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Can you contribute effectively to your school’s and students’ success without understanding SEM?
Everyone on campus has an important role in supporting student success and achieving organizational objectives.
But without a good understanding of what SEM is and how it works, you and your team will be limited to what you can contribute.
The Fundamentals of Strategic Enrolment Management program is designed to give everyone in PSE – regardless of their department, office or Faculty – the foundation they need to contribute effectively to your SEM success.
Register NowIf you are seeking a strong foundation in the principles of SEM, then the Fundamentals of Strategic Enrolment Management program is designed for you.
Past Program Participants
Testimonials
As a faculty member in an organization that is just starting to form a SEMM culture, this course has proven to be valuable in information, resources, and networking.
Josh Silver
Learning Manager, Industrial Technology and Trades, Holland College
Fundamentals of Strategic Enrolment Management micro-credential was very informative. I highly recommend it to everyone involved in SEM or interested to learn about the SEM process.
Marlene Phillips
Academic Program Manager, NorQuest College
This program was fundamental in building my knowledge and understanding of SEM.
Daniel Ramcharran
Manager of Recruitment Services, College of New Caledonia
If your institution is planning the development of SEM plan, this micro-credential is a must before getting started!
Marc-André Gougeon
Manager – International Market Development, University of Ottawa
I really enjoyed the course content and the flow of the sessions. The workload is good, especially for busy working professionals. The course was set up really well and the learning dashboard was easy to use.
Nathalie Walker
Team Lead Business Operations, Faculty of Health Studies, NorQuest College
This was an excellent crash course on the benefits and applications of SEM. My knowledge is stronger because of it.
Robyn McBain
Director, Brand & Marketing, Recruitment & Enrolment Management, Acadia University
A great overview for those who want to understand the strategy behind enrolment management. The networking opportunities with colleagues from across Canada helped inspire and reassure me that my institution is on the right track.
Danielle Hoogland
Student Recruiter Advisor, Marketing and Future Students, North Island College
The Fundamentals of SEM was an excellent introduction to SEM. The readings were interesting and relevant, the presentations and panels gave me lots to think about, and the conversations were engaging. Clayton Smith was generous with his knowledge and experience - a true leader in the field!
Morgan Westcott
Associate Dean, Marketing Management, British Columbia Institute of Technology
2023 Program & Schedule
The Fundamentals of Strategic Enrolment Management program features four, 2.5-hour sessions that include workshops, presentations and panel discussions that will be presented live online over a span of 4 weeks. Weekly sessions will include opportunities for participants to reflect on their learning, take part in small and large group discussions, meet with their peers, and complete self-guided learning assignments.
In addition to the four live sessions, it is expected that participants will complete 1-2 hours of homework each week. Homework will consist of literature reviews, posting and commenting on discussion board topics, connecting with co-participants, watching video recordings, and/or completing quizzes.
Participants will be supported via a dedicated web portal to access educational materials, connect with peers, post and comment on coursework, discuss topics of interest, and share best practices and information over the course of the program. All live workshops will be recorded and made available for review for 6 months after the completion of the program.
Week 1 – The "What" of SEM
Thursday, April 6, 2023
1:00 PM - 3:30 PM (Eastern time)
- What is Strategic Enrolment Management and what is its historical origin?
- Why SEM? What is its role in the institution?
- What are SEM’s core concepts?
- How is SEM structured in varying institutional types and jurisdictions?
- What is the current state of SEM on your campus?
Week 2 – The "Why" of SEM
Thursday, April 13, 2023
1:00 PM - 3:30 PM (Eastern time)
- Panel Discussion: Perspectives on SEM in Canada
- The External and Internal Challenges to SEM at Your Institution
- Data and its Importance to SEM
- Using data to Inform SEM at your institution
- Use of technology in SEM
Week 3 - SEM Planning
Thursday, April 20, 2023
1:00 PM - 3:30 PM (Eastern time)
- SEM Planning Overview
- SEM Planning Components
- Implementing SEM planning
- Assessment, evaluation and renewal
- Application of scenarios to SEM planning
Week 4 – The "Who" of SEM
Thursday, April 27, 2023
1:00 PM - 3:30 PM (Eastern time)
- Leadership and SEM
- Engaging Faculty in SEM
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
- Turning Learnings into Actions
All details are subject to change.
Lead Instructor

