Ulster University launch CampusConnect, a dedicated peer-to-peer platform supporting international offer-holders

CampusConnect are delighted to be working with Teresa Purdy and the Global Engagement team at Ulster University rolling out the CampusConnect service for their under-offer international prospective students.

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As with current clients University of Limerick, Dublin City University, Maynooth University, and Liverpool John Moores University, the Ulster University CampusConnect mobile app service has been designed to support incoming international offer-holders starting on programmes at one of Ulster’s three campuses in September 2018.

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However, there are some differences in how it is being implemented.

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A unique approach

Ulster University CampusConnect will uniquely feature a dedicated, live staff comms. area. A chat group, called ‘Ask a member of staff’, provides offer-holders with a direct in-app channel to ask their questions; the team at Ulster have three staff members primed to respond to student queries.

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While student ambassadors manage the majority of the in-app comms., we have found that there are a portion of questions that staff are better placed to respond to.  Staff have found that answering an individual query in this way allows many app-users to read the response.

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As Teresa Purdy, Head of Global Marketing at Ulster University explains:

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“As Ulster University embarks on ambitious plans to double the number of international students,

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we have incorporated CampusConnect as one of the many tools we use to engage with international students.

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Social integration is a complex issue that filters through all aspects of University life for international students, Campus Connect encourages a personalised approach to integration providing a platform to share information that is timely and relevant to all international students; our current students can share their experiences at Ulster University and living in Northern Ireland, which will help alleviate any concern a new student might have. Whilst at the same time, we are building networks that will continue once the students have arrived on campus – all of which adds to the overall positive experience that international students will have at Ulster University.

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Ultimately, we hope to see increased engagement between prospective and current international students via CampusConnect to ensure a smooth transition to life at Ulster University.”

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High level overview

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• CampusConnect is a native mobile app service supporting under-offer international prospects before they arrive on campus.
• The app is being used by under-offer international prospects, with offer-enrolment conversion a key metric.
• A team of student ambassadors are in place to supporting prospects in-app, answering questions and providing insight.
• Offer-holders have access to a network of fellow prospects, current students, and nominated university staff.
• Ulster Uni CampusConnect supports prospects with preparation and planning for university by delivering key personalised content/information during the critical under-offer pre-registration phase.