Seattle Colleges Office of Strategic Enrollment Management (OSEM) Unit Updates - January 29, 2025

Welcome to the inaugural edition of the Seattle Colleges Office of Strategic Enrollment Management (OSEM) District-wide communication, featuring updates from Fall 2024! We’re excited to launch this new tool to keep you informed about key initiatives and developments within the District. In each edition, we’ll provide insights from OSEM, and spotlight important projects aimed at enhancing student success and shaping the future of Seattle Colleges. This communication will transition into a full website and newsletter format later this term, providing even more detailed updates and resources. The website is nearing its final stages of development and will be shared with the district by the end of Winter term.

Fall 2024 Final Enrollment Report: Seattle Colleges Districtwide Overview

We are pleased to share the Fall 2024 Final Enrollment Report, which highlights the districtwide enrollment trends and provides key insights into various student demographics and program growth. Overall, we have seen positive growth across many areas compared to Fall 2023, reflecting the hard work and commitment of our staff, faculty, and community to support student success.

Districtwide Enrollment Growth

• Overall Enrollment: Seattle Colleges experienced a 5% increase in overall districtwide enrollment for Fall 2024 compared to Fall 2023.
• State FTES: Full-Time Equivalent Students (FTES) increased by 4%, rising from 9,844 to 10,212 across the district, a total increase of 368 FTES.
• International Contract FTES: There was a 19% increase in international contract FTES, with North College leading the way with a 34% increase, the largest percentage growth in the district.

Program-Specific Enrollment Trends

• Running Start FTES: Running Start saw an 11% increase in FTES across the district, with all colleges reporting growth compared to Fall 2023.
• College Transfer FTES: College transfer courses experienced a 9% increase districtwide.
• Professional Courses: Both North and South Colleges reported increases in FTES for professional courses, continuing to meet the growing demand for workforce-ready programs.
• Bachelor’s Courses: Bachelor’s degree courses experienced a 3% increase districtwide, reflecting continued interest in advanced academic pathways.
• Basic and Transitional Studies (BTS): North and South Colleges saw a 5% or more increase in FTES in BTS programs, providing critical support to students who need additional preparation for college-level coursework.
• Intensive English Program (IEP), Apprenticeship, and Pre-apprenticeship Courses: These programs saw a decrease in FTES, indicating areas for further review and potential program adjustments.
• Continuing Education saw a 1% overall increase in FTES with Seattle Central experiencing the largest increase of 3%.

Demographic Insights

• Students of Color: Students of color now represent 57% of the total districtwide FTES, with Asian and Black students making up the largest groups.
• Gender: Female students account for the majority of the total FTES for Fall 2024, continuing the trend seen in previous years.

The Fall 2024 enrollment trends at Seattle Colleges reflect continued growth and a positive trajectory across many areas, including international, Running Start, and College Transfer FTES. With a focus on supporting diverse student populations and adapting to evolving academic needs, we are committed to ensuring that all students have access to the resources they need to succeed in their educational journey.

We look forward to continuing to work together to build on this momentum and address areas for improvement, including the decrease in FTES for specific programs. Thank you to everyone for your dedication to helping Seattle Colleges thrive!

Strategic Enrollment Management: A Vision for the Future

At the heart of our mission is ensuring that Seattle Colleges continues to provide equitable access to higher education for all students. Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM) is focused on aligning our resources, policies, and practices to improve recruitment, retention, and graduation rates. This newsletter will serve as an avenue for you to stay updated on our efforts in this area, including progress on several critical initiatives.

To guide its work, the Office of Strategic Enrollment Management (OSEM) is collaborating with the District Financial Aid Office and the Title III funding grant to develop a set of guiding principles. These principles will shape our approach to ensuring that all students at Seattle Colleges have equitable access to higher education. As we continue refining our processes, I believe there is a great opportunity to align best practices in financial aid and funding to create a supportive and effective system for all students.

