May 18, 2020 | 11:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)

 

 

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ROUND ROBIN! Share via webcam with your colleagues your thoughts on the following:

1. Your name, institution, and role.
2. How the COVID-19 has impacted your admissions work with out-of-state-recruitment so far.

 

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In this first session, we will introduce we’ll examine the big picture data about out-of-state recruitment trends, demographic data, and other driving forces to be aware of as you begin building your plans.

DISCUSSION! Share with your peers via webcam:
Reflect on how the trends discussed are playing out on your campus this admissions season.

 

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Many factors should be considered when breaking into a new out-of-state market. Our experts will outline key considerations when establishing your value proposition in a new area based on competitors, pricing, program offerings, and cultural factors. Working time will be included to allow you the space to consider how you can differentiate your institution in a new area.

GROUP ACTIVITY! Value propositions should look different depending on the market you are entering. Work with your colleagues to ideate how a value proposition for a single institution could look very different from market to market.

 

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EXERCISE! Identify and articulate your differentiators:
What are your institutional selling points? How might you articulate these differently in the out-of-state recruitment markets you want to enter?

 

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Share resources informally with fellow attendees and get access to 1:1 time with conference instructors.

 

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May 19, 2020 | 11:30 a.m - 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)

 

 

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Once you understand your value proposition, it is critical to communicate your key messages to the people who will be on the front lines: Admissions Counselors. In this session, our experts will provide tactics and strategies for coaching your team to best sell the institution in new markets.

ROUND ROBIN! Share your favorite tactics and tips:
How do you prepare your admissions counselors to enter a new out-of-state market?

 

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Managing regional recruiters can be a challenging task – particularly if this is something your team has not done before. We will explore best practices for managing recruiters who are not physically located on campus. We’ll discuss strategies to oversee and provide feedback on their work, how to ensure they stay connected to the office culture, and how to distribute their tasks to help them make the best use of their time.

DISCUSSION! Discuss your challenges and successes.
Whether you have always had regional recruiters, or you are simply navigating a new office normal in the wake of COVID-19, many of us are now overseeing remote teams. We will share the challenges and successes we have had managing remote employees and brainstorm ideas to strengthen our leadership.

 

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Building a strong multi-channel communication plan is a key component to effectively building awareness of your brand in your new market. Effective digital and social media marketing is especially critical when recruiting from a distance but print and email are still important considerations. This session will touch on a variety of tactics to utilize – from paid ads and content creation to geofencing and SEO optimization.

PULSE CHECK! Share which channels you utilize the most.
Do you use all of the channels discussed in your out-of-state markets? Why or why not?

 

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PEER FEEDBACK! Discuss your challenges and successes.
Attendees are invited to submit examples of their print, email, digital, or social medial communications to present to the group and receive peer feedback via rubrics.

 

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Hosting targeted events – in your out-of-state market, at high schools, online, or on your campus – is a key recruitment tool to help students feel connected to your institution. We will discuss important considerations for planning events - in person OR virtually - showcase examples of successful events.

BRAINSTORM!  Collaborate with your colleagues to identify:

1. Ways to better meet out-of-state students where they are – either in-person or virtually
2. Creative recruitment event ideas you could try in the future

 

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May 20, 2020 | 11:30 a.m - 3:30 p.m. (Eastern Time)

 

 

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A strong out-of-state recruitment plan includes a multi-channel approach to building brand awareness in your targeted areas. This structured working session will allow space for you to begin building out your plans for the markets you are focusing on.

WORKING TIME!  Begin making YOUR plans:
Begin using what we’ve learned so far to start building a plan for YOUR campus.

 

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Relationship building is a critical part of successfully breaking into a new market. Both external partners (like high school, independent counselors, and industry leaders) and internal partners (such as such as faculty, current students, and alumni) – can be key allies in building brand awareness in new markets. We will outline ways to initiate, develop, and sustain relationships with key partners in your target market.

BRAINSTORM! Developing and sustaining key relationships:
How do you currently engage high school or independent counselors? How could you build these relationships in a new market? How could you strengthen internal partners to help build brand awareness in a new market?

 

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ACTION PLANNING! Bringing it home to your campus:
During this structured working session, participants will further build out and refine your out-of-state recruitment plans so that you return to campus armed with recommendations and next steps.