The role of a Higher Education Chief Information Officer (CIO) has evolved significantly over the years. Today, CIOs are responsible for ensuring that the university's IT systems and infrastructure can support its needs, including fluctuations in student numbers.  

In recent years, UK universities have seen a significant increase in the number of international students choosing to study in the UK. According to the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA), over 485,000 international students studied in the UK in 2018-2019, representing a 5.9% increase from the previous academic year. This trend is expected to continue, with projections indicating that the number of international students in the UK could reach 600,000 by 2025. In this blog, we will explore the reasons why a UK university may wish to increase the number of international students it admits from around the world.

Revenue Generation:  International students typically pay higher tuition fees than domestic students, which can provide a significant source of income for universities. In addition to tuition fees, international students also contribute to the local economy by spending money on accommodation, food, and other essentials, which can benefit the wider community. According to the UKCISA, international students contributed £7.6 billion to the UK economy in tuition fees and other spending in 2019-2020.

Diversification:  By attracting students from different cultural backgrounds, universities can create a more inclusive learning environment that benefits all students. International students bring diverse perspectives and experiences to the classroom, which can enrich the learning experience for domestic students. Additionally, a diverse student body can enhance the university's global reputation and help attract more international students.

Enhanced Reputation: Attracting international students can also help enhance UK universities' global reputation. International students with a positive experience are likely to become ambassadors for the institution, spreading the word to their peers and colleagues in their home country. This can help to boost the university's profile and attract more international students in the future. Additionally, international students can contribute to the research and academic excellence of the university, further enhancing its reputation.

Increased Global Network: By attracting international students, UK universities can expand their global network of contacts. International students often have connections to universities, businesses, and organisations in their home country, which can create opportunities for research collaborations and partnerships. This can help to further enhance the university's academic and research profile, as well as create opportunities for students and faculty to gain international experience.

Positive Impact on Society: Attracting international students can also positively impact society as a whole. By promoting an open and inclusive culture, UK universities can help to break down cultural barriers and promote understanding between different cultures. This can help to create a more tolerant and cohesive society, both within the university and in the wider community.

In addition, international students can bring a range of skills and expertise to the UK, which can benefit the economy and society. For example, international students may bring knowledge of different languages, cultures, and business practices, which can create opportunities for trade and collaboration with other countries.

Overall, there are many compelling reasons why a UK university may wish to increase the number of international students it admits from around the world. From financial benefits to an enhanced reputation and a positive impact on society, international students can bring a range of benefits to the university and the wider community. By developing targeted recruitment strategies and promoting an open and inclusive culture, UK universities can attract a diverse student body and enhance their global network of contacts, furthering their academic and research excellence.

As the Chief Information Officer (CIO) of a UK university, you understand the importance of leveraging technology to improve the response times and student recruitment process. In today's fast-paced digital world, students expect quick and efficient communication from universities. By integrating technology into your admissions process, you can enhance your competitiveness and attract students with a better fit for your particular institution. 

In order to attract prospective students to your university, a strong working relationship between the marketing and student admissions teams is essential. The two teams must work together to create and execute a comprehensive enrolment marketing strategy that will produce successful results. 

Undergraduate student enrolment numbers in UK universities have remained stable over the past five years. However, universities need to be prepared for fluctuations in student numbers. Universities must have a plan in place to handle changes in undergraduate enrolment numbers. In this blog, we will discuss the financial implications for universities and the factors the head of admissions must consider when enrolment numbers fluctuate. 

In today's digital age, prospective students have many options when it comes to choosing a place to study. With so much competition, universities must respond quickly and efficiently to all enquiries from prospects.  

1. Identify the current pain points: First, identify the current challenges with the existing on-premise student information system. This could include issues such as limited scalability, high maintenance costs, limited accessibility, slow system response time, etc. 
2. Determine the cloud benefits: Research and identify the potential benefits of moving the student information system to the cloud. This could include scalability, lower costs, higher availability, enhanced security, improved performance, and better accessibility. 
3. Evaluate cloud service providers: Research and evaluate different cloud service providers that offer hosting solutions for student information systems. Consider factors such as pricing, reputation, security measures, service level agreements, compliance, and customer support. 
4. Determine the cost of migration: Determine the cost of migrating the student information system to the cloud. This should include any costs associated with licensing, data migration, customisation, training, and ongoing support. 
5. Develop a migration plan: Develop a detailed migration plan that outlines the steps required to migrate the student information system to the cloud. This should include timelines, responsibilities, and milestones. 
6. Identify risks and mitigation strategies: Identify potential risks associated with the migration to the cloud and develop mitigation strategies to address them. This could include risks related to data security, compliance, system downtime, or performance issues. 
7. Outline the expected benefits: Outline the expected benefits of moving the student information system to the cloud. This should include both qualitative and quantitative benefits, such as improved system performance, reduced maintenance costs, enhanced accessibility, and improved user satisfaction. 
8. Prepare the business case: Prepare a comprehensive business case that includes all the information gathered during the previous steps. This should include a detailed cost-benefit analysis, ROI projections, and a comparison of the current system versus the proposed cloud-based system. 
9. Present the business case: Present the business case to key stakeholders, including senior management, the IT department, and any other relevant departments. Use compelling data and visuals to help them understand the potential benefits of moving the student information system to the cloud. 
10. Monitor the migration: Once the decision to migrate has been made, closely monitor the migration process and make adjustments as needed. Ensure that all stakeholders are informed about the migration plan and the expected timeline, and provide regular updates on progress. 

By following these steps, you can develop a strong business case for moving your on-premise student information system to the cloud, and ensure a successful migration that delivers real benefits to your university. 

The role of the Academic Registrar covers a vast array of responsibilities, but your main day-to-day concerns would typically be focused on the following key areas: 

Tribal's Dan Barrass explores the role of Registrars in Student Information Systems - including the key considerations, concerns and benefits of moving to the cloud.