Campus Update February 2016
Strategic Enrollment Planning at VCSU
Valley City State University has been a lean institution
throughout its history; we’ve achieved success over 125
years with limited, not excessive, resources, continually
looking at ways to do what we do more effectively and
efficiently, and always operating with the strong support
of our alumni, friends, and the community of Valley City.
We’re now engaged in a Strategic Enrollment Planning
(SEP) process to better align ourselves with the higher
education environment in which we operate and to
identify high-impact strategies to achieve our enrollment
goals. In simpler words, we’re looking to find our “sweet
spot” and figure out how to get and stay there.
We’ve begun the SEP process at VCSU by bringing
together more than 50 faculty, staff, and administrators
to plan for a stronger VCSU.
The situation analyses will lead to the development of
prioritized strategies, followed by action plans defining
tactics to achieve the desired results, and then, of
course, implementation.
The SEP process is continuous—once the plan is defined,
tactics are then implemented, monitored, and evaluated
in relation to the KPI. Depending on results, the plans are
modified as needed.
A subcomponent of SEP taking place at VCSU is
the development of an Enrollment and Revenue
Management System (ERMS).
Chaired by Charlene Stenson, director of enrollment
services, a six-person committee is looking at our
financial aid awards. (The roster of VCSU’s ERMS
participants can also be found online at www.vcsu.edu/
president.)
Margaret Dahlberg, vice president for academic affairs,
is leading the effort, assisted by 12 other members
of a steering committee, including the chairs of 5
subcommittees looking at academic programs, student
success/services, finances/financial aid, infrastructure,
and marketing/recruitment, along with representatives
providing data and communication support. (The
complete roster of VCSU’s SEP participants can be found
online at www.vcsu.edu/president; click on “Strategic
Enrollment Planning.”)
By examining historical data regarding student
enrollment and financial aid packages, including grants
and scholarships, we aim to do a better job of matching
financial aid packages to students’ price sensitivity,
ensuring that each student receives the ideal amount of
aid to enroll, persist, and graduate.
These committees are developing overviews of VCSU’s
current situation in their respective areas, using data
to support their analyses. In addition, key performance
indicators (KPI) are being identified to provide
benchmarks against which SEP progress
will be measured.
That’s a huge investment of time and energy in planning
for the future of Valley City State, but we’re trusting that
our efforts will return dividends in helping secure both
long-term enrollment and fiscal health for the university.
Both of these processes, SEP and ERMS, began in
December 2015; the implementation phase of SEP will
commence in September 2016.
VCSU fulfills need for
teachers and administrators
throughout north dakota
Did you know that more than 1,365
Valley City State University alumni serve
as teachers and school administrators
in 161 communities across North
Dakota?
Spring enrollment sets records
VCSU has achieved record spring enrollment according to
its official Spring Semester 2016 census figures released
Tuesday, Feb. 9.
VCSU ranked 12th in nation in affordable
online education
VCSU enrollment numbers for Spring 2016 show all-time
highs for total student headcount (1,345) and full-time
equivalent (FTE) students (977).
VCSU has garnered the 12th spot in OnlineU.org’s
list of the “2016 Most Affordable Online Colleges and
Degrees.” OnlineU researched accredited schools across
the nation offering online degree programs and ranked
them according to annual tuition rates. The complete list
is available at www.onlineu.org/most-affordable-colleges.
These numbers represent the high point of an enrollment
growth trend achieved at Valley City State in recent years.
Since 2009, VCSU’s spring headcount numbers have
grown more than 40 percent (from 959 to 1,345), while
FTE over the same period has increased 27 percent
(from 767 to 977).
“We’re glad to see VCSU’s online programs recognized
for their affordability,” said VCSU President Tisa Mason.
“Part of our mission as a public institution is delivering
courses to students where and when they want them,
and keeping them affordable helps us succeed in that
regard.”
“Our spring enrollment figures are validating,” said
VCSU President Tisa Mason. “The numbers indicate
that more students and families are recognizing the
value of a Valley City State education and making VCSU
their college choice. The numbers also tell us that we’re
doing a better job of helping students succeed at VCSU.
We had our largest graduating class ever in 2015; that
we’re seeing record numbers now on campus indicates
that more students who start here are staying here, and
that’s good.”
VCSU offers online Bachelor’s Degree programs in
business education, business process integration
management, career and technical education,
English education, history education, professional
communication, and technology education. More
information can be found online at online.vcsu.edu.
“I give credit to our faculty, staff and students,” added
President Mason. “Their work in creating and maintaining
a quality teaching and learning environment is what
keeps us strong.”
VCSU’s fully accredited Master of Education Degree
(M.Ed.) program is offered completely online to meet the
needs of practicing teachers. Concentrations in the M.Ed.
program at VCSU include elementary education, English
education, library and information technologies, teaching
and technology, teaching English language learners,
and technology education. More information about the
program is available at www.vcsu.edu/graduate.