Objective:
To establish a structured process for the committee to review and provide actionable insights on key data related to enrollment, retention, scholarships, and admissions. The committee will regularly review key data, provide recommendations, and support enrollment and retention efforts through data-driven insights, scholarship management, and targeted interventions. The results of this ongoing work will inform institutional strategies and contribute to student success.
Task 1: Review of Data in Three Categories
Summer Melt Data:
- Data Source: Admissions Office and First Year Seminar (FYS) Coordinator
- Purpose: Identify themes or trends in summer melt, focusing on significant changes in the class composition.
- Actions:
- Analyze summer melt data to detect major trends, including variations in enrollment based on student demographics, academic background, or other factors.
- Provide recommendations to the Admissions Team and Administration on observed trends, highlighting any issues or opportunities for improvement.
- Offer actionable recommendations for summer melt prevention, such as adjustments to communication strategies or onboarding processes.
- Outcome: A formal report summarizing trends, significant findings, and recommendations is submitted to the Admissions Team and Administration for review.
Non-Returning Student Data:
- Data Source: Exit interviews from the Student Success Team
- Purpose: Determine why students did not return, identify trends or changes, and compare year-on-year variations.
- Actions:
- Review exit interview data and evaluate significant shifts in the non- returning student population.
- Ensure that advisors are notified when students are at risk of not returning, and when students decide not to return.
- Present recommendations to the Admissions Team and Administration on retention strategies based on identified trends.
- Outcome: A report is prepared summarizing the data, trends, and recommendations for non-returner prevention.
First-Year Population Data:
- Data Source: Admissions Office
- Purpose: Identify patterns in the first-year student population, including key retention-related themes.
- Actions:
- Analyze first-year population data, identifying trends in deposits by ethnicity, geographic location (in-state vs. out-of-state), and housing status (on-campus vs. off-campus).
- Align identified patterns with institutional retention goals.
- Compare first-year population data with non-returner data to track progress and highlight areas for improvement.
- Share findings and recommendations in a report presented at faculty or dean’s meetings.
- Outcome: Yearly comparisons and reports that support institutional planning for retention and recruitment strategies.
Task 2: Scholarship Competition Execution (Target: January)
- Data Source: Admissions Office
- Purpose: This initiative enhances the institution’s reputation, fosters a diverse community of scholars, and supports student retention through financial incentives.
- Actions:
Coordination with Admissions:
- Plan and execute the annual scholarship competitions for the Socratic Scholarship (academic focus) and Spirit of Catawba Scholarship (pillars focused).
- Review and revise interview questions to ensure they are aligned with the scholarship goals.
- Recruit faculty members to participate in the interview process.
- Review scholarship applicants, deliberate, and provide recommendations to Admissions on potential recipients.
- Ensure that the Admissions website is updated with accurate deadlines and scholarship descriptions.
- Outcome: Scholarship winners are selected and communicated to by the Admissions Team, with ongoing monitoring for process improvements.
Task 3: Review of Conditional Admits Progress/Persistence
- Data Source: Student Success Office
- Purpose: Ensure regular monitoring and assessment of conditional admit students.
- Actions:
- Review the academic progress of conditional admits ensuring they meet the established criteria for continued enrollment.
- Provide feedback and recommendations to the appropriate departments or support teams (e.g., advising, tutoring services).
- Evaluate any additional support services or interventions needed to aid in the success of conditional admit students.
- Outcome: Conditional admit progress is tracked and monitored, with recommendations for retention or additional support when needed.
Task 4: Review of Undergraduate Enrollment Data
- Frequency: Monthly reports
- Data Source: Admissions Office
- Purpose: Maintain a clear understanding of undergraduate enrollment patterns and key deadlines in the admissions cycle.
- Actions:
- Review monthly reports on undergraduate enrollment, identifying any trends, concerns, or opportunities.
- Monitor key deadlines in the admissions process, ensuring that the committee stays informed and prepared for upcoming activities.
- Provide feedback to the Admissions Team on enrollment trends and key deadlines.
- Outcome: Ongoing reports are reviewed, with trends and insights shared with relevant stakeholders in a timely manner.
Task 5: Review of Conditional Admits
Review of Deferred (Conditional) Student Admits:
- Frequency: Late Fall to Early Spring Semester
- Data Source: Admissions Office
- Purpose: To assess deferred or conditional admits and make informed decisions about their eligibility for full admission.
- Actions:
- Analyze the complete applicant materials, including weighted GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, letters of recommendation, transcripts, and recalculated GPA.
- Evaluate whether conditional admits have met the necessary criteria for full admission or if additional interventions or supports are required.
- Outcome: Recommendations provided to the Admissions Team regarding the progression or further support for conditional admit students.
Review of Special Circumstance Admission Applicants:
- Frequency: Late Fall to Early Spring Semester
- Data Source: Admissions Office
- Purpose: To assist Admissions in making informed decisions on applicants with special circumstances.
- Actions:
- Review a tiered snapshot of GPA upon entry, considering additional context or extenuating circumstances that may impact admissions decisions.
- Provide feedback on how the committee’s findings could guide admissions decisions for students falling outside standard criteria.
- Outcome: Recommendations and insights provided to help the Admissions Office make more informed and equitable decisions on special circumstance applicants.
