13 minute read
Feature Story
INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
COMING TOGETHER TO MAKE A BETTER EXPERIENCE FOR EVERYONE
Albany Technical College (ATC) has launched a new software platform through admissions called TargetX. TargetX identifies itself as “a Liason Company.” The goal of the new software is to guide the student from application to graduation and beyond to alumni engagement. This tool will also assist in the overall process for those involved with the students in almost every capacity at the college, assisting both faculty and staff.
The TargetX recruitment and admissions suite enables stronger relationships with prospects, breeds better communication tactics through tools, and tracks students through the process while in school. The buzz about this software is “customer relationship management,” referred to in industry jargon as CRM. According to Salesforce.com, the parent company of TargetX, “A customer relationship management (CRM) solution helps you find new customers, win their business, and keep them happy by organizing customer and prospect information in a way that helps you build stronger relationships with them and grow your business faster.” That sounds like a win-win for everyone involved.
The Technical College System of Georgia, made up of 22 colleges, including Albany Technical College, launched this initiative at the end of 2021 in groups of 4 colleges. ATC is in the second wave of the launch, which kicked off in the last week in February 2022. This certainly is a process with a learning curve associated with it. Barbara Brown, Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management ATC, says, “I think it is a positive move in the right direction with about six months to acclimate and go from walking to running in the process. Currently, all applications are now being handled online through the software that is ‘talking’ with the existing software the college has used for years called Banner Student Information System.”
TargetX is a cloud-based solution available through Salesforce. Once a student applies, the data flows into Banner, where an important admissions decision is made, and the student enters the system. Dennis Sledge, IT Director at the college and the ATC TargetX project manager, says that “TargetX can give insight through real-time data about enrollment metrics, tracking recruitment activities and improving communications, forecast, and management of enrollment is improved to give the student the best experience possible.” The software is intuitive,
increases admissions productivity, and prioritizes mobile-first communication. Nudge or reminder text, emails, and phone calls are all incorporated into the planning and implementation of the management tool. The whole application process is online and easy to follow. The software holds a prospect’s hand through the entire college experience.
Kenneth Williams, ATC Enrollment Management Director, says, “This does not replace people in the communication process; rather, it assists the admissions department and the students and keeps everyone on the same page with every communication that is required at exactly the time it is required.” Redesigning the student experience is at the core of the Technical College System of Georgia through this initiative. Retention always becomes part of the dialogue in higher education circles to empower student success through initiatives like this; using technology to redesign the student experience will be a game-changer in the short run.
The student life-cycle managed through customer relationship management CRM has proven successful with other colleges around the country. These tools engage with the student, further enriching student success and providing the college with rich marketing services designed to help shape events, including financial aid and registration for classes each semester. Kennosha Hawkins, Registrar for Albany Technical College, says, “I can see TargetX as a growth solution resulting in the growth of classes and increased graduation results. It will expand application pools and streamline the efficiency of the admission’s inner office.”
According to the TargetX website, “Together, the combined business is the largest admissions company in the world, currently used in one out of every three colleges across the country, uniquely positioned and highly qualified to completely fulfill the complexity of requirements for any admissions or student success office. Mission statement: We are a higher-ed company. We build enterprise software that will challenge colleges and universities to transform the way they support their prospects, students and alumni. We strive to be the premier solution for student life-cycle management focused on student experience and outcomes.”
The point of contact with a potential student or current student is called the touchpoint. This touchpoint is necessary communication and needs to be meaningful, personalized, and at a level of engagement that makes the student feel like they desire it. The following steps of a visit to campus or registration should feel seamless and not leave anyone feeling confused or like it was a hassle. Every student’s experience with Albany Technical College should be pleasant and memorable both online and in person. The goal of this new approach will increase the probability of graduation on time and leave every person on both sides of the experience - students, faculty, and staff - feeling like the process was done right.
APPLICATION PROCESS
The application process is simple. The steps below will help you through your application process of Applying Online. The $25 application fee can be deferred until the end of the first semester. STEP 1
Start The Application Process
When you click the link below you will be sent to the OnlineApplication. There you will have the choice to create a new account if you are a first-time user or if you have already created an account you can enter your login information.
