University of Kentucky Deploys New Tools for Student Retention Analytics

The University of Kentucky (UK) has deployed a new database solution in an effort to improve retention.

Specifically, the university is using Dell Services to help with its deployment of the SAP HANA in-memory database solution from SAP AG. UK is using the SAP HANA platform to analyze and predict student graduation likelihood, while Dell Services is providing the university with assessment, design, development, deployment, and management services.

The SAP HANA program is designed to help the university operate a student retention analytics model that identifies students who display early signs of needing help by highlighting their trouble areas. With the SAP HANA solution the university can deploy student self-service recommendation tools, review predicted graduation scores, and recommend advisor sessions to students, according to the company. The platform’s scoring model and analytics is designed to let the university share information with students and parents, among others, via opt-in notification.

Memory analytics were an especially important reason to choose the SAP HANA solution, said University of Kentucky CIO Vince Kellen in a news release, who said that
“in-memory analytics is a game-changing leap forward. With real-time data at our advisors’ fingertips and personalized, useful information in the hands of our students we will be able to help students in their academic careers. We can encourage student engagement with the university in ways that were previously not possible.”

The SAP HANA platform is designed to pull operational information from “virtually any data source” into a single environment where events and activities can be analyzed “without affecting existing applications or systems,” Dell said in a news release.

Dell has beefed up its support of SAP HANA by adding around-the-clock managed services, configuration of SAP data replication services, database migration services in support of migrating from SAP NetWeaver Business Warehouse to SAP HANA, and application development services for SAP HANA that include data integration, data modeling, statistical modeling, and performance dashboard and reporting design, the company said.

About the Author

Jim Barthold is a freelance technology reporter. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • glowing digital brain-shaped neural network surrounded by charts, graphs, and data visualizations

    Google Releases Advanced AI Model for Complex Reasoning Tasks

    Google has released Gemini 2.5 Deep Think, an advanced artificial intelligence model designed for complex reasoning tasks.

  • abstract pattern of cybersecurity, ai and cloud imagery

    OpenAI Report Identifies Malicious Use of AI in Cloud-Based Cyber Threats

    A report from OpenAI identifies the misuse of artificial intelligence in cybercrime, social engineering, and influence operations, particularly those targeting or operating through cloud infrastructure. In "Disrupting Malicious Uses of AI: June 2025," the company outlines how threat actors are weaponizing large language models for malicious ends — and how OpenAI is pushing back.

  • cybersecurity book with a shield and padlock

    NIST Proposes New Cybersecurity Guidelines for AI Systems

    The National Institute of Standards and Technology has unveiled plans to issue a new set of cybersecurity guidelines aimed at safeguarding artificial intelligence systems, citing rising concerns over risks tied to generative models, predictive analytics, and autonomous agents.

  • magnifying glass highlighting a human profile silhouette, set over a collage of framed icons including landscapes, charts, and education symbols

    AWS, DeepBrain AI Launch AI-Generated Multimedia Content Detector

    Amazon Web Services (AWS) and DeepBrain AI have introduced AI Detector, an enterprise-grade solution designed to identify and manage AI-generated content across multiple media types. The collaboration targets organizations in government, finance, media, law, and education sectors that need to validate content authenticity at scale.