Dalhousie University’s Smart Switch to Pathify
Perched on the picturesque coast of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Dalhousie University blends rich history with a forward-looking vision. As a leading research-intensive institution, Dalhousie provides student experiences deeply rooted in social responsibility, sustainability and inclusivity. Guided by visionary leaders like Heather Fraser, Deputy CIO & Director of Enterprise Application Services, and Erica Zwicker, Director of Communications (Student Affairs), Dalhousie leverages innovative solutions to continually refine and elevate its approach to student engagement and experience.
Opportunity for Innovation
When Fraser and Zwicker discovered Dalhousie’s Ellucian mobile app would be sunset, they jumped at the opportunity to re-engineer the university’s entire digital approach, aiming to provide students with a unified, modern platform reflecting the institution’s commitment to innovation and success.
Previously, Dalhousie used two separate mobile applications to support and engage students — one through Ellucian for Banner-related tasks such as retrieving grades or registering for classes and another through Ready Education for campus messaging, events and discussions. Relying on disconnected systems clashed with the vision of simplifying student interactions across campus systems and platforms. “Neither app integrated with the other,” explained Zwicker. “The platforms weren’t integrated and each had completely different functionalities. We didn’t see them as forever systems.”
Power of Integrations
The journey to Pathify began with a detailed Request for Proposal (RFP) process, where the university assessed several options. Ultimately, Pathify’s superior digital journey and powerful integration capabilities sealed the deal, as other systems fell short of key requirements. “We love that Pathify integrates with Ellucian Ethos,” Fraser explained. Another advantage came from Pathify’s fully paired web/mobile portal instance, “providing our users with much more flexibility,” she added.
From Complexity to Consolidation
Along the way, Dalhousie gained efficiency — consolidating systems reduced complexity and overhead, while creating cohesive, improved digital student experiences. “Pathify enabled us to merge our two mobile apps into a single platform, making portal management more efficient while saving support staff time,” highlighted Fraser. “We’re excited to integrate email into DalU — our Pathify portal — ensuring students see messages more frequently,” added Zwicker. “We also plan on coordinating announcements, notifications and alerts into the portal to keep students on task.”
Shaping Tomorrow’s Digital Experiences
Looking ahead, Fraser and Zwicker see Pathify as a platform for future growth — reshaping the digital campus experience and setting new standards for the university’s tech stack. “There’s been an effort to combine forces — implementing systems and platforms designed for larger groups, not just singular departments,” said Zwicker. “Pathify consolidates and amplifies our systems now but also gives us opportunities as we look ahead. We plan on streamlining other systems and apps in the future.”
The university launched DalU, its Pathify portal instance, in fall 2024.
About Dalhousie University
Dalhousie University is located in Nova Scotia, Canada, with campuses in the vibrant oceanside city of Halifax and an Agricultural Campus in the town of Truro. Dalhousie welcomes 21,000 students from more than 115 countries around the world. Dalhousie is Nova Scotia’s leading research-intensive university, with 13 faculties and more than 200 degree programs that expand understanding through teaching excellence and a drive for discovery resulting in more than $210 million in external research funding each year.
Dalhousie’s blend of groundbreaking research with outstanding teaching makes for a unique and collaborative environment that empowers all students, professors, researchers and staff to achieve excellence and make a positive impact for the province, country and world. Learn more at dal.ca.
