USU advised to improve its scholarships and student life
Nationally acclaimed as higher education’s most result-oriented consulting firm, Noel-Levitz President and CEO Thomas E. Williams visited Utah State University April 19 and 20, 2000, and again on March 27 and 28 of this year for the purpose of providing USU with an external analysis of the university’s marketing, recruiting and retention strategies and tactics.
In his report, Williams identified 16 high-priority strategies and actions that would contribute positively to the university’s short- and long-term enrollment results.
“[Williams’ report] is a catalyst or means for us to explore such enlistings as enrollment and enrollment management,” said Director of Media Relations and Marketing John DeVilbiss. “We have tremendous potential and opportunity for our university.”
Realizing the difficulty in implementing all 16 of his high-priority suggestions, Williams recommended focusing on three fundamental strategies. According to his report, Williams believes by focusing on these three fundamental enrollment designs, “Utah State University can achieve most, if not all, of its enrollment goals for undergraduate students.”
These goals include “revising the administration of the scholarship program for new students, communicating scholarships and need-based financial aid awards earlier to the targeted students, and implementing a comprehensive, university-wide approach to improving the quality of student life and learning at Utah State University,” according to Williams’ report.
Williams said there are several barriers facing USU, including lack of clear enrollment goals as to the type of students the university hopes to attract and retain, and an absence of an all-inclusive enrollment management plan that addresses marketing, recruiting and retention strategies.
Once USU defines these goals and implements them, DeVilbiss said, they will significantly add to the overall quality of the university’s academic performance. DeVilbiss said Williams’ recommendations will be a top priority for USU President Kermit L. Hall.
“If we’re more careful about the students we allow to come here, we feel they will be more dedicated to their studies and be more motivated to stay,” DeVilbiss said.
DeVilbiss said USU will most likely see Williams’ report come into play over the next six to eight months in terms of compact planning.
For further information concerning Williams’ findings, the Enrollment Management analysis can be accessed directly by going to www.usu.edu/enrlmgmt, or indirectly, by visiting www.usu.edu/stuserv/. Web Page Designer for Student Life Cheree Marcov said links to minutes of meetings and a draft of the Enrollment Management Plan will be added in the near future.