lot of weight on the content you serve up on your website. And if you create a frustrating experience, they're going to find a school that can provide a better one.
Give students what they're looking for - as easily as possible.
That search bar on your website is being put to work. Prospective students need to know first and foremost if they can afford your institution - and if you offer the program they're interested in.
Don't bury costs and tuition information pages deep on your website, and don't crowd your homepage with everything a student may be looking for. Because chances are, they're spending their time on your program and financial aid pages instead.
3 min read
4 Hyper-Personalized Communication Tactics Other Schools Aren’t Using
Students can buy cars out of a vending machine in minutes. The pedestal on which we’ve placed a higher education is not quite as tall as it was twenty years ago. Your audience is discerning, intelligent, and plenty used to convenience.
2 min read
A 3-step strategy to reaching young alumni
The moment they throw their hat in the air and post a diploma pic, they’re alumni. And you shouldn’t be waiting to reach out to young alumni to start a relationship. In fact, it’s smart to start before graduation day.
3 min read
How to improve online student engagement
Online and community college students are typically self-starters looking to progress faster in their careers. Now due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a growing segment of online learners who may choose not to return to campus and are new to remote learning. Online students want flexibility and need a college support system.
3 min read
3 ways to reach your loftiest fundraising goals with texting
No pressure, Advancement teams! Just reach all of your fundraising goals during yet another wave of a pandemic and national crisis. COVID and the subsequent Delta variants aren’t giving your team a free pass from reaching fundraising goals. So how do you raise appropriate funds? Texting can help.
2 min read
Reaching More Students with Conversational Marketing
Schools that provide students a better website experience will thrive.
3 min read
How to erase confusion around COVID-19 vaccine and mask requirements for back to school
Every time you turn on the news or open up Twitter, there it is: a new story or development about COVID-19.
Colleges and universities have been planning all summer for what they hoped would be a “back to normal” fall semester, but with COVID cases back on the rise and the Delta variant causing concerns, we are faced with yet another challenging school year.
And higher ed staff aren’t the only ones stressing: students are, too.
- Do I need to be wearing a mask everywhere I go on campus?
- What is my school’s stance on vaccination requirements?
- Is it safe to be living in a dorm?
3 min read
Why you shouldn’t use an emergency texting system for COVID updates
The current state of affairs with coronavirus dominating the headlines calls for a smart communication strategy for colleges and universities.
2 min read
Best practices for advancement departments during COVID
What should advancement teams do as a crisis reemerges?
The Delta variant of COVID continues to dominate the news, putting plans in jeopardy. That impacts each department on college campuses, including advancement. While this is usually the season for Giving Days and fundraising drives, the daily news cycle is giving departments pause.
2 min read
3 relevant tips for higher ed texting through COVID
Whether or not you use Cadence, Mongoose’s texting platform, is irrelevant right now. The ongoing crisis with COVID and the Delta variant will continue to make things difficult for students across the country. Your staff will need solutions and collaboration.
2 min read
Staying connected with students if your campus closes
As COVID numbers continue to fluctuate with the Delta variant, the higher ed community preps for an uncertain semester. Some schools are planning for students to study remotely, while others are waiting to see what the coming months bring. It’s important to develop a communications plan and determine how your school will stay in touch with students when you don’t have the benefit of daily contact.
1 min read
1 min read
6 tips for communicating with Gen Z students
Generation Z students were born after 1995, so communication through mobile phones has been a prominent part of their lives - for basically their entire lives.
3 min read
Why your Mongoose CSL is your secret weapon
Mongoose Client Success will Miyagi you to the All Valley Tournament Texting Championship.
2 min read
3 texting templates that ease student burnout
The pressure of studies combined with the freight train of anxiety that comes with everyday life will cause many students to burn out. It’s your job to help students, but if they’ve reached their physical or emotional limit, there’s not a lot you can do.
2 min read
How to Increase Student Engagement with Less Staff
With so many questions to be answered, forms to file, and inboxes to empty, it doesn’t leave a lot of time to actually engage with students.
4 min read
4 ways to reduce melt you haven’t tried already
Why would a student choose a college to attend, pay a deposit, then change their minds about attending that institution (or attending school altogether)?
6 min read
6 smart uses of texting in advancement
It’s likely that you won’t answer your phone when it rings, but if your phone buzzes from an incoming text, it has your full attention. Despite the fact that texting is the preferred form of communication these days, the medium is underutilized in advancement. Texting alumni and donors can be a game-changer if done correctly.
1 min read
6 tips to crafting text messages that make the grade
So much work goes into your college or university's communications strategy, from deciding which departments should text, to planning a schedule for timely messages, composing the messages themselves, and monitoring the inbox for replies.
This deep dive into the dos and don’ts of writing messages will help you create texts that reach more students, make them feel supported, and get them to take a desired action.
