The Intersection of SEM and Equity: A Systematized Literature Review
While higher education (HE) often sees itself as a pathway for achieving cultural integration, social mobility, and egalitarianism, others view it as a vehicle for preserving institutional racism (Law 2017). Thomas and Arday (2021) argued that "…those who ignore institutional racism and acts of racial discrimination because they are immune to it, and because of their privilege, are complicit in sustaining and reproducing these in-equalities".
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Keith J. Connell Releases Scholarly Article Examining the Intersection of Strategic Enrolment Management and Equity in Higher Education
BARRIE, ONTARIO, Educator, researcher, and higher education practitioner Keith J. Connell has released his scholarly article, The Intersection of SEM and Equity: A Systematized Literature Review, co-authored with Dr. Clayton Smith.
The article explores how Strategic Enrolment Management, commonly known as SEM, intersects with equity, diversity, inclusion, and decolonization within postsecondary education. Through a systematized literature review, the authors examine how enrolment management practices influence access, persistence, academic success, and outcomes for students from historically marginalized and underserved communities.
The article argues that enrolment management must extend beyond recruitment and retention metrics to consider the broader institutional structures that shape student experiences. It highlights the importance of integrating equity-informed approaches into enrolment planning, student success initiatives, and institutional decision-making.
“Institutions often view enrolment management through operational and financial lenses. Our review suggests that equity considerations must also be embedded within these conversations. Student success cannot be separated from questions of access, belonging, representation, and institutional responsibility.”
, Keith J. Connell
Connell’s research focuses on student success, higher education policy, strategic enrolment management, international student experiences, and institutional transformation. He currently serves as Program Coordinator and faculty member in the Digital Content Creation and Strategy program at Georgian College and is a PhD Candidate in Educational Leadership and Policy at the University of Windsor.
The article is now available online at keithjconnell.ca.
Media Contact
Keith J. Connell
Educator, Researcher, and Higher Education Leader
Website: keithjconnell.ca
Email: keith@keithjconnell.com
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About the author
Keith J. Connell, MBA, PhD (c)
Keith J. Connell, MBA, is a senior marketing leader, corporate trainer and professor in Barrie, Ontario with 30+ years in brand strategy, digital marketing, learning and development, and higher education.
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