ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT TEAM

The Enrollment Management Team (EMT) met at 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. on May 7, 2001. Present for the meeting were Sandra Close, Lori Duke, Rebecca Duncan, Gordon Folger, Ann Gleason, Sue Kearney, Carol Kercheval, Jeannie Morelock and LaRose Spooner. Also attending were Betty Harper of the financial aid staff and Heidi LeCount from the housing office.

The minutes of the last meeting were approved, and Sue commented on the recommendation that the EMT investigate the possibility of adding "support of recruitment and retention efforts" to the list of activities that are valued among a faculty members’s contributions to the College. Sue and Rebecca worked on the wording, which the group agreed with, and Sue will talk with Dr. Reichard about this recommendation.

Sue shared with the group a memorandum to Dr. Hartford concerning the EMT’s recommendation calling for the College community to embrace the theme "It’s All About Excellence" and to work together to achieve an integrated approach to excellence in our programs and services for students, families, outside groups and individuals, and each other. The recommendation will go to Dr. Hartford, who will decide how it should be handled from this point forward. (Copy of memo and recommendation attached to official minutes)

Ann reported on her conversation with Dr. Jackson about the importance of the new academic adviser’s talking with Dr. Reichard about the academic advising program and how academic advisers are evaluated. There has already been some discussion about the need for more balance in the student and faculty advisers’ roles; advisees often go to the student advisers first and there is sometimes too much of a "social group" atmosphere. Dr. Reichard is aware of the need for more focus on academic advising and on accountability. It was suggested that the new Academic Adviser and Dr. Reichard be invited to meet with the EMT to discuss these issues in Fall 2001.

Carol provided application reports for traditional-age and 23+ Program admissions. (Copies of the reports attached to official minutes) Freshman deposits are down from last year’s numbers, and the admissions staff is beginning to call those who have not notified the office of their plans. Sandra reported on the numbers of 23+ Program students who have been advised and indicated that other students have been called about scheduling conferences. (Report attached to official minutes) Sue indicated that graduate-level applications are currently running ahead of last year’s numbers. She also commented on the overall outlook for the fall term, indicating that pre-registration numbers and deposits from new students are down. While it seems likely that projections will not be met, it is still too early to predict what the enrollment will be in August.

Heidi LeCount provided an update on housing and on communication strategies that have been/are being used. A postcard reminder and a letter (copies attached) were sent to currently housed students who have not signed housing contracts. Ann reported on findings after crosschecking housing and pre-registration lists for freshmen. While there were aproximately 80 students in the original freshman cohort who had not pre-registered, there are only 18 currently enrolled on-campus freshmen for whom the Dean of Students has no information about their plans. EMT members agreed that they will call these 18 students, making every intent to reach them before they leave campus. Other students who have not pre-registered will then be called. Sue’s office will run the lists and prepare the telemarketing sheets/scripts. Ann reported that the most frequently listed reasons for withdrawal are wanting coed/not liking our rules, looking for a major not offered, and having problems with costs/finances.

Betty Harper spoke about the experiences the financial aid office has encountered this spring. Students have been concerned and fearful, but most have been helped and now see that they will be able to make it financially. Over 1,300 applications have been received, and awarding is taking place as applications are completed. It was reported that we have two students who will enter this fall as Presidential Scholars and that currently there are 23 Teaching Fellows on Meredith’s list, although the Forum expects this number to go to 30.

A discussion was held about strategies to maximize fall enrollment. A question was raised about contacts that might be made with students on leave-of –absence and those who might be possible candidates for re-admission. A suggestion was made that a letter from Dr. Hartford might be effective. Sue will develop a list of students in these categories and consult with others as needed on who should be contacted. Another suggestion was to provide career counseling for prospective 23+ Program students. It was pointed out that long-term strategies need to be developed for attracting more students from the rapidly growing Hispanic community and from other minorities.

The EMT continued its discussion of the retention recommendations. Concerning the possible need for better orientation materials and activities for new majors (Rec. 35), it was suggested that Dr. Reichard and the new director of academic advising should discuss this matter. Web sites could possibly be helpful in this area, and it was recommended that whatever information is made available should include career possibilities in the field/for the majors.

Concerning Recommendation 37, which had recommended that the Instruction Committee undertake a study of the relationship of instructional methods to academic success/retention, it was suggested that the results of the laptop surveys be shared with the general education task force as well as the learning environment committee.

In light of other academic programs now receiving priority, the group decided it would be best to table at this time Recommendation 40, which recommends exploration of an ESL summer program for non-native speakers. Concerning Recommendation 41, which speaks to the need to encourage students to attend graduate school and to apply for fellowships, the EMT felt that some progress has been made but needs to be continued. Also we need to find better ways to learn about/communicate outcomes (e.g., graduate school acceptances, scholarship awards, job offers, etc.) and to celebrate the successes.

Further discussion of the retention recommendations will take place at the next meeting of the EMT. LaRose indicated that she will inform the EMT if further meeting(s) are needed this summer. The meeting was then adjourned.

Sue Kearney, Vice-Chair