Category: Article Archives

Retention and completion are real challenges at so many colleges and universities. Institutions serving large numbers of at-risk students face daunting obstacles. In my experience, systematic tracking, professional academic advising and active intervention can make a material difference in retention, completion and graduation rates. Unfortunately, implementing such an approach requires investments and many schools just do not have sufficient resources to introduce these initiatives institution-wide immediately. Tracking software is necessary to monitor academic progress, participation in co-curricular activities, financial aid application rates, outstanding balances in the Business Office or missed payments, class attendance and more. Individuals will need to be […]

At the time of this writing, Congress is in the process of making significant changes to federal tax laws and several could negatively impact students and/or higher education institutions

In this issue of Enrollment Manager, we focus on the role of the president in the enrollment equation, and how sustainable, quality growth continues on many campuses resulting from sound enrollment practices led by a fully engaged president.

A winning enrollment strategy starts at the top with a president fully committed to a comprehensive enrollment plan based on an overarching vision for the institution. The Board must understand and visibly support the setting of large but realistic goals and sustainable viability to be achieved by the president?the primary spokesperson and advocate of the strategy?and his or her team.

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.