NWP Executive Polytechnic Priorities NWP’s Executive, Senior Leadership, Faculty and Staff all have a responsibility to create a supportive, relevant and appealing polytechnic environment.Underpinning our vision and future goals, we have four distinctive priority action areas. Each provides a mix of innovative and practical strategies for embedding SEM into all aspects of institutional activities. Polytechnic Priorities Distinctive Draw By understanding and leveraging our strengths, we enhance our competitiveness and sustainability. Complete Connections The more in sync we are with each other, the more efficient and effective we will be. Results Focused A data-driven culture is the foundation of insights, accuracy and performance. Systematic Progress Improved consistency and flow will increase value, productivity, and return on investment. Updates SEM at a Glance Strategic Enrolment Management (SEM) is a comprehensive approach that aligns an institution's enrolment goals with its mission and strategic objectives. SEM encompasses the planning and implementation of initiatives focused on recruiting, retaining, and graduating students, ensuring these efforts support institutional sustainability and enhance student success. It relies on data-driven decision-making, cross-department collaboration, and ongoing assessment of enrolment strategies to adapt effectively to the changing educational landscape. Our Approach At Northwestern Polytechnic, SEM is a collective effort that requires faculty, staff, administrators, and community participation to ensure that all stages of the student lifecycle are optimized. Everyone has a critical role in achieving SEM goals by contributing to engagement, support, and retention. We use a data-driven approach to identify areas for improvement and shape future strategies and tactics. February 2025 Update The SEM team has made progress in implementing quick wins aimed at optimizing current operations and improving enrolment outcomes. Key highlights since our last update include: SEM Governance in place: The SEM governance team is in place and regularly connecting to share information that influences the student experience. Communication within the group is resulting in more information being available in the decision-making process. Policy Approval: Two policies were approved that will support the student experience. The Academic Schedule Policy was updated to include the schedule for the next academic year. The Course Management Policy was also updated to help with student course transfer within NWP and between our transfer partners. Dual Credit: Work with our Secondary School partners has resulted in dual credit course offering being developed that will allow students pathways into courses and programs at NWP. Work on finalizing the course list for Fall of 2025 is underway and we are excited to share a suite of newly branded promotional materials with interested students in March. Master Academic Plan: Work has been underway to harmonize our Master Academic Plan to the True North Strategic Direction of NWP. The work builds on our previous plan and focuses on the priorities of Programs, Enrolment, and Community Connection. The draft is under review and will be completed later this spring. International Plan: In response to IRCC changes to the international student visa process, we expect fewer international students next fall. A diverse community is an asset to NWP, so SEM is working to identify options to grow international student enrolment to offset the reduction. Work on linking in-demand labour needs to potential programs for international students is underway. Recruitment of international students to existing and future programs is also in progress. SEM in Context: An updated model of SEM has been developed and is now available on this page. This version puts SEM in context and is being shared to show the role we can all play in the student journey. November 2024 Update NWP continues to gather information and explore strategies to identify, recruit, enroll, retain, and graduate students in northern Alberta. We remain committed to building on the Strategic Enrolment Management Action Plan Report produced in 2023, and we are currently reviewing and adapting our efforts to align with NWP’s new Strategic Plan: True North. Building on the work of the past, the SEM Governance Committee reconvened this fall with a focus on: Committee Orientation: At our first meeting of the new term, there was an emphasis on clarifying roles and responsibilities and fostering a shared understanding of SEM principles and goals. Quick Wins Progress Inventory: The Strategic Enrolment Management Action Plan Report identified four priority areas, each with Quick Wins that will strengthen our positioning. Ongoing work to achieve the 18 identified Quick Wins is occurring across departments. An inventory of these Quick Wins allows us to track progress and ensure our actions remain relevant, aligned, and impactful. In the near term, you can expect: Action and Tactic Review and Refresh: Adaptability is crucial to remaining attuned and responsive to institutional goals and student needs. We will continually assess our approach and adjust tactics to ensure alignment with NWP’s mandate and strategic agenda. Ongoing review will allow us to prioritize and leverage any opportunities stemming from existing and emerging parallel projects within the institution. Enhanced Communication: This SEM webpage is designed to facilitate information sharing and feedback. We will use Insider Today to alert staff and faculty to project updates. Data-Driven Strategy Refinement: Enrolment data provides a window into program uptake and market trends. This information helps illustrate what works well and where improvements are needed. Expanded Engagement: We can encourage active involvement by increasing SEM awareness amongst staff and faculty. Everyone has a role in SEM, but the challenge for some is identifying where there is a function and fit. The SEM Governance Committee will focus on bringing people together and showcasing opportunities for collaboration. Strategic Enrolment Management at NWP represents a collaborative commitment to a thriving educational environment. By recognizing the vital roles each member of the institution plays in this process, we can work together to achieve our enrolment goals while ensuring that all students receive the support they need to succeed. As we adapt our strategies in alignment with the evolving landscape of higher education, our continuous efforts will be critical in driving the success of our SEM initiatives. Thanks for taking the time to engage.