When planning your next texting campaign, keep these 6 tips in mind:
3 min read
5 benefits of using current students to text prospective students
There is value in authenticity - and students trust other students.
3 min read
4 ways to increase student retention with texting
Students might leave your institution if they’re performing poorly in academics or if they just don’t feel supported. But you can avoid this by providing them with more resources and reaching out to them on a personalized basis that makes them know you care.
2 min read
Yield season: want to make your numbers?
Getting in touch with seniors is harder than AP Calculus.
3 min read
Texting and the evolution of higher ed fundraising
RNL clients have raised millions of dollars using texting and RNL's remote engagement center tools.
3 min read
Automation with Cadence takes texting for higher ed to new heights
Your staff’s time is limited - let the automation features in Cadence do the heavy lifting
When developing a texting campaign for any of your constituents - prospective applicants, current students, alumni, or parents - finding a happy medium between personalization and time management is key. Texting with Cadence makes it easy to do both.
3 min read
4 texts you should be sending alumni - that don’t ask for money
Alumni engagement goes well beyond writing checks.
This past year has been incredibly hard on Advancement departments across the country, and you might be feeling the pressure to get those much-needed gifts any way you can. But don’t fall into the trap of solely using email, phone, and text communications to ask for a financial contribution. You need to be sensitive to what your alumni may be experiencing during the pandemic, and while they may or may not be able to give today, they still deserve support and engagement opportunities.
2 min read
High Speed Sending streamlines Advancement efforts
Fast text delivery and quicker responses will raise efficiencies
Your fundraising plans have been executed and it’s time to hit the “send” button on a text asking for donations. With thousands of college alumni contacts on the receiving end, that text could take hours to reach its destination - and even longer for responses to get back to your team.
4 min read
Mongoose values - who we are and why we do it
Values (noun-plural): principles that guide behavior and, ultimately, culture
A journey begins with a single step, and for a company like Mongoose, the direction of that first step is easily determined. We let our values guide us in everything we do. For every software feature we release and user interview we conduct, the goal is always to help colleges and universities better connect with their constituents and enhance relationships.
2 min read
Keeping remote college students engaged during COVID
While COVID vaccines are rolling into drug stores and hospitals throughout the country, the higher ed landscape isn’t changing any time soon, and might be forever altered.
2 min read
Why your college faculty should be texting students
Even the most organized, experienced, and diligent teacher cannot control their students’ outside environment. And, because communication is such a vital part of education, lesson plans are suffering under remote learning conditions.
1 min read
Texting with Cadence creates real ROI for Admissions departments
Meet prospective students where they are: their phones
Your Admissions team likely uses a few different channels to communicate with prospective students and their families - emails, phone calls, brochures, postcards, etc. And while all of these channels have a valuable place in a communications strategy, they don’t compare to the open and response rates that you get through texting.
4 min read
How Louisiana Tech University used texting to develop a campus contact tracing program
Schools are utilizing texting to keep their campus safer during a pandemic
Colleges across the country are bringing students, faculty, and staff back to campus, and many of those schools are taking on the responsibility of doing their own contact tracing. That makes it easier to contain outbreaks of COVID and keep communities healthy. For schools like Louisiana Tech University, texting is an integral part of the process.
2 min read
How an intelligent virtual assistant helps visitors accomplish tasks
Harmony, the intelligent chatbot from Mongoose, is a self-service technology for your school’s website.
2 min read
Advance your institution's communications with Auto Reply
When the staff at your college or university sends a text, it’s only the beginning of the communication. Hours go into monitoring an inbox, investigating problems, responding to students on time, and following up when necessary.
2 min read
How an intelligent virtual assistant can help you meet retention goals
By easily helping students accomplish tasks, Harmony keeps them engaged throughout their academic career.
2 min read
4 ways to engage alumni through a virtual homecoming
When you think of a college homecoming weekend, what are the first things that come to mind? A football game, networking with fellow alumni over hors d'oeuvres and cocktails, a stroll down memory lane as you walk around campus?
2 min read
Choosing who should be texting students
Determining who should be texting students can be broken down into two questions:
- Which departments should be texting?
- Which staff members should be texting?
We’ll take the second part first, pertaining to individual staff members. The best way to start is by asking who needs to text students, not who wants to.
2 min read
Five touchpoints for communicating with current students
Take advantage of every opportunity to engage with students through texting.
Building retention and engagement with college students is easier when you start texting them early, but communication needs to arrive when students need it most and when they’re most willing to receive it. That’s why being strategic about establishing touchpoints is so important.
2 min read
Communicating effectively with post-traditional college students
With a juggling act of life, family, and work, communicating effectively with post-traditional learners can seem daunting. But, just like any other cohort of college students, recognizing their unique needs, makes your communication strategy much smoother for staff and students alike.
