As you respond to your peers, share one resource that is relevant to their admission policies. The resource could include a website featuring a specific program, an example of an institutional strateg

Amy Discussion:

Throughout this course, we have learned about the importance of student support from many different aspects of their lives. As I consider the admission policy I have proposed through our final project, I do not believe that it addresses all of the important aspects of student support. The policy that I have proposed is to meet the full demonstrated need of all admitted students. While this policy creates financial access for many high achieving students, it does not address academic preparation or the transition to a new, collegiate academic space.

While my policy does not address these areas, I have thought about some additional programs and supports that would need to complement the policy I have proposed in order to see success in increasing enrollment, retention, and completion among all students. I believe that some of the supports that I identified in my most recent milestone, such as mentorship and bridge programs, will help to address preparation and transition. However, there is still a gap in my proposed policy that does not account for familial support and engagement. While there is clearly value in family support, that is not the focus of my proposed admission policy. However, as we work with stakeholders and campus partners, there can be intentional decisions made that engage the family in the college choice and preparation process.

For example, through new student orientation, there can, and should, be a space for parents, guardians, and familial support systems. This orientation should not only educate them about campus resources, but help to articulate the value of the education that their student will be receiving. This will be especially important for our first-generation students. Through this module, I have a lot more to consider in order to make my policy inclusive of all of these factors in a student’s college experience. I look forward to reading the insights of my classmates to learn how they are doing the same with their policies.

Christian Discussion:

The policy that I am introducing for my final project is an automatic acceptance policy (AAP). This is a policy to be implemented in order to create equal access to a college degree. Minorities and students from low income families will benefit most from this policy as admissions will be on a level playing field.

Unfortunately, students from low income districts suffer from receiving a high school education of less quality than those from middle or upper class. A district’s ability to hire and retain quality teachers and provide academic support is reliant on funding that is not available to low income communities. Therefore, a pending influx of minority and low income students will require an institution to provide additional measures and academic support services to ensure the success of students. Family engagement must be a priority. Parents that are involved in a student’s education increase chances of that student’s success.  Automatic acceptance will come with a requirement that parents attend Orientation.

Academic preparation is critical to the success of a college student. Automatic acceptance will also require certain courses taken during high school along with the passing of an exit exam upon graduation. Engagement in on-campus activities has been shown to increase the retention rate of first year college students. Although participation cannot be made mandatory, it is imperative that students are at least aware of all the support services and student activities on campus. Therefore, the AAP will also require acknowledgement from prospective students of an online introductory video that fully explains all support options available to students. The AAP is designed to increase access to higher education. It is also important to ensure the success of these students.

References:

 St. John, E. P., Daun-Barnett, N., & Moronski-Chapman, K. M. (2018). Public policy and higher education: Refraiming strategies for preparation, access and college success (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Taylor & Francis.