T@W Ep 38: A New-School Approach: How Education Cloud Helps Institutions Connect With Students

It’s a fact — the average prospective student entering into higher education in 2023 is more engaged with technology than any generation in history. This raises the critical question: why are so many higher education institutions still relying on outdated, manual processes for enrollment, communications, and ongoing engagement? Practices that have worked reliably in the past now risk feeling antiquated and obtuse to a new generation of digital-first students. Supporting the needs of this incoming class will require serious reimagining of the entire student experience – and an understanding of how digital tools can aid in that reimagining. In this episode of Transformation @ Work, we’re looking at how Salesforce is equipping institutions to engage with tech-savvy students on their terms through the newly-enhanced Education Cloud offering. Key Insights 03:33: A brief history lesson: what brought the education industry – and Salesforce – to this crucial moment 06:27: What does it mean that Education Cloud is a core Salesforce offering? 08:55: How Education Cloud’s new features help institutions meet digital-first students where they are 12:42: How institutions can personalize and tailor their experience with core Salesforce features such as OmniStudio 15:24: Leveraging Salesforce capabilities found in other industry clouds to create a better education experience 18:12: The role of a qualified technology partner in helping institutions get up and running with the new Education Cloud Guest Bios Julia Taylor Director, Solution Architecture, Education and Nonprofit, Gerent A 24x Salesforce-certified professional, Julia has been part of the Salesforce ecosystem nearly her entire career, focusing in Education for the last 11 years. She was one of the founding members of Salesforce.org Services prior to joining Gerent, and has led some of the most dynamic and innovative Salesforce Education customers through digital change. Julia maintains a relentless focus on customer ROI, ensuring every aspect of success is addressed, from technology to people to student experience. Her personal passion is the transformation of Student Recruitment and Admissions, helping bring a commercial-style experience to a digital native generation. Matthew Horton Senior Solution Consultant, Education, Gerent Matthew brings over 15 years experience in the Salesforce ecosystem, as well as 15 certifications, to his current role as Gerent’s senior solution consultant for the education industry. His background in education and nonprofit gives him unique insight into the challenges institutions face as they work to engage with students throughout their journey.