In this episode of In Your Element, Brendan Henkel talks with Luis Caloca, Dean of Student Access at the College of Western Idaho (CWI) and winner of the 2024 Student Centric Institution Award. Luis shares how CWI has transformed its approach to student access and engagement using Element451. From fostering buy-in for new technology to leveraging AI for improved efficiency, Luis offers actionable insights on how institutions can better serve students. He also shares the impressive results of their recent efforts, including a dramatic increase in event attendance and streamlined student communications. Tune in to learn how CWI is setting new standards for student-centered leadership in higher education.

Key Takeaways:

• Proactive Buy-In Creation: Luis emphasized the importance of proactive buy-in when implementing new technology. CWI set aside regular training times, even during peak periods, to ensure staff were on board and equipped to use new tools effectively.
• Data-Driven Adjustments: By closely monitoring student interactions with their systems, CWI made on-the-fly adjustments to improve the user experience, like tweaking their admissions application to reduce user friction.
• Impact of Application Enhancements on Yield Rates: CWI made significant improvements to their admissions application process by closely monitoring student interactions and making real-time adjustments. These changes led to a noticeable improvement in application yield rates, with an estimated 20% increase from applicant to admitted student, highlighting the effectiveness of their streamlined, user-friendly approach.
• AI-Enhanced Efficiency: CWI is leveraging Element451's AI capabilities to automate routine tasks, allowing the team to focus on higher-impact student interactions. This shift has dramatically improved their responsiveness during peak periods.
• Engagement Success: CWI saw a significant increase in event attendance—from 88 to 250—by using personalized communication strategies through Element451, demonstrating the power of targeted outreach.

Calls to Action:

• Evaluate Your Technology Adoption Strategy: Reflect on how your institution approaches the adoption of new technologies. Are you creating the necessary buy-in among your team? Consider setting aside regular training sessions to ensure everyone is on board and fully utilizing the tools at their disposal.
• Optimize Student Interactions: Take a closer look at your admissions processes. Can you identify any areas where students may be struggling? Consider implementing data-driven adjustments like CWI did to enhance the student experience and improve yield rates.
• Leverage AI for Efficiency: Explore how AI tools can help your team manage routine tasks more effectively. Start by identifying repetitive tasks in your current workflows that could be automated to free up time for higher-impact activities.
• Personalize Event Outreach: Review your institution's approach to event marketing and communication. Are you using personalized messaging to increase engagement? Consider tailoring your outreach efforts based on the audience's level of interaction, similar to how CWI boosted event attendance.
• Join the Conversation: Engage with the broader higher education community by sharing your experiences and challenges on platforms like LinkedIn. Connect with others who are also leveraging technology to enhance student experiences, and learn from their successes and insights.

Guest Name: Luis Caloca, Dean of Student Access, College of Western Idaho

Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luiscaloca/

Guest Bio: Luis Caloca grew up in the agricultural heart of Treasure Valley, where he worked in the fields before pursuing higher education at Boise State University. After earning his bachelor’s degree, he returned for a master’s in public administration and later obtained the Strategic Enrollment Management Endorsement from the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers. He is currently pursuing a doctorate in higher education administration.
Luis began his career in higher education in 2003 as a Career Counselor at Boise State and played a key role in founding the College of Western Idaho (CWI) in 2008. Now overseeing Admissions and One Stop Student Services at CWI, he is dedicated to improving student access through innovative use of technology, policy revisions, and effective communication strategies.
An active member of several professional associations, Luis has presented at regional conferences on topics including Idaho’s Direct Admissions Initiative and the integration of AI in higher education. He also contributes to his community as a board member for various organizations, including the Idaho Hispanic Business Association and the Nampa Schools Foundation.
In his free time, Luis enjoys spending time with family, gaming, exploring Nampa’s downtown, dancing, and karaoke.

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Connect With Our Co-Hosts:
Daniella Nordin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellanordin/
Brendan Henkel
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bkhenkel/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
In Your Element is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.