Case Study: Zuyd University of Applied Sciences

At Zuyd University of Applied Sciences, Pascal van Dooren (Data Marketer) and Dahnee Nijsten (Event Project Manager) work closely together on student recruitment. Pascal provides data-driven insights, while Dahnee facilitates and organises events. Together, they determine the programme and content. With Hippocampus, they have a platform that serves both aspects: sharp data insights and a scalable, efficient workflow.

From Questions to Answers

Zuyd is an organisation aiming to work more data-driven. And that aligns perfectly with Hippocampus. Pascal receives many queries about applications, trends, and results, and can now answer these with real-time insights that come directly from the system. The data and structure of Hippocampus are specifically developed for higher education, and it shows: all relevant functions are included, filters are tailored for courses, and the possibilities for linking data for the appropriate follow-up are far richer than before.

"The possibilities Hippocampus offers out-of-the-box allow you to work data-driven."

— Pascal van Dooren, Data Marketer, Zuyd University of Applied Sciences

Pascal can now generate more specific insights and reveal patterns that previously remained hidden. Consider monitoring the top 10 feeder schools: do the applications match in proportion, or is a school lagging, requiring action? He conducts these analyses quickly and directly from Hippocampus. Additionally, the API connection with Power BI enables the data to be processed into even broader dashboards for those who want that extra level of reporting.

From a Working Week to Minutes

For Dahnee, the impact of the "Activity Automation" function was most tangible. Setting up the recruitment campaign for an open day used to take a working week. Now, it's done in minutes: switch on Activity Automation and it's ready. This time saving is not a one-time advantage. Zuyd is now setting up automation for every type of activity. From trial studying and online sessions to parent information evenings and practical days. This time gain spreads like wildfire throughout student recruitment.

"Activity Automation is fantastic. Previously, I would lose a working week setting up the recruitment campaign for an open day, now it's done in minutes."

— Dahnee Nijsten, Event Project Manager, Zuyd University of Applied Sciences

What makes the gain even greater: because Zuyd uses templates, each activity is consistent in its own house style and tone-of-voice, regardless of who sets it up. Detailed insights into email communication—opens, clicks, progress—show the team what works and what doesn't.

Real-Time Insight Brings Peace

Open days are significant at Zuyd, and the entire organisation is engaged. It used to be stressful: how are the registrations going, are enough people coming? Now they see in real-time who is registering. This gives Dahnee and the school control over registrations and, just as importantly, a great deal of peace within the organisation. Because if needed, the team can adjust immediately instead of later realising what should have been done differently.

Central Management, Decentralised Execution

The MARCOM department works centrally and is responsible for the system and major events such as open days and evenings. The courses now have their own accounts and are responsible for trial studying, online sessions, and more. What previously all had to go through MARCOM and took a lot of time, now happens decentrally. Dahnee only needs to monitor where necessary. So, monitoring instead of executing.

This way of working is possible because Hippocampus accommodates an unlimited number of users, each with their own roles and rights. MARCOM centrally manages the styling, flows, and templates, ensuring tone-of-voice and house style are always consistent. And each department independently manages the content. No barriers, just quality. Ultimately, that's precisely the point: Hippocampus isn't complicated. The interface is intuitive enough to allow multiple teams to work simultaneously, without putting quality or consistency at risk.