Problems and Optimization Paths of Student Management in Higher Education Institutions in the Context of Digitalization

Abstract

As digital technologies are gradually integrated into teaching, learning, and daily administration in higher education institutions, the content, methods, and operational environment of student management have undergone significant changes. Universities can use information platforms to improve the efficiency of administrative procedures, integrate data to better understand students’ needs in learning, daily life, and employment, and strengthen communication and service provision through online channels. Although digitalization has brought considerable convenience to student management, several problems remain in practice. Some universities operate numerous information systems that are not effectively interconnected. Certain management practices place excessive emphasis on data collection while neglecting students’ actual experiences and needs. Systems for protecting students’ personal information remain inadequate, and the data literacy and service awareness of administrative staff also require improvement. Digitalization cannot automatically solve all problems in student management. Without corresponding adjustments to management concepts, workflows, and accountability mechanisms, technological tools may instead increase the burden on both students and staff. Using literature review and inductive analysis, this study examines changes in university student management in the context of digitalization, identifies the major problems and their underlying causes, and proposes improvement measures in areas such as transforming management concepts, integrating information platforms, improving data governance, optimizing service processes, strengthening staff development, and preserving human-centered care. The study argues that the key to the digital transformation of student management is not simply to increase the number of platforms or the amount of data collected, but to improve service quality and support students’ learning and development.