This content was previously published by Blackboard, now part of Anthology. Product and/or solution names may have changed.

One Stop virtual student support has significant benefits to administrators and students, especially at-risk learners. The past year and a half has only amplified this as learners and educators have been forced to navigate new paths, and the ability to easily locate important information has become even more vital. For BbWorld 2021, we discussed the true valued-added that virtual student support services like One Stop provide learners with Dr. Richard Muma, President of Wichita State University.

One of the first areas Dr. Muma drew attention to was the increase in volume for student requests and questions during the onset of the pandemic and the shift to remote learning. Because his institution had already implemented this one-stop approach, the offerings were basically kept the same, and his teams were able to successfully assist students efficiently. That’s not to say there weren’t new challenges which the institution had to address; however, having the resources which were already in place helped this process immensely.

The institution also surveyed students periodically throughout the early stages of the pandemic to discover how well the services were meeting their needs, ensuring the processes put in place were aiding learners in the most meaningful ways. Dr. Muma pointed out that technology played a pivotal role in connecting learners with the resources and materials they needed and that this trend will only continue to intensify in the future through the utilization of AI chatbots and other new advancements to aid students as quickly as possible. Resources such as increased bandwidth, wireless services and more were crucial in the university’s ability to continue providing a top-notch educational experience to its learners.

Dr. Muma identified the need to effectively merge the digital advancements available to students with the human element, specifically through advising, in order to properly assist them. Dr. Muma believes many learners, especially those at risk of dropping out, have a better chance of persisting through their educational journey if they have the personal services and insights necessary to help them along their path.

Virtual student support solutions such as One Stop can provide amplified opportunities to properly utilize new technologies to identify and assist students’ needs and/or issues. This process then allows the individuals who personally work with those students to more efficiently navigate them toward success. If you’re interested in watching Dr. Muma’s entire interview, you can find it here.