Jun 1st 09 Posted by Brenda Harms

Adult Student Revenue – One Public University’s Success

In an effort to further the discussion on the ability for adult student-focused programs, both undergraduate and graduate, to assist institutions in generating much needed revenue through their programs, I would like to share a brief example of success story at a research university in Ohio.  Approximately two years ago, Ohio University began a serious discussion about revenue sources and opportunities... read more

May 28th 09 Posted by Becky Morehouse

Student (as Customer) Research: Challenges & Remedies

Solid “customer” (current students are the primary customer in this scenario) research gets an institution engaged in listening and reacting to opinions, expectations, and concerns. Too many people believe that if you do not hear anything, satisfaction levels must be okay. This is not an assumption you can afford to make. Particularly when we know how critical student retention is in meeting... read more

May 22nd 09 Posted by Fritz McDonald

Content as Strategy

Clearly, we live in the golden age of content. Admissions, marketing and fundraising offices are producing more content than ever before. From blogs to YouTube videos, institutions are funneling this content into a wider array of internal and external channels. And this is as it should be. To succeed in the new century, you need to embrace the reality that content-not technology-is the engine that... read more

May 18th 09 Posted by Bob Sevier

What is Strategy?

A strategy is the means by which visions are achieved. Strategies are typically embodied in a coordinating document called a strategic plan. The word “strategy” comes from the Greek word stratego, a hybrid of two words, stratos, or army, and ego, or leader. An effective strategy has two components: a “what” and a “how.” The “what” concerns the particular... read more

May 15th 09 Posted by Brenda Harms

Case Study: How LCU Increased Enrollment through Adult Programs

As promised in my previous blog, I am going to share with you the success stories of two adult student initiatives at two very different institutions. The first, a school I am proud to say I have had the opportunity to partner with, Lubbock Christian University (LCU). As the “other school” who sits in the shadow of Texas Tech in the small town of Lubbock, Texas, this institution is in no... read more

May 11th 09 Posted by Brenda Harms

Meeting Recruitment Expectations

That magic date has passed, the date when Colleges and Universities across the country benchmark their deposits of traditional-age students who are planning to attend their institution. For some, it is a time of celebration, for others, the rising concern they felt throughout the spring is finally confirmed in a number that is below what they had built institutional budgets around. For all, this year... read more

May 8th 09 Posted by Fritz McDonald

10 Ways to Make Your Web site the Ultimate Yield Tool

It’s that time of year again. This year, admissions offices are facing competing demands to make their class while meeting the financial needs of students from distressed families—and right now, just about everyone is distressed. At a moment like this, it’s wise to remember that your Web site is one of your best yield tools. You need to build a sustained relationship with students, the kind that... read more

May 5th 09 Posted by Becky Morehouse

7 Questions for Non-Matriculants

It’s that time of year again—and this year is going to be more interesting than most. While some schools may know the size and composition of this fall’s class earlier than others, it’s not too late to begin finding out what, if anything, you could have done differently, better, more often, etc. with the ones that got away. Yes, we’re on the cusp of non-matriculant survey season.... read more

May 1st 09 Posted by Eric Sickler

Admitted Students: Too Much or Too Little?

According to findings from Stamats’ most recent TeensTALK© study: One in four college-bound high school students wants more information from the schools to which they have inquired Only 12% of prospective students tell us they’re receiving too much information from colleges at the initial search stages of their college hunts Participants perceive home visits by recruiters as less intrusive... read more

Apr 28th 09 Posted by Bob Sevier

A Brand Lesson from Kia

Last year I ran across an interesting print ad for the new Kia SUV. The ad featured a face-on view of Kia. Importantly, the grill did not feature the Kia logo. At the bottom of the ad were grills from different brands: Kia, Mercedes, Land Rover, BMW, Infinity, and Lexus. The ad implied that the only real difference between the Kia SUV and the other SUVs was the logo on the grill. I couldn’t... read more