SEMM Forum 2022 | Improving student recruitment, retention, and success

Develop a SEM culture across your institution

Discover innovative approaches from peers

Implement changes to achieve your goals

Why SEMM Forum?

Our goal is student success.

When professionals learn from other institutions and share Canadian-made solutions across silos, organizational goals can be achieved and students benefit as a result.

SEMM Forum provides an affordable opportunity for everyone on campus to have a positive and sustainable impact on the institutional outcomes that support student success.

Develop a SEM culture across your institution:

Explore every factor impacting enrolment

Hear from colleagues and peers across Canada

Get your whole team on the same page by learning together

Your Action Plan

1. Register your team now before rates increase.

2. Learn, make connections, and discover fresh ideas.

3. Exceed your SEM outcomes by implementing proven tactics and strategies.

Call For Proposals

We encourage you to share your expertise, insights, and best practices!

Presenting at the SEMM Forum is a great opportunity for you to share your work with experts in your field, learn from your peers and gain exposure and strengthen your professional profile.

If you are interested in submitting a proposal, please complete the Submission Proposal Form as soon as possible. Proposals will be considered on a rolling basis with a final deadline of February 15th.

More Details

Spring 2022 Program Details Will Be Announced Soon.

Get Updates

Fall 2021 Speakers

2022 speakers will be announced soon.

University of Toronto

Nicole Ryan, Director, Access Programs & Registrarial Services, Woodsworth College

Sheridan College

Janet Morrison, President and Vice Chancellor

Centennial College

Virginia Macchiavello, Associate Vice President for International Development

McGill University

Brittany Williams, Acting Assistant Dean (Admissions & Recruitment), Faculty of Law

Eduvation

Ken Steele, President & CEO

Ryerson University

Revaya O’Neil

York University

Brantella Williams

Ryerson University

Kelly Campbell, Manager, Student Recruitment

Queen’s University

Jaden Lindo

Carleton University

Benoit-Antoine Bacon, President & Vice-Chancellor

Vancouver Island University

Deborah Saucier, President & Vice-Chancellor

Nipissing University

Samantha Brand, Student Recruitment Officer- Indigenous applicants

Ryerson University

Samantha Sobolewski, Recruitment Officer

York University

Vidur Kalive, AI Architect

Ryerson University

Samantha David, Campus Engagement Officer

Ryerson University

Ayelen Barrios Ruiz Pagano, Student Recruitment Marketing Officer

Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO)

Jackie Pichette, Director of Policy, Research & Partnerships

Nipissing University

Kyle Anderson, Student Recruitment Officer, Graduate & Post-Degree Applicants

Ontario Tech University

Megan Weales, Digital Engagement Coordinator

Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO)

Kenny Chatoor, Student Researcher

McGill University

Gillian Nycum, Registrar and Executive Director of Enrolment Services

York University

Tina Dealwis, Content Specialist

Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador

Christine Helen Arnold, Associate Professor, Adult Education/Post-Secondary Studies

