2023 Conference Program

Day 1 - Conference Opening

Weds Nov 8, 2023

Time Icon7:30 - 8:30

Networking Breakfast

Time Icon8:30 - 9:00

Welcome & Opening Remarks

Graham Donald headshot

Graham Donald

Founder & President, Brainstorm Strategy Group

Time Icon9:00 - 10:00

Shock and Awe – Canadian PSE Unpacked

Alex will talk about the causes and consequences of public underfunding of post-secondary education, how international students have become more and more central to institutional...
Alex will talk about the causes and consequences of public underfunding of post-secondary education, how international students have become more and more central to institutional finances at a time when domestic demand is starting to pick up again, and how universities and colleges need to understand how parents and the public perceive institutions' decision to continue admitting international students. He will conclude his session with key concerns that leaders should examine now, and provide suggestions regarding potential future stability barriers that they should consider prioritizing in the near future in order to strive for long-term security.

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Alex Usher headshot

Alex Usher

President, Higher Education Strategy Associates

Time Icon10:00 - 10:15

Networking and Refreshment Break

Time Icon10:15 - 11:15
Concurrent Sessions

Access, Awareness and Success – Building an Equity Ambassador Program

This session will focus on building a program intended to assist in increasing the diversity of the undergraduate student population by providing peer support to applicants...

This session will focus on building a program intended to assist in increasing the diversity of the undergraduate student population by providing peer support to applicants from equity-seeking backgrounds; applicants can ask questions and receive support from current students from equity-seeking backgrounds. Joining the co-presenters will be Shoshannah Bennett-Dwara, who is a recent Queen’s University Bachelor of Science (Honours) of Biology graduate. We will highlight growing the program from 5 initial ambassadors in the winter of 2020 to a current staff of over 20. Topics of discussion will also include utilizing government grants to build the program, creating professional development opportunities for our staff, and highlighting testimonials from team members and incoming students who have interacted with our ambassadors. To conclude we will open the floor for a Q&A session with attendees.

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Ryan Snowdon headshot

Ryan Snowdon

Strategic Enrolment Management Lead, Faculty of Arts and Science, Queen's University

Richard Mitchell headshot

Richard Mitchell

Manager of Access and Inclusion, Undergraduate Admission and Recruitment, Queen's University

Shoshannah Bennett-Dwara headshot

Shoshannah Bennett-Dwara

Recruitment Representative, Undergraduate Admission and Recruitment, Queen’s University

Time Icon10:15 - 11:15
Concurrent Sessions

Unveiling Your Essence: Unpacking Differentiation in Higher Education

In this thought-provoking conference presentation, we will delve into the elusive concept of differentiation within higher education institutions. We will explore the challenge...

In this thought-provoking conference presentation, we will delve into the elusive concept of differentiation within higher education institutions. We will explore the challenge of articulating what truly makes each institution unique, and how to uncover that distinct "special sauce" that defines them.

Using real-life examples from three diverse institutions, we will discuss effective strategies for discovering and embracing your institution's individuality.

Join us for an inspiring journey toward unlocking your institution's true essence, leaving you equipped to create a compelling and cohesive brand that sets you apart in the higher education landscape.

Learning Outcomes

  • The Quest for Uniqueness: Understanding the struggle in differentiating higher education institutions in a competitive landscape.
  • Case Studies in Differentiation: Examine three exemplary institutions and learn how they identified their core strengths and differentiating factors.
  • Unearthing Your Institutions Identity: Practical techniques to unearth and define your institution’s unique attributes, values, and offerings.
  • Building Brand Cohesion: How to align internal stakeholders and create a cohesive brand narrative that reinforces your institution’s distinct identity.
  • Authentic Storytelling: Mastering the art of communicating your institution's uniqueness to prospective students, faculty, and stakeholders effectively.
  • Leveraging Differentiation: Exploring the impact of differentiation on enrollment, engagement, and overall institutional success.

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Lindsey Fair headshot

Lindsey Fair

Associate Vice President, Communications and Marketing, University of Victoria

Time Icon10:15 - 11:15
Concurrent Sessions

Collaborative Strategies for Maximizing Last-Mile Enrolment Yield

In the dynamic landscape of higher education, Bow Valley College faced a formidable late-summer challenge — a significant deficit in fall admissions. Concurrently, an...

In the dynamic landscape of higher education, Bow Valley College faced a formidable late-summer challenge — a significant deficit in fall admissions. Concurrently, an institution-wide restructuring brought sweeping changes to the leadership and operational structure of the admissions office. With pressure to meet enrolment and revenue targets within a mere eight weeks, a collaborative effort ensued.

Under the guidance of the manager for student recruitment and the new manager for admissions, a rapid response approach was initiated. This involved identifying programs with low applications and admissions and exploring innovative tactics for recruitment and conversion. Leveraging the shared talents of multiple departments, an agile framework was established. By collaborating closely with institutional data analysts, strategic opportunities were identified, and proactive engagement strategies were implemented to convert prospective, waitlisted, and inactive applicants, strategically filling under-subscribed programs.

