Learn how to attract and retain diverse students by improving your outreach, communication, support, and engagement in your admissions process.

The best way to have a more inclusive admission experience is to not only show potential students, students on campus that look like them, but allow those campus students a chance to chat and connect those potential students with the campus environment. Allow those campus students to tell the potential students the real knowledge and aspects of that campus. Let them chat about how classes are, how those students stay connected, and what they can expect support wise from the campus.

I’ve often worked with students who challenged their status quo and when doing so, inspired others. Challenges one face can break or make us. In the same way, if one is able to persevere irrespective of different abilities one can share experiences for others who can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel.

How can you create a more inclusive admissions experience?

Creating a more inclusive admissions experience is not only a matter of equity and diversity, but also a strategic advantage for educational leaders. In a competitive and globalized environment, attracting and retaining diverse students can enhance the quality, reputation, and impact of your institution. However, creating a more inclusive admissions experience requires more than just adjusting your criteria and quotas. It also involves addressing the barriers, biases, and gaps that may prevent some students from accessing and succeeding in your programs. In this article, you will learn some practical tips and best practices to create a more inclusive admissions experience for your prospective students.

1 Understand your context

Before you design or revise your admissions process, you need to understand the context and needs of your target audience. Who are the students you want to reach and serve? What are their backgrounds, aspirations, challenges, and expectations? How do they perceive your institution and programs? You can use various methods to gather this information, such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, data analysis, and market research. By understanding your context, you can identify the gaps and opportunities to improve your outreach, communication, and support for diverse students.

Add your perspective

Shivani Kumar

Education Counsellor | Guiding Future Generations | Oxonian
Report contribution
I’ve often worked with students who challenged their status quo and when doing so, inspired others. Challenges one face can break or make us. In the same way, if one is able to persevere irrespective of different abilities one can share experiences for others who can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Like

2 Communicate your values and goals

One of the key elements of creating a more inclusive admissions experience is to communicate your values and goals clearly and consistently. You need to show your prospective students that you value diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that you have concrete policies and practices to support them. You also need to articulate your academic standards and expectations, and how they align with your mission and vision. You can communicate your values and goals through various channels, such as your website, social media, brochures, events, and testimonials. You can also use storytelling and narratives to showcase your success stories and impact.

Add your perspective

DR. CAROLINE FUMBUKA

LECTURER at DAR ES SALAAM TUMAINI UNIVERSITY (DarTU)
Report contribution
Diversity of students is the best option in school enrolment. Engagement of variant races, genders, backgrounds, and socioeconomic groups enhances the learning process because having multiple voices and perspectives on school introduces students to new ideas and different ways of thinking contrary to when they associate with students from similar backgrounds

Like

3 Review your criteria and processes

Another important aspect of creating a more inclusive admissions experience is to review your criteria and processes for admission. You need to ensure that your criteria are relevant, fair, transparent, and consistent, and that they reflect your values and goals. You also need to ensure that your processes are accessible, efficient, and responsive, and that they minimize the potential for bias and discrimination. You can review your criteria and processes by consulting with various stakeholders, such as faculty, staff, students, alumni, and external experts. You can also use data and feedback to monitor and evaluate your outcomes and impact.

Add your perspective

Bukola Alarape

Preschool Principal, Montessori Director at Greensprings school
Report contribution
Creating a more inclusive admissions experience entails establishing practises that value diversity, equity, and accessibility. We must train admissions officers to be culturally competent and cognizant of latent biases. This can help to foster a workplace that encourages diversity and ensures that all applicants are treated fairly.

Like

4 Provide guidance and support

A more inclusive admissions experience also requires providing guidance and support for your prospective students throughout their journey. You need to help them understand your requirements and expectations, and how to prepare and apply for your programs. You also need to help them overcome any challenges or barriers they may face, such as financial, academic, social, or emotional. You can provide guidance and support through various means, such as mentoring, coaching, workshops, webinars, scholarships, and referrals. You can also use technology and innovation to enhance your guidance and support, such as online platforms, chatbots, and gamification.

Add your perspective

5 Engage and connect

Finally, a more inclusive admissions experience also involves engaging and connecting with your prospective students on a personal and emotional level. You need to show them that you care about them as individuals, and that you are interested in their stories, perspectives, and potential. You also need to show them that you have a vibrant and diverse community, and that they can belong and thrive in your institution. You can engage and connect with your prospective students through various ways, such as social media, events, forums, and networks. You can also use personalization and customization to tailor your messages and interactions to their needs and preferences.

Add your perspective

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

John C. Turner, Ph.D.
Report contribution
The best way to have a more inclusive admission experience is to not only show potential students, students on campus that look like them, but allow those campus students a chance to chat and connect those potential students with the campus environment. Allow those campus students to tell the potential students the real knowledge and aspects of that campus. Let them chat about how classes are, how those students stay connected, and what they can expect support wise from the campus.

Like

How can you create a more inclusive admissions experience?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Understand your context

2 Communicate your values and goals

3 Review your criteria and processes

4 Provide guidance and support

5 Engage and connect

6 Here’s what else to consider

Educational Leadership

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Educational Leadership

More relevant reading

How can you create a more inclusive admissions experience?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Understand your context

2 Communicate your values and goals

3 Review your criteria and processes

4 Provide guidance and support

5 Engage and connect

6 Here’s what else to consider

Educational Leadership

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

Explore Other Skills