MSCHE Self Study April 2021

experience on interview day. The nature of the interview day experience was substantially revised to make it more welcoming and informative.  In an effort to increase the admissions yield (matriculation to acceptance), a concerted effort was made to educate all individuals who have contact with applicants (Admissions Committee members, Student Affairs staff and student guides) regarding the importance of their interactions with applicants in affecting applicants’ choice of program. The yield has improved from 54% and 58% in 2014 and 2015, respectively, to 64%, 63%, 66% and 63% in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively.  Increasing the matriculation of underrepresented minority students (URMs) has become a priority at the College as reflected in the 2018 – 2023 Strategic Plan and the Diversity and Inclusion Master Plan . From 2015 to 2020, the number of URMs matriculating in the OD program increased from 3 to 17.  In response to feedback from past incoming classes on how to improve communication post ‐ acceptance, the admissions staff created "SUNY Opt ‐ In" ‐‐ an online portal where incoming students can find all the necessary information they need to know leading up to orientation.  As a result of the increased need for mental health services, the Office of Student Affairs created a webpage listing the services available to students.  In response to student surveys and informal feedback, in which students expressed the desire for more exposure to prospective employers, the Career Development Center (CDC) implemented a ‘soft’ career fair during the Annual Career Symposium.  Based on the results of satisfaction surveys, the CDC established partnerships with local ODs and alumni to set up field trips for Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP) students. Conclusions: Strengths, Challenges and Opportunities As evidenced above, the College has made significant strides in fulfilling the goals set forth under Standard IV. The College has been successful in matriculating a highly qualified and diverse class while aggressively expanding its support services to enhance the learning environment, add value to the educational experience, and contribute to overall student academic, clinical and career success. Through its recruitment efforts and admissions process, the College is successful at enrolling highly qualified and diverse students in all of its programs. The College continues to further develop and refine strategies to achieve its strategic goal of attracting the brightest, most motivated and diverse students with demonstrated leadership potential. Despite a dwindling national applicant pool, the College has successfully enrolled one of the most competitive classes in the country based on OAT scores and undergraduate GPA. Through a data driven and informed approach, the Office of Student Affairs has been able to better understand applicants and interviewees experiences and implement targeted programs and communications strategies to enhance these. As a result, the College has been able to achieve and maintain high yields.

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