SEM Endorsement Program

Overview

The Only Endorsement in Strategic Enrollment Management

A self-paced, 12-18 month professional development experience.

  • Gain expertise in SEM.
  • Earn a digital badge.
  • Advance your SEM career.
  • The most accessible and cost-effective SEM credential.

Why SEM-EP?

  • Formal recognition of your enrollment management skills
  • Positions you in the field as a leader
  • Assists with career advancement

“This is a great program! I have benefited greatly from this professional development experience. The faculty work so diligently to share their knowledge and experiences with those of us growing in the profession.” 

-2019 Graduate

Testimonials


See who among your colleagues has completed the AACRAO SEM Endorsement.

CURRICULUM SNEAK-PEEK

The four-part curriculum covers a wide range of SEM topics/exposure:

  • Essentials of SEM (5-week asynchronous course)
  • 3 Webinars
  • 3 Field Visits (virtual)
  • Capstone
Learn more about the curriculum here.

 

SAMPLE TIMELINE

Most individuals complete the Endorsement in 18 months, but it can be done in 12 months.

Months 1-6

Months 7-11

Months 12-18

Essentials of SEM

1 Field Visit

Webinars

1 Field Visit

1 Field Visit

Capstone

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

  • Five years' experience in the field of SEM (Registrar, Admissions, Recruitment, Financial Aid, Student Marketing or related fields as determined by the SEM-EP program committee)
  • A minimum of an earned baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.
  • Employment (full or part time) by an accredited post-secondary institution and working as an in-service practitioner in the field of SEM/ES as defined by the SEM-EP.

Individuals can apply any day of the year and start the program any day of the year.  This is not a cohort-based program.  It offers flexibility to start whenever you are ready to commit to the experience.

PROGRAM EXPECTATIONS

  • Complete all required modules in the Essentials of SEM online course.
  • View three 60-minute webinars and write up a report of learnings.
  • Attend 3 field visits and write up a report of learnings.
  • Complete a capstone project (3 options available).

Questions?

Contact us using this form, email us at sem-ep@aacrao.org or leave a voicemail at 202-263-0296.


 

Overhead view of room floorplan

Graduate Enrollment Management Goes Virtual in the Field

Jan 20, 2026

To move from context to practice, the AACRAO Strategic Enrollment Management Endorsement Program curriculum has long emphasized field visits as a hallmark component, and now extended into a virtual format for the first time.

Dr. Necia Martins 100th AACRAO SEM-EP Graduate

The 100th SEM-EP Graduate in a Milestone Year

Jan 5, 2026

Dr. Necia Martins of Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario, is the 100th recipient of the AACRAO Strategic Enrollment Management Endorsement as part of the largest SEM-EP class.

AACRAO-Bethel University Partnership Renewal and Scholarship 2025

Enhancing the Credential-to-Doctorate Pipeline

Dec 8, 2025

The updated SEM Endorsement/Bethel University partnership brings a new scholarship, credit recognition, and strengthened opportunities for practitioners seeking advanced strategic enrollment management expertise.

SEM-EP Meet and Greet at SEM 2025

Badging SEM Endorsement: Tracking the Legacy of a Premier Professional Development Program

Dec 8, 2025

What started as one member’s passion and persistence for providing a way to credential enrollment professionals now attracts the “new normal” learner: someone who approaches education already juggling job, family, and life responsibilities.

AACRAO SEM-EP Presenters at SEM 2025

SEM-EP Takes the Stage for Record Number of Presenters in 2025

Nov 11, 2025

"The tremendous growth we've seen over recent years ... speaks to both the unique contributions our SEM-EP graduates are making and how they are applying what they have learned by sharing their knowledge with others.”

Congratulations Tricia Pothour, Ed.D. SEM-EP Graduate

Achievement Unlocked: How SEM-EP Opened the Door to Doctoral Success

Sep 15, 2025

We’re proud to celebrate a historic SEM-EP program milestone thanks to an innovative partnership agreement between AACRAO and Bethel University, and the dedicated coursework of Tricia Pothour, Ed.D., of the University of Iowa Tippie College of Business.