Enrollment Management professionals share their experience making connections and building relationships in new AACRAO Publication

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Enrollment Management professionals share their experience making connections and building relationships in new AACRAO Publication

Solidifying "making connections" as a core function of SEM and a hallmark of persistence and student success

WASHINGTON, D.C., October 20, 2021 -- Fifteen strategically selected SEM professionals share their experience, research, thinking, and, above all, practice, in making connections and building relationships in the newest AACRAO publication, SEM as a Connector: Principles of Practice, which illustrates how SEM can be used to support relationship-building in fostering student success. AACRAO hopes this book will ensure that making connections becomes a clearly defined core function of SEM and a hallmark of persistence and student success.

Traditionally, SEM has three facets: structure, planning, and leadership. Blending these facets requires an understanding of the complex dynamics that shape an institution’s enrollment environment. However, this blending also depends significantly on a fourth facet: the community face. SEM as a Connector sets the stage to ensure that establishing community through connections and relationships will not be just a collateral benefit of SEM, but a key component of SEM practice.

The book defines possibilities and shares stories that highlight SEM’s unique ability to influence student engagement. It explores how creative and experienced colleagues applied their individual styles of SEM connective practice at their disparate institutions and discusses the patterns that emerged. The shared experiences of the authors reinforces the fact that SEM plays a critical—and direct—role in making connections.

Using the lenses of various institutional types from both the US and Canada, the book focuses on student groups with particular needs for community and inclusion. Culminating with five new SEM Principles of Practice, the book provides practitioners with new agency to make a difference in connections for accessibility and belonging. 

Including a foreword by renowned SEM leader Don Hossler, the talented group of authors whose work helped to establish the Principles of Practice includes:

Will Cantrell - Michigan Technological University
Susan Gottheil – (Retired), University of Manitoba & AACRAO Consulting
Tyler Hayes - Central Oregon Community College
Casey Hayes - Elon University
Stanley Henderson – (Retired), University of Michigan-Dearborn & AACRAO Consulting
Amy Hutton - The University of Alabama
Dennis Livesay - Michigan Technological University
Alicia Moore - Central Oregon Community College
Kizzy Morris - Cheyney University of Pennsylvania
Rodney Parks - Elon University
Kevin Pollock - Central Carolina Technical College & AACRAO Consulting
Clayton Smith - University of Windsor & AACRAO Consulting
Alexander Taylor - Elon University
Anne Thurmer - Minnesota State Community and Technical College