3 min read
Communicating with parents, high school counselors, employers & media
If your communication strategy only includes texting your student population, you’re missing the mark. By expanding your outreach to parents, high school counselors, and employers, you’re widening your net and creating a much bigger impact when it comes to a return on student engagement.
3 min read
10 cross-campus texting templates to ensure best practices
Use two-way texting to help students navigate the higher ed altered landscape.
Texting and technology will play an even more important role in our “new normal” landscape where a majority of our communication with college students spans beyond on-campus events and financial reminders. Even if your institution’s campus isn’t closed, there will be several roadblocks to communicating with students. These texting templates and best practices will help your staff recruit, retain, and guide students through their lifecycle.
4 min read
Smart text messaging strategies to beat higher ed staff burn out
How can your college take measures to ensure staff wellness while still meeting the needs of students, parents, and alumni?
2 min read
What is a Chat Playbook?
If your college is considering chatbot or webchat technology, one of the first things you should know about is a playbook. Playbooks are the roadmap of a conversation, steering website visitors to their desired destination.
2 min read
Does your college website pass the 10-minute tuition search challenge?
Recently, Akil Bello, the Senior Director of Advocacy and Advancement at FairTest, posed a question to the higher ed community on Twitter:
2 min read
3 texting strategies proven to rekindle conversations with students
A prospective student showed interest, asked questions, and committed to attending your college. Now, it’s been weeks (or even months) and they haven’t deposited. And, you haven’t heard back from them.
2 min read
Texting nudges to supplement your college's communications strategy
While students prefer texting to phone calls and emails, you can never rely on one single method of communication to reach your constituents. Utilizing texting in conjunction with other mediums is often referred to as 'nudging' and it will get you the best results.
3 min read
Reducing summer melt for graduate students
Students all over the country are currently making the tough choice to change paths or stay the course when it comes to graduate school. Here are six specific text message campaigns your college can send right now to fight melt and increase retention with graduate students.
2 min read
How to Use Texting & Chatbots to Provide Campus Reopening Updates
Utilizing technology will allow your college to meet constituents’ expectations.
As the country continues to take steps to open amidst coronavirus fears, colleges and universities are either:
- Deciding whether or not to open in the fall
- Establishing a plan to open in the fall
3 min read
Preparing for the summer of COVID-related melt
While it’s always a concern for admissions teams that high school graduates change their minds about attending college, this summer will be particularly challenging. Isolation and uncertainty are two new factors that could cause more grads to melt before fall rolls around, even after they deposit. Fighting melt in the time of COVID will take diligence.
2 min read
Improving advancement and stewardship in remote times
Advancement teams across the country are challenged with developing ways to engage with alumni and major gift donors due to the new landscape of remote communication.
With reduced in-person contact, stewardship has proven to be difficult. But there are ways to reach out to alumni and donors that allow them to be empowered without handshakes and personal visitation.
Here are some examples of text messages your advancement team can send:
2 min read
Legalities of texting students
You want to text students. But you don’t want to break the law. Lucky for you, it’s fairly easy to stay in compliance.
6 min read
How a higher ed institution increased conversions by 518% with ChatBot
Visitors to higher education websites expect to find information or complete a task, but many times they cannot get quick answers to simple questions when they explore a site.
2 min read
The difference between chatbots, AI and live chat
Does your college need a chatbot, AI or live chat?
These three terms are often used interchangeably, but there are distinct differences among them. When it comes to conversational marketing for colleges and universities, each of these features is equally important. So, what’s the difference?
2 min read
The importance of two-way texting in donor engagement during COVID-19
Recently, our partners at Ruffalo Noel Levitz (RNL) conducted a discussion with more than 600 higher ed fundraisers and advancement professionals to see how colleges and universities are adapting during COVID-19.
2 min read
Is it safe and secure to log into Cadence remotely?
Mongoose Cadence, our texting platform, is 100% cloud-based and built with the latest security standards and practices applied. It is also built to move with you, as you do not need to install any hardware or software to access and utilize Cadence.
5 min read
The key to fundraising is them, not you
For some, fundraising conjures images of drum rolls and giant check ceremonies, but these are not the moments that inspire alumni to support their schools. People care little about your financial goals - they care about helping people.
2 min read
A guide to writing uncomfortable messages
Hint: Don’t pretend you’re the person who just retired
2 min read
Integrating Salesforce with your texting platform
When the two systems play nice, you’ll get the most out of both.
1 min read
We get to do this - caring in college admissions with Brennan Barnard
"The best way to help students manage the stress [of applying to schools] is to reassure them that it doesn’t have to be stressful. It can be a meaningful and rewarding experience. If they’re connected to that question of why they’re going to college and what they’re looking for."