IDP Connect

Meghan Krohn, Marketing Manager, Canada

York University

Nick Valentino, Program Manager, Student Success Initiatives

Carleton University

Rob Finlayson, Manager - Partnerships & Pathways

Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador

Sana Jamil, Doctoral Candidate

Bishops University

Dan Seneker, Director, Student Recruitment & Retention

LaSalle College Vancouver

Diego Do Livramento, Director of Student Experience

Dalhousie University

Keri Irwin, Director of Marketing

LaSalle College Vancouver

Zafar Syed, Chief Academic Officer

Bow Valley College

Derek Lemieux, Director International Education and Head of UNEVOC Centre

Loyalist College of Applied Arts and Technology

Paul Smith, Director of Career Services and Work Integrated Learning

Bow Valley College

Phil Ollenberg, Assistant Registrar

Nipissing University

Sarah Marinelli, Student Recruitment Officer- Mature and Transfer Applicants

Concordia University

Charmian Harvey, Executive Director, University Communications Services

OCAS

Melissa Fritz, Manager, Applied Research

CRi

Kirk Kelly, Co-founder

Ontario Tech University

Emma Blizzard, Marketing Project Coordinator

Academica Group

Rachel Janzen, Communications & Marketing Manager

Flywire

Suzanne Tyson, Managing Director, Canada

Glacier

John Reid, President

IDP Connect

Robin Garcha, Client Director

Paul Smith, Director of Career Services and Work Integrated Learning

Bow Valley College

Phil Ollenberg, Assistant Registrar

Nipissing University

Sarah Marinelli, Student Recruitment Officer- Mature and Transfer Applicants

Concordia University

Charmian Harvey, Executive Director, University Communications Services

OCAS

Melissa Fritz, Manager, Applied Research

CRi

Kirk Kelly, Co-founder

Ontario Tech University

Emma Blizzard, Marketing Project Coordinator

Academica Group

Rachel Janzen, Communications & Marketing Manager

Flywire

Suzanne Tyson, Managing Director, Canada

Glacier

John Reid, President

IDP Connect

Robin Garcha, Client Director

Brainstorm Strategy Group Inc.

Graham Donald, President

University of Toronto

Zindziswa Malanca

Fall 2021 Schedule

2022 schedule will be announced soon.

Expand All +

Day One
Tuesday, Nov 9, 2021
11:30 - 12:00
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Graham Donald, President, Brainstorm Strategy Group Inc.
12:15 - 1:00
We Cut Delinquent Tuition Payments by Half And You Can Too
Phil Ollenberg, Assistant Registrar, Bow Valley College

Over twelve months, Bow Valley College reduced delinquent tuition payments by 55% through sweeping and collaborative changes to payment communications and methods. Bow Valley College is a two-year community college, serving 17,500 students in Calgary, Alberta, with six satellite campuses in the metro Calgary area. In fall of 2019, under a new leader, the student accounts department undertook a thorough review of the communications sent to students explaining how and when to pay their tuition accounts. Using a collaborative approach, subject matter experts from financial aid, international education, the registrar's office, and marketing broke down tuition payment communications and methods, focusing on clear, actionable, and timely instructions to students. The result was a 55% year-over-year reduction in delinquent tuition accounts, with similar results into subsequent terms. The business benefits included: improved student retention and enrolment, increased revenue, reduced labour costs, and reduced student disciplinary action. In this session, we'll discuss the approaches the cross-campus team took, the communication methods employed, and language used, look at before-and-after samples of the student communications, and how you may replicate these approaches and results at your own college or university, with plenty of time for discussion.
Financial Aid & Access
Strategic Enrolment Management
Student Retention/Success
12:15 - 1:00
Adding a Little Bit of Spice to Student Recruitment
Megan Weales, Digital Engagement Coordinator, Ontario Tech University
Emma Blizzard, Marketing Project Coordinator, Ontario Tech University

With the pandemic moving us online, we had to rethink our recruitment strategy at Ontario Tech University and dive into digital recruitment advertising for the first time. We learned a lot in this past year about advertising to Gen Z and focused our efforts on meeting them where they're at virtually: TikTok and Snapchat. In this session, we'll share our experiences with the following: - What we learned about Gen Z's communication and advertising preferences. - Generating ideas and creating content for our audience on TikTok and Snapchat. - Creating content in a virtual environment that didn't allow for in-person video production. - Navigating relationships with key university stakeholders to get approval and content submissions for the types of content we wanted to put out. We'll also share examples of the content we created as we present the challenges and successes of our first year of digital recruitment efforts and what we learned along the way.
Marketing/Branding
Recruitment
Strategic Enrolment Management
1:15 - 2:00
ApplyProof Vendor Showcase - International enrollment practices that cost conversion strategies
1:15 - 2:00
Lights, Camera, Action: What Filmmaking Can Teach Us About Engaging Recruitment Presentations
Ayelen Barrios Ruiz Pagano, Student Recruitment Marketing Officer, Ryerson University
Samantha Sobolewski, Recruitment Officer, Ryerson University

