Early Phases | Stratus
User-centric solutions
for the digital learning revolution
We started at the beginning of the student journey and built a data system that can follow a student from the top of funnel through graduation.
Developed in phases, Stratus is a comprehensive suite of tools for efficient student services, academic records management, and recruitment. A thoroughly vetted change management process anticipated barriers to user buy-in.
These initial iterations empowered Unity’s educational ecosystem with seamless operations, enhanced student experiences, and more efficient administrative processes.
Join us as we redefine institutions, empower clients, and shape a sustainable future.
Functionality in place (Q2 2024)
- Requests for Information (RFI) and Application processes are managed within Stratus and students are accessing their information via an applicant portal.
- Students are using student portal functionality that manages course schedules, FERPA releases, change of major, view and pay bills, and set-up payment plans. Automated holds on students records will be released soon.
- Students and advisors are taking advantage of automated scheduling and registration procedures for the Distance Education orientation course and initial baccalaureate communication courses.
- Improved compliance reporting for our internal census reports and external reporting to the National Clearinghouse.
- Stratus employs a learner-first data model that accommodates a variety of term models and credential types. This enables us to track progress towards earning and credential.
Through the end of the fiscal year, we are developing improved user interfaces for degree planning and student self-registration. In addition, we are integrating our accounting software, Business Central, with Stratus.
Goal: Achieving parity with legacy systems
Recruitment
Elevating Student Intake
Stratus revolutionizes the recruitment process by addressing critical aspects.
Lead intake and nurturing
Efficiently manage prospective student leads, ensuring timely follow-ups and personalized communication.
Recruiter assignment and routing
Assign recruiters to specific leads based on expertise and availability.
Admissions application management
Seamlessly handle applications, from submission to decision.
Checklist management
Streamline checklist items for applicants, including manual management of financial aid checklists during this phase.
Decision management and release
Facilitate admission decisions and timely notifications.
Enrollment management
Smoothly guide admitted students through the enrollment process.
Applicant hand-off to Student Success Team
Transition applicants to the support team for personalized assistance.
Nurturing and communications
Leverage email, text messaging, and web chat for effective communication.
Information Systems (IS)
Empowering Academic Operations
Stratus transforms academic administration by addressing critical IS processes.
Academic record creation and closing
Maintain accurate student records throughout their academic journey.
Academic semester management
Handle registration deadlines, course scheduling, and academic standing.
Academic plan (Personal Program Plan)
Enable students to build personalized academic plans, including graduation timelines.
Advising appointment request and notes
Facilitate advisor-student interactions.
Course catalog management
Support courses, offerings, and facility scheduling.
Course equivalency and prerequisites
Manage course requirements and substitutions.
Course scheduling and progress to degree
Assist students in planning their academic path.
Degree verification and conferral
Streamline degree applications and graduation calculations.
Faculty management
Assign courses and manage grading.
Financial aid integration
View and bill financial aid data seamlessly.
Grade and GPA calculation
Handle various grading schemes and special cases.
Program/major changes
Enable students to switch programs.
Student account management
Centralize student financial accounts.
Transcript/diploma creation and delivery
Ensure accurate and timely transcripts.
Transfer credit evaluation
Evaluate transfer credits efficiently.
Applicant & Student Interfaces
Self-Service Portals
Stratus introduces user-friendly portals for both applicants and students.
Recruiting & Admissions Portal
- Salesforce user account creation: Applicants can create their accounts.
- Application lifecycle: Start, resume, and complete applications.
- Checklist management: Track application requirements.
- Application status and decision view: Monitor progress and view decisions.
Student Services Portal
- Billing and payment functionality: Access account summaries.
- Financial aid view: Review financial aid details.
- Form and document tracking: Manage essential documents.
- Course information: Explore enrolled courses and schedules.
- Transcript requests and graduation applications:
Request transcripts and apply for graduation. - Grade view: Access grades securely.
“Many in higher education have not invested in technology the way we invested in physical space. Today, your technological infrastructure is just as important as your physical infrastructure. “
Dr. Melik Peter Khoury
President, Unity Environmental University
