Even (and perhaps especially) when there is no formal enrollment management structure, it is essential to reach across institutional structural boundaries to evaluate what is working for students. Such efforts can be initiated by campus leadership as well as by staff who work directly with students. Broadening the base of constituents committed to the success of students contributes directly to the effective management of resources.

Recent efforts by different constituencies at Reed College have seen increased communication and management related to student persistence, budget modeling, and student success. Even at a small institution, silos can develop, and communication and student support become disjointed. Four initiatives emerged related to 1) tracking continuing students, 2) supporting students taking and returning from leaves of absence, 3) data coherence, and 4) increasing retention.

These initiatives grew from 1) new leadership asked questions and heard different answers from different offices; 2) offices supporting students realized coordination and collaboration would be easier and more effective; 3) a desire to make a process simpler for students and 4) an institutional commitment to student success that was inspired by a rigorous look at persistence.

Having the right people in the room and the support across the institution were key to the effectiveness of these efforts.

Submission ID:

M4.1220

Day:

Monday, November 12, 2018

Time: 

3:30 PM - 5:00 PM