Amidst this new normal, it is crucial to get a an understanding of the ever-evolving higher-ed industry as they make major changes to their operations to fit this new normality. To prepare ourselves and the community for these key alterations, we have been collecting valuable insight from higher-ed experts to hear what they have to say. We have had the chance to video chat with Patricia Lemon, the Director of Undergraduate Admissions at Saint Martin University. Our CEO, Reetu Gupta, conducted the interview via video call to abide by social distancing rules. Ms. Lemon provides us with vital insights into her perception for what the future holds in the education industry. 

Watch the full video interview with Ms. Lemon to hear her thoughts on how this global pandemic has affected college admissions and how it will continue to bring change for all universities.

Ms. Lemon clearly describes the silver lining of moving to a digital space by explaining how the shift to a virtual world has helped the college admissions officers at Saint Martin University reach out to a wider population of students.

Students who were once unable to attend crucial college events, are now able to connect with their counselors and participate in virtual campus tours. In addition to the diminishing of geographical borders.

Saint Martin’s University adopted a test-optional admissions policy in response to COVID-19. The pandemic forced institutions to pause and reevaluate their processes. Admissions officers used this opportunity to introduce new approaches and improve existing systems. COVID-19 continues to push colleges to address important and long-standing questions about admissions practices.

For example, the number of institutions that have become test-optional has made it evident that standardized testing has been a critical issue in admissions processes for several years.

Our CEO Reetu Gupta’s article on impact of COVID-19 on standardized tests was recently published in the Business Journal Similarly, Ms. Lemon describes how this pandemic has allowed for experimental changes in the Saint Martin offices to gauge what changes are effective and ineffective.  

Additionally, Ms. Lemon emphasizes the importance of communications and connections in this interview. Interestingly this was one of the point highlighted in our survey of 1,100 high school students. She stresses the significance of making college’s plans transparent for the fall of 2020 to make decisions easier on students and families. In addition to connecting with their students, Saint Martin University has taken extra steps to remain proactive instead of reactive. Ms. Lemon explains how the university is continuing to serve their students during this time of financial difficulty for many. In doing so, they hope Saint Martin’s University will feel more approachable for students who may be hesitant about making college plans during this time.

This video interview highlights that the burden of college planning should not rest solely on students. Colleges are working to reduce that pressure by showing flexibility and support. They are continuing to serve their communities by improving admissions processes and strengthening financial aid access.

See previous interviews here:

Post COVID-19: Part 2 – What will College Admissions look like? With Jonathan Lindsay.

Post COVID-19 – What will College Admissions look like? With Terrence Izzard.

Report on survey of college admission officers with insights on impact on COVID-19 on their plans.