Challenges in Higher Education

PROBLEM MINI-PAPER APLS490.W03

OCTOBER 22, 2023 SHADAWN HARRIS

Leveraging Insights as an Admissions Operations Manager to Address Key Challenges in Higher Education

Introduction

As an Admissions Operations Manager, I understand the multifaceted nature of my job, cutting across different areas that include data management, database maintenance, interaction with prospective students, and other offices on the campus. In this mini-paper, I will outline and detail a significant concern within higher education admissions and how my insights acquired through professional involvement can contribute towards its resolution.

Identifying the Problem

The inefficiency and complexity of the admissions process is a persistent and multifaceted challenge in higher education admissions. The complicated nature of the admissions journey itself necessitates processing vast volumes of prospective student data, which in turn requires maintaining a complex database system and communicating with both the students and internal stakeholders. The central issue that we should address today is the increasing need for simplified, focused, and individualized admission processes, all of which must be implemented effectively to recruit and maintain the best-qualified students in a highly competitive college market. The interrelated issues at the root of this problem include manual data entry, managing complex database systems, coordinating communication, bureaucratic work, and standardized admission processes.

Insights as a Solution to the Problem

As an Admissions Operations Manager, I have acquired valuable insights that can be harnessed to address the inefficiencies in the admissions process. Specific strategies can be applied to resolve the difficulties of higher education admissions, such as better ways of entry where data entry errors can be solved, fine-tuning the system, simplifying software updates, and speeding up solving problems. Consolidated communication plans focusing on uniformity and customization approach can be formulated to make it possible for potential students to get customized information that is also cohesive. My knowledge of the ins and outs of the admission procedures enables me to pinpoint bottlenecks, devise effective workflow solutions, and effectively manage resources, which releases more time for strategic planning and enhances individual students’ involvement. The use of technology-based processes could change the face of admission, making it more accessible, attractive, affordable, and efficient. Lastly, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation can continuously improve and adapt to the ever-evolving landscape of higher education admissions.

Conclusion

The field of higher education admissions faces significant challenges that provide opportunities for improvement. As an Admissions Operations Manager, my insights and experiences in this role can contribute to the ongoing evolution of admissions processes in higher education, making them more efficient, effective, and student-centered. By utilizing my insights, we can navigate the complex landscape of higher education admissions and lead the field towards innovative and impactful solutions. The admission process requires a holistic approach that focuses on customized, simplified, and individualized processes. Implementing innovative and effective measures is essential to enhance the effectiveness of the admissions process, and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to this endeavor.

References

Liu, Y. S., & Lee, L. (2022). Evaluation of college admissions: a decision tree guide to provide information for improvement. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 9(1), 1-12.