Service Line: Enrollment Management

In a recent webinar, our expert panel shared insights into the new “Student Search” and answered your burning questions. Check out this recap and Q&A deep dive!

Now that June 1 has passed, Fall 2024 new undergraduate enrollment outcomes for many institutions are coming into focus. Entering the final few months of a cycle that began with the end of race-conscious admission and was then dominated by the chaotic rollout of the new FAFSA, we have an opportunity to reflect on both immediate and potentially lasting impacts.

There’s concern that overreliance on AI could make our enrollment and marketing efforts less authentic. The human component of this work — forming meaningful connections to help students and families make a huge decision — is precious and should be protected. But, this new technology doesn’t have to make what we do any less human. 

The delay in the FAFSA release is undoubtedly a frustrating hurdle, but it’s one that we can overcome with clear communication, empathy, and proactivity. Remember, you’re not alone in this! Our team is here to stand by you, offering any assistance or resources you may need to navigate this challenge together.

We recently hosted a webinar called It’s Time to Redefine and Redesign Student Search, where we made the case for a new model of Student Search—one that’s market-minded and student-centric. We got so many great questions that we didn’t have time to answer live, so we’re delivering those answers now.

Student Search is a marketing effort traditionally associated with undergraduate recruitment, but with major demographic changes upon us, we’re focusing our attention on non-traditional audiences. I propose we consider shifting our strategies too—specifically Student Search for graduate recruitment.

In 2018, I attended a higher education marketing conference where one idea in particular captured my attention: authentic voice. At the time, I was a Director of Graduate Programs—35+ master’s, doctoral, and post-bachelor’s programs, to be more specific.

It’s spring semester, which means more acceptances and award notifications, automated communications, and sleepless nights—because we all know mistakes happen. Every season. Higher ed Admissions directors and Enrollment Management VPs across the country likely found themselves waking up in a cold sweat last week.

With application numbers pacing behind prior years, many colleges and universities are considering ways to boost application numbers in a time when yield is usually top of mind.