Storytelling is integral to what we do as recruiters. This goes beyond promotional videos to the way we present information to prospective students. Learn some tips and tricks that I've been able to implement into my presentations from the world of filmmaking.
Recruitment
Strategic Enrolment Management
2:15 - 3:00
COVID-19 Service Provision and Communication Variations and Innovations: Vocational and Technical Institutions
Christine Helen Arnold, Associate Professor, Adult Education/Post-Secondary Studies, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador
Paul Smith, Director of Career Services and Work Integrated Learning, Loyalist College of Applied Arts and Technology
Sana Jamil, Doctoral Candidate, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 has resulted in an amplified focus on mental health and wellness and student success for post-secondary education students, educators, and administrators. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) (2004), mental wellness is defined as "a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community (p.1)." Students are managing stressors, that in many circumstances, have reached abnormal levels, as friends and familial relationships, (un)employment anxieties, medical concerns, routines and schedules, and financial roles and responsibilities, among others, have shifted significantly. There is an opportunity to provide leadership regarding mental health and wellness and student success on our campuses, which has been steered by strategic frameworks, planning guides, and task force reports and recommendations. An increase in Canadian post-secondary institutions addressing student mental health and wellness and student success on campuses has resulted in an unprecedented demand for innovative programs and initiatives (Cao et al., 2020; Grubic, 2020; Henry 2020; Shapiro, 2018; Son, Hegde, Smith, Wang, & Sasangohar, 2020). Student engagement and its impacts on student mental health and wellness and student success (academic performance, retention, and graduation completion rates) are well known in the literature across post-secondary education institutions and the pandemic has heightened this necessity (Astin, 1984; Chickering & Gamson, 1987; Marti, 2009; Pascarella & Terenzini, 2005). This research and session showcases a multi-institutional comprehensive research study analyzing service provision and communication variations and innovations during the COVID-19 pandemic supporting student mental health and wellness and student success. A systematic review of Ontario's 24 Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology (CAATs) and Institutes of Technology and Advanced Learning (ITALs) websites, including institutional landing pages and student affairs/services, student life, and campus life divisions' service and support pages were conducted. The analysis reviewed the nomenclature, messaging, and service and support offerings across functional areas (learning supports, careers and professional development, health and wellness, etc.) and revealed organization, communication, calendar, software, and interactive initiatives that are working to maintain student engagement. We will share the resulting sectoral themes and trends alongside the standards and exemplars encountered throughout this timely research. There is limited research within the student affairs/services field focused on the student experience and student affairs/services professionals within our community college and vocational and technical institutions. This research aims to showcase the service provision and communication initiatives implemented throughout the pandemic within this dynamic post-secondary education sector and share relevant resources.
Strategic Enrolment Management
Student Retention/Success
2:15 - 3:00
Meet SAVY: Meet York's Student Virtual Assistant, the New Go-To Tool for Students
Vidur Kalive, AI Architect, York University
Tina Dealwis, Content Specialist, York University
Nick Valentino, Program Manager, Student Success Initiatives, York University

Navigating the university experience can be overwhelming for students. York University's new student virtual assistant, SAVY, is an AI-driven tool that gives students access to 24/7 help so they can get answers anytime from wherever they are. In this session, attendees will meet SAVY, learn about its impact and successes helping students navigate York, how York maintains and continues to improve SAVY, and the roadmap for SAVY's future.
First-year Experience
Marketing/Branding
Strategic Enrolment Management
Student Retention/Success
3:15 - 4:00
Student Decisions and Transitions During COVID
Jackie Pichette, Director of Policy, Research & Partnerships, Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO)
Melissa Fritz, Manager, Applied Research, OCAS

The COVID-19 pandemic has massively disrupted education. Researchers at HEQCO, in partnership with OCAS and other stakeholders, are working to understand how this disruption has affected and continues to affect student pathways in Ontario. This presentation will shed light on the question of how student opportunities and decision-making about postsecondary have been impacted by the COVID 19 environment, referencing data and findings from multiple COVID-related research projects.
First-year Experience
Recruitment
Strategic Enrolment Management
Student Retention/Success
3:15 - 4:00
Future Proof Your International Enrolment
Virginia Macchiavello, Associate Vice President for International Development, Centennial College
Suzanne Tyson, Managing Director, Canada, Flywire

There’s no doubt COVID-19 had a disproportionate impact on international students and PSE institutions globally. Given the importance of international students to the health of Canada’s education sector, our economy and our future population base, more than ever, future-proofing international student enrolment is critical.

