USU United: Student Focused
Utah State University’s Comprehensive SEMP
A University-Wide Initiative
USU strives to provide access to high-quality education in an effort to fulfill its land-grant mission. The institution engaged in the first comprehensive strategic enrollment management planning (SEMP) initiative focused on student recruitment, retention, and completion. Under the direction of President Cockett and campus stakeholders, many divisions engaged in a strategic endeavor to understand the current student experience, define and implement new strategies, and improve and enhance USU’s student experience and promote student success.
USU's SEMP Steering Committee and Working Groups were actively engaged over the past year and are excited to share the contributions and plans for the future.
Stages of SEMP
Phase 1
Before rolling out SEMP to USU’s colleges and Graduate Studies, President Cockett tasked Vice President Robert Wagner to lead and collaborate with various departments and organizations to complete phase 1 of the SEMP process. Phase 1 participants included:
- Marketing & Recruitment
- Finance & Financial Aid
- Student Success
- USU Online
- Academic Programs
Phase 1 started in January 2019 and was completed in December 2019, resulting in action plans to improve student success. Some of the strategies created include:
- Leveraging financial aid
- Diversity recruitment and student success
- Advising best practices
- Launching a Student Money Management Center
Phase 2
In 2020, President Cockett delegated responsibilities to start and complete SEMP for all USU colleges, Statewide Campuses and Graduate Studies. At an open house, a more detailed preview at Phase 1 was given, showing individuals and departments how they could participate in the initiative and have an impact on the future of USU. This transitioned into the Post-COVID Task Force, which has assumed many of the responsibilities of the SEMP initiative.