Dear colleagues, 

Enrollment management remains a primary focus for NMSU, a recurring theme in my recent meetings and discussions. A comprehensive strategy must encompass three key elements: 

1. Providing curricula aligned with regional and national workforce demands.
2. Strategically enhancing recruitment efforts, both locally and intentionally, leveraging our limited resources. 
3. Ensuring our student-centric initiatives contribute to retention and timely graduation. 

I previously addressed the first aspect in an earlier communication. NMSU already offers programs meeting regional workforce needs, and we're utilizing Gray's data to identify areas for expansion based on existing capacities and potential resource allocations. 

Regarding recruitment, we aim to broaden our reach and allocate more resources effectively. We're also focused on maximizing opportunities for student transfers within the NMSU System and leveraging the recruitment successes of NMSU Global to enhance our strategies both locally and abroad. 

The Office of Student Success has implemented targeted initiatives to bolster retention. While we've seen improvements in freshman class size and retention post-pandemic, there's still substantial work ahead. Addressing equity gaps among Pell-eligible and minority student groups remains a priority.

Successful implementation of our strategies requires a coordinated effort across all levels – departments, colleges, and central service units. It's clear from discussions with deans that each college has unique needs and priorities, some emphasizing recruitment while others focusing on retention. Colleges are best positioned to identify program-specific strategies, informing our enrollment goals and metrics. Central units such as the Office of Student Success, NMSU Global, and the Provost’s Office can then provide the necessary support and resources tailored to these strategies.

Last week, witnessing the collaboration between NMSU academic units and NMSU Global at Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua (UACH) was truly inspiring. Building upon established partnerships, we anticipate the creation of enhanced recruitment pipelines and the development of productive Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs), mirroring the successes achieved in Agriculture and Engineering.

As I compose this message, I’m enjoying the scene outside my office of high school groups actively participating in new student orientations. The Calling All Aggies (CAA) initiative, led by the Office of Student Engagement and the Student Information Management (SIM) team, aims to reconnect with students who enroll in one semester but do not continue their enrollment in the subsequent semester. We have several college-specific initiatives developed to enhance student retention, including the Eloy Torrez Family Learning Communities in Engineering. These collective endeavors are all aligned with our student-centric mission. We are NMSU.

Lakshmi N. Reddi
Interim Provost
New Mexico State University