Post COVID-19: What will college admissions look like?
By cirkledin on Updated:
In our pursuit of understanding the impact of COVID19 on higher education and helping colleges by providing industry insights from the experts, we recently had an opportunity to sit with Mr. Terrence Izzard. Our CEO, Reetu Gupta conducted the interview over a video call and by maintaining the social distancing. Terrence Izzard, a longtime educator who specializes in recruiting and retaining millennial students, is the Tennessee State University (TSU) Associate Vice President for enrollment management and student success.
Watch the full video interview with Terrence Izzard as he details the impact of COVID-19 on college admissions and how they are tackling this new normal. Mr. Izzard informs us of how the sudden shift to online learning has impacted the overall college community, consisting of faculty and students, as they are forced into a digital space. He grapples with the question of whether or not this switch will become permanent, or remain temporary, and how to plan for fall 2020 classes – online or in-person. These important questions are key to gauging the future and what it holds for the higher education industry.
Another crucial issue discussed in this video is the need to adapt admissions policies to the changing sense of normality. Izzard talks about updating financial resources and curriculum strategies to better support both college students and returning adult learners. While a silver lining of online learning may be cheaper costs, families are still struggling with accumulating the necessary funds for education; and so colleges and universities must rethink their resources to support those in need. Cirkled In conducted a survey of 1,100 students that highlighted that 69% of high school students foresee COVID19 making a financial situation for college.
Finally, Izzard acknowledges the rapid change in policy concerning the SAT and ACT. Historically, standardized testing has been a major benchmark for college admissions officers, with recent movement towards test optional. However, with the SAT now canceled and the ACT soon to follow, it is no doubt that revisions must be made to ensure that students aren’t penalized for this cancellation. This is giving colleges an opportunity to try test-optional strategies and forge a new path of college recruitment. Make sure to listen to this interview to learn more about alternative benchmarks and what colleges and universities have in store for future admissions policies!
Watch the full video here. Also read our report on survey of college admission officers with insights on impact on COVID19 on their plans.
Terrence Izzard Bio:
Terrence Izzard, a longtime educator who specializes in recruiting and retaining millennial students, is the Tennessee State University (TSU) Associate Vice President for enrollment management and student success. Mr. Izzard has over 20 years of experience in higher education. In his role at TSU, Mr. Izzard is responsible for the planning, management, and strategic directions for programs aimed at increasing student enrollment and retention. With a diverse experiences in recruitment, marketing, student engagement and development, Mr. Izzard is exceptional in attracting and developing the next generation of global leaders at TSU. Mr. Izzard is a member of the 100 Black Men of America, Inc. and the National Black MBA Association. He also has served as campus advisor for M.A.L.E.S. (Men Achieving Leadership Excellence and Success) and Collegiate 100 at Benedict College.