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Unleashing the Power of empower™ at Southeastern Louisiana University

February 7, 2024 — by Ron Abel

Explore how Southeastern Louisiana University’s Upward Bound programs evolved with empower™, seamlessly integrating to streamline operations and empower staff.

At Southeastern Louisiana University, we run three classic Upward Bound and two Upward Bound Math-Science programs currently and have received Federal TRIO grants since 1987. As the program director since 1999, I’ve witnessed our evolution from a homegrown system to the dynamic world of empower™. 

After years of successfully managing our data through a homegrown system tracked with FileMaker, we reached a crucial decision three years ago. Faced with the impending retirement of our team, we sought a solution that would not burden our staff with the complexities of maintaining a homegrown program. Enter empower™. 

When faced with challenges or uncertainties in empower™, the support team at COE has been exceptional. Quick responses, immediate issue resolution, and a robust tiering system for data entry availability make empower™ not just a tool but a supportive partner in our program.

Ron Abel

empower™ proved the ideal choice, seamlessly integrating into our workflow and easing the transition from traditional paper applications. The challenges of the COVID-19 era highlighted the need for a versatile system and empower™ exceeded our expectations. No more massaging data or extensive corrections – empower™ allows us to input accurate data in one go. 

Unlike our previous system, empower™ liberates us from limitations. Whether it’s tracking institutions of interest or recording testing details, empower™ accommodates our needs without imposing restrictions. 

Change is intimidating, especially when transitioning from a familiar system. empower™’s gradual implementation eased our team into the new platform, transforming initial resistance into comfort. The increased availability of information and reduced reliance on physical files have streamlined our operations. 

I was immediately drawn to the elegance of empower™’s interface. Its simplicity and ease of understanding make it a valuable asset for our team. While training from the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) is available, the self-explanatory menu system ensures that even non-technical staff can quickly adapt. 

empower™ offers more than just accurate APR recording. We appreciate its simple techniques for batch-filling and quick data entry, providing convenience and efficiency. The ability to customize views, whether it’s an Excel-style screen or a student-by-student breakdown, gives us unparalleled flexibility. 

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empower™’s individual student services tracking goes beyond grades and testing, providing insights into financial aid, application status, and other crucial data. Recording notes about our students is now a breeze, ensuring that every counseling session and important detail is documented. 

When faced with challenges or uncertainties in empower™, the support team at COE has been exceptional. Quick responses, immediate issue resolution, and a robust tiering system for data entry availability make empower™ not just a tool but a supportive partner in our program. 

empower™’s availability on various devices ensures that our team can work remotely without compromising data integrity. The tiered data entry system prevents accidental damage, providing peace of mind as we continue our operations. 

empower™ isn’t just a software – it’s an extension of the TRIO community. Networking with fellow TRIO personnel who have embraced empower™ provides invaluable insights and support, creating a collaborative environment for success. 

One of empower™’s standout features is that it’s written by the experts at COE who truly understand the TRIO programs. This advantage not only ensures a smooth present transition but also positions us strategically for future success. 

In conclusion, empower™ has become an indispensable asset in our journey toward educational excellence. To those contemplating a change from a familiar system, don’t hesitate to explore empower™. Schedule a demo with the knowledgeable staff at COE, gain the knowledge, and let empower™ transform your program. 

Change may be daunting, but with empower™, it’s a journey worth taking. 

Here’s to empower™-ing education, one student at a time! 

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