Clayton Smith, Ed.D.
Professor, University of Windsor
Senior Consultant, AACRAO
Dr. Clayton Smith is Professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of Windsor and Associate Faculty at Royal Roads University where he teaches in the Graduate Diploma in SEM program. Dr. Smith previously held senior enrolment management positions at the University of Windsor, the State University of New York College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill, Tallahassee Community College in Florida, and the University of Maine at Augusta.
Known for his focus on comparative enrolment management, Dr. Smith has performed collaborative research into the distinctive qualities of enrolment management in the United States and Canada that has allowed educational leaders from both countries to compare and share best practices. Dr. Smith has, with research colleague Susan Gottheil, co-edited SEM in Canada: Promoting Student and Institutional Success in Canadian Colleges and Universities (2011) and The Effectiveness of SEM in Canada: Reflections from the Field (2022). His recent research focuses on the faculty role in SEM, how change management impacts successful SEM institutional implementation, and Canadian enrollment leaders’ reflections on the effectiveness of SEM in Canada.
Dr. Smith is a leader in the field of enrolment management, with special emphasis on the areas of institutional SEM readiness, implementing SEM, enrolment planning, change management, international student affairs, and student success and retention.
Dr. Smith holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Southern Maine, an M.A. in Political Science from Drew University, an M.P.A. in Public Administration from the University of Maine, and an Ed.D. in Higher Education from Florida State University. He is a senior consultant with AACRAO Consulting and currently serves as Editor-in-Chief of Strategic Enrollment Management Quarterly.
2023 Panelists & Facilitators
Jennifer Alabiso
Associate Director, Enrolment Service Operations
Dalhousie University

Tom Brophy
Associate Vice President, Student Affairs and Services
Saint Mary's University

Kelly Campbell
Manager, Student Recruitment
Toronto Metropolitan University

Shawn Chorney
Vice President Strategic Infrastructure, Indigenous and Learner Services
Canadore College

Janene Christiansen
Registrar & Associate Vice-President, Strategic Enrolment
George Brown College

Graham Donald
Founder & President
Brainstorm Strategy Group Inc.

Dr. Angela Jaime
Interim Vice-Provost, Indigenous Engagement
University of Saskatchewan

Richard Mitchell
Manager of Access and Inclusion, Undergraduate Admission and Recruitment
Queen’s University

Clayton Smith, Ed.D.
Professor, University of Windsor
Senior Consultant, AACRAO
Bacel Younan
Registrar
Douglas College
Dedicated Support

Jennifer Powell
Director, Community Engagement
As the SEMM Academy’s dedicated program support person, I’m committed to ensuring that participants and presenters get the most out of their experiences. I am happy to answer questions and provide information and updates to ensure that you are well equipped for this unique learning opportunity.
FAQs
What is the schedule and time commitment?
The core of the program is four, 2.5-hour live sessions held over 4 weeks on Thursdays. In addition to the live sessions, it is expected that participants will complete 1-2 hours of homework each week consisting of literature reviews, posting and commenting on discussion board topics, connecting with co-participants, watching video recordings, and/or completing quizzes.
All sessions will be recorded so that participants can access any sessions that conflict with their personal schedules.
Will there be recordings available?
Yes, all sessions will be recorded and available exclusively to program participants on the dedicated web portal for 6 months after the completion of the program.
What happens if I miss a session?
There’s a good chance that a session or two may conflict with your other commitments. Recordings of sessions will be posted on the web portal along with educational materials within 24 hours of each workshop, so you’ll have plenty of opportunity to catch up.
Who should participate?
Virtually everyone on campus has a role to play in Strategic Enrolment Management and will benefit from an investment in learning the fundamentals that will make them a stronger contributor on campus.