APPLY ONLINE BY SCANNING THE CODE
STEP 2
Select an Application Type
After you have created an account and have successfully logged in, you will now have to choose your Application Type. your options will be: Beginning Student Someone who has never attended Albany Technical College before and has not attended another college. Returning Student Someone who has attended Albany Technical College and wants to apply for readmission to the college. Transfer Student Someone who has attended another college before applying to Albany Technical College. Transient Student Someone who is currently enrolled at another institution and is seeking temporary (one term) admission to Albany Technical College in order to take coursework that will transfer back to the home institution.
High School Student Someone who is currently enrolled in the Dual Enrollment Program. International Student Someone from outside of the United States of America who wishes to enroll at Albany Technical College
Fill Out Application
After selecting your application type you will be prompted to select the term you want to apply for and then enter your full name. When you are done hit the click on Fill Out Application to continue.
You will be then led to the Application Checklist Page. Here you can complete each section in any order you wish. Below is a list of sections that need to be filled out to complete the application: • Name • Mailing Address • Personal Information • Additional Information • Planned Course of Study • High School Information • Application Payment Please make sure you fill out and have completed all sections and have paid the $25 Application Fee (can be paid by check or credit card) before you click on the Application is Complete option.
STEP 4
Submit Documents
After filling out and submitting your online application we ask that you submit the following documents to the Albany Technical College’s Admission Office within 7 days of applying: • Valid Driver’s License or ID
• Official High School / GED Transcript • Official College Transcript (if applicable) • SAT, ACT, COMPASS or ACCUPLACER scores (5 years older or less) If you have not yet taken the ACCUPLACER test, contact the Testing Center to schedule an appointment to take the ACCUPLACER placement exam (Call 229-430-2709 - Email admissions@albanytech.edu ). For Healthcare Technology programs additional testing may be necessary.
STEP 5
Apply for Financial Aid APPLY ONLINE BY SCANNING THE CODE
Unveiling of the New Dental Assisting Lab
Renovations created a state-ofthe-art environment to learn.
Albany Technical College (ATC) Dental Assisting Program had a ribbon cutting of the newly renovated lab on February 3, in Nathaniel Cross Health Technology Building (HCT), room 103. Renovations to the lab were discussed along with opportunities available in the job market here in Southwest Georgia for dental assistant graduates. The event was also virtual, and broadcast live on Albany Tech’s YouTube Channel. The previous lab had four operatories with equipment that became outdated. A new lab was designed several years ago to update the teaching facilities with state-of-the-art equipment. The current practices/uses of modern dentistry were taken into consideration. The lab is now 95% complete, allowing for the best educational experience possible for students in the program.
“The new layout better utilizes the assigned space we have here at Albany Technical College, allowing for functionality and better student learning experiences. We are extremely proud of the space that has been designed and cannot wait to share it with the community,” stated Dr. Anthony Parker, President of Albany Technical College.
“We started with a vision of the lab and hand drawings, working with the architects creating digital blueprints. The process has taken a while, but we are pleased to say that the Dental Assisting Program now has six fully operational dental operatories with pass-through x-ray units. These changes give the students a reallife workforce simulation versus having separate x-ray rooms like before,” said Ivey Spears, Chair of Dental Assisting. A brief description of the significant equipment updates made through this renovation are listed below:
• A-dec 500 Dental Chair with a Continental
Delivery System and LED Dental Light • A-dec 500 Operator and Assistant Stools with backrest
• A-dec Inspire Treatment console with 12 o’clock Assistants’ Instrumentation and 22” monitor
• A-dec Inspire Central Console with pass through X-ray Units
Also added the following to other areas of the space: • A-dec Inspire Sterilization Center • 6.6-gallon Ultrasonic Cleaner • Vistapure System • Nomad (portable x-ray system) • Reception Area with patient seating and reception desk • Dental Lab with 12 student stations and a large island to accommodate 12 students and has 2 mobile instructor tables.
• Student lockers
The total cost for renovations to the Dental Assisting Program, including equipment, was a little over $1,054,000.
