“Never be afraid to make some noise and get into good trouble, necessary trouble.” – John Lewis
In recent years, the landscape of college admissions has been undergoing a significant transformation. From rapid-paced emerging technologies and skills-based learning trends to the U.S. Supreme Court ruling on ending the use of racial categories in college admissions, institutions of higher education find themselves at an interesting crossroads.
As demographics shift and the needs of students evolve, innovative leaders in higher education are reimagining traditional admissions processes to create more inclusive pathways to college. STEM PUSH is working with changemakers to advocate for recognition of out-of-school academic achievements in redesigned pathways to college and inviting institutions doing this work to join the STEM PUSH Admissions Network.
Self-proclaimed systems changer Robert Gould, vice president for strategic enrollment management at Augsburg University in Minnesota, is working to reimagine how higher education relates to prospective students. Gould believes a student-centered approach ensures longevity in a time when institutions of higher education are worried about their own survival, while simultaneously doing what is best for the populations they serve: the students.
STEM PUSH sat down with Gould for a broader conversation about inclusive admissions practices. Here’s what we learned.
Augsburg Applies to You
Guided by their mission and a desire to change the old systems that were designed for institutions rather than students, Augsburg’s three-part strategy aims to increase access for underrepresented students and streamline the admissions process.
1. Direct Admissions: Removing barriers and anxiety for students, direct admissions flips the traditional application process by having the university proactively reach out to qualified students with an offer of admission. By removing the initial hurdle of applying, direct admissions can open doors for students who might otherwise not consider certain institutions or higher education at all.
“The student is in the position of having us apply to them, not the other way around,” says Gould.
2. Student Success Coaching: The student-centered approach prioritizes the long-term success of individuals over short-term enrollment goals. No longer reviewing applications for months on end, Gould’s team of admissions professional’s work with students to help them through the process and make the best decision for them.
“We help students make better decisions about their choice of an institution,” says Gould. “Sometimes that doesn’t involve Augsburg and that’s OK. We operate on a different level of strategy—success coaching for the student—which we think is good for Augsburg AND the student.”
3. Fostering Academic Belonging: By fostering a sense of belonging early on, Augsburg sets students up for greater success and persistence in their college careers. This includes reducing the intimidation factor in faculty-student interactions by introducing students to academic engagement opportunities before they even start classes.
“Academic belonging is part of our student success work for retention and this starts before the first day of class. There’s a power dynamic with faculty and we’re trying to reduce some of that intimidation. During the summer orientation, we work to give students a sense of agency to feel like they can navigate the academic world.”
Partnering for Systems Change
STEM PUSH and Gould connected over a shared goal of encouraging institutions to rethink their systems and create more inclusive pathways for students in STEM.
“There are a lot of institutions that are probably interested in diversity, especially in their STEM programs, but they still operate under old systems of selectivity,” says Gould. “They don’t recognize that hands-on experiences, especially in the STEM area, are probably a better predictor of success than any other academic indicator,” says Gould.
According to STEM PUSH’s research, Black, Latina/o/e, and Indigenous students were ~50% more likely to persist through more than one year of college than students without STEM PUSH pre-college experiences.
From helping students to overcome financial barriers to preparing them with invaluable, rigorous learning experiences in STEM, equity-focused pre-college STEM programs prepare students to combat the intimidation of academics and reduce anxieties that Gould reflects on in his student-centered approach.
Whether it’s a direct admissions strategy or something else, Gould believes institutions are often resistant to change. “It can be hard because you feel like you’re giving up a competitive advantage, which is where these systems perpetuate and discriminate against students that have these wonderful experiences.”
Gould believes; however, institutions have no choice. He asks his peers to evaluate their selection systems starting with the demographic shifts in our country and whether their current systems are operating based on a design for current student populations or for those of 10, 20, 30+ years ago.
“Ultimately the students are what will control the market, not institutions. We already see the market being controlled by students not going to college. The amount of non-consumption or non-post-secondary attainment is already increasing in almost every state. What does that mean? It means there’s a misalignment of systems. We need to meet students where they are.”
Gould is honest about his direct admissions approach, understanding that it doesn’t automatically create interest. He urges colleagues to copy ideas that are working, adapt strategies that benefit students, and avoid recreating systems that create new barriers. He also encourages higher education to partner with networks like STEM PUSH to elevate success.
“STEM PUSH is a network of professionals filled with intention and commitment around a mission to provide better support and access to Black, Latine, and Indigenous students in a field (STEM) that’s sorely underrepresented, but also in college admissions systems.” Gould said
Augsburg University has joined the STEM PUSH Admissions Network. Through this commitment, Augsburg will recognize STEM PUSH students who apply for holistic review through the Common App’s CBO dropdown and include their STEM PUSH pre-college STEM program experience in their application. Furthermore, Augsburg continues to be a partner with STEM PUSH in advocating for equity-centered systems change in the college admissions process.
The work of innovators like Gould, Augsburg University, and STEM PUSH are paving the way for a more inclusive, equitable, and effective college admissions landscape. As these practices evolve, we can look forward to a future where higher education truly opens doors for all talented students, regardless of their backgrounds.
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Robert Gould is the Vice President for Strategic Enrollment Management at Augsburg University in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Gould leads undergraduate admissions, transfer admissions, degree completion, admissions for adults, and graduate program admissions. Gould also leads Augsburg’s financial aid and student accounts work, as well as institution-wide strategic enrollment planning. He is a strong proponent of policies to create greater transparency in the cost of college.
Augsburg University
Augsburg University has maintained a strong academic reputation defined by excellence in the liberal arts and professional studies since 1869. Augsburg University educates students to be informed citizens, thoughtful stewards, critical thinkers, and responsible leaders. The Augsburg experience is supported by an engaged community that is committed to intentional diversity in its life and work. An Augsburg education is defined by excellence in the liberal arts and professional studies, guided by the faith and values of the Lutheran church, and shaped by its urban and global settings.
A safe and welcoming campus in the heart of Minneapolis, Augsburg offers undergraduate and graduate degrees to nearly 3,200 diverse students.
