Literature Review

In keeping with sound theoretical values of Strategic Enrollment Management the participant is asked to research and select a favorite “text” on the SEM profession from a recognized author (e.g., Don Hossler, Vincent Tinto, David Kalesbeek, Michael Dolence, Wayne Sigler, Garlene Penn). The mission will be to identify a foundational EM concept (such as proximity-focused recruitment or maintain superior student service to increase retention) in the publication and apply it to your capstone paper relating to three selected articles and how the works apply to your campus.

The Project Model

The model consists of four elements:

  • Select a primary text: The initial task will be to select a primary text/book work and determine the foundational message, then paraphrase its premise in a brief one page assessment.
  • Research 3 SEM articles: The secondary task will be to research and create an annotated bibliography review consisting of three articles from leading EM field personalities. (Ex: Bontrager, Henderson, Kerlin, Black, Peterson, Goff, Rooker, etc.)

The task will be to compare selected articles with your primary text regarding common elements such as; theory, implementations, data, operations, networks, technology, outreach, policy or other relationships that would connect the text and articles. Keep in mind how these issues may impact your campus

  • These articles should be drawn from the body of works published in recognized industry journals (AACRAO College and University, Contributing chapter authors in associational texts, Regional Journals, NACAC) and may represent authors from a variety of institutions (Ex: two year, private, public, technical, university, large/small enrollments, single sex or other discerning institutional types)

Each one page annotated bibliography objective is to identify tactical field applications suggested within the article elements that reflect the selected element(s) in your primary text such as student recruitment, retention, student marketing, FTE budgeting, policy or enrollment planning. The participant is charged within each annotation to conclude how the article content is supported and how it relates to the favored text core message and if it can be or has been used on your respective campus.

Project and Paper Format and Requirements

The annotated bibliography model should be constructed to first lead with the selected definitive text core message assessment of one page. It should properly cite the text, publication, author, date and author’s current or former institution. The primary message should be underscored or highlighted in italics.

Each of the three supporting annotated articles (or contributed chapters) reviews should be clearly identified and list the title of the article, publication, date published, author(s) name and institution.

The article titles should be in bold and underscored to set up the review. The annotation narrative should summarize the article or chapter’s message and the candidate must draw a brief conclusion as to how the topic applies to your campus.

Peer Review - Each capstone project is required to have a peer review by a SEM-EP peer prior to submission. The peer’s name and e-mail should be included on the cover page of the submission. There is no requirement that their comments be provided to the SEM-EP faculty. You can access the class roster via the SEM-EP portal in Moodle. You may also e-mail sem-ep@aacrao.edu to request assistance with locating a peer reviewer.

Candidate Career Goals - Using the SEM-EP experience and pending endorsement, please articulate 3 to 5 goals that may be “next steps” suggesting how the you might further his/her SEM career in the field and/or professional participation. (publications, graduate school, committees, presentations, offices, promotions, projects, collaborations, consulting, etc.)

The entire capstone report should not exceed six pages.