In the past few months, we’ve had a number of higher education providers and partners ask about the newest channel in student engagement, Rich Communications Services (RCS). If you're new to this game-changing channel, Pendula has you covered. RCS is transforming how institutions connect with students, adding a splash of colour to the traditional SMS with features straight out of your favourite messaging apps.
In this article, we'll explore what RCS is, why it's a must-have for higher education institutions, and how it can elevate your student engagement game. So, join us on this adventure as we uncover the magic of RCS and how it can help students not just survive, but thrive in their academic journey!
What is RCS?
RCS, or Rich Communication Services, is a communication protocol designed to enhance traditional SMS (Short Message Service) messaging. It allows institutions to send messages that can include images, videos, audio, and other rich media, as well as features like read receipts, typing indicators, and group chats.
RCS provides a more interactive and engaging messaging experience, similar to what you find in popular messaging apps like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger. It works over data networks (like 4G or Wi-Fi) rather than relying solely on cellular SMS, which means you can send messages without incurring SMS fees if you're using a data plan.
Overall, it represents an evolution in mobile messaging, making it more feature-rich and versatile.
Why does RCS matter to higher education institutions?
Rich Communication Services (RCS) is becoming essential for higher education institutions, offering unique advantages from bolstered engagement to enhanced security. Let’s delve into the many ways RCS can elevate your university’s connection with students.
Brand Engagement: Universities can harness RCS for both marketing and outreach, sending personalised messages and promotions which supercharge student recruitment and retention. With two-way communication branded with your university's identity—gone are the days of generic 04 numbers—you swiftly build trust and minimise the risks of spoofing or hacking.
Accessibility: As students increasingly ditch traditional email—flooded by spam—and ignore phone calls, RCS steps in by providing a user-friendly platform perfect for the digital age. It meets students where they feel most comfortable, in a familiar, engaging environment.
Better Security: RCS is a step up from traditional SMS, potentially offering end-to-end encryption, depending on the implementation. This enhances the security of your communications, giving both universities and students peace of mind that their interactions are well protected.
Rich Media Support: Forget plain text; RCS enables you to spice up your messages with images, videos, and audio files. This rich media capability transforms ordinary conversations into lively interactions that capture attention and foster deeper engagement.
Enhanced Features: With RCS, you can enjoy modern messaging perks like read receipts, typing indicators, and delivery confirmations. These features keep interactions transparent and lively, akin to what you’d find on popular messaging apps.
Better Deliverability: Say goodbye to the abyss of spam filters. RCS ensures that your targeted outreach actually reaches students, cutting through the digital noise with ease and precision.
Data-Driven Insights: RCS empowers universities with analytics to track and understand student engagement. Use this data to finely tune your communication strategies and enhance the overall student experience. Furthermore, with rising compliance standards, RCS provides accurate records of message attempts and deliverability.
By leveraging RCS, higher education support services can foster robust engagement, elevate communication standards, and utilise improved insights to effectively retain students.
Unlock the power of RCS and transform your student engagement
Pendula's Student Success Platform is your new best mate, natively integrating RCS to revolutionise communication at every crucial point of the student journey. Our team currently powers student engagement for some of the biggest institutions including University of London, University of Sydney, Monash Online, MCI Institute, and University of New South Wales. With Pendula's cutting-edge support, ensure students feel seen, heard, and valued, all while fostering their wellbeing.
Reach out today for a custom demo on how Pendula can help drive stronger student engagement.
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