Student retention is increasingly becoming a concern for educational institutions around the world. Whether it’s a university facing high dropout rates or a secondary school working to keep students engaged, the reality is the same: keeping students enrolled and helping them achieve academic success is more than just a calendar year goal – it is essential.
And at the heart of this challenge is a common question: How can these institutions provide better support to students during their academic experience?
But first, let’s look at some numbers:
Understanding the Retention Problem
- College dropout rates indicate that 39% of first-time, full-time bachelor’s degree-seeking students do not complete their degree program within eight years. *
- In Sub-Saharan Africa, only 6% of young people are enrolled in tertiary education, and dropout rates remain high due to administrative, financial, and academic barriers. *
Across both developed and developing contexts, institutions report that student disengagement, poor communication, lack of academic tracking, and limited support services are major contributors to dropout. While the causes are complex, there’s a pattern: many of these challenges are data and process related.
Where Traditional Systems Fall Short
Many institutions still rely on outdated processes or fragmented systems to manage student data: manual records, spreadsheets, and disconnected platforms. This makes it difficult to:
- Track at-risk students in real time
- Communicate proactively with students and guardians
- Understand patterns in academic performance or engagement
- Provide timely interventions or support
These gaps don’t just frustrate administrators, they also affect students, especially those who may already be vulnerable. So back to the question: how can educational institutions provide better support and academic experience to students?
One potential solution lies in technology, specifically, an effectively designed Student Information System (SIS).
What’s a Student Information System (SIS)?
A Student Information System is a digital platform that schools and universities use to store and manage all student-related information. At its best, it’s a centralized hub that supports the full student lifecycle—from admission and enrollment to graduation and alumni engagement.
So, how does an SIS enhance student retention and academic success?
1. Early Identification of At-Risk Students
With an SIS, schools can automate academic tracking, attendance, and behavioral indicators. This real-time data allows educators to:
- Spot warning signs early (e.g., repeated absences, slipping grades)
- Trigger alerts for academic advisors or counselors
- Tailor interventions for students who need help before it’s too late
Pro Tip: Set up academic dashboards that color-code student risk levels for fast administrative response.
2. Improved Communication and Engagement
Students often disengage when they feel unseen or unsupported.
An SIS enables:
- Instant messaging between students, parents, and staff
- Automated reminders for assignments, fees, and registration deadlines
- Transparent access to grades, feedback, and progress reports
This creates a sense of accountability and connection, two key drivers of retention.
3. Personalized Academic Pathways
Modern SIS platforms can track student performance over time and offer academic planning tools. Institutions can:
- Recommend courses based on strengths and gaps
- Support individualized learning plans
- Offer targeted resources like tutoring or peer mentoring
When students feel their unique paths are supported, they’re more likely to stay the course.
4. Data-Driven Decision Making
From department heads to deans, educators can access dashboards and analytics that reveal:
- Trends in dropout rates
- Courses with high failure rates
- Departments or programs where interventions are most needed
What this does is that, instead of reacting to problems, schools can proactively shape strategies to improve outcomes.
5. Streamlined Administrative Processes
Students don’t drop out only because of academics. Bureaucratic delays, missed deadlines, and poor user experience can also drive attrition.
An SIS reduces friction by:
- Automating registration, fee payments, and course selection
- Offering mobile-friendly access for tech-savvy students
- Providing self-service tools that empower students to manage their journey
Tips for SIS Implementation
Implementing an SIS is not just a tech decision—it’s a student success strategy. Here are a few best practices:
- Start with stakeholder buy-in. Include academic staff, IT, and even students in the planning process.
- Choose a scalable system. Ensure your SIS can grow with your institution and integrate with other tools (e.g., LMS, financial systems).
- Train your staff. A system is only as effective as its users. Ongoing support and training are key.
- Focus on outcomes. Set clear goals for what success looks like—whether that’s reducing dropout by 10% or improving average GPA.
The Big Picture
Student success must be intentional, which is why educators can no longer afford to operate with blind spots when it comes to student data. A Student Information System doesn’t just help manage information—it empowers institutions to take timely, meaningful action. It puts the student at the center of every decision.
And that’s how we move from just retaining students to truly helping them succeed.
Let’s continue the conversation.
What’s one way your school is using technology to support student success?
If you’re exploring smarter ways to improve student retention, streamline processes, and drive better outcomes, it might be time to meet Enroli SIS — the Student Information System built for modern education.
Discover how Enroli can transform your student journey from admission to graduation.
Visit www.vigilearn.com/free-trial/ to book a demo today.
Sub-Saharan Africa: Tertiary Education, The Docs World Bank, December 2020
