During the course of EDU 6224, Strategic Leadership in Enrollment Management, I gained a better insight into how enrollment is much strategic and student-centered. Among the key lessons learned, I identified the fact that enrollment management is a complex process, and communication, financial aid, predictive analytics, and branding should collaborate in the future to achieve sustainable results. These problems were viewed through the prism of systems thinking, which allowed me to view the interconnected decisions and their effect on the institutional objectives and the experiences of students.

 

The financial aid/access work was particularly powerful to me. I became aware of the direct impact of scholarships, the affordability, and gaps in the family contribution on retention and equity. The signature assignments and group project enabled me to use data-based solutions to practical issues such as melt prevention, as well as to be reminded of the need to make students more than just numbers. I had a useful practice of problem analysis, effective presentation of ideas, and relating strategies to outcomes in this course.

 

Finally, EDU 6224 reinforced my knowledge and my leadership. I also walked out of the course with a better idea of enrollment management as a compromise between institutional and student achievement. Most importantly, it brought to my mind the role that higher education leaders play in ensuring access, equity, and inclusion in all their decisions.