Strategic Enrolment Management

Student recruitment and retention is critical to the operations of colleges and universities.

Royal Roads' Graduate Certificate in Strategic Enrolment Management is the first of its kind in Canada. It responds to the demand for enrolment expertise in post-secondary institutions in North America.

In the program, you'll learn how to support your institution in achieving optimum recruitment, retention and completion rates for students.

You'll study theory and practices as well as learn to analyze enrolment data and financial reports to make choices that support your institution's growth.

And you will learn systems theory and strategic planning and how they contribute to a strong strategic enrolment management plan.

As a final project, you will write an SEM plan, putting into practice expertise that will advance your institution's goals.

Who it's for

This program is designed for people working in the higher education environment. E.g., administration, admissions, accounting, enrolment, finance, marketing, recruitment and registrar's office.

Program outcomes

Once you've completed this program, you'll:

• understand strategic enrolment management theory and its effective application to higher education institutions in North America
• effectively create, implement, and assess an institution's student recruitment and retention plan
• learn how to analyze enrolment data, financial reports and alignment of academic and co-curricular programs

Our graduates work in roles such as:

• director of enrolment management
• leadership positions within enrolment services in a university or college setting
• registrar/associate registrar

Applications are assessed through an integrated and consolidated review of academic credentials, work experience, and personal experience; because of the holistic nature of this review, all applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Standard admission

• Four-year (or comparable) undergraduate degree from a recognized post-secondary institution.
• Minimum of three years of relevant, paid work experience within recognized higher education institutions (i.e., public or accredited colleges, universities, poly-techniques, or institutions providing formal tertiary programs), including some leadership* experience.

Emerging leaders who have fewer than three years of leadership* experience, yet have been in recent leadership or people management role(s) for two years or more, demonstrate exceptional leadership potential through their professional and life experiences, are preparing for further leadership roles, and otherwise meet the standard admissions criteria, are encouraged to apply.

Flexible admission

• To be considered for flexible admission, applicants would normally require a minimum of seven years of work experience in higher education institutions (i.e., public or accredited colleges, universities, poly-techniques, or institutions providing formal tertiary programs), including a minimum of 3 years of leadership* experience.

*Leadership experience could include one or more of the following:

• Roles in which you consult, negotiate with, or manage diverse interest groups through relationship, in a complex environment
• Roles in which you lead others toward shared goals and outcomes
• Roles in which you influence, organize, and coordinate groups of people
• Leadership roles in volunteer organizations
• Formal organizational leadership roles in which you directly supervise staff or complete performance-oriented work with individuals, groups, or teams
• Overcoming a challenging life experience (for self or others), which involved navigating complex systems and resulted in positive community change beyond the individual

English language proficiency

• If English is not your primary language, please review our English language requirements.

Additional recommendation(s)

• Applications are assessed through an integrated and consolidated review of academic credentials, work experience, and personal experience; because of the holistic nature of this review, all applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
• Please ensure that you demonstrate your leadership experience in your detailed resume, and clearly indicate how your years of experience meet the standard or flexible admission requirements.

All applications to this program require submission of the following information and supporting documents before your file can be assessed for admission:

Application form

In order to apply online, you will be required to create a log-in account using your email address. You will be required to list all credit courses and/or programs you have completed or are currently enrolled in. An application fee will be required. If your application fees are being paid by a third party, review sponsored student information. Once submitted, you may check the status of your application at any time.

Official transcripts

In accordance with RRU's admissions policy and practices, applicants are required to submit official transcripts from all post-secondary (higher education) institutions currently or previously attended, though exceptions may apply for some Graduate Certificate in Advanced Coaching Practices applicants as outlined below:

• All applicants must declare all post-secondary studies (courses, programs, transfer credit, etc.) in their application.
• As part of the application process, applicants anticipating acceptance by standard admission will be required to provide an official transcript for the highest level, most relevant and/or most recent degree credential(s). Whenever possible, applicants are also encouraged to provide unofficial (or official) transcripts from all other institutions currently or previously attended. Additional documents may be requested at any time during the application process. Additionally, upon acceptance Admissions will determine which, if any, additional transcripts or documents will be required, and these requirements may be noted as a condition of admission.
• As part of the application process, applicants anticipating consideration under flexible admission must submit all official transcripts for all institutions currently or previously attended.

In all cases, applicants are responsible for arranging for the submission of official transcripts. Transcripts are considered official only if submitted directly by the Registrar or other recognized authority of the providing institution in the institution's original, sealed envelope. If the envelope has been opened, the transcripts are no longer official and new (official) transcripts will be required to complete your application. 

Transcripts are not required for non-credit programs or courses, though some programs may require proof of professional certifications or designations.

All international transcripts or credentials are subject to an international transcript and/or credential evaluation.

Personal statement

The personal statement should be approximately one page in length and outline your motivation for seeking entrance to the program. The statement should address the topic of how the Graduate Certificate program that you are applying for will contribute to your future career. Relate this to who you are, what you feel you will gain from the program, and the strengths you feel you could bring to the program.

Resume

A detailed resume provides the Admissions Office with as much information about your work and life experiences as possible. We are interested in knowing where you have worked, for how long, and what you were responsible for in the positions you held. Provide as much information as possible, with special attention to the past ten years of your career. We would also like to see any professional development courses, volunteer positions, professional certification, association memberships or international experience that you may have acquired.

Two reference letters

These documents can be written in a variety of formats. In essence, we expect the writer to confirm that you are a suitable candidate for the program, explain why s/he believes you will succeed in such a program, and describe how the program will benefit you. The context in which the referee has come to know you should also be mentioned.

If applicable:

• Applicants declaring permanent resident or Convention Refugee status in Canada must submit a copy of their Permanent Resident Card (PR card) along with their application.
• Transcript evaluation fee or credential evaluation report, if submitting international transcripts.
• An official English language proficiency score report or other evidence of proficiency if English is not your primary language.
• Other information or documents as may be requested to determine your eligibility.

For information on how and where to send your supporting documents, please refer to the document submission guidelines.