Portland State Turns to Tech To Improve Recruitment and Retention

Portland State University plans to deploy a new application to improve its admissions, recruitment, and retention programs. The Oregon institution has licensed Talisma Constituent Relationship Management (CRM) software from Campus Management Corp.

A campus CRM system provides features to help a university improve its recruiting and retention efforts by personalizing and automating communications, which can be done through e-mail, chat, phone, text messaging, and print. Talisma also includes functionality for advising and performance analytics.

"We decided to invest in a CRM solution to improve our admissions program and retention efforts, moving us closer to a more unified, Internet-based approach to student services and record keeping online," said Jackie Balzer, vice provost for student affairs at Portland State.

The institution evaluated many other applications, but administrators selected Talisma, according to Balzer, because they found it to be "the most comprehensive and thorough system among the many we evaluated, and they have a track record with other institutions that align to our own goals."

Initials goals of the product's installment will focus on recruiting and retention. Future phases may target the school's financial aid program and specific departments, such as the School of Extended Studies.

User training has already been scheduled on campus. The program is expected to be integrated with the university's legacy student information system, SunGard Higher Education Banner, in the 2011-2012 timeframe.

About the Author

Dian Schaffhauser is a former senior contributing editor for 1105 Media's education publications THE Journal, Campus Technology and Spaces4Learning.

Featured

  •  black graduation cap with a glowing blue AI brain circuit symbol on top

    Report: AI Is a Must for Modern Learners

    A new report from VitalSource identifies a growing demand among learners for AI tools, declaring that "AI isn't just a nice-to-have; it's a must."

  • AI-powered individual working calmly on one side and a burnt-out person slumped over a laptop on the other

    Researchers: AI's Productivity Gains Come at a Cost

    A recent academic study found that as organizations adopt AI tools, they're not just streamlining workflows — they're piling on new demands. Researchers suggested that "AI technostress" is driving burnout and disrupting personal lives, even as organizations hail productivity gains.

  • illustration of a football stadium with helmet on the left and laptop with ed tech icons on the right

    The 2025 NFL Draft and Ed Tech Selection: A Strategic Parallel

    In the fast-evolving landscape of collegiate football, the NFL, and higher education, one might not immediately draw connections between the 2025 NFL Draft and the selection of proper educational technology for a college campus. However, upon closer examination, both processes share striking similarities: a rigorous assessment of needs, long-term strategic impact, talent or tool evaluation, financial considerations, and adaptability to a dynamic future.

  • young woman using a smartphone, with digital AI and chat icons overlaid in a blurred academic setting

    Duolingo Embraces AI in Push for Scalable Learning

    Learning platform Duolingo has officially declared itself "AI-first," aiming to make learning replicable, scalable, and always available.