How universities can gain a holistic view of their students with Salesforce for Education 

Universities have the means to bring student data together, but the challenge lies in making it more accessible, actionable, and seamlessly integrated into their operations. Salesforce Education Cloud ensures this information is not just collected but also used to provide better support and personalised engagement.

Compared to traditional student information systems (SIS), Education Cloud goes beyond data management and record-keeping. It’s a system of action that empowers users to turn fragmented information into unified insights.

Here’s what you should know about it and how to leverage its capabilities to gain a holistic view of your students.

Tap into data to achieve a 360-degree view of the student

In 2023, Salesforce launched a new version of Education Cloud with innovative features for managing student success. Universities and other institutions can tap into its capabilities to create connected experiences across the entire student lifecycle, automate routine tasks, and drive engagement at every touchpoint.

The new Education Cloud is built around Person Accounts, allowing for a higher level of personalisation than ever before. This feature simplifies data management and improves reporting, which ensures a more tailored approach to student support and engagement.

Through these improvements, Salesforce brings a fresh approach to SIS, rethinking what a student information system can and should do. By building on its robust CRM (Customer Relationship Management) foundation and integrating with the broader Education Cloud ecosystem, it offers a flexible and future-proof SIS that covers every aspect of the student journey.

For example, institutions can use Education Cloud to track progress, challenges, and milestones and tailor their efforts as needed. Advisors can suggest courses or extracurricular activities based on a student’s performance and career aspirations.

The system can also uncover areas where learners struggle or thrive, allowing universities to continuously improve their courses. These insights also make it easier to identify patterns in student behaviour and spot warning signs, such as a decline in grades or attendance rates.

Education Cloud doesn’t just store data. Powered by AI, it unifies data from recruitment, academics, career services, and alumni relations, turning it into actionable intelligence. Plus, it allows for real-time data synchronisation across departments, helping institutions maintain consistent, accurate information at every stage of the student lifecycle.

Emma’s journey with a university experience powered by Salesforce

The best way to understand how Education Cloud works is to see it in action. Here’s what the student experience could look like at a UK university that transitioned from legacy systems to Salesforce.

1. From prospect to applicant

Emma, a school leaver from the East Midlands with a passion for environmental science, begins researching university courses.

She comes across a university’s well-designed website, powered by Salesforce Experience Cloud. She quickly fills out an enquiry form to receive more details about the university’s courses and student life.

Within minutes, Emma receives a tailored email (via Salesforce Marketing Cloud) highlighting the university’s Environmental Science programme, faculty expertise, and success stories from past students. A personalised landing page suggests upcoming virtual open days and taster sessions.

Over the next few weeks, Emma receives updates via email, SMS, and social media about key application deadlines, available scholarships, and tips for crafting a compelling personal statement. Each interaction feels personal and engaging, making her feel valued even before she applies.

Salesforce enhances the admissions process by delivering timely, personalised communications that build trust and excitement. Applicants like Emma feel supported from the first interaction, creating a positive experience from the outset.

2. A simple, guided process

When Emma decides to apply via UCAS, she accesses the university’s self-service portal, powered by Experience Cloud. The intuitive layout guides her through each step of the application process including reference to her UCAS application process.

She can upload necessary documents, track her application status, and schedule an interview with an admissions tutor—all from the same portal.

The admissions team uses Education Cloud to evaluate her application. Automated workflows help them process her documents efficiently and make a final decision.

Emma receives a digital copy of her offer letter, along with a personalised video message from the head of the Environmental Science department, welcoming her to the university. When she forgets to submit her student finance application, an automated reminder (using Salesforce automation features) ensures she stays on track.

3. A smooth transition to university life

After accepting the university’s offer, Emma logs into her personalised student portal to go through the enrolment process.

She can complete her checklist, which includes accommodation applications, selecting first-year modules, and setting up tuition payments. The portal dynamically updates as she checks off each task, helping her stay organised and stress-free. If she has any queries, a 24/7 chatbot is available to provide instant assistance.

Automated emails and reminders keep her informed about welcome events, student support services, and extracurricular opportunities related to environmental science. Before even stepping on campus, Emma already feels connected to university life.

Education Cloud ensures that Emma’s transition to university is smooth and efficient, providing easy access to all the information she needs in one place.

4. Personalised support and opportunities

As Emma embarks on her studies, Salesforce continues to enhance her university experience with personalised support and resources.Through the same portal, she can access her timetable, coursework, and academic progress, eliminating the hassle of multiple logins.

When Emma struggles with a particularly challenging module, Salesforce’s predictive AI flags her performance. Her academic advisor is alerted and reaches out with tailored support options, including one-to-one tutoring and study groups.

Emma receives notifications about internships and research projects aligned with her interests, powered by Salesforce AI. When an opportunity arises with a leading renewable energy company, she applies and successfully secures a placement.

By leveraging data-driven insights, universities can offer a more intuitive, engaging, and supportive learning experience, ensuring that students like Emma reach their full potential.

5. A lifelong university connection

As Emma nears graduation, Salesforce ensures a smooth transition into the next phase of her journey.

Automated workflows confirm that Emma has met all academic requirements. She receives personalised career advice, job application tips, and information on the graduation ceremony.

After graduation, Emma became part of the university’s alumni network, managed via Education Cloud. She stays connected with fellow graduates, receives invitations to networking events, and learns about opportunities to mentor new students.

The impact of Salesforce on Emma’s journey

Emma’s experience with the university is seamless, connected, and deeply personal—qualities enabled by Salesforce. Every interaction is tailored to her needs, from personalised recruitment to proactive academic support and lifelong alumni engagement.

For Emma, the university didn’t just provide an education—it provided a relationship that supported her every step of the way, ensuring her success as a student and beyond. And for the university, Salesforce proved to be the key to delivering this exceptional experience, fostering stronger connections with students and achieving long-term success.

With Education Cloud, institutions can build strong, lasting relationships with students beyond graduation, fostering a network of engaged and successful alumni.

Unlock the power of Education Cloud

By unifying data and leveraging AI, universities can ensure no student falls through the cracks. At the same time, they gain the insights needed to tailor their support and personalise the academic experience.

Fluido, a leading Salesforce consulting firm in Europe, can help you unlock the power of Education Cloud and step away from legacy platforms. Tap into its expertise to centralise data across departments, enhance the student experience, and embrace digital transformation.

From analysis and strategy to implementation, Fluido provides the assistance you need to get the most out of Salesforce Education Cloud. Its professionals will configure and customise the platform, train your staff, and offer ongoing support.

Seven of Denmark’s universities have partnered with Fluido for a seamless transition to Education Cloud. The organisation also worked closely with Saïd Business School, Berghs School of Communication, Aalto University, and other top institutions.

Today’s students expect a seamless experience across all touchpoints, from the moment they first reach out. Contact Fluido to discover how Salesforce can help you meet their ever-changing needs and drive better academic outcomes.