Post COVID-19: Part 5 - What Will College Admissions Look Like
The higher-ed industry has adapted immensely to these trying times, but there is still a long road of uncertainty ahead and it's imperative that students, parents, and staff members plan for the future. To equip the higher-ed community with the necessary tools and knowledge to tackle oncoming obstacles, we have been talking to institutional-level professionals to hear their insights. We had the privilege of speaking with Bryan D. Ryberg, the Associate Dean for Student Success & Admissions at Roanoke College. Our CEO, Reetu Gupta, conducted the interview via video call to hear from Mr. Ryberg and his thoughts on what lies ahead.
Watch the full video interview with Mr. Ryberg to learn about what changes the higher-ed industry has implemented and what else is in store for the future. It is clear that the shift to an online learning platform has brought both hindrances and advantages to the education space. To start, Mr. Ryberg stressed the importance of developing personal relationships with fellow students and staff members. This experience is compromised and difficult to replicate in a remote environment. Additionally, considering that Roanoke College is a small liberal arts school, recruitment has been specifically challenging when it comes to offering unique in-person campus visits and tours.
However, in the wake of these challenges, Mr. Ryberg revealed that the admissions team worked tirelessly to provide an equally rewarding experience online. By conducting over 200 webinars, Roanoke College was able to connect with students, parents, college guidance counselors, and anyone else in the education industry from places all over the world. It opened their eyes to see how students now have the power to reach any college they wish to connect with since geographical boundaries are diminished in an online platform.
Another major change that remote learning has instigated is in the subject of standardized testing. Mr. Ryberg shared a sentiment that is common with other admissions officers: institutions must tweak their admissions processes to encompass a holistic approach as a result of standardized testing being unavailable for some students. Mr. Ryberg emphasizes the cruciality of evening out the playing field for everyone by expanding recruitment processes from one test score to evaluating student interests, increasing the number of conversations with incoming students, talking to high school counselors, and much more.
Finally, Mr. Ryberg also addresses the financial obstacles that universities will have to combat. On the basis of increased demand for financial aid and decreased revenue, it is clear that colleges will have to make major changes. Mr. Ryberg touched on the usage of alternative revenue streams, instead of tuition, to supplement the undergraduate experience while compensating for financial hardships. Watch the full video to hear what he has to say about possibly using graduate programs and online opportunities to financially support and serve students.
This video interview was extremely enlightening and revealed many key details that universities are continuing to work with during this time. Check out the full video to hear what Mr. Ryberg has to say about transforming education into a more innovative standpoint in order to have a place in this competitive setting.
Watch more interviews from our series, What Will College Admissions Look Like?
Post COVID-19 - What Will College Admissions Look Like? With Terrence Izzard.
Post COVID-19: Part 2 - What will College Admissions Look Like? With Jonathan Lindsay.
Post-COVID-19: Part 3 - What Will College Admissions Look Like? With Patty Lemon
Post-COVID-19: Part 4 - What Will College Admissions Look Like? With Paul Seegert.
