By Autumn Walden, Editor, AACRAO Connect, Content Strategy Manager, AACRAO
Higher education leaders are being asked to solve increasingly connected problems at once: how to grow enrollment through stronger local ecosystems, and how to set fair, defensible academic policies for a global student population. Enrollment strategy right now requires institutions to balance growth, policy, and partnership in real time.
These two previews of sessions at the 111th AACRAO Annual Meeting offer a timely look at how institutions are responding from different but equally strategic angles. Dr. DeRecco Lynch of the University of Cincinnati explores citywide enrollment partnerships through the lens of collaborative decision-making, showing what becomes possible when institutions work beyond campus borders. A coalition of practitioners from Tarrant County College District, Covista, TruMerit, and IELTS examines international academic policy-setting for English language proficiency, highlighting the technical knowledge needed to create policies that are rigorous, transparent, and responsive to today’s realities. Together, these sessions reflect the kind of thinking and implementation that is practical, cross-functional, and ready for complexity.
First-Timers, our presenters share some advice to get you started for your first Annual Meeting, and we encourage you to join our upcoming “Know Before You Go” webinar on March 5 to get primed and prepared. And don’t forget to take advantage of the AACRAO group rate by the March 31 hotel priority deadline.
In the breakout session, “Who Owns Your City? Enrollment, Retention, and Community Impact at Scale,” learn how breaking silos between recruitment, retention, and community partnerships can turn belonging into a growth strategy. This session challenges you to rethink your city’s role in enrollment and student success.
“We wanted to share how the University of Cincinnati made good on the Bearcat Promise by intentionally aligning new student recruitment, advising, analytics, co-op, dual enrollment, and K-12 partnerships to drive measurable gains in access, equity, and graduation outcomes, shared Dr. DeRecco Lynch, Assistant Vice Provost of Enrollment Management at the University of Cincinnati. “We hope people can learn and take back some tools to support their city.”
What is the most important thing your attendees should take away from your session?
Student success is ecosystem design. Coordinated investments in people, process, policy, technology, and community partnerships are what move the needle on both enrollment and long-term outcomes. We want attendees to leave with a framework they can adapt to their own campus, not just a story to admire.
What are your thoughts on the AACRAO Annual Meeting in general?
Some of the best decisions we have made at UC were sparked by a conversation in a conference hallway. AACRAO brings together the enrollment, advising, and policy leaders who are actually in the trenches, and the sessions reflect that. You will not leave with vague inspiration. You will leave with names, frameworks, and a short list of things you can realistically do when you get back to campus. That is what makes this meeting different.
Can you share tips for first-time attendees?
Be intentional. Don't just wander the program; pick sessions that challenge your current thinking. Introduce yourself to presenters before or after their sessions, because some of your best connections start in those five minutes. Leave with three concrete actions you can bring back to your campus right away.
In the breakout session, “Get the BTS: Behind the Scenes on English Language Proficiency Exams and Admissions Policy Setting,” explore the science behind ELP exams and institutional approaches to admissions policies, including setting minimum score thresholds, superscoring practices, exemptions, and score concordance across multiple test providers.
“The topic for this session was initially suggested to me by Emily Tse of TruMerit (formerly CGFNS) after she attended a meeting with several English language proficiency exam providers,” shared Jennifer Minke, at Tarrant County College District. “I agreed that it would be valuable to bring a diverse group of practitioners together to discuss how institutions create, revise, and update policy ... These decisions are often made behind the scenes, yet they have a significant impact on students and institutions alike.”
“I reached out to my co-presenters and suggested this session based on discussions I have had directly with colleges and universities, as well as immigration and professional regulation authorities,” said Emily Tse of TruMerit. “There are struggles on how to navigate the different exam vendors and scoring systems. The questions we received are as recent as last month, when TOEFL changed its scoring system.”
What is the most important thing your attendees should take away from your session?
We hope attendees will gain a better understanding of the science behind the assessment of English Language Proficiency, along with practical knowledge of best practices for reviewing and setting ELP policies for admissions or other program purposes. Our goal is to support thoughtful, informed decision‑making that aligns institutional policy with student success.
“The session is timely to discuss ELP as an 'anchor skill' at a time of change, both in terms of US-bound dynamics, but the state of ESL support in the U.S., and how that may relate to establishing a policy that serves both institutions and international students,” shared Ariel Foster of IELTS USA.
What are your thoughts on the AACRAO Annual Meeting in general?
Minke: I have always looked forward to attending the AACRAO Annual Meeting—not only to learn new things through sessions, but also to engage with my peers in both professional and social settings. Often, I find that I learn just as much during pop‑up conversations and informal discussions as I do during scheduled sessions. I never fail to leave the Annual Meeting feeling energized and inspired.
Can you share tips for first-time attendees?
Minke: My advice to first‑time attendees is to take full advantage of every opportunity to connect. Attend sessions that interest you, but also make time for informal conversations and networking. Some of the most valuable insights come from engaging with colleagues who are facing similar challenges and sharing experiences beyond the session room.
For newcomers and returning attendees alike, these sessions are a reminder that some of the best Annual Meeting takeaways begin with one strong idea and the right conversation around it.