A Misalignment of Systems: Meeting Student Demand in Higher Education
“Never be afraid to make some noise and get into good trouble, necessary trouble.” – John Lewis
In recent years, the landscape of college admissions has been undergoing a significant transformation. From rapid-paced emerging technologies and skills-based learning trends to the U.S. Supreme Court ruling on ending the use of racial categories in college admissions, institutions of higher education find themselves at an interesting crossroads.
As demographics shift and the needs of students evolve, innovative leaders in higher education are reimagining traditional admissions processes to create more inclusive pathways to college. Augsburg University is working to reimagine how higher education relates to prospective students. A student-centered approach ensures longevity in a time when institutions of higher education are worried about their own survival, while simultaneously doing what is best for students.
Augsburg Applies to You
Guided by our SEM mission and a desire to change the old systems that were designed for institutions rather than students, Augsburg’s three-part strategy aims to increase access and flip the script for the college admission and selection process.
- Direct Admissions: Removing barriers and anxiety for students, direct admissions flips the traditional application process by having the university proactively reach out to qualified students with an offer of admission. By removing the initial hurdle of applying, direct admissions can open doors for students who might otherwise not consider certain institutions or higher education at all.
“The student is in the position of having us apply to them, not the other way around,” says Gould.
- Student Success Coaching: The student-centered approach prioritizes the long-term success of individuals over short-term enrollment goals. No longer reviewing applications for months on end, the team of admissions professional’s work with students to help them through the process and make the best decision for them.
“We help students make better decisions about their choice of an institution,” says Gould. “Sometimes that doesn’t involve Augsburg and that’s OK. We operate on a different level of strategy—success coaching for the student—which we think is good for Augsburg AND the student.”
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- Fostering Academic Belonging: By fostering a sense of belonging early on, Augsburg sets students up for greater success and persistence in their college careers. This includes reducing the intimidation factor in faculty-student interactions by introducing students to academic engagement opportunities before they even start classes.
“Academic belonging is part of our student success work for retention and this starts before the first day of class.”
News
Our nationally recognized Augsburg Applies to You platform is a logical approach to systems change. Here is a snapshot of several stories, headlines, and presentations on the continued evolution of Augsburg Applies to You.
- The Wall Street Journal Highlights Augsburg’s Admissions Approach
- From Selecting to Belonging: Augsburg’s Pioneering model – Climbing The Admissions Leadership Peak, Ken Anselment
- Augsburg Applies to You: How Direct Admissions Transformed Our Enrollment Work – Paul C. Pribbenow, President,
- Augsburg leads with direct admissions
- News, Media, Awards
