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Clunky digital systems push students to miss deadlines and reconsider college

Frustrated by slow, fragmented platforms, students demand university tech as seamless as Netflix. Could better digital design save their academic futures—and keep them enrolled?

It is an university and there are many students moving around the university,in between there is a...
It is an university and there are many students moving around the university,in between there is a garden and around the garden there are a lot of trees.

Clunky digital systems push students to miss deadlines and reconsider college

A new survey reveals how digital experiences on infinite campus shape student success and satisfaction. The 2025 Student Digital Experience Survey, published by Pathify on December 10, found that nearly half of students miss deadlines due to confusing online systems. Over 1,000 U.S. college students shared their struggles with fragmented platforms, slow access to information, and the impact on their academic progress.

The survey highlights the direct link between digital design and student persistence. Almost half of respondents said their institution’s digital environment influences their overall satisfaction, while one-third admitted they might reconsider enrolling if digital friction were the only factor. A strong sense of belonging, shaped by intuitive online systems, was also identified as key to keeping students engaged.

Accessing basic information often takes too long, with 60% of students spending five minutes or more on routine tasks. For 27%, the process drags on for 10 minutes or longer. Over 40% frequently face frustration when navigating unclear systems or switching between multiple platforms. These delays and complications create stress, making it harder for students to focus on learning and meet academic deadlines.

Students now expect university digital tools to match the seamless experience of consumer platforms like Amazon, Netflix, and DoorDash. Many want simpler ways to connect with peers and discover clubs, but disjointed institutional systems stand in their way. The survey underscores the need for a unified digital infrastructure to improve both belonging and academic outcomes.

In response, Pathify plans to modernise campus systems through its Campus Experience Platform (CXP), aiming to create a single, intuitive hub. The company reports that 75% of students already prefer this centralised approach for managing their academic and social lives.

The findings point to a clear demand for smoother, more integrated digital experiences in higher education. With 47% of students missing deadlines due to unclear systems, institutions face pressure to reduce friction and improve accessibility. Pathify’s proposed investments in modernisation could help address these challenges by streamlining communication, support, and navigation for students.

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