Author: Dwyer Education Strategies

These are trying times for many colleges and universities.? The spate of headlines regarding retrenchment and closings in recent years is alarming.? Pressure is being felt by public institutions, religious-affiliated colleges, Historically Black Colleges and Universities and myriad private schools.? Media headlines tell the story

Presidential transitions often precede campus transformation, ushering in new periods of growth and visibility for the institution. ?Effective presidents and their teams take full advantage of a new CEO?s arrival, the ?honeymoon? period of good will and excitement, and opportunities to prepare for success while evaluating current conditions.

Demonstrating to all students and their families how they can afford to pay for college is extremely important.? Colleges and universities must make sure that they have financial aid processing operations that guarantee that both currently enrolled students and prospective students are packaged in a timely manner.

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.