Brennan Barnard, Director of College Counseling at The Derryfield School in New Hampshire
1 min read
Talk about money, and raise more with Lori L. Jacobwith
“That story we share has to cause me to feel some empathy. It could be frustration, irritation, joy, happiness. If I don’t feel something, I cannot make a decision.”
Lori L. Jacobwith, Ignited Fundraising
1 min read
Better fundraising through storytelling with Brian Gawor
“There’s a huge risk in asking people for anything. But why wouldn’t we take risks? Why wouldn’t we, as fundraisers, be vulnerable? It’s not about us. It’s about the donors. We should be risky every darn day.”
Brian Gawor, VP for Research at Ruffalo Noel Levitz
2 min read
5 ways career services should be using texting
Students obtain an education as a pathway to gainful employment, but many schools fall short of providing quality career services. Much of the problem lies in how schools connect with students. These five text suggestions can help your department reach more students and guide them to their respective careers.
2 min read
How Jacksonville State combined smart integration with automation
Jacksonville State University is a 4-year public institution that faced a declining number of enrollments and applicants, as well as a decline in event attendance. Lauren Findley, Director of Undergrad Admissions, Shaun Stancil, the school’s Systems Administrator, and their team used integration and well-crafted, automated texts to overcome these obstacles.
1 min read
Joe Nocera on paying college athletes
“What you see here is kind of a scramble by the states, partly for competitive reasons, but also because the majority of people are now realizing that what’s going on in college sports with the players not getting paid in what amounts to a billion dollar industry is just wrong."
Joe Nocera, Author and Business Journalist
1 min read
Being inclusive without labeling students
“I think it’s about having individual relationships with your students, so when they do come in and need to be challenged, you know them well enough to know their growth edges, and how you need to couch that challenge so they can hear it, because that’s not the same for every student."
Dr. Yancey Gulley, Associate Professor in the Higher Education Student Affairs program at Western Carolina University.
2 min read
Using texting to increase non-traditional student retention
According to the Association of American Colleges and Universities, 74% of all students meet at least one criterion of being a non-traditional student. And, the number of non-traditional students across the country will continue to grow. Schools that obtain a better understanding of the obstacles faced by non-traditional students will be able to better serve their needs.
1 min read
Some surprising statistics on "stealth fighter" parents
“You can look at the IP addresses. We can actually see 10-15% of the applications were completed by the parent. This is going to increase. The parent is driving the college search process. You need to be recruiting the whole family because they’re part of this as well.” - Joe Madigan - Director of Recruitment Outreach at Florida Southern University
4 min read
Florida Southern College is in the relationship-building business
Like many schools, Florida Southern College (FSC) had declining enrollment numbers in a crowded market, and had difficulty reaching students and potential students. Even with the best texting platform, the school still needed a smart strategy. Joe Madigan, the Director of Recruitment Outreach at FSC, worked with his admissions team to break down the barriers in the way of reaching students, because telephone calls and emails weren’t working.
3 min read
Put more students in the seats for on campus events
How to make your open house a full house
With all of the work that goes into planning an open house, or any campus event, it can be deflating when attendance doesn’t match the effort of your staff. A lifetime of spam has scared students away from their email inboxes. Schools that have instituted a texting platform have found a dramatic improvement in their response rates, but selecting a platform is only half of the solution. A smart strategy is needed.
3 min read
Why do alumni support their alma mater?
Answering this question is key to donor acquisition and retention.
While your initial response to receiving a gift should always be “Thank you”, your secondary response should be “Why?”
3 min read
ELEVATE 2019 Recap: Above & Beyond
Everyone I know: “Why is your conference in Puerto Rico?”
2 min read
Top 5 Best Practices for Texting Across the Student Lifecycle
Disclaimer: Regulatory standards and industry best practices are constantly changing, and some of the information in this resource regarding opt-in requirements are no longer accurate. For the most up-to-date information on consent and opt-in best practices, refer to this article.
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1 min read
The TCPA and Legalities of Texting
“Brands and businesses think they’re complying with the TCPA by having “Text STOP to end” or “Message and data rate apply”, but those types of disclosures have nothing to do with the TCPA.”
Adam Bowser, Partner at Arent Fox Law Firm
1 min read
Why add texting when staff is already so busy?
We are sometimes asked why it would make sense to add an additional tool to an existing admissions team when they already have so much on their plate.
2 min read
Four strategies to avoid melt
Each cycle, admissions staffs across the country work hard to make their classes, only to find that enrollment number reduced due to melt. So what can a college do about high school graduates who change their minds about a school, or attending school altogether, even after depositing? Attention to detail is a strong ally in the fight against melt.
1 min read
Enterprise texting for community colleges
While every institution needs to be strategic to effectively communicate with prospective students and current students, community colleges face unique obstacles. Each department must connect with a diverse group of people, typically older than traditional students, balancing family, work, and school. One school, Grand Rapids Community College, used a texting platform to actually reach their students.
