The Key to Student Success: Enhancing Campus Technology for Higher Education

The Growing Need for Improved Campus Technology

A recent survey by Inside Higher Ed and Collegis Education has uncovered a significant issue impacting colleges and universities: students are increasingly dissatisfied with their campus technology. For IT leaders in higher education, this is a wake-up call. Out of 450 surveyed students, many reported that subpar technology — ranging from slow Wi-Fi and outdated software to insufficient IT support — disrupted their learning experience, causing frustration that could impact enrollment and retention.

Survey Findings: Tech Frustrations Impact Learning

The survey revealed that many students expect campus technology to function like the consumer tech they use in their daily lives, and unfortunately, many schools are not meeting these expectations. Key findings include:

 • Website Challenges: Over 25 percent of students experienced issues with their school’s website during the research and application process, a critical first touchpoint that can shape perceptions.
 • Learning Disruptions: 70 percent of in-person and 79 percent of online students frequently faced delays, outages, and slow connection speeds in online learning platforms, leading to academic disruptions.
 • Outdated Technology: Digital poverty, outdated devices, and insufficient IT support further disrupted learning for more than half of the students surveyed.

These issues aren’t just inconveniences. They can impact a student’s decision to remain at an institution or complete their degree. As one student noted, the lack of investment in technology made them second guess their degree choice, while 40 percent of respondents said frustration with technology could cause them to leave their school entirely.

BlackHawk Data's Solutions for Higher Education

At BlackHawk Data, we believe that technology is a powerful asset that can transform the learning experience. We provide IT solutions that address the exact pain points highlighted in the survey, empowering colleges to deliver better services, support, and infrastructure for students. Here’s how we can help:

1. Optimized Campus Networks

Slow connection speeds and frequent outages are major pain points for students. BlackHawk Data offers complete network design and optimization, ensuring campuses have the infrastructure needed to support the digital demands of today’s students. Our solutions include:

 • Wi-Fi upgrades to cover campus-wide areas, including social spaces and dorms.
 • Private LTE/5G networks to ensure fast, secure, and reliable access to learning materials and personal use.
 • Bandwidth management to handle high volumes of student traffic.

With reliable internet access, students can engage in online learning without interruptions, ensuring their academic success isn’t hindered by technical limitations.

2. Managed IT Services & Support

More than half of the students in the survey cited lack of IT support as a significant disruption to their learning. BlackHawk Data’s Managed IT Services ensure that colleges and universities have 24/7 support for both students and staff. Our offerings include:

 • Help desk services to address tech issues promptly, minimizing downtime for students.
 • AI-powered solutions like chatbots for streamlined support.
 • Outsourced IT support to fill in any gaps and reduce the workload on in-house teams.

This ensures that institutions can provide consistent, dependable tech support without overburdening internal resources.

3. Modern Hardware & Software Solutions

Outdated hardware and software can frustrate students and lead to lost productivity. BlackHawk Data partners with leading manufacturers like Cisco, Palo Alto, and Fortinet to provide cutting-edge technology solutions. We offer:

 • Hardware upgrades for devices and servers that power online learning and administrative functions.
 • Software solutions to improve online learning platforms and ensure they are user-friendly, fast, and reliable.
 • Cybersecurity measures to protect both student and institutional data from breaches.

By keeping campus technology up to date, schools can provide a seamless digital experience that mirrors the expectations students have from their consumer tech.

4. User-Friendly Websites

As the first point of contact for many prospective students, school websites play a vital role in shaping a student’s decision to apply. We optimize school websites for speed, accessibility, and ease of use, ensuring students can navigate key information without technical challenges. Whether it’s simplifying the application process or improving the layout of learning portals, we help institutions put their best foot forward digitally.

The Future of Campus Technology

As noted in the survey report, campus technology has become central to every aspect of the student experience, from admissions to online learning platforms. Institutions that treat technology as a utility instead of an asset risk falling behind.

At BlackHawk Data, we take a strategic approach to ensure that our education clients are equipped to meet the demands of modern students. Our goal is not just to solve today’s technology problems but to future-proof campuses for years to come. Whether through Managed IT Services, network optimization, or hardware upgrades, we’re committed to helping colleges deliver the best digital experience for their students.

Empowering Students with Better Technology

The results of the Inside Higher Ed survey highlight an important truth: when campus technology fails, it impacts every part of a student’s educational experience. With BlackHawk Data as your IT partner, your institution can provide the seamless, reliable, and secure technology that students expect — improving not only their academic success but also their perception of your school.

As an IT provider and value-added reseller, BlackHawk Data understands these challenges. We have a long history of partnering with educational institutions to build, optimize, and maintain technology systems that ensure a seamless experience for both students and faculty. Our managed services and technology solutions are designed to address the issues uncovered by this survey, ultimately improving both academic performance and student satisfaction.

If your institution is ready to invest in better technology and elevate the student experience, contact BlackHawk Data today. Let us help you create a campus environment where technology enhances learning, not disrupts it.