Throughout this time, Thus will assign additional staff support and create a single point of contact for each of its clients in order to ensure that it can respond efficiently to any issues which may arise and ensure they are quickly resolved. In addition, there will be heightened pro-active monitoring of the client’s networks and any faults that do arise will be designated as ‘critical’ during Clearing which will result in shortened escalation and fix-times.
Thus is aware that Clearing is important both academically and commercially for its education customers. Clearing, where students who have been unsuccessful in gaining entry to their chosen course at university and seek alternatives, is a critical and demanding period which generates commercial and competitive pressures. It has been estimated that one missed call to a University’s clearing team could cost the institution up to £12,000 in missed fees, a sum that many cannot afford to lose out on if they are to ensure the ongoing viability of courses, departments and ultimately, the institution itself.
Shaun Buffery, Head of Infrastructure Services at Birmingham City University said; "Effective communication is the key to easing the stress of Clearing for all concerned. It is critical that prospective students are able to contact universities and colleges and we have to be able to contact them. Having a secure and reliable network, backed-up by an enhanced package of support, enables us to get on with the task of filling places on our courses and ensuring that young people get the educational opportunities they deserve.”
Kenny Nicholl, Education Client Director at Thus plc said: “We have a strong, track-record in the education sector, consistently delivering solutions that exactly meet our customers’ needs. During Clearing, the reliability of our networks and the enhanced levels of support and responsiveness we have put in place, will enable our customers to focus on their core objective, matching students with appropriate university places.”