Dear Colleagues:

 

I am excited to announce the launch of an important initiative that will play a key role in shaping the future of the University of Connecticut: the development of our Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM) Plan.

This comprehensive, long-term plan provides us with an opportunity to be as coordinated, intentional, and aligned as possible across the University as we implement our new Strategic Plan priorities regarding student success. More specifically, it will guide our efforts in student recruitment, retention, and graduation, ensuring that we consistently align our practices with the University’s mission and the ever-evolving landscape of higher education.

This plan will also consider the necessary resources across all campuses to ensure we meet our enrollment and academic goals. As part of this initiative, we will evaluate and refine strategies related to student success, academic support, recruitment practices, and the overall student experience.

To lead this vital effort, a Strategic Enrollment Management Steering Committee comprised of faculty and staff has been established to oversee the development of a cohesive SEM Plan for both undergraduate and graduate enrollment.

The Steering Committee will be co-chaired by Nathan Fuerst, Vice President for Student Life and Enrollment, and Phil Hunt, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President. Together, they bring a wealth of expertise, strategic vision, and a track record of impactful leadership to steer this vital initiative.

However, the success of this project will depend on the active collaboration and contributions of individuals from across the UConn community, ensuring that our collective knowledge and diverse perspectives drive its success.

This initiative goes beyond a traditional planning process; it is a transformative opportunity to position UConn as a forward-thinking leader in an increasingly dynamic and competitive higher education landscape.

As we develop the SEM Plan, our primary focus will be to ensure that UConn’s enrollment strategies not only support the University’s academic mission but also align seamlessly with our long-term strategic goals and resources. Moreover, these strategies will be designed to adapt to both the current and emerging challenges in higher education. Our efforts will be centered not just on increasing enrollment, but on continuing to foster an environment that promotes student retention, supports their academic journey, and ensures their successful graduation.

The goal of the SEM Plan is to create a holistic, data-informed framework that will guide UConn’s ongoing efforts to:

• Attract and enroll a diverse and talented student body
• Support the academic success and retention of students
• Enhance graduation rates and student outcomes
• Align resources effectively to meet student needs across all campuses
• Ensure that UConn remains a leader in a competitive higher education market

Work on the SEM Plan will begin immediately, with the Steering Committee meeting weekly to guide the development process.

Three advisory committees will support the SEM planning process, each focused on a key area of enrollment and student success. The Recruitment Advisory Committee will develop strategies to improve student recruitment at the Storrs and regional campuses, focusing on barriers and metrics. The Retention Advisory Committee aims to enhance student retention by identifying opportunities and addressing obstacles to student retention. The Workforce Advisory Committee will explore barriers and opportunities related to the state’s workforce needs and enhance career readiness.

We aim to complete a framework for the SEM Plan by March 2025 — an ambitious but achievable timeline with everyone’s active participation and collaboration.

The success of this planning process depends on the collective expertise, passion, and dedication of the entire UConn community. The Steering Committee and the Advisory Committees will be engaging faculty, students, and staff in the process of building this plan. Additional information will be shared with the UConn community regarding ways to contribute to this process.

I want to express my sincere appreciation for your willingness to contribute to this critical work. Together, we will develop a Strategic Enrollment Management Plan that not only captures UConn’s core values, but also strengthens student success and drives the continued growth and excellence of the University of Connecticut now and for years to come. Opportunities for community engagement in this process will be announced at the start of the Spring 2025 semester.

 

Leading with joy and love for all,

Radenka