Why CIOs should prioritize Consent Management in Higher Education technology modernization

Higher Education Chief Information Officers (CIOs) are continuously tasked with upgrading their institution’s technological infrastructure to better serve the needs of students, faculty, and staff. According to a 2023 Gartner report, a significant driver for these upgrades is the enhancement of the customer experience, with 65% of higher education leaders citing it as a primary reason for modernization. Equally compelling is the focus on improving security and reducing risks, as highlighted by 43% of respondents concerned about the vulnerabilities of legacy systems. 

The role of consent management in modern systems

As educational institutions increasingly rely on digital solutions to streamline operations and improve engagements, the importance of integrating consent and preference management systems cannot be understated. These systems are not merely add-ons but foundational elements that enhance security, trust, and compliance in a digital-first world. 

Enhancing trust and security

With cyber threats looming large – the average cost to remediate a ransomware attack in higher education exceeds $1 million according to the Sophos State of Ransomware in Education 2023 report – securing sensitive data becomes paramount. Consent and preference management platforms ensure that personal data is not only collected and stored securely but also managed in a way that respects user privacy and adheres to stringent data protection laws like GDPR and CCPA. This proactive approach to data security not only mitigates risk but also significantly enhances institutional credibility and trustworthiness. 

Personalizing the user experience

The Gartner report also indicates that institutions are increasingly looking to replace outdated SIS and CRM systems, to meet current and future needs. A consent and preference management platform will support a university by enabling institutions to tailor interactions based on individual data privacy preferences. This capability is essential for creating personalized experiences that can improve engagement and satisfaction across all touchpoints within the institution. 

Supporting compliance and avoiding penalties

With regulations around data privacy tightening globally, non-compliance can result in hefty fines and damage to an institution’s reputation. Consent and preference management platforms provide a clear framework for users to manage their data preferences and for institutions to comply with legal requirements. This will not only help avoid legal pitfalls but also position institutions as responsible controllers of user data. 

Driving institutional modernization

Modernizing core systems in higher education is not just about upgrading technical capabilities but also aligning these systems with broader institutional goals of inclusivity, accessibility, and responsiveness. Consent and preference management systems are critical in this regard, as they provide the mechanisms needed to engage with the digital-native student population effectively. As per Gartner’s findings, nearly a third of CIOs have prioritized upgrading their CRM and analytics systems, which underscores the growing need for systems that can handle complex data preferences and consent dynamics efficiently. 

Prioritizing Consent and Preference Management in Higher Education

For CIOs in higher education, making consent and preference management a top priority in technology modernization plans is not just a strategic decision – it’s a necessary evolution. As institutions seek to modernize their core systems, integrating a sophisticated consent management platform will be crucial in balancing the twin imperatives of enhancing user experience and ensuring robust data protection. By prioritizing these systems, CIOs not only future-proof their institutions against evolving cyber threats and regulatory landscapes but also elevate the overall educational experience by respecting and protecting the very individuals they serve.