In 2019 the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO) signed an agreement with Bethel University to grant credit to professionals who have completed the Strategic Enrollment Management Endorsement Program (SEM-EP). Students attending Bethel University in pursuit of their Doctor of Education: Leadership in Higher Education and have the SEM-EP Badge has the EDUC 885: Individual Project in Higher Education course waived.
In 2021 SEM-EP evaluator Patricia Pothour became the first student to take advantage of this opportunity. We had the opportunity to speak with Ms. Pothour and gather her thoughts on the program, AACRAO’s agreement with Bethel University, and her experience as an SEM-EP evaluator.
In general, what was your experience with the SEM Endorsement Program?
I really enjoyed the SEM-EP program; I thought it really provided an opportunity, not only to learn more about strategic enrollment management, but it offered a glimpse into the variety of different organizational structures.
Can you tell me a little bit about your work as an SEM-EP evaluator?
It’s been really interesting to read their (students) research and to see the different kinds of career goals that people are putting out there, and to see how SEM-EP is shaping where they want to go.
What are your thoughts on the SEM-EP Agreement with Bethel?
When I first found this program, the SEM program, is actually when I started looking at E.D.d programs. I wasn’t initially confident in starting the E.D.d program and went with SEM-EP instead. The SEM-EP program gave me the opportunity to dive deeper into my career field before I made a commitment. I think it’s fantastic that Bethel has seen the value in this program and that they are granting credit for the experience people are bringing to the program.
We also got in touch with Bethel University’s program director Jessica Daniels to hear her thoughts on enrolling her first student taking advantage of this partnership.
Bethel's Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership is about imagining new ways of responding to current problems and future challenges. Precisely because of this orientation, we deeply value AACRAO’s Strategic Enrollment Management Endorsement Program. The endorsement program provides a strong foundation and understanding of enrollment management practices, which contextualizes the curriculum content and leadership development that occurs in the Ed.D. program.
We are thrilled to welcome Ms. Pothour to our program, to have the opportunity to learn with and from her. Our learning community will benefit from her content knowledge and application, and together we can expand our capacity to manage the tactical day-to-aspects throughout the college/university setting, but also develop as transformational leaders committed to innovation and positive change.
At Bethel, we believe these collaborations with like-minded partners are the future of a thriving higher education landscape and are honored to award credit accordingly.
Interested in SEM? Visit our SEM-EP page to learn more about the program, the SEM-EP badge, and see how you can get started.