1 min read
Enhancing your brand experience with texting
How guiding constituents through every touch point can make all the difference
1 min read
UNC Charlotte recognized for annual giving text campaign
When a school from the Mongoose family does well, we’re more than excited to share the good news. UNC Charlotte was recently recognized by the Annual Giving Network in their Best in Annual Giving Challenge.
1 min read
Are your phone calls to students drowning in a sea of robocalls?
With robo-dialing on the rise, more and more students are ignoring phone calls.
2 min read
Texting practices to avoid when using emojis
Sometimes, when you’re writing about the best practices of emoji use in texts, you consume too much caffeine. This blog is the result. At this time, we here at Mongoose will recommend that you NOT read any further. Like, stop reading this blog. Seriously. This blog will serve as no help to you.
Holy cow, you’re still reading. Okay, you’ve been warned. Here is a fictional guide to emoji use that shouldn’t have been written and certainly should not be taken seriously. It’s an ‘Emojis - Worst Practices’ guide. We hope you have fun with it.
While emojis can be fun and engaging, it’s a good idea to limit your use, be selective and professional, and avoid these worst practices.
1 min read
Higher ed in the pressure cooker
Colleges and universities are facing many challenges, and they’re not just financial. Rick Seltzer, Senior Reporter for Inside Higher Ed, sits with Mike Kochczynski to discuss the social, economic and demographic issues bearing down on schools, and the importance of serving the needs of students going forward.
1 min read
Re-imagining advancement
When alums know they can make an impact, they’re more likely to get involved and contribute to their alma maters. Cutler Andrews, Senior Vice President of Fundraising Consulting at Ruffalo Noel Levitz, talks with Mongoose's Mike Kochczynski about how schools can re-imagine their approach to advancement to increase engagement and alumni gifts.
1 min read
How can colleges push back on generational labels?
All millennials are not the same, and your institution could be making a mistake by lumping people of the same age group together. If you’re grouping your current and prospective students by generational stereotypes, you’re not serving their needs (or yours). Dr. Scott Cline, Vice President of Enrollment at California College of the Arts, talks about the importance of data and the problem with lazy generational labeling.
1 min read
Open textbooks and the future of content
What is the future of content in higher ed, and what lessons can be learned from the evolution of online file sharing? Hugh McGuire, co-founder of Rebus Foundation joins Mongoose to talk about content accessibility and the possibilities that exist with Open Textbooks.
2 min read
Should technical colleges be texting?
Engaging with technical school students and prospects offers unique challenges.
There are always obstacles in the way of reaching your constituents. And, while every campus has students with different characteristics, technical schools have additional challenges that 4-year institutions might not experience.
1 min read
Mongoose + RNL partner to strengthen engagement with students
We are excited to announce a new strategic partnership with RNL, the leading provider of higher education enrollment management, student success, and fundraising solutions.
41 min read
Setting your school apart and creating value
Students need to find a school that is the right fit for them. Dr. Walter Kimbrough, President of Dillard University talks with Mike Kochczynski about creating value in school programs, managing institutional goals with revenue realities, handling controversy on campus and running a school in 2019.
1 min read
Get more graduate recruits with text messaging
The number of jobs requiring a graduate degree has increased by over 300% since 19701. So, knowing how important and popular graduate programs are, we realize Mongoose needs to assist enrollment managers. This blog is the first foray in our efforts to help
1 min read
How to expand adoption and use of texting on campus
SMS texting in admissions can help you bring more students to your school. Maybe, it already has. But texting is such an easy and effective way of communicating - students get used to it. If your campus stops using texting when students matriculate, the student experience becomes disjointed and can lead to less-than-ideal outcomes.
2 min read
How to integrate the Cadence texting platform with your CRM
Texting platforms are designed to make it much easier to reach constituents. CRM systems need to be the system of record for contact data and, ideally, have records of all communication from any medium. Making sure the two systems integrate is essential.
31 min read
Changing the way we think about advancement and alumni identity
“I think I would benefit more if a school took an interest in who I am today, rather than who I was when I was 20.”
A great conversation on advancement with Dr. Jay Dillon, founder of Alumni Identity. Jay talks with Mike about how institutions should change the way they think about and view alums and donors, and how that strategy has led to better results for USF and UCLA. (Plus, hear the best email subject line he’s ever used – 23% open rate!)
1 min read
Making connections with storytelling
Is a story more powerful than statistics? Ellen Treanor, associate vice president of brand strategy at Southern Utah University, explains how engaging students with storytelling can make a huge difference in your enrollment efforts. Mongoose’s Mike Kochczynski hosts the conversation.
1 min read
How Eastern Washington University reinvented communications by texting
Jens Larson, Director of Student Communications at Eastern Washington University, details how texting helped his institution improve enrollment numbers, and how EWU continues to develop and improve the ways they use texting to reach students.
