Network of Experts and Research Capacity

The co-directors work with a core group of advisors and consultants who develop and participate in projects, along with a network of functional experts. Each has a proven track record as a strategic thinker, creative problem solver, and effective change agent. AACRAO Consulting also may partner with other consulting resources—for example, when large-scale technological and student information system support is needed.

AACRAO’s wide research capacity and extensive knowledge base inform the most complex consulting projects, insuring the most accurate, thorough, and up-to-date information is brought to bear on the results.

Consulting Services Testimonials

AACRAO Consulting provided invaluable assistance to our campus during a period of significant change. Given the financial stresses in public higher education, this decade is a crucial one for our campus, and enrollment management is key to our success as an institution. AC brought to bear some of the best thinking in the profession to help us reshape our processes and strategies in admissions and our overall enrollment efforts. The consulting was right on target. Our consultant took the time to understand our needs and shaped his analysis accordingly. AC did a great job “educating” us about the best current thinking concerning integrated enrollment management.

AC’s on-site consulting also helped us overcome the challenges arising from significant organizational change. Our consultant had the ability to speak to any group on campus, from the Chancellor to faculty to the front line support staff in admissions. He described the “best practices” in use at other institutions, and identified which of these practices could be adapted to our institution’s needs. This analysis helped us decide not only what to do, but what not to do anymore. The enrollment results of our collaboration with AC were outstanding.

AC also provided valuable assistance with the campus’s repositioning the traditional student affairs area into a more industry-standard approach one that combines enrollment management with student life and positions the division for more collaborative interaction with academic units.
— Daniel Little, Chancellor, University of Michigan-Dearborn

As a new Vice President overseeing Enrollment Management, I hired an AC consultant to an on-going contract instead of filling my AVP position. Since I was new and we had enrollment challenges, I needed someone who could hit the ground running and help us develop a plan to reach our aggressive enrollment targets. In addition to a report, I got a partner who provided consultation, direct services, staff training and development and institutional enrollment planning. Our reorganization and redesign of admissions and financial aid business practices achieved significant progress. We reduced the time from application to admission, created a communication plan, and developed the structure to get financial aid packages out 3 months earlier than last year. AACRAO Consulting Services has been an excellent choice for helping us make progress in our Admissions, Recruitment and Financial Aid offices.
— Sue Borrego, Vice President for Student Affairs, California State University, Monterey Bay