In an effort to streamline and improve the study abroad application process, SMU Abroad has transitioned to a new web-based platform, Via TRM. This platform promises an intuitive, user-friendly experience for both students and faculty, replacing the outdated system that has been in place for years.
Why the Switch?
According to Christie Pearson, Director of the SMU Abroad program, the previous system had become more of a burden than a help. “The software itself just didn’t do a great job of keeping up with the times and required a lot of personnel manipulation to move students through the application process,” Pearson explained. This older system was not intuitive, which often left users struggling to navigate it.
The transition to Via TRM was driven by the need for a more modern, responsive system that could handle the growing number of students participating in study abroad programs at SMU. In fact, Pearson noted that last year alone, the program grew by 11%, with nearly 700 students participating. “We really felt a newer system that was more user-friendly would enable the students to do things like favorite a program or open an application themselves,” she added.
A Better Experience for Students and Faculty
Via TRM has significantly improved the user experience for both students and faculty. “This system is much easier for students from the user perspective, and it’s fairly intuitive for faculty as well,” Pearson said. One major improvement is that faculty no longer need to switch between different user views to manage applications. “In the new system, the views are combined, so the faculty member doesn’t have to switch back and forth. They have a singular view where they can see the application and provide feedback,” Pearson explained.
Another feature of Via TRM is its integration with SMU’s existing systems, like my.SMU. Jorge Cruz, who assisted with the technical aspects of the implementation, highlighted the improvement in data flow between systems. “We set it up so that it runs every 15 minutes, providing closer to real-time data updates,” he said. “In addition, we were able to include critical information such as GPA and student standing, that could not be provided to the old system. Sunsharae Thierry, from Data and Application Services, my.SMU Campus Solutions Support, proved invaluable in identifying how to retrieve that information.” This enhanced data set has reduced the manual work needed to track student progress within the Via TRM platform.
A Tool for Every Stage
While Via TRM serves primarily as a recruiting and application tool, it also assists students during their time abroad. “There are features in it for students who are currently abroad to make sure they have resources like health and safety information or enrollment information,” Pearson said. Additionally, the system provides information for returning students and helps guide them through their post-study abroad experience.
Looking Forward
The SMU Abroad team is excited about the potential for continued growth and improvement with Via TRM. “We really feel like the system facilitates us trying to better help students and get more students to have a great experience abroad,” Pearson noted. With plans to feature Via TRM prominently in upcoming newsletters, SMU is committed to making the study abroad process as smooth and rewarding as possible for its students.