• Equitable Access and Fairness - It is essential that our financial aid practices prioritize equitable access for all students, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. By focusing on need-based assessments and offering targeted support to underrepresented students, we can ensure that every student can succeed, regardless of their financial situation.
• Data-Driven Decision Making - Data plays a crucial role in assessing the needs of our student population. By leveraging data on socioeconomic background, student performance, and retention rates, we can make informed decisions about how to allocate financial aid resources. This will help us direct support to the areas where it’s most needed, ensuring that our financial aid initiatives are as effective as possible.
• Strategic Outreach and Communication - Effective communication is key to ensuring that students understand the financial resources available to them. We can adopt a proactive outreach strategy, targeting high school seniors, community organizations, and underrepresented groups. Clear, accessible information about deadlines and application processes will help ensure that no student misses the financial support they need.
• Transparency and Clarity - Transparency is vital in the financial aid process. By clearly communicating eligibility requirements, application steps, and disbursement timelines, we can help students, and their families feel confident in navigating the process. Providing this level of clarity will demystify financial aid and make it more accessible to all students.
• Balancing Short-Term and Long-Term Support - In addition to addressing students’ immediate financial needs—such as tuition, books, and fees—it is important to consider long-term financial support. This includes scholarships, workforce readiness programs, and partnerships with local organizations. Our financial aid system should provide support not just for the current semester, but throughout a student's entire academic career.
• Financial Aid as a Retention Tool - Financial aid should not only help students enroll but also help them stay enrolled and complete their degrees. We can align our financial aid efforts with retention goals by providing emergency funds, work-study opportunities, and renewable scholarships. This ongoing support will help ensure that students are not forced to leave due to financial challenges.
• Fostering a Supportive Funding Culture - Creating a welcoming and supportive environment for students seeking financial aid is essential. This includes providing dedicated financial aid counselors, offering financial literacy workshops, and ensuring students have access to funding navigators. Regular check-ins and personalized support will help students stay on track with their academic goals and make the financial aid process a smoother experience for everyone.

In conclusion, by applying these principles to our financial aid and funding strategies, we can build a stronger, more equitable system at Seattle Colleges. By focusing on equity, data-driven decisions, transparency, and support, we can ensure that all students feel empowered to succeed, regardless of their financial background.

Guided Pathways: Helping Students Navigate Their Academic Journey

One of the cornerstone initiatives at Seattle Colleges is Guided Pathways, designed to help students stay on track toward their academic and career goals. By providing clear program maps, structured academic support, and career exploration opportunities, Guided Pathways is transforming how we support students in achieving their educational objectives.

Through these pathways, students can make more informed decisions about their courses, avoid unnecessary detours, and connect with the resources they need to succeed. We are proud to see the growing impact of this initiative across our campuses, and we will continue to focus on expanding these pathways to better serve our diverse student population. The campus updates are shared by the GP Directors from each campus.

North Seattle College

Guided Pathways at North Seattle College, led by Aimee Brown, Guided Pathways and Title III Director, in collaboration with the Guided Pathways Leadership Team—including VPI Pete Lortz, VPSS Alice Melling, and EDIC Director Jill Lane—has been a catalyst for systemic change across the college. This past year, the Guided Pathways team expanded to include an Assistant Director of First Year Experience (FYE), Tristinn Williams, who is co-leading the First Year Experience Committee alongside the EDIC Director, Jill Lane, and the New Student Orientation Committee. New Student Orientation has transitioned to an in-person format, serving 188 students in the fall and 57 students in the winter, with work underway to build out an online component.

The counseling team—Jenny Mao, Emiko Minatoya-Shields, Melissa Allen, and Kate Noson—along with contributors like Alice Melling and Farideh Faraz, has scaled up the FYE course, HDC 101: Orientation to College Success, to offer eight sections in fall 2024 and three in winter 2025.

Other key projects include maintaining and updating program maps in collaboration with academic departments, advisors, and retention specialists, as well as implementing an annual review process for existing maps led by Kara Schwartz. Heather Neikirk, Evan Aho, and Marcia Shaw have been instrumental in reconciling professional technical content across various platforms.

Additional efforts involve evolving our math co-requisite model, institutionalizing placement processes led by Justina Rompogren, and developing an LGBTQIA+ website as part of the LGBTQIA+ Coalition, spearheaded by Jessica Albavera. Strategic Courses, led by Lyall Rudenskjold and Dan Tarker, is piloting embedded tutoring in targeted courses while conducting a comprehensive data review in collaboration with Institutional Effectiveness and academic departments.

Seattle Central College

Guided Pathways at Central committed to a district focus on building out First Year Experiences at each college. In collaboration with Title III as well as stakeholders across campus, GP made significant strides to define and expand Central's First Year Experience. FYE at Central includes: New Student Orientation (offered both in person-with 300 students in attendance in Fall '25-and a soft launch of online NSO in Winter '25), First Year Learning Communities (successfully launched in Fall '25), a defined first year college skills course through HDC (additionally scaled for UMOJA & ANNAPISI), and a peer mentorship program launched in Fall '25 (with embedded mentors in First Year Learning Communities and HDC 101 courses). Guided Pathways and Title III also supported the hiring of First Year Experience Coordinator, Mandy Sun, and First Year and Career Services Director, Luis Santiago, set to begin in Winter '25. The FYE team is excited to expand FYE support to include opportunities for integrated resource connection, leadership development, career planning, and academic support.