In this session, Virginia Macchiavello AVP of International Education, Business Development at Centennial College and Mina Fakhouri, Global Director, Agent Partnerships, at Flywire will provide insights from their decades of experience in international student recruitment. Virginia and Mina will share direct knowledge of how COVID has permanently reshaped international recruitment both on-ground in Canada and in countries around the world.

From “Hindsight is (literally) 20:20” we’ll cover the biggest impacts of the fallout from 2020, to “Making Lemonade” and the unintended silver linings that resulted from continuous real-time pivoting required, through to “Future-proofing International Enrolment” with key best practices and proven recruitment approaches from here in Canada and over in international markets, this session will set attendees up for success now and down the road in international recruitment.
Graduate Recruitment
International Student Recruitment
Non-traditional Recruitment
Recruitment
Strategic Enrolment Management
4:15 - 5:10
Reverberations of the Great Pandemic: Lasting Impacts on Student Preferences and Expectations
Ken Steele, President & CEO, Eduvation

The COVID19 pandemic has already disrupted the recruitment cycle, classroom learning and student experience for two consecutive incoming classes, and introduced unprecedented levels of uncertainty going forward. What will be the lasting impacts of two years of turbulence on institutional reputations and student choices, on programs of interest and modes of delivery, on learner preparedness and mental health, on recruitment strategies and student support services? And how will the global pandemic in their formative years shape Generation Alpha? No-one has been more focused on the multi-faceted repercussions of the pandemic for Canadian higher education than futurist Ken Steele, who has advised government agencies, college and university leadership and governing boards across the country, and kept the sector informed about breaking news in real time through his daily “Insider” newsletter. In this fast-paced, media rich and interactive keynote session, Ken will share data and trends on student enrolment and expectations, and promising practices for marketing and enrolment management success in the “new normal.” Through a series of real-time polls, we’ll also leverage collective wisdom and insight from you and your peers to better understand your current reality and future scenarios.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Financial Aid & Access
First-year Experience
Graduate Recruitment
International Student Recruitment
Marketing/Branding
Non-traditional Recruitment
Recruitment
Strategic Enrolment Management
Student Retention/Success
5:15 - 5:30
Social Roundtable

Day Two
Wednesday, Nov 10, 2021
11:30 - 12:15
Intentional Inclusion in Student Recruitment
Kelly Campbell, Manager, Student Recruitment, Ryerson University
Samantha David, Campus Engagement Officer, Ryerson University

Learn to take purposeful action. Authentic learning and leadership has a trickle down effect, giving university students, services and other community members the support and ability to have ownership of sessions helped connect with prospective students on a deeper level. For teams, where student employees are given autonomy to include relevant information from their programs, they can implement fresh perspectives into our current offerings. Established trust and team building initiatives help foster an inclusive nature that spreads to student recruitment initiatives. The Student Recruitment Team at Ryerson University have invested in resources, opened up discussions, participated in community, and shifted outreach initiatives. If you're beginning your learning journey to intentional inclusion in student recruitment, join us for this session where we can collaborate on ideas and work together to serve our prospective student community, stronger.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Recruitment
Strategic Enrolment Management
11:30 - 12:15
How to Advertise to Canadian High School Students Without Wasting Your Budget in 2021
Dan Seneker, Director, Student Recruitment & Retention, Bishops University
Rachel Janzen, Communications & Marketing Manager, Academica Group
John Reid, President, Glacier

