It should not be a surprise that most institutions of higher education suffered during the COVID-19 global pandemic. What also could not have been anticipated was how many ongoing IT issues they had been carrying.

The question becomes, how might cloud migration change the game for higher ed?

What Is Cloud Migration

In the past, documents were physical objects you’d preserve in filing cabinets or secured locations that were off premises. With the cloud, an institution gains the capability to secure its data digitally.

Cloud migration entails taking all of your digital and physical assets and transferring them into a secure off-site location managed by a separate hosting company.

Cloud Migration for Higher Enrollment

According to a recent report, one-third of students felt their university’s student administration systems did not meet their expectations while 70% recommended that it update or change its digital strategy. This is one reason students are choosing not to recommend their university to others.

Students today are looking for higher-education institutions that feature more user-friendly and fluid technology systems. Migrating to the cloud can offer such institutions a wide range of benefits.

But just like a company that needs to enhance its revenue, a university has to improve its enrollment rates. Another report stated that 73% of students post-pandemic prefer to take some, if not all, of their classes online rather than in a classroom.

If universities and colleges aren’t willing to adapt to such expectations, they could become extinct. In an age when virtual learning has become the primary method through which students obtain their education, it’s crucial for institutions to get on board.

Cloud Migration to Think Outside the Box

Many higher-education institutions are considering migration to the cloud as a way to offer programs outside the traditional education route. For instance, many small business owners are looking to enhance their knowledge via social media or to understand the legal realities with regard to owning a business.

North Seattle College offers small business courses online so clients won’t necessarily have to obtain a bachelor’s degree. These kinds of virtual offerings can expand the opportunities for any institution, but only if it’s willing to adopt new ways of thinking.

Cloud Migration for Security

One of the greatest challenges faced by most universities is the matter of security. Over the last seventeen years, there have been more than 1,850 data breaches at various school districts and universities. These breaches may have opened access to more than 28.6 million records. 

The average cost of one student’s records is around $200. Granted, the cost of implementing new cloud migration and security measures can be a lot for a higher-education institution, the cost of avoidance could be even more exorbitant.

Cloud Migration for Integrity and Trust

In 2019, the University of South Florida St. Petersburg suffered a major public relations crisis. Based on human error, the admissions office sent out 430 acceptance emails incorrectly.

Upon discovery of the error, the school had to call each individual that was impacted in person, as well as effect a major shift in how it managed its admissions data.

Proper software and systems would have alleviated such a drastic blunder for this institution. However, now the university continues to deal with repercussions of its actions in the form of declining enrollment rates due to a lack of trust.

Whether you’re a public or private institution, you must preserve a level of integrity to attract funding and prospective students. That confidence allows incoming clients to assume their future is in the right hands, and gives them the freedom to pursue new and innovative ideas.

Without trust or integrity, a university cannot thrive.

Summary

Many higher-education systems have a long way to go in mastering the IT issues they face. Cutting costs, securing data, improving enrollment rates, and preserving as well as increasing trust among current and prospective students are just the start.

By taking the necessary steps to enact full cloud migration, a college or university can ensure its entire future.