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Engaging Families Throughout the Orientation Experience: A Binghamton University Success Story

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Industry

Education

Challenge

Binghamton University sought to enhance family engagement during the student orientation process. The primary challenge was creating an experience that balanced accessibility, inclusivity, and meaningful interaction, addressing the diverse needs of families while fostering their connection to the university’s culture and resources.

Results

Through the use of VZO and a strategic focus on inclusive, seamless, and tailored interactions, there was increased participation in family orientation programs and post-orientation engagement via the supporter platform. Key achievements include streamlined family registration processes, enriched family programming, and innovative initiatives like podcasts and accessible post-orientation resources. These efforts not only improved the family experience but also reinforced their confidence in the institution and its resources, fostering a stronger connection between families and campus life.

Key Product

VZO

www.govzo.com

"60% of our students bring family members to orientation, and the new supporter platform has increased engagement. We’re really seeing the benefits of tailoring the experience to both students and families."

Betsy Staff

Director of New Student Programs; Director, Parent and Family Programs

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Binghamton University

Located in upstate New York, Binghamton University is a nationally renowned public institution and one of the four SUNY Centers in the State University of New York system. Known for its R1 research status, Binghamton offers a rigorous academic environment with five undergraduate colleges catering to a diverse student body. The university is dedicated to fostering community connections and ensuring student success through innovative programs and initiatives, including its commitment to engaging families throughout the student journey.

The Challenge

Binghamton University faced a dual challenge in engaging with both students and their families effectively during the orientation process and beyond. They needed:
 
  1. A way to provide families with relevant resources without overwhelming them.

  2. Streamlined systems to manage large-scale events such as orientation and Family Weekend, ensuring a positive experience for over 5,000 participants annually.
The lack of cohesive systems led to inefficiencies in event registration, communication gaps with families, and missed opportunities to enhance family involvement.
 

The Solution

Binghamton University implemented VZO to streamline their processes and improve engagement. Key aspects of the solution included:
 
  1. Supporter Platform Integration:
    • Allowed families to register as supporters or guests seamlessly, ensuring tailored communication for different needs.
    • Provided families post-orientation access to key materials, including videos and presentations.
  2. Family-Oriented Programming:
    • Concurrent family orientation sessions, including panels and presentations, introduced families to campus resources.
    • Specialized family reception and capstone sessions offered informal engagement opportunities and guidance on supporting their student.
  3. Streamlined Event Management for Family Weekend:
    • Transitioned to VZO’s events module for Family Weekend, offering:
      • Simplified online registration with options for dietary preferences and event selection.
      • QR code-based check-ins that dramatically reduced wait times.
  4. Innovative Communication Channels:
    • Introduced the “Becoming a Bearcat” podcast, initially created during the pandemic, to share campus resources and family-focused content.
    • Hosted Zoom panel series for families on timely topics throughout the academic year.

"The VZO platform is incredibly user-friendly. Families can register as supporters or guests without duplicating their efforts, and the system’s integration makes it easy for them to navigate the process."

— Emily Ziemba, Assistant Director of New Student Programs

The Results

The comprehensive approach resulted in significant improvements in family engagement and operational efficiency:
 
  1. Increased Family Engagement:
    • 60% of students brought family members to orientation, with numbers steadily increasing due to the supporter platform.
    • Families reported feeling more informed and confident about their students’ decision to attend Binghamton.
  2. Enhanced Event Efficiency:
    • Family Weekend check-in times were reduced, eliminating the need for additional staff support and enhancing the attendee experience.
    • Over 5,000 participants enjoyed streamlined registration and event management.
  3. Positive Feedback and Adoption:
    • The podcast resonated with families, leading to increased awareness of campus resources and opportunities.
    • Data from orientation and Family Weekend provided actionable insights for further improvement.
By integrating innovative tools and family-centric programming, Binghamton University created a seamless experience from deposit to Family Weekend, fostering long-term connections between families and the institution.

 

 

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