Guided Pathways and Title III at Central additionally continue to support integral work across campus including Ensure Learning development and review, Black Solidarity Think Tank operationalization and integration, high school equivalency and degree completion through Basic and Transitional Studies, academic advising, entry and admissions specialist support, professional development (leadership academy, CLIPS, facilitation training, new faculty onboarding etc.), Math and English DSP/ Math Co-Requisite continuous improvement and integration, and exploratory experiences for students through FYE.

South Seattle College

The Guided Pathways Team at South is focusing on four key areas: Pathways Infrastructure, First Year Experience (FYE), Progress Monitoring, and Retention and Completion.

Our Fall initiatives included collaborating with Instructional leadership to streamline the annual updating of Program Maps, website content, and catalog information. We are testing this process with plans to fully integrate it into instruction next year.

We are refining our approach to the FYE using district-developed outcomes as the framework to assess current student supports and align with Guided Pathways projects. Key initiatives include:

• Student Onboarding tracking
• Online New Student Orientation
• Current student communication development
• Exploratory resource development including a Passport Program, Courses, and website
• Undecided Student and Education Plan outreach
• Integration of Starfish and Predictive Course data
• Development of student navigation and belonging metrics

For Winter and Spring, we will establish data frameworks to track student progress and inform continuous improvement goals. Our long-term vision is to expand beyond first-year monitoring to create a comprehensive campus-wide retention and completion strategy that aligns with our operations plan.

We continue to support institutional work for faculty assessment, faculty professional development, the English and Math directed self-placement tool, intake supports in our Welcome Center, Completion Coaching services, and many roles that help make these goals a reality across the campus.

District Collaboration

Guided Pathways in collaboration with District Communications have made progress on creating a district-wide Undecided Student Website that is designed to help undecided and prospective students engage in exploratory activities, resources, and information as they consider their options and opportunities within Seattle Colleges. It is set to launch this academic year.

Guided Pathways has also collaborated with District Communications, Web Team, and key stakeholders across campus to launch a newly designed database that will house updated pathway maps and degree websites for transfer, professional technical and basic and transitional studies programs. The new design will reflect integrated course sequencing and schedules, robust degree planning and program information, and create pathway maps that are simultaneously more uniform and more specific to program variances, making it easier for students to understand degree options and requirements and choose a pathway. The new database will launch later this academic year.

Lastly, Guided Pathways is interested in working towards a mandatory orientation. Conversations will be happening in winter and spring 2025 with leaders across the campuses to discuss impact and next steps.

Title III Funding Navigation Grant: Expanding Access and Support

We are thrilled to share that Seattle Colleges has been awarded a Title III Funding Grant to further enhance student support services and improve academic success. This federal funding is dedicated to increasing enrollment and retention rates for low-income and underrepresented students, with a specific focus on improving educational opportunities and support systems at our institution.

The Title III grant will fund initiatives such as improved student advising, enhanced learning technologies, and expanded tutoring and mentoring programs. These efforts are designed to directly benefit students and empower them to achieve their academic goals with greater ease and support.

Fall 2024 Update

Title III Funding Navigation Grant has made significant strides over the past term. Our team has worked diligently to improve access to funding resources for students, and we have accomplished several key milestones:

• Funding Navigators contacted over 1200 students with incomplete financial aid applications to encourage them to complete their applications and offer assistance with understanding next steps
• Navigators held 111 one-on-one student appointments to provide help with FAFSA and connect students to resources
• Navigators hosted Orientation workshops, first-week events, class visits, and even a Financial Literacy workshop in partnership with BECU at Seattle Central College.
• Navigators began hosting weekly virtual FAFSA workshops and partnered with Seattle Promise to host weekly virtual SAP Appeal workshops for students whose financial aid is at risk of suspension due to not meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress

The team established relationships with on-campus partners such as Workforce Ed, Open Doors, Learning Centers, and with community partners such as Northwest Educational Access, College Success Foundation, and the International Rescue Committee.

What’s happening in Winter 2025?

Funding Navigators are now accepting referrals via Starfish for students who need help finding funding resources or need assistance with FAFSA/WASFA. If you use Starfish, you can use the "Referral to Funding Navigation" and a Navigator will reach out to your student to provide assistance.

