In the world of Higher Education, few days are as pivotal as clearing day. It serves as a lifeline for students seeking to find their ideal university fit and an opportunity for institutions to connect with prospective students.
At Birmingham City University (BCU), this day is significant and a testament to the seamless integration of technology with human interaction.
Today is day one of clearing. We've come in at 05:30 this morning to set up for a very busy day! What we do today is set up for significantly large numbers of people calling into the university. Our role from an IT perspective is to enable them to have the technology to do that, but it's about people being able to have a lot of conversations with prospective students. Many of them will choose to come to BCU as a result of those conversations."
Nick Moore, Director of IT at BCU, provides insight into the intricate preparations undertaken to ensure a successful clearing day.
BCU's IT department is crucial in enabling thousands of conversations with students who might have missed or exceeded their grades, thus exploring alternative course options. This setup is critical for allowing these prospective students to consider BCU among various choices.
Nick further emphasises the importance of reliable technology, notably their SITS software. "What's really important for us today is that the SITS software we use works well", he notes. This ensures that all operations, from recording student details to making offers and communicating with UCAS, proceed without a hitch.
Birmingham City University thrives on teamwork and collaboration. The combined effort of staff, students, and efficient systems makes this day successful.
Amelia Hewitt, a second-year student at BCU, is one of the many voices behind the Clearing Hotline. She describes the day as both emotional and rewarding. "There are lots of people at the university—staff and students around trying to help potential students," she says. For Amelia, the most fulfilling part is alleviating the stress of nervous students, providing reassurance, and witnessing their excitement and relief.
Seeing the hubbub of activity with the students and the staff has been a real privilege to see. Empowering the word of education is what we are all about, and to be part of that and it come to life has been very special today."
Mark Pickett, CEO of Tribal, was present at BCU to witness this pivotal day.
Tribal, a key partner for BCU, is instrumental in empowering educational institutions by providing the right tools and support to manage critical periods like clearing.
For BCU and other universities, clearing day is about more than technology; it's about creating opportunities, building futures, and ensuring that every student's educational aspirations are exceeded. It's a moment where technology and people connect to support the next generation of learners. In essence, the success of clearing day at BCU underscores the vital role that technology and dedicated individuals play in higher education.
Tribal's commitment to empowering this process is a testament to the value of strategic partnerships. For Higher Education institutions aiming to enhance their performance during critical periods such as clearing, the integration of efficient systems and human touch is paramount.
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