Through shared problem-solving, the team not only rectified the deficit trend in admissions for both the September 2022 and January 2023 intakes but surpassed enrolment and revenue targets. This presentation will unveil ten short-term tactics employed by Bow Valley College's student recruitment, marketing, and admissions teams. These tactics offer valuable insights into maximizing yield at every stage of the enrolment pipeline, from prospect to confirmed and registered student. Importantly, these adaptable strategies can be leveraged by almost any institution to address urgent admissions and drive new student figures. Furthermore, the presentation will outline how cross-team collaboration transcends managerial and operational divisions, demonstrating its potential to conquer shared challenges and foster institutional success.

Bow Valley College is a two-year comprehensive community college serving 16,000 learners in Calgary, Alberta. Situated on the traditional homelands of the Blackfoot Confederacy, Îyâxe Nakoda, and Tsuut’ina First Nations, and the Métis Nation, the college offers programming in business, community studies, entertainment arts, health and wellness, and technology, along with academic upgrading, E.L.L., and non-credit professional courses. Alongside its main campus in Calgary, satellite campuses service the towns of Airdrie, Banff, Cochrane, and Okotoks.

Corresponding Author
Phil Ollenberg
Associate Registrar
Bow Valley College

Biography
Phil Ollenberg (he/him) is the associate registrar for admissions at Bow Valley College and doctoral student in education management. With 15 years of industry experience in higher education recruitment, marketing, and admissions, Phil is a collaborative and strategic leader focused on student-centered solutions. Originally from Regina, Saskatchewan, Phil is now a settler on traditional Treaty 7 territory in the city of Calgary, Alberta. Beyond higher education, Phil is a dedicated Star Trek nerd, doggy daddy, LGBTQ rights activist, and Disney parks enthusiast.

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Victoria Wells headshot

Victoria Wells

Manager, Student Recruitment and Wellness Centre, Bow Valley College

Time Icon10:15 - 11:15
Concurrent Sessions

Leaders Roundtable: The Future of Universities – Threats & Opportunities

In this thought-provoking roundtable session, delegates will come together to discuss the rapidly evolving landscape of Canadian universities. Participants will examine the...

In this thought-provoking roundtable session, delegates will come together to discuss the rapidly evolving landscape of Canadian universities. Participants will examine the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, exploring the potential threats faced by Canadian universities. while also highlighting the exciting prospects that can reshape the future of learning. Possible topics of discussion may include:

  • Digital Transformation
  • Changing Demographics
  • Funding and Financial Sustainability
  • Globalization and Internationalization
  • Skills for the Future Workforce
  • Social and Environmental Responsibility

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Alex Usher headshot

Alex Usher

President, Higher Education Strategy Associates

Time Icon11:15 - 11:30

Networking and Refreshment Break

Time Icon11:30 - 12:30
Concurrent Sessions

Personalize the Student Journey at Scale

Higher ed is no longer a one-size-fits-all approach. Learners are unique in their backgrounds, experiences, and aspirations. They expect their experiences to be tailored to...

Higher ed is no longer a one-size-fits-all approach. Learners are unique in their backgrounds, experiences, and aspirations. They expect their experiences to be tailored to them, and their enrollment journey is no different.

Join Nina Angelo, CMO at Unibuddy, who will host a panel of experts, including Cristina Blesa, Associate Director, Marketing and Digital Engagement, International Enrolment at Toronto Metropolitan University. They’ll delve into the strategies and tactics for personalizing student engagement and will look at how Canadian universities are paving the way for innovative uses of technology to support personalization at scale.

Learning Outcomes

  • How to leverage personalization to engage and nurture prospective students
  • How you can communicate authentically, and meet students where they are
  • Strategies for scaling your approach that free up your team rather than overwhelm them

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Nina Bilimoria Angelo headshot

Nina Bilimoria Angelo

Chief Marketing Officer, Unibuddy

Cristina Blesa headshot

Cristina Blesa

Associate Director, Marketing and Digital Engagement, International Enrolment, Toronto Metropolitan University

Time Icon11:30 - 12:30
Concurrent Sessions

A Little Bit of Compassion Goes a Long Way: Best Practices for Withdrawal Requests

Using a student-centered and trauma-informed approach when reviewing and approving requests for late and/or compassionate withdrawals leads to higher retention rates. In this...

Using a student-centered and trauma-informed approach when reviewing and approving requests for late and/or compassionate withdrawals leads to higher retention rates. In this session, we’ll walk through our approach to late withdrawal requests, extenuating and compassionate withdrawal requests and how this impacts student retention at our institution. This will be an interactive session allowing time for dialog on institutional policies, processes and best practices on withdrawals.

Learning Outcomes

  • Understanding withdrawal requests
  • What is a Student-centered approach to withdrawals?
  • Sharing Knowledge: Community of Practice

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Jen Heard headshot

Jen Heard

Associate Registrar, Records & Systems, University of Northern British Columbia

Time Icon11:30 - 12:30
Concurrent Sessions

Diversifying International Student Enrolment

Join us for a thought-provoking panel discussion that delves into the pivotal role of diversifying international student enrolment in Canadian post-secondary institutions....

Join us for a thought-provoking panel discussion that delves into the pivotal role of diversifying international student enrolment in Canadian post-secondary institutions.

The panelists will explore the multifaceted importance of both geographical and program of study diversification shedding light on the social, economic, and educational benefits international students bring to Canada and its international student community. Together, we will examine how diversification goes beyond mere numbers, transcending enrolment statistics to create a profound impact on the Canadian higher education ecosystem.

