As universities face a rapidly shifting digital landscape, the pressure to upgrade communication infrastructure is intensifying. Traditional communication methods, often reliant on voice-only systems, are no longer sufficient to meet the demands of a diverse and tech-savvy student body. Multichannel communication is not just a trend; it’s a necessity. But the question remains: Is now the right time to invest?
Universities understand the need for a multichannel strategy and recognize Landis Contact Center for MS Teams as a trusted, Microsoft Teams Certified solution. Yet, many institutions hesitate, questioning whether this is the right moment to make the leap. This article explores the risks of waiting, the long-term benefits of multichannel, and why Landis is the future-proof solution your university needs to stay competitive.
The Risks of Waiting: Missing Opportunities and Falling Behind
Postponing the adoption of a multichannel communication strategy can lead to significant consequences. Universities that rely solely on outdated, voice-only systems may find themselves unable to engage students effectively. Today’s students, especially younger generations, expect seamless, real-time communication across multiple channels, including chat, email, and even video.
As Tom Arbuthnot, an expert on the intersection of education and communication technology, mentioned in a recent interview, “If you look at the younger generation, chat interaction comes more naturally. They would look for an app or a website and a way to engage that isn’t necessarily voice-first.” Ignoring these preferences means missing out on crucial engagement opportunities.
For universities, engagement is everything. It impacts student satisfaction, retention, and even enrollment. A lack of flexibility in communication systems can lead to dissatisfaction, where students feel unheard or disconnected. In an increasingly competitive higher education environment, this could lead to decreased enrollment numbers—something no institution can afford.
One of the most glaring risks of sticking to traditional systems is the inability to scale during peak times. Higher education is full of seasonal ebbs and flows. Tom points out that the “flexibility of cloud solutions to scale up, scale down” is a major factor for universities. With limited communication channels, universities could struggle to handle the massive influx of calls and inquiries that happen during crucial times, such as admissions, enrollment, or graduation. These periods demand a robust, flexible communication platform, and waiting to adopt one could cost more than it saves in the long run.
Landis: The Future-Proof Solution for Multichannel Contact Centers
Universities need more than just a communication tool; they need a platform that is built to scale and evolve alongside their growing needs. Landis offers a robust, scalable, and Microsoft Teams Certified multichannel communication solution designed specifically to meet the demands of modern institutions.
One university’s experience with Landis illustrates how effective this solution can be. Initially, they deployed Landis to manage communications for a single department. However, as their needs evolved, they were able to leverage the platform across multiple departments, demonstrating the adaptability of Landis in a real-world, higher education setting. This flexibility is critical for institutions that may start small but need a solution capable of growing with them.
Landis’s multichannel approach goes beyond voice. It also integrates chat and email to ensure that no student inquiry is missed. With Landis, universities can provide real-time support via:
- Chat
- Escalating issues to voice or video interactions
This multichannel approach ensures that students can engage with the university in the way that suits them best, improving overall satisfaction and reducing friction.
As Tom noted, Landis provides solutions for both student-facing and internal communications, allowing universities to manage everything from IT support to student counseling through a single platform. This comprehensive approach is what makes Landis stand out as a future-proof solution.
Competitive Advantage: Stay Ahead with Seamless Communication
In today’s higher education landscape, students have choices. They can compare universities not just by academic offerings, but also by the overall student experience. A university’s ability to offer seamless, multichannel communication can set it apart from competitors.
Students today expect the same level of digital engagement from their university as they do from brands in other sectors. If a prospective student can easily chat with an advisor, receive timely email responses, and even handle administrative tasks through a mobile app, they are more likely to view that institution as modern, responsive, and student-centered.
Tom highlighted that universities are being judged on their ability to stay on top of technology. “Being on top of technology, being able to offer students the right experience… that’s the future of the world. If you are not on board with what’s going on in this space, you are not perceived as adding value,” he said. Institutions that fail to embrace multichannel now may find themselves falling behind, struggling to attract students who prioritize digital fluency and real-time communication.
Adopting a robust communication strategy doesn’t just improve student satisfaction—it can also enhance operational efficiency. Landis allows universities to streamline their communication processes, reducing the burden on staff and freeing up resources to focus on what matters most: delivering an exceptional educational experience.
Timing the Investment: Why Now is the Right Time
One of the main concerns universities face, is whether now is the right time to invest in multichannel contact center communication. The truth is, waiting could result in higher costs down the road. As the demand for seamless communication continues to grow, the gap between institutions that adopt multichannel and those that don’t will widen.
Immediate improvements in contact center communication can lead to significant long-term gains and ROI. By investing now, universities can quickly see improvements in student engagement, satisfaction, and even retention. With flexible Landis Contact Center pricing and deployment options, universities can start small and scale their multichannel strategy as their needs evolve. This allows for a gradual investment while still reaping the benefits of improved communication.
Moreover, the longer universities wait, the more they risk being left behind in a rapidly digitizing world. Tom explains that contact center and multichannel solutions are no longer just nice-to-have technologies; they are becoming business as usual. Delaying investment could mean falling behind competitors who are already providing a more modern, flexible, and student-centric communication experience.
Investing now also positions universities to be more resilient in the face of future challenges. Whether it’s the next wave of technological advancements or unexpected crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, universities with a strong, multichannel communication strategy will be better equipped to adapt.
Future-Proof Your University with Landis Contact Center
The decision to invest in multichannel contact center communication isn’t just about meeting today’s needs—it’s about future-proofing your university. Landis Contact Center for MS Teams is a Microsoft Certified solution and offers the scalability, flexibility, and security necessary to handle the complex communication needs of higher education.
By adopting a multichannel strategy now, universities can improve student engagement, boost satisfaction, and gain a competitive edge. The risks of waiting are too great, and the benefits of acting now are too significant to ignore.
Landis is the trusted solution that universities need to ensure their communication strategies are not only up to date but prepared for whatever the future holds. With the ability to scale across departments, handle peak communication periods, and offer students the seamless, multichannel experience they expect, Landis is the clear choice for institutions looking to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving world of higher education.
Don’t wait. Now is the time to invest in a communication platform that will serve your institution today and for years to come. Let Landis help you future-proof your university’s communication strategy.
