New Standards: Texting and Calling Policy Changes

Effective communication is the lifeblood of enrollment management and student engagement. Whether you’re sending text reminders about application deadlines or hosting open-house campaigns, CRM systems are critical tools in your communication arsenal. However, recent changes under FCC Order 23-107 bring new compliance challenges for organizations relying on automated systems for outreach. As education professionals, staying informed and proactive is vital to navigating these changes without disruption to your operations. Here, we break down the essentials of FCC 23-107 and how your institution can prepare.

Summary

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently released Order FCC 23-107 on December 18, 2023, introducing new regulations under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). These changes, designed to curb unwanted robocalls and texts, are expected to significantly impact institutions that use Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems for outreach. This article breaks down what education professionals need to know, how the changes might affect their operations, and how Baseline Innovations can help institutions stay compliant and thrive under the new policies, which will take effect on Saturday, January 27, 2025.

What Is FCC 23-107?

On December 18, 2023, the FCC introduced FCC 23-107, a regulatory update to the TCPA aimed at reducing unwanted automated calls and text messages. This order:

• Requires explicit prior written consent from individuals before sending certain types of automated communications.
• Expands the definitions of what constitutes an “automated system,” covering many of the tools used in CRMs.
• Introduces stricter opt-out requirements to ensure recipients can easily revoke consent.

How Does FCC 23-107 Impact Education Institutions?

For higher education professionals, these regulations could reshape how you use CRMs to manage communications with prospective and current students. Key implications include:

1. Explicit Consent Requirements: Institutions must collect and document clear, written consent before sending automated texts or calls for recruitment or informational purposes.
2. CRM Adjustments: Tools like [example CRM, e.g., Slate] may require configuration updates to ensure compliance, including tracking consent and facilitating opt-outs.
3. Increased Accountability: Non-compliance could result in significant fines, reputational damage, or both.

Resources to Understand the Regulation

To fully understand FCC 23-107 and its implications, explore these resources:

• FCC’s Official Order 23-107
• TCPA Overview by the Federal Communications Commission
• National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) Compliance Updates

Steps to Prepare

1. Audit Your CRM Communications: Evaluate current automated processes for compliance with the new consent and opt-out requirements.
2. Update Consent Protocols: Ensure you are collecting and storing explicit written consent from contacts before sending automated communications.
3. Train Staff: Educate your operations team on the nuances of FCC 23-107 and how to handle consent and opt-out procedures effectively.
4. Partner with Experts: Collaborate with technology consultants who understand CRM systems and the new regulatory landscape.

Conclusion

The rollout of FCC 23-107 on Saturday, January 27, 2025 is a pivotal moment for institutions leveraging CRMs to streamline communication. While compliance may seem daunting, it’s also an opportunity to refine your processes and ensure that your outreach is effective, respectful, and legally sound.

At Baseline Innovations, we specialize in helping education institutions navigate complex regulatory changes while optimizing CRM systems. Our expertise in CRM customization and data compliance ensures that you’re prepared for these upcoming policy rollouts.

Don’t wait until compliance becomes a challenge—reach out to Baseline Innovations today to learn how we can support your institution’s success. Contact us to schedule a consultation.

Let’s navigate the future of communication together.