Our panelists will share their experiences and insights on how Canadian post-secondary institutions should attempt to attract a diverse range of international students, ensuring that Canada remains a welcoming and inclusive destination for education abroad.

Together, we will explore how diversifying international student enrolment is not just positive for the institution but an investment in Canada's future.

Topics of Discussion May Include:

  • Student enrolment by geography
  • Student enrolment by discipline
  • Diversifying enrolment pipelines
  • Diversifying recruitment tactics

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Dr. Joe Stokes headshot

Dr. Joe Stokes

AVP International and University Registrar, Ontario Tech University

Wendy Curtis headshot

Wendy Curtis

Dean, International, Fanshawe College

Isaac Garcia-Sitton headshot

Isaac Garcia-Sitton

Executive Director, International Student Enrolment, Education and Inclusion, Toronto Metropolitan University

Time Icon11:30 - 12:30
Concurrent Sessions

Strategic Enrolment Lessons Learned at a Smaller College Campus

Regional college campuses have their challenges.

Most are located in smaller or rural communities that are aging, have limited diversity and are struggling to...

Regional college campuses have their challenges.

Most are located in smaller or rural communities that are aging, have limited diversity and are struggling to retain their youth. Some don’t even have public transit or student residences, but despite these obstacles, smaller campuses are also known for their resiliency and creativity. They are masters at creating Town and Gown relationships with their host municipality and known for their ability to build partnerships that help both the college and the broader community.

Strategic enrolment management can also be a strength if there is strong leadership, a data informed approach and a campus wide culture that focuses on student success. While the lessons learned come from a small campus, this session will explore some best practices in enrolment management that can be applied to both small and large campuses.

Learning Outcomes

  • The importance of smaller campuses taking ownership of strategic enrolment management.
  • How to build a SEM culture on campus where everyone finds their place in the effort to enroll and retain students.
  • How small campuses utilize data to build successful SEM strategies.

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Jamie Bramburger headshot

Jamie Bramburger

Manager, Community and Student Affairs, Algonquin College Pembroke Campus

Time Icon12:30 - 14:00

Networking Lunch

Time Icon14:00 - 14:50
Concurrent Sessions

Are We There Yet? Preparing for Your SEM Journey

When your strategic plan tasks you to “develop an enrolment plan”, it requires the whole institution to rally around strategic enrolment management principles. Add a...

When your strategic plan tasks you to “develop an enrolment plan”, it requires the whole institution to rally around strategic enrolment management principles. Add a pandemic, an enrolment cliff and a significant growth mandate and you’ve got the makings of an epic SEM quest. This session will share and reflect on the University of Toronto Scarborough’s unique and ongoing SEM journey - filled with great sights, a few potholes and some pit stops. We aren’t there yet, but we have learned some things along the way that might help if your institution is considering its own SEM voyage.

Learning Outcomes

  • Explore important elements in SEM structures
  • Consider how to engage a campus in SEM
  • Be a SEM advocate, regardless of your role

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Shelby Verboven headshot

Shelby Verboven

Registrar and Associate Dean, Strategic Enrolment Management, University of Toronto Scarborough

Time Icon14:00 - 14:50
Concurrent Sessions

Form the Right Impression: Best Practices for Responding to Prospective Student Enquiries

Effectively recruiting students doesn’t have to be complicated or cost a fortune, but it is important! In this presentation, we will reveal our “Secret Shopper” results....

Effectively recruiting students doesn’t have to be complicated or cost a fortune, but it is important! In this presentation, we will reveal our “Secret Shopper” results. Working with our “shoppers”, we requested information from colleges and universities and monitored the timeliness, frequency, and quality of responses to student information requests.

This session will cover:

  • The latest results from the program
  • Tips on what to do and what to avoid
  • An overview of the feedback from 550+ current prospective students
  • How to implement a lead response communication plan at your institution

For those who saw our presentation at SEMM in May, we’ve added an implementation section that will help you start building a lead response communication plan at your own institution.

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Haley Prentice headshot

Haley Prentice

Community Marketing Manger, The SchoolFinder Group

Kayley Istace headshot

Kayley Istace

Recruitment and Admissions Officer, Alberta University of the Arts

Time Icon14:00 - 14:50
Concurrent Sessions

What’s Inside Counts: How Gen Z Uses Campus Maps

Every institution has one: a map that helps students get familiar with campus. A lot of the time, they fall short of being a helpful resource for students. Done well, they can...

Every institution has one: a map that helps students get familiar with campus. A lot of the time, they fall short of being a helpful resource for students. Done well, they can enhance both recruitment and student orientation, and help students feel more welcome on campus.

Gen Z are digital natives who rely on technology to be self-reliant. Interactive maps help them get familiar with the campus and feel "in the know". In this way, they are useful recruitment tools and later serve to ease the transition to campus and reduce anxiety throughout orientation.

In this session, you'll learn the main jobs that a campus map is "hired" to do, through a student and staff perspective. Drawing from end-user research with both groups, you'll gain an understanding of the main use cases around campus mapping and wayfinding. At the end of the session, you'll have a simple framework to evaluate the effectiveness of your campus map, identify any gaps, and get a checklist for what's needed to deliver a truly useful student resource.

