Personal web pages prove popular

The introduction of EMT Connect means that undergraduate enquirers can now opt to have a personalised web homepage (or VIP page) instead of a paper prospectus. The former provides a page with a wealth of information meeting the information needs of the enquirer. While it is early days, only 10% of enquirers are requesting a paper prospectus so the very early evidence suggests that personalised information is more popular.

Improved service introduced for UG enquirers

Undergraduate enquirers will now receive a much better service when they request a prospectus thanks to our new web based, customer relationship tool, EMT Connect.

Live date - Connect went live today (24 June) and means that UG enquirers can sign up for customised information on a personal web page by simply clicking on the “Order a Prospectus” facility on our homepage. Once the enquirer has provided a few details, an email lets them know their personalised information is available to view.

Interactive experience - Designed to increase conversion from enquiry to applicant, the web pages are attractive and interactive. Create a web page for yourself by requesting a prospectus. So that we can remove test logons please make the first line of your address TESTTEST. These logons will be active for one week from today. Enquirers will also have the option to view a digital, interactive version of the prospectus – a “flippy book” or request a paper prospectus if they wish.

Cross function working - A cross function university team primarily from MRC, SITs and ICTS has been working on the implementation of EMT Connect which also enables UG enquirers to book their open day place online. Extensive testing took place using staff and students to ensure the system will provide an excellent service for users.

Next stages - The team is now working on getting EMT Connect ready to handle UG, PG and PGCE applicants for September 2010 entry.

SIT's data at the heart of EMT Connect

The ability of EMT Connect, a web based application, to grow enquiry and enrollment is driven by student data held on our SIT's database. Without it, we would not be able to provide personalised, web based information for enquirers and applicants. Intensive work has been undertaken by the SIT's, web services and ICTS teams to make sure that data transfers between Connect and SIT's works seamlessly to provide an efficient service for enquirers and applicants.

If you are interested in the data transfers, please take a look at the diagram (please click to enlarge).

New Day in the Life student video to see

EMT Connect due to launch 6 April 2009

Our web based customer relationship management tool will be operational from late April 2009. This means that undergraduate enquirers for September 2010 entry will be able to sign up for a personal web page ( a VIP page) containing a range of personalised information including a Day in the Life student video instead of a paper prospectus (enquirers will always have the option to choose a printed prospectus). The tool aims to increase enquiry and applicant numebrs.

Enquirers who choose this route will then receive relevant, personalised communications via a mix of their personal homepage, letter, phone,text and email to convert them to firm applicants. UG applicants starting September 2009 will also be able sign up for a personal web page to enhance their experience before commencing their course. Open days in 2009 will also be handled by EMT Connect with subsequent phases of the project focusing on other types of students.

Premiere - sample EMT Connect student video

Student Videos Previewed

Six student ambassadors saw their Day in a Life videos for the very first time this evening.

Each 90 second cameo will be used on the university web site to provide enquirers with an authentic slice of university life. Enquirers will also be encouraged to visit the ambassadors' Facebook sites to further increase electronic word of mouth marketing. Our research has shown that this type of marketing is one of the most effective in persuading potential students to choose the university of Cumbria.

We will be posting the videos to this blog in the near future.