Our prospective students are a digital savvy generation who are short of time but big on communication. Their experiences of our universities are formed earlier in the cycle and are enhanced by the authentic messaging and connections made through peer-to-peer interactions. Digital developments have made it easier to establish and manage an effective peer network run by student ambassadors and peer mentors. This session looks at how to deliver a first-class prospect experience, the impact of a successful pre-arrival community on induction and welcome week and into to post-enrolment retention.

1. Establishing an effective peer network to enhance
international student recruitment
An LJMU case study

2. The value of a peer network
LJMU case study
The challenge
Execution - key learnings
Outcomes
Q & A
What we’ll cover

3. University staff can...International students can...
The value of the peer network
make friends
gain a sense of belonging
get local knowledge
get specific information
feel reassured
get insight (predictability)
create engagement
have targeted comms.
scale processes
drive conversion

4. Case study

5. The challenge
What LJMU were looking for
Problem: We weren’t very good at communicating with our international offer holders
Needed a cost effective solution
Improve offer to enrolment conversion
Improve early retention at university
Drive engagement without adding to workload and reduce email reliance
Enhance the applicant experience and reduce pre-enrolment anxiety
Go rogue, if necessary, to support our function within the university
Objectives:

6. Execution
Key considerations before you begin
Goals
Mapping
Resources
Technology
Legality

7. Execution
4 absolute essentials
Verified users
A shared purpose
An institutional presence
Authenticity

8. Outcomes
Does it make a difference?... Yes! For both the student and the university

9. How did implementation of the peer network affect
international student recruitment?
Outcomes
Does it make a difference?
Conversion
Welcome week/orientation and
early retention
Student experience
Scale & staff processes

10. Q & A

11. Contact
Gemma Smith
G.L.Smith1@ljmu.ac.uk
@gemma_smith21
Daniel Hinkley
dan@campusconnect.ie
@danhinkley
Declan Sweeney
declan@campusconnect.ie
@hey_dec