Learning Objectives

  • Gain an understanding of the main use cases around campus mapping and wayfinding
  • A simple framework to evaluate the effectiveness of your campus map and identify any gaps
  • What is needed to deliver a truly useful student resource

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Andrew Klotz headshot

Andrew Klotz

Co-Founder, Circuit Virtual Tours

Erika Wright headshot

Erika Wright

Digital Engagement and Campus Experiences Specialist, University of Guelph-Humber

Time Icon14:00 - 14:50
Concurrent Sessions

Leaders Roundtable: Creating Student Experience Ecstacy

Creating Student Experience Ecstasy is a powerful concept that transcends traditional education models.

By prioritizing holistic development, engaging teaching...

Creating Student Experience Ecstasy is a powerful concept that transcends traditional education models.

By prioritizing holistic development, engaging teaching techniques, supportive communities, technological integration, and emotional well-being, educators and the entire school community can create an educational ecosystem that generates genuine enthusiasm and fulfillment among students.

Through adopting this approach, we have the opportunity to transform the student experience, unlocking their potential and preparing them for a future filled with success and purpose.

During this roundtable session, delegates will discuss the techniques, programs, communities, technology, and supports that are being used at their organization in an attempt to create a student experience like no other.

Delegates will leave this session with student-experience-centric ideas to bring back to their school and an expanded network of peers from across the country who are committed to improving the Canadian post-secondary school experience.

Learning Outcomes

  • Enhancing student engagement
  • Personal growth and well being
  • Preparation for real-world success

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Susan Kates headshot

Susan Kates

Professor & Program Coordinator, Entrepreneurial Enterprise Business Management Program, Humber College

Time Icon14:50 - 15:05

Networking and Refreshment Break

Time Icon15:05 - 15:55
Concurrent Sessions

SEMM Planning at Memorial University – Boom or Bust?

Despite valiant efforts to embark on strategic enrolment planning over the last number of years, Memorial University has been unsuccessful at completing and implementing an...

Despite valiant efforts to embark on strategic enrolment planning over the last number of years, Memorial University has been unsuccessful at completing and implementing an institutional-wide SEMM Plan. Following the University’s motto Provehito in Altum (Launch forth into the deep), in the Summer of 2023, Memorial will again bravely face the sometimes-turbulent seas we call SEMM.

This presentation by the University Registrar and Deputy Registrar will candidly reflect on Memorial’s 6-month report card – has it been successful or is it “springing leaks and taking on water”?

From unprecedented changes to senior leadership, doubling tuition fees, challenging government oversight, and faltering community support, the session will dive into all the obstacles that have either honed Memorial’s SEMM navigational skills or left us scrambling to reach a safe harbor.

Learning Outcomes

  • Ensuring SEMM planning has a transformative impact on the institution
  • SEMM Planning will not be successful without a strong champion to the cause
  • SEMM Planning is not always smooth but has multiple obstacles which must be worked through

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Dr. Lee Ann McKivor headshot

Dr. Lee Ann McKivor

University Registrar, Memorial University of Newfoundland

Jennifer Porter headshot

Jennifer Porter

Deputy Registrar, Memorial University of Newfoundland

Time Icon15:05 - 15:55
Concurrent Sessions

Failure to Launch: Practical Project Management for the MarCom Professional

Communications professionals in higher education act as the vital bridge between stakeholders, target audiences, and subject matter experts with diverse needs. In the...

Communications professionals in higher education act as the vital bridge between stakeholders, target audiences, and subject matter experts with diverse needs. In the fast-paced world of project management, effective communication is the key to a successful takeoff and smooth landing.

As marketers and communicators, we understand this better than anyone – so often finding ourselves opting in to (or being nominated as) the role of project managers on integrated planning teams. But let's face it, the pressure to perform is high when you take on such an integral role. Starting with confidence, fueling momentum, and seeking feedback early and often are game-changers, boosting your chances of success and refining your PM prowess.

Hear from Allie Bear, the Manager: Marketing and Communications Strategy at Wilfrid Laurier University with over 10 years of industry experience, as she takes you through her process of reframing her role as a highly practical project manager, developing and launching a project management process within her integrated Recruitment and Admissions team, and employing tactics to protect against failure and promote success in MarCom projects big and small.

Learning Outcomes

  • Understand why we are often called on to – or naturally gravitate towards – leading roles and why your skillset already sets you up for project management success.
  • Learn how to confidently step into the role of project manager to keep MarCom initiatives – both significant and small – fueled from the start without fizzling out.
  • Explore how you can employ a practical, proven toolkit to build, launch and maintain your project plans and keep all team members engaged along the way.

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Allie Bear headshot

Allie Bear

Manager: Marketing and Communications Strategy, Recruitment & Admissions, Wilfrid Laurier University

Time Icon15:05 - 15:55
Concurrent Sessions

The Airbnb Experience: Developing An Efficient and Award-Winning Program Exploration Tool

Many post-secondary education institutions struggle to improve their outdated and problematic online catalogues – major web projects can take a long time and resources might...

Many post-secondary education institutions struggle to improve their outdated and problematic online catalogues – major web projects can take a long time and resources might be limited. Red River College Polytechnic's recruitment and marketing teams faced similar challenges, but they found a solution.