Funding Navigators will continue to host weekly virtual FAFSA/WASFA workshops. Details are posted to each college’s Financial Aid website and on flyers around campus.

A small group of faculty & staff across the district is engaging in deep learning about Financial Aid and Culture of Care. There are limited spots still available for anyone still interested in participating. The first meeting starts on 1/29. Folks interested in joining should email Tsetsen Anuurad at tsetsen.anuurad@seattlecolleges.edu.

We are creating a map of funding-related messaging that students regularly receive to identify and address any gaps. If your area routinely sends funding-related messaging to students, please connect with Moriah Shistle.

We are hosting a series of focus groups to learn more about the student experience and specific funding-related barriers students face.

How can you stay informed?

Attend a virtual Lunch and Learn at 12 PM on Thursday, February 13. Join us via Zoom for a lunchtime presentation and an open Q&A session to learn more about our project, our goals and targets, and the overall approach we have taken so far. You can access the Lunch & Learn using this Zoom link.

Check out our new website. Updates will be posted quarterly and sent via email.

Meet the District Funding Navigation Team

Moriah Shistle, Title III Funding Navigation Grant Director, moriah.shistle@seattlecolleges.edu.

Thank you for your continued collaboration. We look forward to making further progress on this important project.

District Financial Aid Office: Supporting Students Through Financial Resources

The District Financial Aid Office continues to be an essential resource for Seattle Colleges students, helping them access the funding they need to pursue their education. Financial aid is a critical component of student retention and success, and we are committed to ensuring that all eligible students have the resources they need.

In addition to traditional financial aid offerings, the Financial Aid Office works closely with students to help them navigate scholarships, work-study programs, and emergency funds. This comprehensive support helps to remove financial barriers, enabling students to focus on their academic and career aspirations.

District Financial Aid – Fall Quarter in Review

The District Financial Aid team had a productive Fall Quarter, marked by both growth and significant advancements in supporting students. We are pleased to introduce several new team members who have joined us in key roles, many are the same faces in new places:

• Kimberly Bobbitt – Director of Funds Management and Compliance
• Helen Kong – Program Assistant, Funds Management Team
• Willow Sumey – Program Assistant, Funds Management Team
• Becky Stampalia – Program Assistant, Funds Management Team
• Roxana Padilla – Program Specialist, Funds Management Team
• Vlanouse Saintvil-Kerlegrand – Director of Processing and Technology
• Becky Thompson – Executive Director of Financial Aid

Fall Quarter Highlights

Throughout the fall term, the District Financial Aid team focused on ensuring timely award processing and financial aid disbursement for students, particularly following nationwide changes to the FAFSA application process. This effort was central to supporting students' financial needs as they navigated the new application system.

Key accomplishments include:

• Expansion of Student Financial Aid Workshops: With the support of Title III Grant staff, we increased access to financial aid workshops, providing students with valuable information and resources to better understand and navigate their financial aid options.
• Increased Collaboration: We strengthened our partnerships with the Seattle Promise teams, fostering closer collaboration to improve student success.
• Launch of New Platform for Financial Aid Appeals: In partnership with campus financial aid teams and IT, we introduced a new platform for students to submit financial aid appeals. This is the first step in our ongoing effort to streamline the submission of financial aid forms for students.

Looking Ahead

As we prepare for the 2025-26 financial aid cycle, we are excited about continuing to strengthen our partnerships with campus financial aid teams, Seattle Promise, and Student Financials. Our upcoming goals include:

• Enhancing collaboration to improve processes and student outcomes.
• Simplifying and aligning student financial aid communications to ensure students receive clear and timely information.

We look forward to building on the momentum of this fall term to further support our students' financial aid needs and continue improving the services we offer.

Thank you to everyone for your dedication and hard work in making this a successful term!

Looking Ahead: Continuous Improvement and Collaboration

As we move forward, the Office of Strategic Enrollment Management is committed to ongoing collaboration with faculty, staff, and community partners to improve the student experience. Together, we will continue to refine our approach to enrollment management, student support, and resource allocation, ensuring that Seattle Colleges remains a place where all students can thrive.

We hope you find this newsletter informative and useful in staying connected with the work happening across the District. Stay tuned for future updates, and do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or would like to learn more about the initiatives mentioned here.

Thank you for your continued support as we work toward a brighter future for Seattle Colleges students!

Warm Regards,

Dr, Cedric B. Howard 
The Office of Strategic Enrollment Management 
Seattle Colleges - District Administration