Marketing initiatives play a critical part in high school students' decisions around higher education. That's why Academica and Glacier collaborated on an online survey of over 1400 high school students to explore the usage of marketing and branding resources for postsecondary institutions. In this presentation, we will cover the findings from this research, key takeaways from our high school student focus groups and showcase how you can leverage this data to build an effective high school marketing strategy.
Marketing/Branding
Strategic Enrolment Management
12:30 - 1:15
Building a SEM Framework and Culture: Charting the Student Life Cycle
Zafar Syed, Chief Academic Officer, LaSalle College Vancouver
Diego Do Livramento, Director of Student Experience, LaSalle College Vancouver

Private post-secondary institutions are a single-source funded operations relying solely on tuition to keep the institution functioning. Student enrolment, retention, and progression are keys not only as measures of academic quality but instrumental in the financial viability of these institutions. Demographic changes, including declines in high school aged graduates in Canada, intense competition for students further exasperated by the global pandemic, and increasing student demand in some program areas continue to impact institutional approaches to marketing and enrolment management. This session will detail the processes, challenges, and to-date outcomes of our SEM plan that positions the student life cycle as its focus. The presenters will detail critical stages and milestones in designing and developing the SEM plan before speaking to the five goals and the resulting strategies and tactics that are being implemented across the institution. The session concludes with key takeaways for those embarking on this journey.
Strategic Enrolment Management
Student Retention/Success
12:30 - 1:15
Stop Spending Money Recruiting the Wrong Prospects
Charmian Harvey, Executive Director, University Communications Services, Concordia University
Keri Irwin, Director of Marketing, Dalhousie University
Kirk Kelly, Co-founder, CRi

A school's personality is reflected in the types of students it attracts: party schools, fiercely competitive schools, schools with communities and those without draw different students. Psychographic segmentation is a tool to identify the student segments you are most successful at attracting. Students in a segment share similar beliefs, interests, motivations, and fears. Segments are as internally coherent as possible and as different from each other as possible. The benefit? More efficient recruitment by focusing your spend on the segments you successfully attract rather than trying to reach them by marketing to the abstract "average student." This session shows you how.
Recruitment
Strategic Enrolment Management
1:30 - 2:15
The Journey to and Through Postsecondary Education in Ontario for Students with Disabilities
Kenny Chatoor, Student Researcher, Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO)

Students with disabilities experience barriers at each stage of their path through postsecondary education and into the labour market. These barriers, and how students experience them, vary depending on the nature of a student's disability. This presentation will share HEQCO's recent research about outcomes for students with disabilities in Ontario, including an overview of how type of disability impacts students' postsecondary participation and labour market outcomes. The presenters will highlight specific challenges as well as recommendations for policy and program improvements, which may be of particular relevance for those working in academic advising and career transitions.
First-year Experience
Strategic Enrolment Management
Student Retention/Success
1:30 - 2:15
Using Data and Digital Recruitment Tactics to Inform your International Student Enrolment Strategy
Robin Garcha, Client Director, IDP Connect
Rob Finlayson, Manager - Partnerships & Pathways, Carleton University
Derek Lemieux, Director International Education and Head of UNEVOC Centre, Bow Valley College

Presenters discuss the importance of using data-driven decision making and digital marketing strategies to inform international recruitment efforts. Enrolment professionals will learn step-by-step tactics on how to create an effective digital ecosystem that fits their recruitment strategy and engages prospective students. The importance of data-informed decision making from different data sources will also be discussed. To stay top of mind with students around the world, institutions need to pivot their strategies to ensure they are continuing to attract and enrol international students to their schools. Institutions must embrace digital recruitment solutions and data informed decision making in order to reach prospective students. Because this affects all institutions in Canada who recruit international students, it's an immensely relevant and timely topic.
International Student Recruitment
Marketing/Branding
Strategic Enrolment Management
2:30 - 3:15
Motimatic Vendor Showcase - How behavioral science can help you increase enrollment: Motimatic shares practical insights
2:30 - 3:15
Population Segmentation: How We Increased Post-graduate Enrolment and Improved the Applicant Experience
Kyle Anderson, Student Recruitment Officer, Graduate & Post-Degree Applicants, Nipissing University

