#United States #Manchester #Online Learning #InScribe Education #Southern New Hampshire University

InScribe Education Collaborates with SNHU to Enhance Online Student Community Connection

In a groundbreaking partnership, InScribe Education and Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) are set to revolutionize the online learning experience by improving student engagement and community building. This collaboration seeks to leverage InScribe’s innovative digital community platform to foster a sense of belonging among SNHU's approximately 200,000 online learners. As one of the leading institutions in online education, SNHU has long been dedicated to enhancing the academic journey of its students, and this partnership is a significant step toward achieving that goal.

Addressing the Challenge of Isolation in Online Learning

Online education, while offering unprecedented flexibility, often lacks the personal connections found in traditional campus settings. Many online learners report feelings of isolation, which can adversely affect their academic performance and overall well-being. Recognizing this challenge, InScribe provides a solution by creating student-led, scalable digital communities tailored to the unique needs of each institution. This approach ensures that students can not only participate in their courses but also form authentic relationships with their peers and instructors.

Meagan LaMarca, Dean of Students at SNHU, emphasized the university's commitment to fostering a vibrant community, regardless of location. She remarked, "Our new online community platform through InScribe provides more opportunities for our online learners to get involved, strengthen connections with peers, instructors, and dedicated support staff, and feel a true sense of belonging that can help keep them on track to reach their academic goals."

Innovative Features of the New Platform

The InScribe platform was rolled out to SNHU’s online learners with an initial focus on student clubs, affinity groups, and academic communities. These interest-based and academic spaces offer always-on digital environments for students to connect and collaborate outside of traditional classroom constraints. The platform seamlessly integrates with SNHU's D2L Brightspace learning management system, providing students with flexible access through a mobile app and the student portal.

Since launching in April, the platform has already seen remarkable growth. Recent statistics indicate:

• - A 65% increase in platform usage month-over-month, reflecting a growing demand for these connection opportunities.
• - Tens of thousands of students have participated actively, with over 30% engaging in conversations instead of merely observing.
• - Nearly 80% of users indicated that the platform is easy to navigate.

Feedback from students has been overwhelmingly positive, with many reporting a heightened sense of community and connection at SNHU. The success of the platform can be attributed to InScribe’s strategic support, including tailored implementation strategies that align with institutional goals and evolving student needs.

A Commitment to Continuous Improvement

InScribe doesn't just provide technology; it acts as a strategic partner for SNHU, assisting in the phased rollout of the platform to ensure that it effectively meets the institution's objectives. Katy Kappler, Co-Founder and CEO of InScribe Education, stated, "True engagement doesn't happen by chance. It requires thoughtful design, intentional strategy, and the right tools. We’re proud to support SNHU as they build a more connected, data-informed, and equitable student experience."

The platform is designed to be adaptable, growing alongside the institution to include diverse social, affinity-based, and academic communities. SNHU anticipates extending access to its campus students later in the academic year, creating a unified digital ecosystem that supports all learners from orientation through graduation. The long-term vision centers on delivering an inclusive and sustainable experience that promotes persistence, belonging, and student success at every educational stage.

Conclusion: A Path Forward for Online Education

InScribe Education and SNHU’s partnership marks a significant advancement in addressing the critical need for community among online learners. By harnessing technology to enhance connectivity and engagement, this collaboration sets a new standard in the realm of online education. For institutions seeking to replicate SNHU’s success, InScribe offers insight into creating scalable, student-centered strategies that foster belonging and improve academic outcomes. Interested parties are encouraged to visit InScribe’s website to learn more or initiate a conversation about building engaged communities at their institutions.

About SNHU

Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit, accredited college with a 92-year legacy in education. With more than 200,000 students worldwide, SNHU offers around 200 programs, both online and on-campus, emphasizing access and affordability.

About InScribe

InScribe is a digital support platform that connects students to the resources and individuals necessary for academic success. By enabling peer-to-peer and student-to-expert collaboration, InScribe enhances engagement, satisfaction, and retention in higher education contexts.