2 min read
10 texting platform features that will make your life easier
These dynamic features will help you get the most out of your platform
You’re ready to institute a texting platform at your institution. It’s a powerful move that is certain to increase engagement, responses, and critical outcomes. But, before you hit send, make sure you’re set up for success with these 10 fantastic features.
2 min read
How to choose a texting platform for your campus
Texting is a powerful method of communication that allows you to connect with students the way they prefer. If properly utilized, texting allows you to actually reach students and set your institution apart from the competition. You have to choose a texting platform that meets your needs across the enterprise.
2 min read
Comparing a texting feature to a texting platform
Information system-level texting features fall short of the capabilities of a platform like Cadence. Be it a CRM, SIS, fundraising system or other, a good information system will make your department more efficient and organized. Some even offer the ability to text students, but functionality falls short.
2 min read
Which departments should be texting?
Texting can help many departments in your institution reach students. When deciding to make texting an enterprise solution, consider which departments are having the most difficulty communicating. That might be the best place to start.
3 min read
Emergency alerts vs. informational/conversational texting
Emergency alerts are designed to, well, alert users in the case of an emergency. Whereas, conversational texts are designed to facilitate staff to students communication; resulting in better outcomes.
6 min read
Texting across the enterprise
A step-by-step guide to reaching students throughout their lifecycle
Whether you’re currently utilizing a texting platform for a specific department at your school or still putting together a communications strategy, it pays to consider enterprise texting. SMS texting helps improve enrollment, allows you to reach more parents, increases graduation rates, and better connects you to graduates. The key is to find the right texting platform and get buy-in from all departments.
28 min read
Effective use of texting across the enterprise
Panelists from Daemen College and Plymouth State University will speak with Mongoose’s Amanda Torrelli to share how they’ve implemented texting solutions. You’ll hear their success stories and best practices for enterprise texting.
4 min read
Best practices for texting in advancement
The same communications platform that has proven successful for recruiting and retaining students can be utilized beyond graduation. More colleges are using texting to reach alumni and increase awareness, involvement, and gifts.
1 min read
Legalities of texting alumni
It IS legal for non-profits to text alumni and donors
In 2012, the Federal Communications Commission updated the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), increasing some restrictions related to sending texts to mobile phones. The TCPA restricts the use of using automated technology to contact consumers by either voice or text. However, non-profit institutions are exempt from these regulations.
27 min read
Social media in higher ed
Chris D’Orso, Associate Director of Admissions at SUNY Brockport, discusses social media in higher education, with tips on managing various school social platforms, interacting with students, and finding the right times to inject personality into your posts. Mongoose’s Mike Kochczynski hosts the conversation.
1 min read
Managing texting preferences
Mongoose’s Dave Marshall and Andrew Veatch discuss the best practices for higher ed institutions to manage texting preferences in an enterprise environment. Topics covered include how to handle contact and student opt-outs and choosing the right staff members to send texts.
1 min read
Communicating with Gen Z students
St. Michael’s Assistant Director of Admissions Jake Joseph discusses how a small Northeast school connects with students and prospective students. In an informative conversation with Mongoose’s Mike Kochczynski, Jake stresses the importance of being authentic, how to make your school stand out in a competitive region and how peer influence is still as big a factor in recruiting.
1 min read
Integrating a texting platform with Salesforce
An in-depth discussion on integrating records and contacts from Salesforce to your texting platform. Mongoose Lead Software Developer, Nick Forysinski, and Mongoose President, Dave Marshall, talk about the best practices for defining your contacts, SMS opt-ins and opt-outs, and managing multiple values in the opt-out fields created by Salesforce.
1 min read
Admissions texting templates to make your life easier
Save time and improve response rates with these convenient templates.
We’ve talked in the past about how important texting templates can be for your school’s communications strategy. Like any other fill-in-the-blank template, a texting template allows you to set up the framework, then easily customize. Templates save you time and reduce the risk of poorly-written messages.
28 min read
Texting in advancement: Best practices and new opportunities
In this free, 45-minute webinar, learn how advancement professionals from UNC Charlotte and Coe College are leveraging texting to enhance and improve alumni engagement and fundraising.
3 min read
5 next-level texting strategies to engage current college students
You already know that text messaging is the preferred method of communication for today’s college students. Maybe you’ve even implemented texting on your campus (in that case – kudos to you!). There’s no question it’s the simplest, most reliable solution to reach any cohort on campus.
5 min read
[Case Study] Texting at Carroll University improves student outcomes
It’s no secret that text messaging is the preferred method of communication for today’s students over email, direct mail or phone calls; in a recent report1, nearly 80% of prospective students said they are open to receiving text messages from colleges and universities. However, less than 50% report being offered the option to text. How should institutions address this gap by reaching students the way they prefer?