Discover how our teams collaborated with over 100 stakeholders throughout the college to develop Program Explorer (rrc.ca/explore), a dynamic microsite designed to help prospective students explore and uncover the diverse offerings of RRC Polytech. By incorporating user experience best practices, this web tool follows the successful model of Airbnb, featuring a robust search and filtering system accompanied by compelling visuals. We partnered with all academic departments of the college to develop more than 150 comprehensive program landing pages in five months. With Program Explorer, users can easily search for programs based on keywords aligned with their interests and desired careers.

The site offers over 40 filters to fine-tune program options and even allows for side-by-side comparisons using a convenient comparison table. By leveraging this engaging tool, prospective students can gain inspiration and a deeper understanding of the programs they are interested in as they embark on their educational journey. Join us to discover more about Program Explorer and gain exclusive insight into the technical and organizational challenges that were overcome to bring this project to life.

Learning Outcomes

  • Mastering user experience best practices to develop an effective program exploration tool
  • Transforming data into compelling user journeys and engaging webpages
  • Strategies for successful institution-wide collaboration for content creation for program landing pages

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Clint Thiessen headshot

Clint Thiessen

Student Recruitment Officer - Engagement, Red River College Polytechnic

Felipe Matoso headshot

Felipe Matoso

Student Recruitment Officer, Marketing, Red River College Polytechnic

Time Icon15:05 - 15:55
Concurrent Sessions

Leaders Roundtable: The Future of Colleges – Threats & Opportunities

In this dynamic roundtable session, delegates will come together to engage in a stimulating discussion about the future of colleges in Canada. Participants will explore the...

In this dynamic roundtable session, delegates will come together to engage in a stimulating discussion about the future of colleges in Canada. Participants will explore the challenges that lie ahead for colleges in Canada and examine the exciting opportunities that can drive innovation and transformation in the college landscape. Discussion topics may include:

  • Workforce Alignment
  • Digital Transformation
  • Pathways and Articulation
  • Diversity and Inclusion
  • Sustainability and Innovation
  • Funding and Affordability

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Jamie Bramburger headshot

Jamie Bramburger

Manager, Community and Student Affairs, Algonquin College Pembroke Campus

Time Icon15:55 - 16:10

Networking and Refreshment Break

Time Icon16:10 - 17:00

Before & After: How Students’ Interests Have Changed and the Implications for PSIs

Brainstorm Strategy Group has been conducting extensive research with Canadian students for two decades. Over the past five years alone, Brainstorm has surveyed more than...

Brainstorm Strategy Group has been conducting extensive research with Canadian students for two decades. Over the past five years alone, Brainstorm has surveyed more than 100,000 university and college students in Canada to explore their interests, intentions, and experiences. Despite the loud declarations of some pundits, changes in attitudes are generally very gradual over the years. However, the past few years have proven to be exceptional.

Join Brainstorm's president and lead researcher, Graham Donald, as he compares the views of students in 2019 to those of today. How has the pandemic and its various impacts – including virtual schooling, social isolation, inflation, and the rising cost of housing – affected students' interests and decision-making with regard to post-secondary education? How is it changing their school experience? And how is it changing their transition to further studies or the workplace?

This presentation will likely validate some of what you are seeing personally through your work with students. It will definitely shed light on other areas and provide you with the data you need to take action. And, perhaps most importantly, it will launch conversations between you and your peers from across Canada throughout the SEMM Conference.

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Graham Donald headshot

Graham Donald

Founder & President, Brainstorm Strategy Group

Time Icon17:00 - 18:00

Networking Cocktail Reception

Day 2

Thurs Nov 9, 2023

Time Icon8:00 - 9:00

Networking Breakfast

Time Icon9:00 - 10:00
Concurrent Sessions

Smart, Caring, Community: Inclusive Access to University with Carleton’s Enriched Support Program

The Enriched Support Program (ESP) continues Carleton's legacy of access to education, providing a pathway to degree studies for students who may not qualify for traditional...

The Enriched Support Program (ESP) continues Carleton's legacy of access to education, providing a pathway to degree studies for students who may not qualify for traditional university admission. ESP has been operating for 25 years, offering access to first-year university in a supported learning community that helps students qualify for degree programs while earning credits and developing strong academic skills and habits. Many of our students come from traditionally underrepresented groups in universities: Racialized, Disabled, LGBTQ+, Indigenous, and others. We will provide an overview of our program's recruitment strategies, inclusive supports, and success measures. We'll also dig in to the "nuts and bolts" of how the ESP operates within the university and facilitate a discussion about how attendees might adapt this model within their own institutional settings.

Learning Outcomes

  • Attendees will learn about a model for inclusive access to university with a proven track record
  • Attendees will learn strategies for engaging diverse students, many with negative prior educational experiences
  • Attendees will be invited to reflect on how they could adapt aspects of the model in their institutions

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Susan Burhoe headshot

Susan Burhoe

Coordinator of Programs, Centre for Initiatives in Education, Carleton University

Jennifer Gilbert headshot

Jennifer Gilbert

Associate Director, Carleton University

Time Icon9:00 - 10:00
Concurrent Sessions

A New Age of #Branding in #HigherEd

Have institutions lost their way on #brand? Do students really care about branding anymore? What does the idea of ‘brand’ mean post-covid?

In 2023, institutional...

Have institutions lost their way on #brand? Do students really care about branding anymore? What does the idea of ‘brand’ mean post-covid?

