Status Update: How this university brought students and fellows together
Hint: Social networks helped.
Working full time alongside studying is never easy.
Pepperdine University’s Graziadio School of Business and Management enrolls approximately 2000 students, many whom work full time. The university turned to tech to provide them with support.
To create a better sense of community, the university learnt from big companies and built an Enterprise Social Network (ENS).
A popular program on the ENS - “Classrooms Across Borders” - assists faculties to share their expertise. The network also allows students and staff to create groups and deepen class discussion regardless of location. It also allows alumni to recreate and relive their college days and join in.
“We knew students wanted broader engagement, but we did not anticipate how much they’d help each other with logistical questions, IT support, business contacts, professional advice and moral support. IT also psychologically bridges online and face-to-face experiences. It creates a strong sense of community regardless of student schedules or where they’re studying.” says Director of eLearning Susan Gautsch
Download this report to learn more from Microsoft about Enterprise Social Networks in education institutions: