SAAIR Panel Discussion: Strategy and Enrolment Planning in Higher Education

Introduction

Good morning, colleagues and professionals. I'm Ntsundeni Mapatagane, Director of Institutional Research and Planning at Walter Sisulu University. Today, I’m delving into the critical topic of Strategy and Enrolment Planning in higher education, a dynamic area requiring an agile approach to complex challenges such as setting realistic targets, adapting to changing contexts, and navigating leadership transitions.

In a rapidly evolving educational landscape, Integrated Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation are essential. This structured framework not only helps us develop and achieve our enrolment goals but also empowers us to respond proactively to external and internal changes. Through this discussion, I'll explore how adopting an integrated approach can help us steer through the complexities of enrolment planning, preparing our institutions—and our students—for success.

Integrated Planning in Enrolment Strategy

1. Developing a Future-Oriented Enrolment Plan Strategic Vision and Capacity Planning: Effective enrolment planning begins with a future-focused vision. Beyond sheer numbers, we need to strategically consider which fields align with current career prospects. For instance, the 2024 National List of Occupations in High Demand highlights a need for skilled professionals in ICT, healthcare, and engineering. Capacity planning ensures our resources align with these high-demand fields. Aligning with Workforce Needs: More than a headcount, capacity planning scales resources to meet market demand. When enrolment targets reflect labor market needs, we attract students by offering programs with strong career prospects, creating a feedback loop where value and relevance fuel our institutional success.
2. Addressing Complexities in Plan Development Setting Realistic and Achievable Targets: Balancing ambition with reality is challenging, especially with pressures to grow enrolment. With data-driven insights, we can set achievable goals that match both demand projections and our institution's capacity to deliver quality education. Curriculum Alignment with Market Trends: Ensuring that our curriculum meets job market trends is critical. While transformation is ongoing, it’s vital to maintain relevance through curriculum renewal. By embedding digital skills, analytical thinking, and problem-solving, we attract students pursuing fields with high employment potential.

Monitoring for Progress and Adaptation

1. Tracking Target Achievement and Progress KPIs and Real-Time Monitoring: KPIs are essential to assess if we're on track with our enrolment goals. Monitoring metrics highlight where adjustments are needed. For example, if certain programs consistently under-enrol, it may signal a need to re-evaluate the curriculum or improve outreach. Data-Driven Monitoring: Data-driven insights are invaluable. In my experience with Wits University’s Siyaphumelela project, predictive analytics identified at-risk students, enabling early intervention and boosting retention. Such proactive monitoring can apply to enrolment, allowing us to anticipate needs and allocate resources effectively.
2. Adapting to Contextual Changes and Risks Economic and Social Risks: Factors like economic shifts and funding fluctuations affect enrolment, particularly as students face financial pressures. For instance, #FeesMustFall underscored the financial struggles students encounter. Tools like a Risk Register Monitor help us track and adapt to these changes, ensuring accessibility remains central. Responding to Labour Market Changes: With labour market demands evolving, particularly for digital skills, we must monitor trends and adjust our offerings. The World Economic Forum's insights on digital literacy emphasize the importance of aligning programs with emerging industry needs.

Evaluating Strategy and Plan Effectiveness

1. Evaluation for Accountability and Continuous Improvement Graduate Outcomes and Quality Assurance: Our graduates represent the “outputs” of our enrolment plans, making it essential to evaluate their job readiness. CPUT’s Employability Diagnostic Study, for instance, assessed graduates against employer expectations, offering actionable insights to refine program relevance. Student and Graduate Feedback: Feedback from Student Experience and Graduate Destination Surveys informs whether students feel prepared for the workforce. If graduates report employment challenges, this feedback highlights curriculum areas for improvement.
2. Navigating Leadership Changes with Consistent Evaluation Continuity Through Leadership Transitions: Leadership changes can create strategic uncertainty, but a robust evaluation framework provides continuity. Clear metrics help incoming leaders assess progress and priority areas, ensuring momentum in institutional goals. Using Evaluation to Enhance Agility: Evaluation fosters institutional agility, allowing data-driven adjustments that align with policy shifts, funding changes, and market demands.

Addressing Key Challenges and Complexities

1. Managing Financial and Operational Pressures Financial Pressures and Affordability: Enrolment is intrinsically tied to revenue, yet funding cuts and tuition increases place financial burdens on students. Financial monitoring and targeted aid help us attract diverse student demographics, supporting those who might otherwise be excluded. Optimising Resource Allocation: Strategic capacity planning ensures high-demand programs receive adequate resources while reallocating as needed. This balance sustains both quality and financial stability.
2. Meeting Diverse Student Expectations Flexible Program Offerings: Digital natives value flexibility, favoring modular learning options like micro-credentials and short courses. Offering these supports lifelong learning and aligns with the needs of a changing workforce. Industry Collaboration for Real-World Experience: Partnering with industry to offer work-integrated learning enhances employability. This collaboration is a strategic advantage, creating pathways for students to acquire skills directly relevant to their fields.

Conclusion

Building a successful Strategy and Enrolment Plan requires a comprehensive and integrated approach. Through Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation, we navigate enrolment planning complexities, set realistic goals, and adapt to changes. Aligning with market demands, managing financial pressures, and remaining agile are vital for ensuring our graduates’ career readiness.

In a constantly shifting landscape, Integrated Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation equip us with the resilience to achieve our mission—preparing students for meaningful careers in a competitive world.

Thank you for your attention and commitment to the future of higher education