Launched in 2019, ASCEND is a dynamic, strengths-based, nine-month hybrid professional development program designed for mid-career leaders across all spectrums of higher education who want to enhance their leadership capacity. ASCEND is uniquely guided by AACRAO’s Core Competencies and the Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM) framework, with CliftonStrengths serving as a key tool for personal and professional growth. The program blends immersive cohort learning, coaching, hands-on SEM projects, and skill-building activities to equip you to lead change effectively, optimize enrollment, and elevate the learner experience at your institution.
ASCEND emphasizes applying real-world leadership practice. Scholars consistently report increased confidence, stronger strategic decision-making, and practical application of SEM principles that impact their daily work. The program fosters cohort connections, builds professional networks, and cultivates a supportive learning community, amplifying every participant’s unique strengths.
Advance Strategic Enrollment Management Expertise: Participants will gain experience in AACRAO Core Competencies—including change management, holistic and systemic thinking, data interpretation, and collaborative decision-making—to design and implement effective strategic enrollment management plans aligned with institutional goals.
Leverage Personal Strengths for Leadership Excellence: Participants will identify and apply their top CliftonStrengths themes to enhance self-awareness, leadership confidence, and impact within their roles, fostering authentic and strengths-based leadership.
Cultivate Collaborative Leadership Through Cohort Engagement: Participants will build productive peer networks, practice consensus-building, and engage in collective problem-solving within cohort activities and virtual/in-person sessions to expand relational and leadership capacities.
Apply Change Leadership with Strengths-Based Agility: Using insights from CliftonStrengths, participants will enhance adaptability, resilience, and proactive change management skills to successfully lead and sustain institutional transformation in dynamic higher education environments.
Demonstrate Executive Communication and Professional Presence: Participants will develop competency in articulating vision, strategic priorities, and professional brand through coaching and cohort feedback, preparing them to influence across institutional levels and serve as effective change agents.
Drive Real-World Impact via Participant-Led Capstone Project: Participants will collaboratively create and implement a strategic enrollment management initiative that integrates AACRAO competencies with individual strengths, demonstrating applied leadership and operational effectiveness at their institutions.
Expert Coaching: Monthly structured sessions with seasoned SEM leaders focused on refining your strengths and leadership style.
Peer Cohort Engagement: Early and frequent group activities both virtually and in-person to promote collaboration and build strong peer connections.
Capstone Experience: Apply your learning in a strategic enrollment management project that directly supports your institution while developing your leadership competencies.
Expanded Curriculum: Explore emerging areas like AI innovations, executive interviewing, budgeting, data analysis, and adaptive leadership.
Continuous Networking: Build connections at key AACRAO events and through ongoing alumni engagement.
October 22, 2025 - January 9, 2026Application window
February 9, 2026Notification of Cohort Acceptance
April 10, 2026ASCEND Program Participant Fee Due
July 9, 2026ASCEND Program Begins
November 1-4, 20262026 SEM Conference in Baltimore, MD—plan to participate in a full-day pre-conference session for current ASCEND Scholars.
April 4-7, 2027ASCEND Program Concludes at the 2027 AACRAO Conference in Long Beach, CA
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The ASCEND program is sponsored by Spelman Johnson.
The ASCEND curriculum is designed to build on your unique strengths and advance your leadership capacity through future-focused, practical content:
Gain hands-on, real-world experience by collaborating in small groups—guided by AACRAO consultants—to develop an implementable Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM) plan. This signature capstone bridges AACRAO Core Competencies with your personal and professional strengths delivering meaningful outcomes for your institution efficiency and elevating your profileas a strengths-based leader.
ASCEND empowers you to understand and harness your strengths, drive innovation, and build a professional support system, all while mastering the leadership competencies essential for today’s higher education environment. This program champions effective, connected, and resilient leaders who make lasting institutional and learner-centered impact.
Faculty will lead the cohort through a year-long curriculum that incorporates the essential competencies required to take the next step in enrollment management leadership. The curriculum design will incorporate the AACRAO Professional Competencies and Proficiencies and leverage existing professional development opportunities offered by AACRAO.
Coaches will be assigned to each participant as additional support and guide customized to the individual needs and goals of the participant. Those admitted to the program will participate in monthly cohort meetings plus no less than one hour meeting with their coach.
Feel free to modify & use this ASCEND Justification Letter to support your participation.
We invite you to learn more about the ASCEND Leadership Development Program.
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In a field where career advancement may involve either moving on or growing in place, Briana Roades, Associate Director of UF Online, expanded her strategic enrollment management portfolio from within her institution through cohort learning.
ASCEND graduates share how coaching, community, and strategic enrollment management frameworks helped them turn experience into confident leadership. And a promotion for some.
After delivering a standout TED-style talk at the 2024 Conference for SEM, Bethany Parmer of College of Southern Idaho hosts a webinar on December 3, designed to help prospective ASCEND applicants understand the program from the inside.
Participants who withdraw from the ASCEND program before the start date will receive a full refund minus a 15% processing fee. After the program begins, no refunds will be issued. Transfers or deferments are not permitted.
In rare circumstances, AACRAO may withdraw a participant from the ASCEND program for reasons such as lack of progress, unprofessional behavior, three or more unexcused absences, or unresponsiveness to program coaches, the coordinator, or other staff. Participants may also be withdrawn for conduct that violates AACRAO’s policies or core values. In these cases, no refund will be issued.