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Eastern Oregon University Logo

SEM Works conducted a comprehensive four-day enrollment management audit including a review of existing institutional inquiry, application, and retention trend data, gender and racial data, market research, survey data, financial aid allocation strategies, organization charts, marketing budgets, competitor information, communications materials, collaterals, Web sites, marketing, recruiting and retention plans. SEM Works consulted with EOU to establish an institutional promise that clearly differentiates the University from its competitors, serves as the foundation for marketing efforts, and provides a common and compelling focus for the delivery of programs and services. SEM Works also conducted internal and external focus groups to establish the University’s brand including a succinct promise statement, rationale for the promise, brand platform, service philosophy, and promise campaign. Work also included design and production of a University Viewbook.

"Eastern Oregon University was faced with declining enrollment, organizational challenges, and fiscal sustainability problems. Leadership recognized that we needed help to refocus our attentions in enrollment management and support structures that would facilitate a stable student population. SEM Works answered our RFP and delivered a comprehensive plan to revitalize the University. As a result of their work, Eastern restructured Academic and Student Affairs to create a new unit on campus called Enrollment Management. This new organizational structure has made it possible for us to marshal financial aid, admissions, and the goals of academic enrollment in one strategic unit. After only three months in operation we already have seen an improvement in admission applications for fall by double digit amounts, but also higher enrollment numbers for winter and spring."

Michael Jaeger, Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs, Eastern Oregon University

Enrollment Success: Undergraduate enrollment has increased an average of 11.1% over the last two years since SEM Works first consulted with EOU.
Fall undergraduate enrollment has increased 17.4% compared to two years ago.
Spring undergraduate enrollment has increased an average of 12.6% compared to spring three years ago.


University of Regina Logo

SEM Works conducted an enrolment management audit; facilitated the development of a University-wide Strategic Enrolment Management (SEM) plan to improve and integrate enrolment and retention efforts; provided ongoing evaluation and feedback during implementation; a formative evaluation of the SEM process; and a summative evaluation to measure achievement of objectives. Other services included the development of a recruitment communications plan; facilitation of a process improvement exercise; postcard and email campaign development; and ongoing assistance with social networking and oversight of a new multi-media recruitment presentation. Publications and collaterals developed include: first touch brochure, parents brochure, scholarship brochure, viewbook, poster, folder, and 8-foot pop-up display. SEM Works developed an admissions microsite that can be found at www.urconnected.ca.

"We are delighted with SEM Works’ comprehensive enrolment management audit, highly detailed report, and enrolment management and recruitment solutions. Dr. Black is clearly an industry leader in his understanding of enrolment management issues, structures, processes, and strategies that work in Canada and throughout the world. Strategic recommendations are customized and show a sensitivity to and clear understanding of the unique attributes of the U of R. The SEM Works team is a highly experienced group of professionals that continue to offer us exceptional client service. I highly recommend Dr. Black and the SEM Works team."

Judy Amundson, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs, University of Regina

Enrollment Success: Fall undergraduate enrolment has increased 2.1% compared to the previous year.


Aiken Technical College Logo

SEM Works conducted an environmental scan including a competitive analysis, demographic trend analysis, job and economic trend analysis, market analysis survey, a SWOT analysis to identify internal strengths and weaknesses and external threats and opportunities. SEM Works identified the college’s market competition including a comparative analysis of tuition and fee structures, current trends and opportunities to evaluate their strengths, and develop expansion opportunities, determined priority issues facing the College, established financial obstacles for the next five years, facilitated the development of a market analysis plan, and established an internal process for monitoring and maintaining the plan.

"We are extremely pleased with the fine work of the SEM Works team. The enrollment audit, market analysis, competitive analysis, and SWOT process have provided us with a wealth of quantitative data and qualitative information on which to build our marketing plan. Throughout the process we have been impressed with Dr. Black’s understanding of ATC’s culture and the issues facing technical colleges. His customized reports and prioritized recommendations have put us in a position to improve our market share and grow our enrollment. We look forward to our ongoing relationship with Dr. Black and SEM Works as we develop our long range marketing plan."

Susan Winsor, President, Aiken Technical College

Enrollment Success: Compared to fall 2006, fall enrollment increased 3.6% for fall 2007, 8.5% for fall 2008, and 19.5% for fall 2009.


University of Victoria

SEM Works conducted a market opportunity analysis focused on perceived institutional attributes in relation to competitors, demand for various programs and instructional delivery options, as well as interest levels and barriers for the University and several key competitors. The market opportunity analysis included (1) an estimate of the market size by segment; (2) a determination of the consideration level of attending the University of Victoria identifying potentially significant opportunities by looking at segments that are large and currently have high consideration of attending; (3) an overall market position vs. competitors with familiarity and consideration scores; (4) a segmentation analysis including geographic, education objective, four year degree, areas of study, age, and income, etc; (5) a communication and media analysis showing student media preferences; and (6) current student analysis. The analysis identified marketing and recruitment strategies to improve the University’s market position.

"SEM Works has worked with the University of Victoria on research projects at both a university level and faculty level. The market opportunity analysis and Dr. Black’s personal analysis provided us with a deeper and clearer understanding of our prospective student needs, preferences and barriers that have served as the basis for developing effective measurable enrolment strategies."

Justin Kohlman, Director, Enrolment Services and Marketing, University of Victoria

Enrollment Success: Compared to the previous year, first year registered students are up 8% and returning undergraduates have increased 3%.


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