Navigating Clearing: The Crucial Role of IT Infrastructure in Universities

Clearing is a pivotal moment for both universities and students. For students, it’s a time of decision-making - whether confirming offers, exploring new opportunities after unexpectedly strong results, or seeking a place after lower-than-expected outcomes. For universities, it’s the final push to fill courses before the academic year begins.

As the Clearing period approaches, universities prepare intensively. The week leading up to Clearing offers the first insights into admissions outcomes, setting the stage for a surge in student inquiries, applications, and digital engagement. During this time, robust, flexible, and scalable IT systems are essential. These systems must be fully tested and reliable, as they form the backbone of a successful Clearing process.

The ability of IT infrastructure to adapt swiftly and efficiently during Clearing is crucial. Effective communication channels ensure students receive timely updates and support, making their experience smoother and aiding in their decision-making. The demand for university services fluctuates throughout the year due to factors like applicant numbers and course popularity. An IT infrastructure that seamlessly manages these changes is key to maintaining a high level of service. The financial implications of not filling courses during Clearing underscore the importance of investing in the right technology, expertise, and support.

Universities are particularly focused on the user experience, especially for applicants. For many students, Clearing might be their first interaction with a university, making it essential to provide a seamless and stress-free digital experience. A poor experience at this stage can leave a lasting negative impression, so universities are keen to welcome and celebrate the success of accepted students. As digital technology continues to evolve, universities must support existing platforms, social media, and adapt to emerging digital channels during Clearing, ensuring that these platforms are intuitive and user-friendly.

The demands don’t end with the initial surge; they continue until freshers arrive on campus and teaching begins. The Clearing process also sets the tone for the next admissions cycle, with planning for the following year beginning almost immediately. To navigate this intense period successfully, universities must ensure their IT teams are adequately resourced and supported, not just during Clearing, but in the months that follow.

At ITGL, we pride ourselves on partnering with clients to navigate the complexities of Clearing. We offer managed services tailored to meet the demands of this crucial period and continue our support throughout the academic year. We understand the vital role IT infrastructure plays during Clearing and emphasise the importance of preparation, agility, scalability, and a student-centred approach. Over the past three months, we’ve worked closely with universities across the UK, preparing for Clearing and ensuring that everything is in place for success. During this business-critical period, where risk increases, we also provide comprehensive confidential cyber security monitoring services to safeguard our clients’ systems. Our proactive approach ensures their operations remain secure and resilient when it matters most.

Our commitment goes beyond just providing services - we dispatch our top specialists for direct, on-site support during these critical days. For instance, our senior engineers Elena Pudge and Luke Maxwell have been assisting at the University of Portsmouth and Brunel University London. They bring not just expertise, but a genuine dedication to helping both students and staff navigate this important time.

This hands-on involvement has led to significant positive outcomes. Some of our clients have shared their experiences working with us during Clearing, highlighting the impact of our support.

 

“ITGL’s team excelled in capacity testing, failover scenarios, and user testing, ensuring our systems were robust and reliable. The training materials and script adjustments they developed were invaluable. ITGL’s on-site support, including real-time monitoring and ad-hoc assistance, ensured smooth operations, allowing us to focus on our core activities without any disruptions. Their proactive approach meant that this year, we experienced no significant issues, a testament to their meticulous preparation and expertise.” - Jeanette Connelly, Principal Network Specialist, University of Portsmouth.

“After a 5th successful year supported by ITGL in clearing, excellent planning expertise and on-site help when it really matters.” - Daniel Reeves, Unified Communication Manager, Brunel University London

 

As the 2024 Clearing process continues, it’s never too early to start planning for next year. The insights gained during this period are invaluable for future improvements. Whether it’s enhancing contact centres and omnichannel solutions, improving cyber resilience, or planning for a cloud migration, ITGL is here to help.