Starting in early 2019, Nipissing University's Student Recruitment Office restructured their team portfolios based on applicant pathway (i.e. transfer, direct from high school, postgraduate, etc). Join Kyle Anderson for a presentation on how this change has benefited Nipissing's recruitment initiatives and overall applicant experience. Specific attention will be given to the Graduate & Post-Degree applicant portfolio, which covers graduate studies, consecutive education, social work (professional years), and second-degree nursing applicants. Details will include the challenges of postgraduate recruitment at a small, primarily undergraduate university, and how the portfolio structure has helped increase Nipissing's postgraduate application numbers in recent years. Attendees will also have an opportunity to reflect and share thoughts on their own postgraduate recruitment efforts and approaches.
Graduate Recruitment
Marketing/Branding
Recruitment
Strategic Enrolment Management
3:30 - 4:15
Mature and Transfer Committee: Creating a De-Siloed Mature and Transfer Committee to Advocate for Rising and Overlooked Student Populations
Samantha Brand, Student Recruitment Officer- Indigenous applicants, Nipissing University
Sarah Marinelli, Student Recruitment Officer- Mature and Transfer Applicants, Nipissing University

Join Samantha and Sarah from Nipissing University for an informal learning opportunity focused on transfer student advocacy as a tool for non-traditional student recruitment and retention. Within non-traditional students we are looking at minority students such as; Indigenous, single parents, visible minorities, and low income. Attendees will hear from Sarah and Sam about some of the systemic and institutional barriers facing transfer students to Nipissing and how cross-institutional committee was created to bring awareness to and address these issues.( application fees, transcript fees, admission policies, transfer credits, admissions process- geared to high school students, misconception that the majority of students are high school students) Attendees will have the opportunity to reflect and brainstorm on how a similar "de-siloed" committee approach might benefit their institutional enrollment efforts (recruitment and retention) overall.
Non-traditional Recruitment
Strategic Enrolment Management
Student Retention/Success
3:30 - 4:15
Black Students Perspectives: Exploring the Complexities of Post-Secondary Educational Attainment and Social Mobility
Nicole Ryan, Director, Access Programs & Registrarial Services, Woodsworth College, University of Toronto
Brantella Williams, York University
Revaya O’Neil, Ryerson University
Jaden Lindo, Queen’s University
Zindziswa Malanca, University of Toronto
4:30 - 5:25
The Echo Pandemic: Mental Health and Morale
Janet Morrison, President and Vice Chancellor, Sheridan College
Benoit-Antoine Bacon, President & Vice-Chancellor, Carleton University
Deborah Saucier, President & Vice-Chancellor, Vancouver Island University
Ken Steele, President & CEO, Eduvation

Every major crisis has an impact on the mental health and wellness of us all, but a global pandemic that drags on for years, shutters industries, displaces workers, and drives us all into isolation for online learning and remote work could have even more lasting repercussions for social engagement, organizational morale, and the mental health of students, faculty and staff at our institutions. Even pre-pandemic, mental health was acknowledged as a key factor supporting student success and persistence – but now what? Higher ed consultant Ken Steele convenes a lively panel of college and university leaders for a frank and thoughtful discussion of campus health and wellness challenges during and after COVID19, efforts to support holistic wellness, and how the pandemic may reshape the future of campus wellness and engagement – and how the mental health “echo pandemic” could affect your student success and retention efforts.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Financial Aid & Access
First-year Experience
Graduate Recruitment
International Student Recruitment
Marketing/Branding
Non-traditional Recruitment
Recruitment
Strategic Enrolment Management
Student Retention/Success
5:25 - 5:30
Closing Remarks
Graham Donald, President, Brainstorm Strategy Group Inc.

Have Questions?

Can I take advantage of group rates before I know who’s joining me?

Yes! To take advantage of group rates and early discounts, simply purchase the number of tickets you want and enter “TBD” for any attendee names you don’t have confirmed yet.

