Author: Dwyer Education Strategies

We are beginning the fourth month of the new financial aid cycle and it is a good time to pause and evaluate financial aid operations.? The higher education market is competitive and price can be an obstacle for most families.? Enrollment leaders and Presidents should take the time to touch base with their financial aid professionals to evaluate preparation for the recruitment cycle.

Major transformations of higher education institutions, although rare, certainly are not new. This newsletter has reported on several colleges and universities over the last thirteen years that have made amazing progress turning around downward trends. The recent outcomes at Virginia Wesleyan University are unique in both the breadth of positive change and success achieved during an exceptionally short period of time.

Research indicates that students who work part-time on campus while attending college are more likely to graduate. They also feel better prepared for the workforce through development of leadership skills, and become more active and engaged citizens.

The final numbers are in for Louisiana State University Alexandria and the news is all good.? While many public colleges and universities continue to struggle with declining demographics and reduced state funding, the enrollment division at LSUA continues to buck the national trends: The University posted all-time highs in enrollment for the third consecutive year. More than 3,370 students will attend the University this fall. Enrollment has grown by more than 51% since 2013. The number of students enrolling on-line jumped 55% over last year. The number of credits exceeded 35,250 this Fall, another record. The University attracted 95 international […]

A winning enrollment strategy starts at the top with a president fully committed to the comprehensive enrollment model and process. In these times, it?s too easy for enrollment issues to be placed on the back burner as fundraising consumes presidential time and energy. It is essential that the president remain hands-on in both areas.

College and university Presidents are likely to be charged with securing new leadership in the enrollment management division at least once during their tenures. What exactly should Presidents be looking for in Chief Enrollment Officers or Vice Presidents for Enrollment Management? What are the right questions to ask? How should experience be evaluated? These are important questions to answer to hire effective leaders supervising recruitment and financial aid operations.

John W. Dysart,?President The Dysart Group Admission counselors are an integral part of the recruitment process and will likely have the greatest influence on whether prospective students attend your institution.? Admission counselors are on the front line and their ability to build relationships, provide information and deal with objections is critical. Passion for the Institution/Mission It is important to hire people able to demonstrate a real passion for the institution.? Belief in the mission and the ability to show enthusiasm for the college or university is a must.? This explains why most admission counselors are graduates of the institution where […]

John W. Dysart,?President The Dysart Group Admission counselors are among the most important employees at any college or university.? Their impact on the institution is broad and vital.? When you have successfully recruited and hired excellent admission counselors, what can you do to keep them? Career Track You are more likely to retain good admission counselors if you structure the office in a manner where counselors can see a clear career track.? Few want to remain admission counselor for the long term.? Good people, however, might persist if they see opportunities for advancement and professional growth. You may initially hire […]

Enrollment management models have been implemented, at least to some extent, at most colleges and universities. Data-driven identification of prospective students, tracking of inquiries and applications, monitoring of communication and yield rates, marketing, strategic utilization of financial aid and well-planned financing options, along with retention and graduation plans have been commonplace.

Enrollment management remains the single most vital area of any college or university with a tuition-driven budget. As institutions revise their marketing strategies, develop retention programs, and upgrade campus facilities, parents and students remain in the consumer driver?s seat. What?s the value for their tuition dollar? What are the ?extras? that a campus can offer? Which institutions offer the best financial-aid packages? Will graduates have a job waiting for them after four years of college?