Scan code to watch the Ribbon Cutting event video
INTERESTED IN MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE DENTAL ASSISTING PROGRAM?
https://www.albanytech.edu/collegecatalog/current/programs/dental-assisting
Nathaniel Cross Health Technology Building (HCT)
IVEY SPEARS Program Chair 229.430.3543 ispears@albanytech.edu
JANET REAGAN Advisor 229.430.3544 jreagan@albanytech.edu
Scan code below to watch the Dental Assisting program video
Ms. Ada McIntyre was named the 2021-2022 Exceptional Adult Georgian in Literacy Education (EAGLE) Winner for Albany Technical College. The announcement of Ms. McIntyre was made after the local competition judges, Dr. Kuanita Murphy, ATC Board Chair and Director of the Randolph County Family Connection, Kenneth Sumpter, Mayor, Clay County and ATC Board member and Ms. Rebecca White, Executive Director, Randolph County Chamber of Commerce, November 9, 2021. Ms. McIntrye is a student at the Terrell County Learning Center.
Exceptional Adult Georgian in Literacy Education (EAGLE) Program is designed to celebrate adult learners in pursuit of excellence. The program recognizes and honors students who have demonstrated exceptional achievement in statewide adult education classes. The concept of EAGLE is one designed to create a greater awareness of educational opportunities that are available in local communities across the state and to foster involvement in lifelong learning pursuits.
Adult Education teachers nominate students at the local program level to participate in the EAGLE recognition program at the state level. Selection criteria include student character, attitude, attendance, leadership and community involvement and activities. From this group, one student is selected to represent the local program at the state EAGLE Leadership Institute.
The Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG,) through its Office of Adult Education (OAE), sponsors the annual EAGLE Leadership Institute. Ms. McIntyre was chosen to represent the Program at the Leadership Institute, March 14-16, 2022, but was unable to attend this year. The Leadership Institute recognizes and honors those students who have demonstrated superior achievement in adult education classes and programs.
$5,000 DONATION
February 21, NextEra Energy Inc. presented a check to the college for $5,000. These funds will be used to support students enrolled in the Sustainable Renewable and Alternative Energy program by assisting with textbooks, supplies, and equipment needed to complete program requirements and gain employment within the clean energy field. In addition, the funds are projected to enhance program attractiveness and support student retention efforts.
“Support from the area industry is vital to fulfilling our mission here at the college,” Albany Tech President Anthony Parker said. “The created partnerships help to grow the economy and fulfill employer needs. We are very grateful for the donation from NextEra Energy in support of our Alternative and Sustainable Renewable Energy program.”
For more info on Sustainable Renewable Alternative Energy
MANUFACTURING INNOVATION CENTER UNVEILING
Albany Technical College discussed the rebranded Manufacturing Innovation Center on campus and launched a Mobile STEM Lab. The event took place on Slappey Blvd., at the building, near the Pedestrian bridge.
The rebranding of the Manufacturing Technology Center to the “Manufacturing Innovation Center” (MIC) is a slight but essential difference. The change of name better reflects the critical thinking involved in today’s manufacturing industry.
“The name ‘Manufacturing Innovation Center’ communicates the changes in the industry. The ongoing commitment by Albany Technical College to stay well-informed of the needs of manufacturers in the area is a priority. The challenges to the industry in the coming years will dictate that we work closely with employers to make sure we are at the cutting edge of training graduates as they enter the workforce,” said Dr. Anthony Parker, President of Albany Technical College.
The many issues related to manufacturing, including supply chain problems, plant floor capacity, consumer demand changes, and spending patterns, have created an industrywide transformation. One of the most significant factors has been the pandemic that seems uncertain as we move forward. Manufacturing has undeniable challenges that will open opportunities in the near future.
Companies will need to prepare for the unexpected, to “INNOVATE” by introducing new methods, ideas, or products. This resiliency will change the industry in the coming years and change how an employee will do the job as the industry moves forward. Ever changing circumstances call for nimbleness and calculated decisions to answer tough questions. Tying the three areas together: technology, people, and the process will make companies successful.
