The Human Touch: Why AI in Higher Education Is a Game-Changer for Student Engagement

Having spent years in higher education enrollment and marketing, I’ve know firsthand the dedication it takes to connect with prospective students and ensure their success, keenly aware of the immense effort required, the daily challenges teams face in standing out amidst a sea of institutions, and the ever-increasing workloads they manage. And, at the center of all of this is a profound passion for making a real difference in students’ lives and a deep commitment to the unique mission of each university.

The exciting prospect I see now is how artificial intelligence can actually empower us to achieve these very goals more effectively, without sacrificing the crucial human touch that is critical to the student experience.

The true power of AI at universities

The true power of AI in student engagement isn’t about replacing people; it’s about freeing up our teams to invest their time and energy where it truly matters – nurturing meaningful relationships with students. By automating routine tasks and offering valuable data-driven insights, AI provides us with a unique opportunity to connect with students on a deeper level. We can better understand their individual needs and interests, allowing us to provide personalized support that genuinely sets them up for success.

AI can help enrollment teams sift through hundreds of thousands of inquiries to find those students who will find their path in life thanks to the unique offerings of their university. I don’t know an enrollment team that says they are fully staffed, and AI will give our already stretched teams more time back in their day to really connect with these prospective students. The reward of seeing these students thrive on campus and later succeed in their chosen fields, knowing you played a part in their journey, is deeply fulfilling and why many of us work in higher education.

Discover RNL Edge, the AI solution for higher education

RNL Edge is a comprehensive suite of higher education AI solutions that will help you engage constituents, optimize operations, and analyze data instantly—all in a highly secure environment that keeps your institutional data safe. With limitless uses for enrollment and fundraising, RNL Edge is truly the AI solution built for the entire campus.

Ask for a Discovery Session

And let’s consider the experience students have once they are on campus. It’s not just about sitting in class and absorbing information; it’s about navigating a complex environment, discovering one’s place and passion, and building a foundation for the future. Students need guidance, encouragement, and consistent support throughout this journey. This is where the human element is indispensable. AI can be a powerful tool in identifying students who may be facing challenges, enabling us to offer targeted support and help them overcome obstacles that might otherwise slow or even block their progress.

Beyond simply reacting to challenges, AI can empower us to be more proactive. It can help us identify students who might be at risk academically or personally, so we can provide timely support before they fall behind and withdraw. It can also help us tailor our teaching methods to better suit the diverse needs of individual learners, moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach. And crucially, AI can help us measure the effectiveness of our programs faster, making the goal of data-informed decisions for continuous improvement possible across the university.

Ultimately, the goal of using AI at your university should be to cultivate a more personalized, more effective, and more compassionate learning environment. It’s about empowering students to reach their full potential and making a lasting positive impact on their lives. By integrating AI in a way that enhances, rather than replaces, human interaction, we can build a more supportive, more present, and more successful learning experience for every student. If you are ready to learn more about how AI can help your university, schedule a discovery session with RNL to see firsthand how AI can empower your teams, enhance student experiences, and drive academic success.