Pre-Conference Workshops

Full-Day Workshop

Tribal Colleges and Universities Convening - SEM Planning for the Native Student Journey

Sunday, November 3| 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. | Westin Boston Seaport

Registration for the full conference is not required to register for the SEM Institute.

This interactive day long pre-conference serves as a space for the 29 TCUs in the Cultivating Native Student Success initiative with the American Indian College Fund to convene and share in community with one another about their strategic enrollment management planning grounded in their unique tribal values. Teams will share their SEM initiative highlights, engage in their key enrollment indicator data, and workshop their SEM plans through student journey mapping techniques in differentiated circles.

Presenters:
Dr. Lisa Silverstein, American Indian College Fund
Jonathan Breaker, American Indian College Fund; Delphina Thomas, American Indian College Fund
Autumn White Eyes, American Indian College Fund

Half-Day Workshops | Morning

SEM Institute - An Introduction to SEM

Sunday, November 3| 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Westin Boston Seaport

Registration for the full conference is not required to register for the SEM Institute.

Designed for those who are either newer to SEM or who want to learn more about the entire scope of SEM, this pre-conference workshop examines core concepts and the process for developing and sustaining SEM. The Institute will focus on environmental scanning, data analysis, recruitment, admissions, retention, and student success, as well as the challenge of conducting enrollment management during these changing times. The material will be of value to colleagues from all institutional types who may be starting SEM and/or seeking to revitalize their SEM efforts.

Presenters:
Jack Miner, SEM Conference Director

Next Generation of SEM for Executive Leaders

Sunday, November 3 | 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

High-achieving leaders recognize that successful SEM planning is about building relationships and engaging in an enterprise-wide effort. Through the application of best practices, derived from case studies, and analysis of enrollment trends, explore how to: keep your team engaged in SEM planning; reduce planning fatigue; build a nimble, agile and innovative plan; sustain SEM energy; and create effective SEM teams all leading to enrollment health and improved learner success. Reserved for executive level leaders with or without a SEM plan.

Presenters:
Jody Gordon, AACRAO Consulting
Tammy Aagard, AACRAO Consulting

Half-Day Workshops | Afternoon

Rising Together: Allyship and Advancing Women in Enrollment Management Leadership

Sunday, November 3 | 1:40 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

This distinctive workshop, designed for both women and allies, will examine why gender gaps in higher education persist despite our best intentions. We'll explore systemic and cultural solutions that empower women leaders and foster equitable, inclusive environments for everyone. Through research insights and creative exercises, attendees will gain fresh perspectives and practical strategies for creating change, all in an engaging, interactive format.

AACRAO is excited to welcome Dr. Melanie Ho, higher education leadership consultant, award-winning author of Beyond Leaning In, and acclaimed visual storyteller, to lead this transformative workshop. Dr. Ho brings a unique blend of leadership research and experience, creative tools, and a passion for equity to her work. She is the founder of Strategic Imagination and leads The Chronicle of Higher Education's biannual Women Leading Change program.

Introducing FEM: Forensic Enrollment Management to Unlock Institutional Revenue

Sunday, November 3 | 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Welcome to a "new day" in Enrollment Management! Maybe you've spent your whole careers talking about cohort targets, enrollment goals, and declining budgets despite your best efforts to hit the bullseye every year. FEM is an intentional redirection away from targeting headcount and toward maximizing revenue. Learn to unlock the revenue and inform decision-making in a sustainable way. Bring a copy of your campus financial ledger and walk away with a clearer understanding of how revenue flows on your campus. Maximizing money is essential; FEM is the cheat code.

Presenter: Stephen McKellips, University of Akron Main Campus

Special Events

HBCUs, TCUs, & SEM: The Dual Mission Connection

Monday, November 4 | 90 Minute Luncheon

Note: This luncheon is only open to professionals at institutions with HBCU or TCU designation.

Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) and Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) are institutions that provide a transformative postsecondary experience and education for Indigenous and Black populations as well as non-Native, rural, and non-Black populations. These institutions simultaneously prepare students for future success, meeting the same curriculum standards as predominantly white institutions (PWIs) while also offering culturally relevant education. Keeping to this dual mission and vision, these institutions utilize the AACRAO SEM framework in unique ways, often retaining Black and Native students at a higher rate than PWIs.