Notre Dame’s Online Data Science Program Grows Enrollment 84% with Mongoose

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Notre Dame’s Online Master’s in Data Science program used the Mongoose Conversation Intelligence Platform to transform how it communicates with students — boosting enrollment by 84% over two years, improving engagement, and creating authentic human connections in a fully online environment.

84% enrollment growth (25 to 46 students from 2023–2025)
Direct link between personalized texting and conversion rates
Expanded communication to student success and alumni engagement
Lean two-person team scaling impact through automation and empathy
Real-time data and Conversation Intelligence drive smarter outreach

The University of Notre Dame’s Online Master’s in Data Science program faced a unique challenge: as the university’s only fully online offering, it needed to connect meaningfully with students in a digital-first world. With limited staff and a growing applicant pool, the team turned to the Mongoose Conversation Intelligence Platform to streamline communication and make every message personal.

The Challenge: Reaching Students in a Digital-First World

The Applied and Computational Mathematics and Statistics (ACMS) department needed to overcome low response rates, email fatigue, and the difficulty of fostering human connection online. With only two staff members managing the full lifecycle, from inquiry through alumni relations, efficiency and empathy had to work hand-in-hand.

“We were having trouble reaching our target audience. Long marketing emails weren’t working. People didn’t want another email; they wanted short, helpful texts.”
Samantha Adamczewski, Associate Director of the Online Master’s in Data Science program, The University of Notre Dame

The Solution: Personalized Texting at Scale

The team adopted Mongoose Text to reach students earlier in their journey, reduce friction, and support one-on-one connections with prospective, current, and former students. Cortney Mayfield, Admissions Coordinator, is responsible for writing the messages and monitoring the inbox, ensuring timely and personal replies that make conversations feel human, not automated.

They began using Mongoose primarily in admissions but soon expanded its use across the student lifecycle. By segmenting prospective students by activity level, the team delivered personalized messages around key milestones — such as application open dates, info sessions, and fee waivers — creating timely, relevant touchpoints that built trust and engagement.

“Mongoose allowed us to make every message feel personal. Prospective students were surprised to receive a response from a human rather than an auto-generated message. I had students tell me at Orientation that this was impactful to their admissions experience.”
Samantha Adamczewski

Record-Breaking Enrollment and Retention

Enrollment in the online Data Science program grew from 25 students in 2023 to 46 in 2025, marking an 84% increase and the program’s highest number to date.

“The increase in numbers is incredible, and Mongoose played a key role in achieving it.”
Samantha Adamczewski

Because the program is self-funded, each new student directly impacts its sustainability, making this growth especially meaningful.

From Email Fatigue to Human Connection

By shifting from lengthy marketing emails to concise, personalized texts, Notre Dame’s team saw immediate results.

“It’s not just about pushing info; it’s about building trust in a way email simply can’t.“
Samantha Adamczewski

Texts helped drive info session attendance, prompt application completions, and answer questions faster. Real people—not bots—responded to every message, creating trust and authenticity.

Beyond Admissions: A Platform for the Full Student Lifecycle

Notre Dame’s use of Mongoose Conversation Intelligence has expanded beyond recruitment. The same tools now support student services, alumni engagement, and internal efficiency.

“Now that we’ve mastered texting for admissions, we’re scaling it for student success and alumni. Our alumni are some of our best recruiters; if we can engage them meaningfully, that impacts admissions too.”
Samantha Adamczewski

The team’s approach has become a model for how digital-first programs can remain deeply human.

The Mongoose Difference

High-Touch Support

“The Mongoose team is fantastic. They understand higher ed, they help us brainstorm, and they don’t wait for our questions; they come with ideas. It’s a real partnership.”
Samantha Adamczewski

ROI That’s Clear and Measurable

“You can see the return in the numbers. But even more than that, you can feel it in the way students respond.”
Samantha Adamczewski

Strategic Communication Shift

“Several people applied during the college football playoff game. You can’t buy that kind of relevance unless you’re tuned into what people care about.”
Samantha Adamczewski

Future Plans

Looking ahead, the team plans to expand Mongoose across the student lifecycle, adding smart messages, segmentation, and new outreach for alumni and orientation.

“We want to take everything we’ve learned in admissions and apply it across the student experience.”
Samantha Adamczewski

Conclusion

By using Mongoose Conversation Intelligence, Notre Dame’s Online Data Science program turned communication into connection, and connection into growth. With an 84% enrollment increase, higher conversion rates, and happier students, the results speak for themselves.

“If you’re wondering whether it’s worth the investment, the answer is yes. Mongoose Conversation Intelligence was the catalyst for growth, enabling us to create impactful, personalized communication that directly led to a successful expansion of our program.”
Samantha Adamczewski