Merging admissions, academic services and student affairs has supported UCF to drive student success

Challenge

How might we merge and centralize functions to drive student success?

Strategy

In 1998, UCF merged Enrollment and Academic Services with Student Affairs to become The Division of Student Development and Enrollment Services (SDES). The SDES focuses on functions ranging from admissions, outreach, registrar, and financial aid to orientation, student engagement and success interventions, and first-year advising.

Outcome

The merger provided a clear point of responsibility for student success outcomes and enabled SDES to be better equipped to focus on the full student lifecycle, including:

  • A more comprehensive enrollment approach
  • A heavier emphasis on first-year interventions
  • Ensuring the availability of classes for first-year students by having the registrar function within SDES

Ready to take action?

Brainstorming prompts for you and your team to consider

Learn more about a student-focused operating model from our research

Institution

Enrollment

71,948

Pell Recipients

31%

Students of Color

54%

Net cost of Attendance

$22,849 (in-state)