Strategic Enrollment Management Plan: 2025-2026 — FAQs

1. What is the UH Hilo Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM) Plan?

The Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM) Plan 2025-2026 is a roadmap designed to strengthen enrollment, student retention, and graduation rates while aligning with UH Hilo’s mission and strategic goals. The plan for this timeframe prioritizes identity and mission alignment, program-market fit, campus experience, operational efficiency, and branding and recruitment efforts. Since this is a living document, we will revisit it annually and update the plan according to our needs and the dynamic environment we operate in.

2. What are the key focus areas of the SEM Plan for 2025?

The plan is currently structured around five core focus areas for 2025:

1. Identity & Mission Alignment – Strengthening UH Hilo’s unique role and values.
2. Program Alignment with Market Demand – Ensuring academic offerings meet workforce needs.
3. Campus Environment & Infrastructure – Enhancing facilities and student experience.
4. Operational Efficiency & Technology – Improving enrollment processes and student services.
5. Branding, Marketing & Recruitment – Expanding outreach and brand visibility.

3. How does the plan address declining enrollment and yield?

The plan currently introduces targeted recruitment campaigns, enhanced financial aid communication, digital marketing strategies, and simplified enrollment processes to attract and retain students. The plan will be updated annually to address enrollment changes and yield.

4. How does the SEM Plan strengthen student success?

UH Hilo is strengthening student success in 2025 by:

• Expanded career pathways and experiential learning opportunities.
• Honors and research programs to engage high-achieving students.
• Stronger transfer pathways to ease transitions from other institutions.
• Place-based learning that integrates Hawaiian culture and local industries.
• Improving campus life by enhancing infrastructure and improving accessibility.

5. How will UH Hilo enhance campus facilities to improve student experience?

The plan includes upgrades to academic buildings, residence halls, student lounges, and digital infrastructure, incorporating Hawaiian cultural elements to foster a welcoming and inclusive campus.

6. How does the SEM Plan integrate workforce development?

UH Hilo is currently planning to align academic programs with employer and industry needs by: - Expanding career pathways in fields such as environmental science, health sciences, and Hawaiian studies. - Strengthening employer partnerships for internships and career opportunities. - Ensuring curriculum relevance to current and future job markets.

7. What role does technology play in this plan?

Technology will be implemented in the current plan to streamline enrollment, enhance student support, and improve communication through:

• Upgraded Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and financial aid systems for a smoother student experience.
• Automated communication tools to keep students informed and engaged.
• Enhanced digital infrastructure to support learning and administrative efficiency.

8. What strategies are in place to improve UH Hilo’s branding and marketing?

UH Hilo is planning to invest in:

• A redesigned university website for clearer messaging and usability.
• Stronger brand storytelling to highlight student success and community impact.
• Alumni and community engagement to boost advocacy and referrals.
• Predictive analytics to refine recruitment strategies and outreach.
• Targeted digital marketing using social media and other digital platforms.

9. Who is responsible for implementing and tracking the SEM Plan?

Implementation involves cross-campus collaboration, including Enrollment Services, Academic Affairs, Student Support Services, and Communications. The Echo Delta consulting team will assist in regular assessments to track progress and ensure accountability for the first two years of the SEM Plan. Since the SEM Plan is a living document, we will need to revisit this annually to track our progress and adjust accordingly.

10. How will progress be measured?

Success metrics will include:

• Enrollment growth and retention rates.
• Student satisfaction and engagement levels.
• Employer partnerships and workforce impact.
• Research funding and alumni involvement.

11. When should we expect to see an increase in enrollment?

We are looking at a three-year timeline for meaningful enrollment growth. The first phase will focus on stabilizing current enrollment trends by strengthening recruitment, retention, and financial aid strategies. The second phase will involve improving student experience, streamlining processes, and aligning programs with workforce needs to create a stronger foundation. By year three, with enhanced branding, marketing, and outreach fully in place, we expect to see measurable increases in new student enrollment and overall institutional growth.

12. How can students, faculty, and the community engage in the SEM Plan?

Opportunities to contribute include:

• Students – Leadership roles and feedback sessions.
• Faculty – Program alignment and curriculum development.
• Community & Employers – Outreach events and workforce partnerships.

Engagement opportunities will be communicated through campus announcements, faculty and staff meetings, student government channels, and community partnerships to ensure broad awareness and participation. We encourage everyone to stay informed and take advantage of these opportunities because strengthening enrollment and the future of our kulanui is a shared kuleana—we all have a role to play.

13. Is it too late for me to provide input? How can I share feedback?

No, it’s not too late! The SEM Plan is a living document, and we welcome ongoing input from students, faculty, staff, and the community. You can share your feedback, ideas, or concerns by emailing semkime@hawaii.edu. Your insights are valuable in shaping UH Hilo’s enrollment strategies, and we encourage you to be part of this important effort.

14. Where can I access the full SEM Plan and stay updated?

The full SEM Plan is available on the UH Hilo website, with regular updates shared through university communications and engagement opportunities.