On June 7th, BCcampus will be facilitating a one-day forum of presentations and discussions on online BC student service tools and needs at BC’s post-secondary institutions.

The purpose of this forum is to share knowledge and identify possible initiatives that could result in better support services for students over the coming years. Participants will have the opportunity to describe their visions for future potential services.

The participants have been invited by three principal groups: the BC Council of Senior Student Affairs Leaders, BC Registrars Association, and the Higher Education Information Technology BC association. In addition, BCcampus has invited participants from the Ministry of Advanced Education and sister system agencies.

Many students today are digital natives and when help is needed they whip out their iPhone, iPad, Galaxy, Blackberry or other wireless device. Services need to be always accessible and quick. If it has an “app”, students will get it and use it. What essential services are appropriate for online delivery? Can students use social media in conjunction with existing services? Would they want to?

Online student services can be developed to do more than simply try to replicate an existing in-person service. Changing student communities, social interactions, expectations, technology and desire for more open data access make this a compelling topic. A panel of students will provide an opportunity for everyone to hear directly what students’ needs are.

The opening keynoter will be Kevin Jardine from the Ministry of Labour, Citizens Services and Open Government. Kevin is the Assistant Deputy Minister responsible for Business and Workforce Transformation, and he will speak about engaging students in online services.

There will also be a series of snappy (Pecha Kucha) presentations on a number student service-related initiatives and trends from a number of institutional presenters.

A summary will be written and shared.