In 2023, institutional branding is even more important than ever before. Gap years, virtual learning, disengaged students, fluid decision-making, and ESG alignment have disrupted and redefined the meaning behind the brand. All types of students have made changes in their brand alignment based on what’s happened over the last 3 years. Brand disconnection is real and loyalty to some institutions has been lost.

That’s why the importance and deeper meaning of ‘brand affinity’ should be front and centre across all areas of the campus. While brand is important in the recruitment stage, it’s even more important once a student has shown up or signed on for class. An institution’s brand needs to be continually worked on and amplified since the link, and hopefully, loyalty has only just begun. The goal for every institution should be to move any brand connection from ‘loyal’ to ‘advocate’. Creating Alumni advocates who will help recruit new students, give back to the institution or simply stay involved.

Learning Outcomes

  • How brand views and loyalties have changed for students post-COVID;
  • How branding affects and impacts student recruitment and retention;
  • How to ensure 'brand affinity' is embraced across campus;
  • How best to transition students into vocal Alumni brand advocates.

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Sean Williams headshot

Sean Williams

Co-Founder, Dashboard Marketing

Time Icon9:00 - 10:00
Concurrent Sessions

Understanding the Diverse Interests of International College Students

Almost all colleges today are heavily dependent on revenue from international student tuition. To effectively market to these students, it's imperative that leaders understand...

Almost all colleges today are heavily dependent on revenue from international student tuition. To effectively market to these students, it's imperative that leaders understand the unique interests and aspirations of the students they are trying to attract.

Furthermore, most colleges are dependent on one source country for their international student growth. Recruiting students from countries around the world benefits colleges and universities by enhancing cultural diversity, promoting global perspectives, fostering cross-cultural connections, generating revenue, contributing to research and innovation, improving their reputation, aligning themselves with the international job market, and also promoting soft diplomacy.

For schools that are focusing on or considering diversifying their international enrolment, they should not assume that what works for international students from one country will work for others. While the strengths of your college may remain the same, the emphasis in your recruitment and marketing messaging must adapt its focus on each market.

This session will provide an opportunity to dive into the data collected from the 2023 Brainstorm Student Interests Report to gain insights into the unique attributes of students from different regions. Armed with this information, SEMM leaders will have many of the insights needed to better attract, recruit, and support diverse international students.

Learning Outcomes

  • Understand the diverse interests of students from different global regions
  • Explore ways to foster meaningful interactions and engagement amongst different groups of international college students
  • Identify potential enhancements to current messaging, programming, and support services to improve international student success

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Graham Donald headshot

Graham Donald

Founder & President, Brainstorm Strategy Group

Time Icon9:00 - 10:00
Concurrent Sessions

Leaders Roundtable: Adapting to Market Volatility in Admissions & Recruitment

In an increasingly interconnected and rapidly changing world, the landscape of higher education admissions and recruitment is facing unprecedented volatility. Economic shifts,...

In an increasingly interconnected and rapidly changing world, the landscape of higher education admissions and recruitment is facing unprecedented volatility. Economic shifts, technological advancements, and evolving student preferences are creating a dynamic environment that demands innovative strategies and agile responses from educational institutions.

The roundtable session is designed to facilitate a robust dialogue among industry experts, academic leaders, and recruitment professionals, exploring effective approaches to navigating this intricate terrain. Topics may include the importance of embracing data-driven decision-making, agility, technology, holistic student support, and collaborative partnerships. Attendees will be better equipped to thrive in the ever-changing landscape of higher education.

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Janene Christiansen headshot

Janene Christiansen

Registrar and Associate Vice-President, Strategic Enrolment, George Brown College

Time Icon10:00 - 10:15

Networking and Refreshment Break

Time Icon10:15 - 11:15

Uncommon Knowledge: Sharing Experiences and Learning from Your Peers

Do you find enough opportunities to hear from peers with similar challenges?
Could you benefit from voicing your issues and finding common ground with others?
Is it...

Do you find enough opportunities to hear from peers with similar challenges?
Could you benefit from voicing your issues and finding common ground with others?
Is it possible that others have already solved the problems you're dealing with?
The SEMM community in Canada is still in its infancy – or perhaps its adolescence. We are a long way from having the shared resources, knowledge, networks, and strategies that have been developed in other countries. But sharing is absolutely critical to avoiding missed opportunities and making calculated strategic decisions.

In this special plenary session, participants will join groups of like-minded professionals to share their challenges, gain fresh perspectives, and learn from one another. Participants will discuss "what keeps them up at night" and share ideas of overcoming hurdles.

We'll also work collectively on generating ideas, and possibly even starting initiatives, to create new resources, activities, and opportunities for sharing in the future.

Join us for this opportunity to get energized by the collective knowledge in the room, grow your support network, and come away with new ideas to take home.

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Dr. Lee Ann McKivor headshot

Dr. Lee Ann McKivor

University Registrar, Memorial University of Newfoundland

Graham Donald headshot

Graham Donald

Founder & President, Brainstorm Strategy Group

Time Icon11:15 - 11:30

Networking and Refreshment Break

Time Icon11:30 - 12:30
Concurrent Sessions

2023 Research on Effectively Marketing to Gen Z and What Influences their Postsecondary Decisions

Academica and Glacier collaborate annually to survey over 1,000 high school students in Canada, exploring their preferences and factors influencing postsecondary choices. In...

