We had a chance to connect with recent SEM Endorsement Program (SEM-EP) graduates Dr. Newsoul Deus, Program Manager at Florida International University, and Polly Hulsey, Dean of Student Access for the College of Southern Idaho about their recent SEM-EP experience. Each SEM-EP graduate represented a milestone for the program with Dr. Newsoul Deus being SEM-EP's 75th graduate and Polly Hulsey being our 10th graduate from the state of Idaho, incidentally, we have more graduates from Idaho than any other state.
For the uninitiated, SEM-EP is a self-paced, 12-18 month professional development program. Program graduates receive a SEM Endorsement which formally recognizes their enrollment management skillset, positions them as leaders in the field, validates the on-the-job experience, and facilitates career advancement. Additionally, graduated participants are awarded an AACRAO Endorsement Badge; this endorsement is an international acknowledgment of enrollment management professionalism.
In response to questions about her SEM-EP experience, gains, and motivations for joining, Dr. Newsoul Deus shared:
The SEM-EP program has expanded my understanding of Enrollment Management and introduced me to innovative higher education models that influence enrollment outcomes and promote student success. To me, the SEM-EP badge symbolizes my perseverance, commitment, and hard work, while also highlighting my expertise in strategic enrollment management that I have acquired over the last ten years through my different leadership roles and professional engagements.
I chose to pursue SEM-EP to expand my professional portfolio beyond South Florida and share my SEM background with a national audience. The SEM-EP leadership provided me with unparalleled support throughout the process, confirming my decision to pursue this program.
When posed with similar questions, Ms. Hulsey expressed:
I am dedicated to ongoing learning and personal development to continue to enhance my skills and support my teams. The AACRAO's SEM Endorsement Program offered me a growth opportunity by collaborating with colleagues nationwide to deepen my understanding of SEM programs and operations. Since initiating our campus's first SEM plan in the fall of 2021, we have encountered numerous learning opportunities and participation in the SEM program allowed me to exchange ideas and gain insights from other SEM participants. I found great value in the virtual field visits and following a couple of these visits, I connected with several colleagues to further gain insight with their experiences and expertise.
We are excited to host our first Virtual Field Visit on 2/16/24, where we look forward to sharing our own insights, challenges, and lessons learned. I would recommend the SEM Endorsement Program to others who may want to further their skillset, as well as assist their campuses with a deeper understanding of SEM.
AACRAO is proud to celebrate SEM-EP graduates as they advance the field of strategic enrollment management in the collegiate industry. If you are interested in strategic enrollment management, explore our SEM-Endorsement Program page and learn more about the course, badge, and how you can enroll.