CampusConnect Virtual Conference 2024: Highlights & Innovations

For the fourth consecutive year, CampusConnect succeeded in bringing customers and Nelnet associates together virtually to partner in higher education success. This virtual conference has grown every year since 2021, and 2024 didn’t disappoint. Almost 1,000 attendees came together to learn collaborate and explore the future of higher education payments.  

Hosted by Nelnet Campus Commerce, the event featured customer-led sessions, best practice sharing, and interactive discussions that helped attendees connect and engage with the most pressing challenges in the industry. 

 Throughout the two-and-a-half-day conference, 30 sessions occurred and over 1,000 live chats via the Whova platform, facilitating rich conversations between institutions on how to utilize Nelnet solutions and optimize campus efficiencies. This vibrant exchange of ideas demonstrated the strong sense of community among Nelnet customers, with many sharing how they’ve streamlined payment processes, improved student experiences, and adopted new technologies. 

Welcoming Remarks and Vision for the Future 

The event kicked off with an inspiring keynote from the President of Nelnet Campus Commerce, Jackie Strohbehn, introducing Project Horizon, the next evolution of Nelnet Campus Commerce from engagement to product to support. “Our commitment to improving the student, family and Authorized Payer experiences is stronger than ever. We’re here to help institutions stay ahead of evolving student needs, and invest in creating new solutions that make life easier for both students and administrators,” Jackie said.  

 AI, a topic on everyone’s mind, was discussed on Wednesday in our keynote session. Toshi Anders Hoo, Director of emerging Media Lab at Institute for the Future, discussed how generative AI is poised to be the most transformative and disruptive technologies present today. Institutions need to be future-ready, meaning higher education needs to have the ability anticipate systemic shifts (such as AI transformation), understand the potential impacts, envision desirable futures, and engage in actions to shape preferred outcomes. 

Nelnet’s Solutions and Customer-led Best Practices 

Several sessions focused on Nelnet’s future product enhancements and new solutions. These included features designed to help bursars, finance officers, and administrators streamline processes and improve financial management on their campuses. 

 In particular, the session on “The Road Ahead: What’s Next for Nelnet Products” was a major highlight, with the Director of Product, Brittany Hubbard, unveiling the roadmap to a new suite of tools for institutions. “Our goal is to provide students an intuitive way to understand their payment options, and administrators a flexible suite of solutions that match their needs.”, said Brittany. 

One of the standout features of CampusConnect is the opportunity for Nelnet customers to share their successes. This year, multiple institutions took the virtual stage to discuss how they’ve used Nelnet solutions to enhance their operations. From improving student engagement to implementing automated payment systems, the insights were invaluable. 

A breakout session titled “Best Practices for A/R Collections”, facilitated by Dawn Cordray, Assistant University  Bursar for Collections of Indiana University, and Daniel Pelayo, Associate Director of Accounts Receivable Operations and Student Loans and Collections of the University of Illinois System, drew substantial attention, showcasing how institutions can tailor communication and payment options to meet the needs of enrolled, unenrolled and past-due students, ensuring each group receives appropriate and timely information to maintain account health. 

Interactive Chats and Networking 

Attendees were active throughout the event, with over 1,000 messages exchanged in Whova’s chat feature. These conversations allowed participants to ask questions, share insights, and build meaningful connections. From payment plan customization tips to advice on navigating compliance, the networking opportunities were plentiful and varied. 

CampusConnect Winners 

During the conference, we kept the excitement going with our attendees. One area of engagement was an annual survey in which customers had the chance to secure a $5,000 donation for their institution! We’re happy to congratulate Candy R. with the University of Notre Dame, as 2025 the $5,000 donation winner. An engagement leaderboard kept track of attendee chats, reactions and attendance to form a competition for the most engaged customer.

Congratulations to the top three most active attendees: 

1. Deanna S. with Southeast Health College of Nursing and Health Sciences 
2. Katherine M. with National Park College 
3. Anita E. with Santa Fe College 

Thank You to our Sponsors 

We would like to extend our gratitude to our conference sponsors for their invaluable partnership and unwavering support in making our virtual event a success. Our sponsors include: 

• Convera 
• GradGuard 
• Next Gen Web Solutions 
• TS1098-T powered by Tab S 

The Quad Introduction 

CampusConnect was the perfect time for Nelnet to launch The Nelnet Quad, an online community designed for Higher-Ed professionals to connect, learn, and share ideas. In The Quad, Nelnet customers can engage with each other to discuss industry trends, solutions, as well as provide product feedback and engage with roadmaps. This highly-interactive platform provides connections and feedback to ensure customers succeed together. 

Nelnet customers log into The Quad through HubHelp, ensuring a single sign-on process, and that all customers have access to The Quad. 

Looking Ahead 

CampusConnect 2024 proved that the future of higher education is collaborative, dynamic, and fueled by technology. The conference not only showcased Nelnet’s leadership in higher education but also highlighted how institutions across the country are using innovative solutions to improve both student and administrative experiences. 

As the event came to a close, the message was clear: Nelnet Campus Commerce is committed to helping institutions of all sizes navigate the evolving landscape of higher education. By providing flexible, efficient payment solutions, Nelnet ensures that campuses are equipped to handle the challenges of tomorrow. 

Be sure to stay tuned for updates on upcoming webinars and events, including the annual customer service cookbook, coming in December 2024, as well as Nelnet bringing higher education institutions together in person in 2025 for a large annual user group in person.