Academica and Glacier collaborate annually to survey over 1,000 high school students in Canada, exploring their preferences and factors influencing postsecondary choices. In this session, we'll present the 2023 findings, comparing them to 2022 results, and examine the implications for digital advertising trends targeting Gen Z. You can expect to gain valuable insights into Gen Z decision-making and actionable strategies for effective marketing campaigns from our presentation.

Learning Outcomes

  • What digital platforms are Gen Z spending their time on
  • Where are Gen Z noticing ads for postsecondary institutions
  • Understand any trends/differences we have seen in our research from 2022 to 2023

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John Reid headshot

John Reid

President, Glacier

Julie Peters headshot

Julie Peters

Vice President of Research, Academica Group

Time Icon11:30 - 12:30
Concurrent Sessions

Using AI and a Data-Driven Approach in Student Recruitment

Using AI and a data-driven approach to student recruitment you can determine what makes a good prospect (who is likely to apply and attend your institution). Applying this...

Using AI and a data-driven approach to student recruitment you can determine what makes a good prospect (who is likely to apply and attend your institution). Applying this knowledge, you can finely target the general prospect pool and craft the right message to recruit the right students.

By analyzing our partner schools' enrolled students against our general student community of over 1.2 million students, we are able to unlock valuable insights that lead to more effective student recruitment.

This session will cover the following key areas:

  • The methodology behind AI data-driven student profiling
  • Key data points to consider for effective profiling
  • Case studies showcasing successful outcomes
  • How to tailor your recruitment approach using AI LeadInsights™

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Chris Wilkins headshot

Chris Wilkins

Co-Founder, SchoolFinder Group

PSE Co-Presenter TBA headshot

PSE Co-Presenter TBA

Time Icon11:30 - 12:30
Concurrent Sessions

Talking It Out: How (& Why) To Build Your University’s Recruitment Podcast

Join Tyler and Dan, Student Recruitment Officers from Nipissing University, as they present the successes, challenges, and lessons learned through the production of A Brand NU...

Join Tyler and Dan, Student Recruitment Officers from Nipissing University, as they present the successes, challenges, and lessons learned through the production of A Brand NU Start, Nipissing University’s recruitment podcast currently in its third season. Along the way, participants will reflect on how (and why) to produce their own institution’s podcast, answering questions such as: What is my message? How do I market a podcast? How might a podcast be an effective recruitment/ enrolment tool? And more. Participants will also be introduced to several technical workflows (tiered for difficulty, technical skill, and cost) to get any podcast off the ground!

Learning Outcomes

  • Using analytics and both quantitative and qualitative data, consider how a podcast could be an effective recruitment/ engagement strategy for your institution.
  • Using Brand NU Start as a model, reflect on some of the successes, challenges, and lessons learned when starting a University’s podcast.
  • Learn several workflows, tiered for cost and difficulty, to produce your own institution's podcast. Anybody can do it!

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Tyler Levesque headshot

Tyler Levesque

Student Recruitment Officer, Domestic High School Focus, Nipissing University

Daniel Goulard headshot

Daniel Goulard

Student Recruitment Officer, Ontario High School Focus, Nipissing University

Time Icon11:30 - 12:30
Concurrent Sessions

Creating a Culture of Collaboration: Admissions, Marketing & Student Recruitment

A core tenet of strategic enrolment management is to foster collaboration among all the areas responsible for attracting, recruiting, and supporting students. But too often,...

A core tenet of strategic enrolment management is to foster collaboration among all the areas responsible for attracting, recruiting, and supporting students. But too often, those working in admissions, marketing, and recruitment are disconnected and possibly even working at odds with one another.

A culture of trust coupled with an understanding of the value and contribution of each other's work is essential in order to maximize the effectiveness of enrolment efforts, ensure consistent messaging, and foster a positive and efficient working environment.

To create this type of relationship, departments must strive for open communication, shared goals, and a commitment to working together to achieve the institution's objectives. By doing so, teams will enhance the overall effectiveness of their institution's outreach efforts, optimizes student enrolment, and foster a positive and cohesive image both internally and externally.

Facilitated by Andrew Leopold, Director of Communication and Marketing, at Humber College, the panel will highlight why a culture of collaboration is so important and how each of their teams has contributed.

Learning Outcomes

  • Techniques to foster open communication and trust
  • The importance of co-creating shared overarching goals and joint projects
  • Why consistent messaging across all departments reinforces and strengthens the schools' identity and brand
  • Why collaboration enables a comprehensive understanding of the student journey and helps to improve the likelihood of successful enrolment

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Andrew Leopold headshot

Andrew Leopold

Director of Marketing and Communications, Humber College

Tanis Boak headshot

Tanis Boak

Deputy Registrar, Enrolment Services, Humber College

Melissa Melo headshot

Melissa Melo

Manager, Marketing and Student Recruitment, University of Guelph-Humber

Joy Borman headshot

Joy Borman

Manger, New Student Recruitment and Advising, Humber College

Time Icon12:30 - 13:30

Networking Lunch

Time Icon13:30 - 14:30
Concurrent Sessions

Supercharging Your Social Media Strategy: Maximize Resources and Boost Student Engagement

The rise of short-form video content. Increased expectations from students to receive quick responses from institutions via their social media platforms. The desire from...