2 min read
When (and when not) to use automated text messages
If your school is utilizing a text messaging platform to communicate with students, you’re already basking in the glory of the convenience and manageability. But there’s still plenty on your plate and only so much time in a day.
5 min read
ELEVATE recap: Experts discuss texting with students
It’s always interesting to see what leading institutions are doing to leverage students' medium of choice - texting
1 min read
When and how to use text nudges on campus
There’s a big difference between who wants to send text nudges to your students and who should be sending text nudges.
2 min read
Ask a 1940's Admissions Dean, Bertram L. Burnside
- Dear Bertram: Should I partner with the Common App or the Coalition App? I am considering including a shared application system for next year’s class. Will adding one or both of those applications to the mix actually diversify our application pool?
That’s Dr. Burnside, to you. I didn’t bust my hump to earn a sheepskin so some wet nose dewdropper could razz me. Now, I am not familiar with this App fellow or his coalition. He sounds to me like a snake oil salesman.
2 min read
Ask an FTP Server
- What role can IT play in supporting student retention, graduation, and future employability? There are so many unnecessary boundaries here. - Tabitha H.
Oh, good. IT. Yes, the same scobberlotchers who jumped all over Filezilla like a sailor in port. Now they’re all riddled with malware and bringing it back home to their best girl. I’ll tell you what role IT can play - once they’ve figured out how to remove the Ask.com toolbar, they can just relax. We’re good - I’m all drwx------
[Clients Only] Introduction to Cadence and texting best practices
Hear from Ashley and Amanda from Mongoose as they review the latest updates from Mongoose, general best practices for texting with students, and new and improved resources for our clients. You'll need your Mongoose Cadence login credentials to access the video and slide deck.
2 min read
Why it’s important to share texting successes with others on campus
Texting is an extremely simple yet powerful medium to use when communicating with students, alumni, and stakeholders. And, like any tool, skilled and experienced professionals can guide others to use texting to its full potential.
1 min read
Texting templates are guidelines for success
Texting templates are critical because (and be careful not to fall off your seat) not all staff are wonderful copywriters. In working with over 400 institutions to help develop their texting content strategies, we have found that a content strategy is only as good as the templates provided to staff. This cannot be understated.
3 min read
Collecting mobile phone numbers and opt-in permission from students
A long, long time ago (okay, like 8 years ago) it was only possible to text students using your personal mobile phone. Higher ed learned pretty quickly that giving out your mobile phone number to someone you don’t personally know is like handing a toddler a cup of juice without a lid; there’s going to be a big mess.
3 min read
Top three considerations when selecting a texting platform
We all know by now that texting is an extremely effective way to communicate with students. Campuses across the country are using texting to varying degrees with a range of success. The texting platform selected by the institution seems to be the benchmark that determines how successful the institution will be.
2 min read
Text nudges to engage students
You can see how texting in general is effective, so it’s time to take a deeper look into how it can fit into your overall communications strategy.
1 min read
Why does your college need a texting communications plan?
Let’s say you decide to use texting as your primary means of communicating with students (which seems like a smart move because it is, for the most part, the only way students send and receive information). What’s the worst that can happen?
2 min read
What mediums work best when communicating with parents?
There isn’t one magic medium that will work every time for every parent, which is why it’s important to take a multichannel approach. That said, research shows that websites, texting, and email are more effective than phone calls, brochures, and other mediums. Here’s a quick look at how the most common tactics compare.
1 min read
Texting throughout the student lifecycle
Learn from a diverse panel of Mongoose users that have leveraged texting throughout the student lifecycle to enhance and improve student experience. Amanda will interview panelists and explore their texting journey in the areas of student success, financial aid and students services. We will discuss why texting, success stories, learning lessons and creative texting tactics.
1 min read
The use of texting for intercollegiate athletics
Join us as we discuss best uses for texting within intercollegiate athletics. We’re excited to sponsor this panel discussion featuring four industry experts – each with a unique take on how texting can and should be used within an athletics department.
1 min read
Using mobile technology to improve communication with students
Struggling to communicate with today’s students? Join leadership from the University of Oklahoma, Radford University and University of the Sciences for a panel discussion on "Using Mobile to Improve Communication with Students."
2 min read
PPY is the new black: 4 ways texting will ensure effectiveness
PPY = Prior-Prior Year Income Data for the FAFSA
3 min read
Increased enrollment yield with texting: exploring the data
How to achieve higher yield rates, and other lessons learned through a full enrollment cycle
Why did a mid-sized four-year private institution have a 48% higher yield rate for students who texted them versus students who didn’t text? In this study, we’ll explore that question—and many others—as we share findings from a recent 12-month study of an institution that used texting as a significant part of their communication mix with students.
