Request No. | 2016-05 |
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Date of Request | 1.20.16 |
Requester | Sierra College Julia Arreguy |
Application(s) | Account |
Section / Page | Account |
Steering Approval Status | Approved/Deferred |
Steering Hearing Date | 5.11.16 |
Proposed Change to Download File | TBD |
Proposed Change to Residency Logic | N/A |
Problem / Issue
The problem is that students are not opting in to authorize Text Messaging in OpenCCC Account. Colleges are reporting low opt-in rates (1% in some cases). Looking for a way to increase this authorization rate and start utilizing text messaging for primary messaging for students.
Proposed Solution
Proposed solutions for this issue have ranged from: Auto-populating the "Authorized Text Message" opt-in checkbox on the telephone fields in Account; to 2) redesign the phone number fields to include a drop down menu to show response options (to identify the 'type" of phone number). If phone number type is "mobile phone" then auto-pop the "I authorize text message" box and create pop-up validation to confirm authorization to text message "include all text messaging rates apply).
The objective of Steering is to minimize development effort on this for current version of Apply (enhance requirements in 3.0 (UI and process in 3.0.
Patty to work up technical estimates and return to Steering at June meeting for final approval.
Notes
This is a temporary solution to this issue. A more efficient, effective process should be developed for CCCApply 3.0.
Requirements Summary
# | Description | Notes |
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In the Main Phone and Second Phone fields - in Account - if either of the fields are NOT EMPTY -then do the following:
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Research & Supporting Documentation
How to Become and Stay Compliant When Using Text Messages to Communicate with Students
Why Text Messaging?
First and foremost, a 2014 Harris Poll indicated that 85% of students preferred to communicate via text message when dealing with customer service professionals. Plus, utilizing an SMS (Short Message Service) gives you the ability to keep your faculty and student body informed of events, news, specials deals, etc., happening on or around campus.
If you do choose to go the text messaging route (which we highly suggest), it’s important that you are, and stay compliant with the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
We know that one of the biggest reasons colleges and universities shy away from using text messaging is because they are afraid of violating federal rules and regulations. After all, those who violate the TCPA and/or FERPA can end up paying out over $10,000 per infraction, and even lose federal funding.
However, if you choose to work with an SMS company that is aware of, and stays up-to-date with the FCC’s regulations, you will have little to worry about. For example, if you didn’t know, it is required that you receive an “e-signature” from a student to communicate with him or her, as well as market to the student in the future. In fact, Eric Kades, our company’s founder, personally reached out to Department of Education for clarification on this and discovered that this is indeed the case. No ifs, ands, or buts!
When it all comes down to it, you shouldn’t be afraid to consider text messaging as a form of communication with students, alumni, and the faculty at your college or university. Some institutions have already gone this route, and are even seeing many rewards from doing so. In all, if you truly wish to maintain your competitive edge, it’s time to reach out to us to talk about our text messaging service.
To learn more about the federal rules and regulations regarding text message marketing and communication, do not hesitate to reach out to us here at JetSpring.
# | Description | Link |
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1 | Telephone Consumer Protection Act 47 U.S.C. § 227 | |