The rise of short-form video content. Increased expectations from students to receive quick responses from institutions via their social media platforms. The desire from prospective students to see genuine, authentic content that is entertaining and informative. These are all factors that make developing an effective social media strategy a daunting task for small marketing and communication teams. In this session, we will take you through our techniques for maximizing resources to create thumb-stopping content, engaging your audience, and providing best-in-class digital customer service. Join us as we delve into the art of leveraging user-generated content, share how we have built partnerships between domestic and international teams to help answer tens of thousands of inbound social media messages and use AI and free mobile applications to effortlessly create content.

Learning Outcomes

  • Explore effective ways to build an effective social media strategy and incorporate user-generated content into your content strategy to enhance brand authenticity.
  • Learn how to optimize resources and budget to achieve maximum impact in your social media strategy.
  • Learn how to establish strong partnerships, particularly with your customer service team, to effectively monitor and respond to messages on social media, providing timely support and maintaining a positive customer experience.

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Hans Badillo Tellez headshot

Hans Badillo Tellez

International Digital Marketing Coordinator, Humber College

Natalie Leung headshot

Natalie Leung

Social Media Manager, Humber College

Time Icon13:30 - 14:30
Concurrent Sessions

Less Talk, More Action: Real Retention Really Working

In this session, CRi Inc. and co-presenting post-secondary educators, will explore the process of getting a functioning and effective retention system in place. This will...

In this session, CRi Inc. and co-presenting post-secondary educators, will explore the process of getting a functioning and effective retention system in place. This will include a look at how the institutions identify students at risk and the methods used to reach out to them. They'll share insights into how these processes got started, what went right, what went wrong, and lessons learned along the way. They'll also discuss how to get incoming students to take part and what they found to be the most effective messaging and methods of reaching out to students. And finally, they'll provide examples of what the students themselves say about the interventions they received. Join this session for an opportunity to learn from both the successes and mistakes and be rewarded with ideas and processes you can implement on your own campus.

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Kirk Kelly headshot

Kirk Kelly

Founder, CRi - Customer Relationship Index Inc.

Rachelle Munchinsky headshot

Rachelle Munchinsky

Manager, Student Experience & Planning, University of Northern British Columbia

Time Icon13:30 - 14:30
Concurrent Sessions

What’s Driving College Applicant Decisions?

This presentation will share findings from a newly released report, part of an ongoing research collaboration between the Higher Education Quality Council (HEQCO) and OCAS. The...
This presentation will share findings from a newly released report, part of an ongoing research collaboration between the Higher Education Quality Council (HEQCO) and OCAS. The report draws on data from more than 14,000 students surveyed through OCAS’s 2022 Applicant Experience and Intention Survey. Survey respondents answered questions about their motivations and learning preferences, as well as their openness to various learning modalities at three distinct points in time (prior to the pandemic, at the time of the survey and moving forward). The presenters will describe how learning preferences among different groups of college applicants appear to be evolving and share the top drivers for program selection, among other findings from the survey.

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Hagar Effah headshot

Hagar Effah

Researcher, Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario

Sohrab Rahmaty headshot

Sohrab Rahmaty

Lead Researcher and Writer, OCAS

Time Icon13:30 - 14:30
Concurrent Sessions

Students’ Perspectives: How To Create A Student-Centric Experience

This session will share what over 1,000 students across Canada had to say about their post-secondary experience as part of Deloitte's annual student survey.

We will...

This session will share what over 1,000 students across Canada had to say about their post-secondary experience as part of Deloitte's annual student survey.

We will explore insights across the learner journey including differences between part-time, full-time, domestic, and international students at both colleges and universities.

From teaching and learning to technology, student life, and mental health, this session aims to answer two questions:

  • What do students want from their higher education experience?
  • Do they think they are getting it?

Learning Outcomes

  • Evaluate the key current trends impacting the higher education industry, including key drivers for enrolment and student decision-making
  • Examine the state of student-centricity across Canadian higher education institutions to inform an enrolment strategy that considers principles of student-centricity and what students want

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Nathalie Mejia headshot

Nathalie Mejia

Manager Higher Education Transformation, Deloitte

Stephen Flaherty headshot

Stephen Flaherty

Senior Consultant, Higher Education Transformation, Deloitte

Craig Robinson headshot

Craig Robinson

National Higher Education Advisory Leader, Deloitte

Time Icon14:30 - 14:45

Networking and Refreshment Break

Time Icon14:45 - 16:00

AI’s Impact on Today’s Students and Tomorrow’s Workers

When Jared Lindzon took the stage at SEMM 2019 he predicted that the workplace would evolve more in the next 10 years than the 100 years prior. In just the four years since our...
When Jared Lindzon took the stage at SEMM 2019 he predicted that the workplace would evolve more in the next 10 years than the 100 years prior. In just the four years since our understanding of why, when, where, and how we work has changed dramatically, but it’s only the beginning. Thanks to the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, even more changes are quickly approaching, and today's students will graduate into a workforce that hardly resembles the one that existed when they began their post-secondary education. This year Lindzon returns to catch us up on recent trends rocking the Canadian job market — from “quiet quitting” to “quiet firing” to “quiet hiring” — and discuss how AI will further disrupt our perception of work, the impact it will have on post-secondary institutions, and the skills graduates will need to thrive in their future careers.

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Jared Lindzon headshot

Jared Lindzon

Freelance Journalist & Public Speaker