What's Happening?
Colleges and universities are increasingly focusing on re-enrollment initiatives to bring back students who have previously stopped out. These institutions face the challenge of building institutional
support for such initiatives while ensuring they are prepared to meet the needs of returning students. A recent editorial webcast highlighted the importance of demonstrating a clear return on investment (ROI) for re-enrollment efforts, which is crucial for gaining support from executive leadership. The webcast also discussed the necessary groundwork for a successful re-enrollment initiative, including the development of adult-ready policies and streamlined processes. Additionally, the discussion addressed common challenges in re-enrollment efforts and emphasized the importance of providing holistic support to help students not only return but also persist through to completion.
Why It's Important?
Re-enrollment initiatives are significant as they address the growing need for higher education institutions to improve student retention rates. By focusing on bringing back students who have stopped out, colleges can increase their enrollment numbers and improve their financial health. These efforts also benefit students by providing them with the opportunity to complete their education and improve their career prospects. Furthermore, successful re-enrollment initiatives can have a positive impact on communities by increasing the number of educated individuals who can contribute to the local economy. The emphasis on demonstrating ROI is crucial for securing the necessary support and resources to implement these initiatives effectively.
What's Next?
As colleges and universities continue to develop and implement re-enrollment initiatives, they will need to focus on creating supportive environments for returning students. This includes developing policies and processes that are tailored to the needs of adult learners and providing comprehensive support services. Institutions may also need to engage in ongoing evaluation and assessment of their re-enrollment efforts to identify areas for improvement and ensure that they are meeting the needs of their students. Additionally, collaboration with community organizations and employers may be beneficial in creating pathways for students to return to education and succeed in their academic and career goals.
