Preparing College Admissions Leaders for the Future

Co-written by Dr. Reena Lichtenfeld, Vice President for Consulting Services

As higher education institutions grapple with fluctuating prospective student markets, another retooling of test-optional policies, and increased scrutiny following the Supreme Court’s ruling against race-conscious admissions, many institutions are also facing a serious internal issue: burnout and turnover among admissions staff. As noted by Inside Higher Ed, admissions staff across the board are experiencing extraordinary levels of demoralization and fatigue where the pressures of recruitment targets, ramifications from a difficult FAFSA rollout, shifting student expectations, and evolving evaluation criteria are weighing heavily on those recruiting and enrolling new students.

In response to these challenges, Ruffalo Noel Levitz (RNL) has launched comprehensive Admissions Counselor and Leadership Certificate Programs, as part of the Center for Professional Excellence, designed to equip admissions professionals with the skills, strategies, and support they need to not only meet institutional goals but also thrive in their roles. This solution directly addresses the root causes of burnout by creating a more sustainable and supportive environment for teams. Additionally, these programs strengthen staff retention by showing newer professionals the viability of higher education as a rewarding, long-term career path through ongoing professional development and growth opportunities.

A comprehensive training and development offering from the New RNL Center for Professional Excellence

The RNL Center for Professional Excellence provides a robust, targeted approach to developing higher education professionals and leaders. The Admissions Counselor and Leadership Certificate Program has been created and is taught by leading consulting experts with enrollment management experience at many diverse higher education institutions. This program equips participants with the strategic and practical skills necessary to excel in today’s rapidly evolving landscape. Whether those working in admissions are just starting out or advancing into leadership roles, this program ensures they are prepared to navigate the complexities of modern enrollment management.

RNL’s Admissions Counselor and Leadership Certificate Programs offer two specialized tracks:

• Admissions Counselor Certificates: Available at three levels—Bronze (Foundational), Silver (Intermediate), and Gold (Advanced). These 2-day trainings provide counselors with essential skills, from understanding the admissions landscape to managing territories and engaging diverse student populations​. These certificates are delivered in tiers where counselors with less than a year of experience complete the Bronze level after which their colleagues with more experience join the Silver and Gold trainings.
• Admissions Leader Certificate: The Platinum level, designed for Directors, Vice Presidents, and Interim Appointees, includes intensive training on leadership, change management, and strategic planning. It also offers three months of personalized coaching to ensure participants can effectively apply what they have learned​.

In addition to its certification programs, the RNL Center for Professional Excellence also offers Executive Coaching, tailored for senior enrollment leaders. This personalized, one-on-one coaching is designed to help leaders enhance their strategic thinking, decision-making, and leadership capabilities, while addressing unique institutional challenges. Executive coaching ensures that leaders can navigate the complexities of today’s higher education landscape with confidence and vision, driving long-term success for their institutions.

What sets these programs apart?

What makes the Admissions Counselor and Leadership Certificate Programs unique is their ability to blend theory and practice. Grounded in established industry standards like NACAC Competencies, CAS Standards, and AACRAO Proficiencies, the program goes beyond theory to provide real-world application through case studies, role-playing scenarios, and data-driven decision-making exercises​. Whether your admissions team is just starting out or preparing for leadership roles, this program is designed to meet their needs.

Benefits to higher education institutions

For institutions, investing in this program offers immediate and long-term benefits:

• Streamlined onboarding: New counselors can be trained and become effective team members quickly, reducing the time it takes to get up to speed​.
• Reduced turnover: Providing professional development opportunities increases employee satisfaction, leading to higher retention rates​.
• Leadership development: The program prepares your team for future leadership roles, helping fill internal gaps and ensuring continuity during periods of transition​.
• Data-driven decision-making: Teams trained in using data and metrics are better equipped to make informed, strategic recruitment decisions​.

Benefits to admissions professionals

Participants in the Program will experience personal and professional growth:

• Career advancement: Certifications at each level demonstrate your expertise and commitment to excellence, positioning you for promotions and leadership roles.
• Practical application: The training offers hands-on skills that can be applied immediately, whether you’re managing territories, dealing with melt, or building engagement strategies​.
• Continuing coaching and mentorship: At the Platinum level, participants receive personalized guidance through coaching and mentorship, ensuring that leadership skills are effectively developed​.

Future-proofing admissions

In today’s fast-paced, ever-changing higher education landscape, staying ahead of the curve is more important than ever. RNL’s Admissions Counselor and Leadership Certificate Programs provide admissions professionals with the tools and knowledge to excel, ensuring they are prepared to tackle the challenges of recruitment, engagement, and enrollment management. By investing in this comprehensive training, institutions can create a well-equipped admissions team capable of driving enrollment success.

Ready to elevate your admissions team?

Learn more about RNL’s Admissions Counselor and Leadership Certificate Programs and how it can transform your institution’s enrollment efforts.