As we consider the time in which we live, which is filled with geo-political conflict, economic challenges, and an uncertain future for those without privilege, many SEM practitioners are exploring how they can make higher education more diverse and inclusive. This issue of SEM Quarterly speaks to how current SEM practitioners are increasing our understanding of student belonging across our diverse student community, addressing the gender gap in trades programs, using technology to enhance student enrollments, bringing SEM into graduate education, and supporting leadership development in graduate SEM programs.

One of the major outcomes of SEM is student success, which is best accomplished when student belonging is achieved across our diverse student community. Alicia Moore and Christy Walker explore the intersection of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging work and strategic enrollment management by providing an overview of Central Oregon Community College’s college preparation programs and data on their success. They conclude by endorsing a comprehensive approach that creates connections between high school and college programs to ensure a smooth transition from high school to college.

Postsecondary institutions offering trades training have an opportunity to increase trades enrollment and address community infrastructure and housing needs by expanding their role in creating solutions. Sara Cousins, Delacey Tedesco, Kelly Brochu, and Tanya Tarlit use the skilled trades shortage as a unique context to pilot transformative approaches to changing culture and practice around equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in recruitment, progression, and retention of previously-excluded student groups, focusing on gender, by cultivating a SEM culture within a Canadian college trades department.

SEM professionals have always been technologically innovative. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is one of the hottest new technologies to enter the SEM toolbox. Andrew Luna and Michael Wilson explore the possibilities of utilizing GIS technology with enrollment management by discussing how the Austin Peay State University GIS Center is supporting the university’s overall enrollment management endeavors, and how the use of this technology led to the identification of potential target markets.

In the age of information abundance, a wide array of resources and modalities exist for students beginning the college search and admissions process. Mark Butt investigates how students make use of these resources as they move throughout the college search, selection and application process by inserting a single, anonymous question, within the Common Application of a highly-selective research university. Findings reveal a resource preference hierarchy, with college websites, high school counselors, college planning websites and books, social media channels, and immediate family emerging as the most frequently cited sources.

Graduate-level higher education, with a focus on SEM, has emerged at several colleges and universities over the last 25 years. Tara Hornor and Christopher W. Trembly conducted a research study on the establishment and evolution of the first enrollment management credential in higher education at the University of Miami. Their findings provide valuable insights about enrollment management graduate education, including the focus on incorporating high impact practices, focusing on practical applications, and infusing predictive analytics.

Within the last decade, graduate enrollment management (GEM) has emerged as an essential SEM activity as institutions address the pending undergraduate enrollment cliff and students’ less positive view of the value of a college degree. Ariana Balayan and Amand Ostreko present a qualitative case study of GEM practitioners that explores their experiences with GEM models and G-SEM planning. They found that many institutions are in the early stages of G-SEM planning, that there is increased pressure for GEM practitioners to advocate for more intentional coordination across the graduate student life cycle, and faculty play a significant role in graduate program structures and goals.

 We also include one book review. Kimberley Buster-Williams introduces us to the book, Lifting the Veil on Enrollment Management: How a Powerful Industry is Limiting Social Mobility in American Higher Education (2024), which examines the current higher education landscape through the lens of enrollment management by introducing the key historical milestones in American higher education, and how these developments shaped today’s highly competitive “win at all costs” environment. The SEM community has the experience and insight to face the challenges of an uncertain world. Hopefully, this SEMQ edition will provide some promising practices and ideas to consider that will lead us to student success and institutional health. Full speed ahead!

Happy reading.