Amazon Expectations vs. Campus Reality: Closing the Gap with Data-Driven Solutions

Wednesday, March 11, 2026 | 1:00PM–1:45PM ET | Room 550 AB
Session Type: Breakout Session
Delivery Format: Industry Insights Session
Today's students expect Netflix-level personalization and Amazon-style convenience — seamless, customized and mobile-first. But, more than half say their institution's digital experience doesn't measure up. This gap isn't just frustrating; it's costly. Our 2025 Student Digital Experience Survey reveals that 47% have missed critical deadlines due to fragmented systems and 32% would reconsider their college choice based solely on digital experience. This session presents eye-opening data on the widening "experience gap" between student expectations and institutional reality, then explores how institutions are addressing this challenge through Campus Experience Platforms (CXPs). You'll hear from regional IT leaders who have consolidated fragmented portals, chatbots, apps and intranets into unified platforms — achieving remarkable results. Our panelists will share insights on their implementation journeys, including stakeholder buy-in, change management, ROI and lessons learned. We'll explore how CXPs connect students, faculty, staff and alumni in one personalized digital hub while enabling institutions to reduce digital sprawl and operational overhead. Whether you're evaluating your current digital ecosystem or planning a consolidation strategy, you'll leave with actionable data, proven approaches and practical takeaways from peers who have successfully closed the experience gap at their institutions.

Presenters

  • David Blezard

    Sr. Director/ Enterprise Technology & Services, University System of New Hampshire

  • Allison Dean

    Account Executive, Pathify

  • Lauren Drakakis

    IT Systems Architect, St. John's University

  • Joshua Plouffe

    Business Innovations Analyst, Bay Path University

Resources & Downloads

  • Pathify and St Johns University

    Updated on 3/7/2026

  • Amazon Expectations vs Campus Reality Closing the Gap with DataDriven SolutionsPresentationSl

    Updated on 3/6/2026

  • Pathify CXP Overview

    Updated on 3/7/2026