You can also transfer registrations between team members at any time at no cost.

(Please note however that there are penalties for cancellations as per our policy here: https://semmforum.ca/registration/#cancellation)

Will this just be a series of webinars?

Absolutely not. Of course, there will be great live presentations, hands-on workshops, and panel discussions. But there will also be opportunities to network 1:1 via chat and video, collaborate in roundtables, meet with vendors at their exhibits, and connect directly with experts.

What is the schedule and time commitment?

The program will run May 11 & 12, 2022 for a little more than half a day each day: 11:30 AM – 5:00 PM Eastern time. Local times can be found here: https://semmforum.ca/registration/

Please note that we don’t expect you to participate in every session. You can choose the ones that are most relevant to you; take time to network and meet with other participants; tour the exhibits; jump into a roundtable discussion; and, take breaks to stretch your legs.

Additionally you’ll receive a year’s access to the presentation recordings included with your registration.

This will give you an opportunity to listen to any sessions you may have missed whenever you’d like.

Will there be recordings available?

Yes! All registrations include free access to the recordings for 12 months.

Testimonials

"I didn't know what to expect from a virtual conference but the SEMM Virtual Forum provided comprehensive SEMM related topics, great discussions, and the ability to interact with colleagues from across the country. This was an excellent PD opportunity that others should seriously consider."

Dan Seneker

Director Student Recruitment and Retention

Bishop's University

"As an Associate Vice Provost, Strategic Enrolment Management, at one of Canada's medical doctoral universities, I appreciate the opportunity to connect with a variety of individuals (senior leaders through to those new to the field) to discuss emerging topics, trends, and best practices. I have not attended in a few years, and it reminded me that our environmental and cultural contexts are continuously changing and it is important to keep engaged."

Alison Pickrell

Assistant Vice Provost, SEM

University of Saskatchewan

"SEMM's virtual conference exceeded my expectations. I left the conference feeling hopeful and energized with a toolkit of resources, research and ideas to bring back to my institution."

Danielle Hoogland

Student Recruiter Advisor

North Island College

"As we have all had a challenging 2020, this Conference was a "breath of fresh air" I needed to be inspired again to do my part in SEM at Red Deer College."

Georgina Nickoriuk

Marketing Coordinator

Red Deer College

"As someone who is new to the field of recruitment, the SEMM forum provides not only "point in time" information, but credible and informed speakers to deliver it. Content, format, collaboration, expert delivery and support all combine to provide a Canadian event with great perspective."

Georgine Van de Mosselaer

Director of Advancement

Booth University College

"The SEMM Forum Online was an excellent online conference to attend. I am newer to my recruitment role and I was pleased to meet other recruiters and share some best practices in a collaborative and encouraging environment. I was able to take away some great ideas from the presentation that will guide my recruitment strategy in the years to come. I hope they offer another event!"

Rebecca White-Cote

Graduate Recruitment Coordinator

Goodman School of Business, Brock University

"For a virtual conference of this magnitude, SEMM hit it out of the park. Informational, not overwhelming, and recorded sessions in case you miss anything, this was a great 2.5 days!"

Tiffany Kelly

On-Campus Engagement Officer

Ryerson University

"I've attended the SEMM Forum for several years now, and have always left with new ideas. I would definitely recommend those in education consider this event, be it delivered virtually or in-person."

Rita Chen

Senior Manager, International Business Development

Seneca College

"The SEMM Forum brought together recruiters, registrars, deans, student affairs personnel and so many others that make up educational institutions. We need more opportunities like this to learn about SEM and how we all can work together in ensuring it happens at our schools."

Shona Perry-Maidment

Deputy Registrar (SEM)

Memorial University of Newfoundland

"The SEMM Forum is one of Canada's best opportunities to grow a deep understanding of enrolment management and marketing. The program is top-notch and so are the attendees; rarely do I see this type of high quality interaction between presenters and participants."

