By Dhel Sue Cabiara
By targeting an online-based marketing approach and other feasible strategies, some deans shared how to implement these efforts to boost its college enrollment in the coming years.
This came after academic units such as the College of Engineering and Design (CED), Institute of Rehabilitative (IRS), and College of Mass Communication (CMC) saw relative changes in its enrollment rate this school year.
Former CMC Dean Dr. Madeline Quiamco said they have been discussing strategies for a “better-funded and centralized marketing” following a 100-percent increase in its freshmen enrollees.
“Print and digital [publication materials] alone do not guarantee a successful marketing strategy. Production of presentable brochures, for example, is a problem. One improvement I’d like to see is better support services for marketing activities,” Quiamco explained.
Despite being known as a relatively small college, she noted the strength of CMC is its marketing efforts such as activities and events, both in collaboration with partners and those directly organized by students.
On the other hand, the IRS recorded a 3.1-percent drop in its latest enrollment from last year’s 425 total student population.
Dr. Paulo Manuel Jimenez, newly-appointed dean of IRS, mentioned that the institute is set to broaden its reach by strengthening brand awareness, career talks, alumni involvement, online presence, and enrollment process
“[We plan to] highlight [the] SU Physical Therapy program such as board exam performances, our clinical affiliation centers in Visayas and Manila, and internationalization initiatives with partnerships with PT schools in Japan and Indonesia,” he said.
Jimenez also revealed that they plan to improve current marketing schemes such as community-based activities, involvement with local government units for healthcare needs, and senior high school immersion to PT clinics.
Meanwhile, the CED reported an overall decline in its enrollment in traditional programs like civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering. Its computer engineering program, however, saw a notable increase.
Newly-appointed CED Dean Engr. Klint Ian Austerio stated the new entrance examinations for freshmen, student cap per program, and the “increasing competitiveness of public institutions that offer more affordable education” as factors to their shift in enrollment.
Despite not initially investing in its marketing schemes, he shared the college plans to extend its presence on social media, enhance content on its Facebook page, and collaborate with its student council.
“The college continues to use traditional marketing approaches […] With increased competition, particularly in the field of engineering, we acknowledge the need to improve and modernize our strategies,” Austerio said.
When asked if there are new policies implemented on college marketing schemes, the Office of Media and Public Affairs (OMPA) clarified there is no such directory from the administration.
However, deans of different academic units has the discretion to plan and create a framework that could guide future marketing initiatives in their respective colleges.