4 min read
Veteran wisdom for transfer admissions professionals
Practical tips to new increase transfer enrollment
Transfer students have very different perspectives than first-year students. First-year students are often trying to figure out who they want to become and where they want to do so. Transfer students are much more discerning and have already had concrete experiences. They want to know what they will become and how they can go about accomplishing it. The role of the transfer advisor is to help them to unlock that process.
2 min read
Using a phone to text students is (now) a bad idea
Many institutions provide admissions counselors with mobile phones. It makes sense. It allows them to not have to use their personal mobile for university business. They can check email, send texts, receive phone calls and communicate with students without an added out of pocket expense.
2 min read
Stop. Using. Periods. Maximizing your text messaging response rate
Why you should (almost) always end student texts with “?” Want to kill a conversation? Stop asking questions.
1 min read
[Case Study] Texting and yield at Presbyterian College
Suzanne Petrusch, VP Enrollment and Marketing at Presbyterian College, began texting prospective students in 2009. Over the last eight years, a lot has changed; not only from a technology perspective but also in terms of students’ and families’ attitudes about texting. Eight years later, Suzanne has refined her approach to texting and how it can best be used to build better relationships with families.
1 min read
The student communication crisis
In an age when leaving a student a voicemail is the equivalent of stuffing a note in a bottle and throwing it into the ocean, it’s clear that phone calls are not an efficient way to reach constituents.
1 min read
What’s a good response rate?
When it comes to our clients, they’re obsessed with analytics. “What’s a good response rate when texting?” is actually one of the most frequently asked questions we receive. And it’s justified as well-known metrics, such as email open and click rates, pale in comparison to texting.
6 min read
Managing texting preferences in an enterprise texting environment
Texting has taken higher education by storm and is now the most effective way to communicate with today’s students. Of course, as with the introduction of any new technology, it’s important to be thoughtful about implementation and governance. In this article, we’ll answer—in both high and detailed levels–the six most pertinent questions regarding the management of texting preferences across the institution.
3 min read
5 metrics that matter when texting students
Engagement and behavior can tell you if your texting campaigns are working.
2 min read
How to not kill the medium when texting students
Texting is a top-rated channel for communicating with students. Surprisingly, it’s also the most underutilized. Until recently, there was no simple way for institutions to manage texting on campus. But now, forward-thinking institutions are improving their enrollment yield and student outcomes by utilizing SMS management platforms like Cadence.
1 min read
Is your medium sending the wrong message?
A ’60s philosopher nails it with a theory that holds even truer today.
What brings you here?
1 min read
What content should be on the parents’ section of your website?
Parents are the most important influencers for prospective students, which is why it’s important to welcome them into the admissions process, and address their concerns on a dedicated page (or section) of your website. Here, we’ll cover parents’ top concerns and share a sample wireframe that you can use.
2 min read
Impact of texting on enrollment
The bottom line:
There’s a clear correlation between admissions reps who are texting students and those who are meeting - and exceeding - their territory expectations.
2 min read
Seven rules of student engagement - Mongoose style
Higher education is more competitive than ever. For many campuses to succeed, they must be nimble and outsmart competitors to attract potential students (and to keep the attention of current students). As they say - those who evolve will thrive. Those who don’t may perish. When it comes to texting in higher ed, it all comes down to principles. Welcome to the seven rules of engagement.
2 min read
Transfer folks: Make it easy on everyone - text your students
Ever feel like you’re the redheaded stepchild? May passes and the rest of your admissions team takes a well deserved collective exhale. Time for them to recharge for the fall. Not so much for you. You’ve already began ramping up. Your time is now. So let’s get at it!
2 min read
How to collect parent information in the admissions process
> STEP 1 Add a parents section to your RFI form
The parents section can be small — all you really need are fields for a parent’s first name, last name, mobile phone and email.
2 min read
When to include parents in the admissions process
Start sooner, since parents’ influence is the strongest earlier in the process
Parents are typically most influential at the
2 min read
Critical considerations to evaluate a texting solution for your campus
Departments on campus are searching for a more effective and efficient way to communicate with students. The existing solutions (web portals, mass emails, 8.5x11 multi-colored comic sans papers pinned to bulletin boards) are falling short. Real issues such as enrollment, retention, and positive student outcomes are at stake. As a result, we’re seeing a proliferation of various texting solutions as departments across campus are turning to text messaging as the preferred student communication channel.
1 min read
[Free Template] Text Messaging Policy for Your Campus
There’s no question about it: Text messaging is the most effective way to reach students. But does that mean you should dive in head first - and text students about this, that, and the other thing?
3 min read
The evolution of student communication
It is 1 million years B.C. and a primitive college admissions professional smacks a hand in a pile of clay, furiously slaps a message on a cave wall, and instructs students to enroll in Mastodon Hunting 101. Their younger counterpart casually strolls by and says, “If you’re not sending them a smoke signal, they’re never going to read it.”