JP Rains

Director, Digital Strategy & Communications

Laurentian University

"The information presented was relevant to a wide range of post-secondary administrators. This is extremely important as communication between all levels of administration such as recruitment, marketing, student services, admissions and all other facets is needed in recruitment, retention and graduation initiatives."

Lorretta Neebar

Registrar & Director of Enrolment Management

University of Toronto Mississauga

"The SEMM Forum offers an insightful and engaging look at leading research and activity taking place across the higher-education landscape in Canada. It is a high-value learning opportunity for SEM professionals!"

Mark Kolanko

Associate Registrar, Enrolment

St. Francis Xavier University

"With the benefits of lower-cost group registration, BCIT has now attended several virtual SEMM Forums with a larger group each time. This has allowed us to hold post-SEMM Forum networking sessions, break silos and share recordings to amplify our SEM culture. The ROI of attending the Forum has proved its value for BCIT."

Bacel Younan

Associate Director, Strategic Enrolment Management Program, Enrolment Management Services/Registrar

BCIT

"I have worked in higher education communications for seven years but I just recently started a role focused on strategic recruitment communications. SEMM Forum was an incredibly timely and valuable introduction to a side of the student life cycle that is largely unfamiliar to me. I have some building blocks for success as I enter into this next chapter of my career. Thank you!"

Allie Downing

Senior Communications Strategist, Recruitment & Admissions Enrolment Services

Wilfrid Laurier University

"I enjoyed learning from others in the field of enrollment management, marketing, and recruitment. The diverse perspectives they shared during the SEMM Forum were insightful and encouraging, and left me energized bringing back ideas for my institution."

Daniel Deschenes

Recruitment Officer, Campus Visitors

Brock University

"I found the forum to be very engaging, with excellent opportunities to network. As a person responsible for enrollment management for trades programs, I came away with new ideas and some examples of how to implement them."

Sara Cousins

Manager, Trades Programs

Okanagan College

"SEMM Forum is a great way to crowdsource and gather insight into how other institutions are getting things done! In a world where we can't be face to face, it's nice to know we are in this together and can learn a lot from one another. Thanks for putting together a great lineup."

Cheryl Boyes

Student Recruitment Advisor

Saskatchewan Polytechnic

"The SEMM Forum consistently provides a solid program with great opportunities to learn from and interact with our colleagues."

Tom Brophy

Senior Director, Student Affairs and Services

Saint Mary's University

"Every presentation I attended was well prepared, delivered professionally and had clear takeaways. It doesn't matter if you have been in the field for less than two years (myself) or 15 years. You will leave with knowledge you can start applying now.”

Supporting institutional outcomes by improving student recruitment, retention, and success.

May 11-12, 2022 | Online

Why SEMM Forum?

Our goal is student success.

Develop a SEM culture across your institution:

Your Action Plan

Call For Proposals

Spring 2022 Program Details Will Be Announced Soon.

Fall 2021 Speakers

University of Toronto

Sheridan College

Centennial College

McGill University

Eduvation

Ryerson University

York University

Ryerson University

Queen’s University

Carleton University

Vancouver Island University

Nipissing University

Ryerson University

York University

Ryerson University

Ryerson University

Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO)

Nipissing University

Ontario Tech University

Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO)

McGill University

York University

Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador

IDP Connect

York University

Carleton University

Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador

Bishops University

LaSalle College Vancouver

Dalhousie University

LaSalle College Vancouver

Bow Valley College

Loyalist College of Applied Arts and Technology

Bow Valley College

Nipissing University

Concordia University

OCAS

CRi

Ontario Tech University

Academica Group

Flywire

Glacier

IDP Connect

Brainstorm Strategy Group Inc.

University of Toronto

University of Toronto

Sheridan College

Centennial College

McGill University

Eduvation

Ryerson University

York University

Ryerson University

Queen’s University

Carleton University

Vancouver Island University

Nipissing University

Ryerson University

York University

Ryerson University

Ryerson University

Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO)

Nipissing University

Ontario Tech University

Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO)

McGill University

York University

Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador

IDP Connect

York University

Carleton University