The objective of this Priority is to establish an enrolment plan that will be designed to achieve the desired size and shape of our student body through adopting a more strategic approach to recruitment. This priority links very closely with Priority Two of this plan, which is focused on bringing greater coherence to our curriculum offering. In the implementation phase of this strategy, enrolment planning and curriculum alignment exercises will be carried out simultaneously. A new approach to enrolment planning will see the newly established Recruitment and Admissions function working in close collaboration with the four Colleges, Adult Continuing Education and the Professional Services, to establish achievable and desirable recruitment targets for a coherent and marketable academic portfolio.

ACTION 22
Review and further develop a student enrolment plan in close collaboration with academic units.

Effective enrolment planning is now a core part of university operations. This effort supports Colleges and the Central Recruitment function to adopt a more strategic approach to recruitment and to establish achievable and desirable recruitment targets for a coherent and marketable academic portfolio. It also supports the university to engage in better informed financial planning. The enrolment plan to 2021/2022 has been completed and enrolment projections to 2026 are now underway.

ACTION 23
Develop a recruitment strategy that is in line with the student enrolment plan.

This Action will lead to the adoption of a more strategic approach to recruitment and setting out of clear recruitment targets. A workshop for all Recruitment personnel took place in February 2019 which resulted in a range of recommendations that are currently being explored. This has already resulted in great synergies in student recruitment efforts. A follow-up workshop was convened in July 2019, where the recruitment committee members explored the functionality of the new Data Hub. The student recruitment function has been restructured with a view to synergising efforts for undergraduate and postgraduate student recruitment activities. A new recruitment strategy is being developed. Significant revisions to the recruitment strategy were required due to Covid-19 impacts. Evolving this strategy, and activities therein, is the current priority.

ACTION 24
Increase capacity for student recruitment in areas of strategic importance.

This Action aims to identify recruitment targets in significant and potential growth areas, in line with enrolment plan. The Offices with responsibility for student recruitment are currently undertaking a review of strategy and operations. Preparations are underway to enable the new Head of Student Recruitment to evolve and finalise the strategy.

ACTION 25
Carry out a review of admissions policies and entry requirements for all student cohorts.

This action aims to identify any necessary revisions to admissions policies and entry requirements. Admissions policies have been reviewed and approved by Academic Board and are available on UCC's policy portal. 

ACTION 26
Undertake a strategic review of internationalisation and implement its recommendations as appropriate.

A paper to be compiled with recommendations. Recommendations to be brought to UMT and approved recommendations to be implemented. A review of Internationalisation was completed in Q4 2018. Recommendations arising were approved by UMT for implementation.

ACTION 27
Review and consolidate Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policies.

This Action aims to consolidate the Recognition of Prior Learning Policy at UCC. A review of Recognition of Prior Learning Policies has taken place. Existing policies have been consolidated into one document. Some gaps in the policy have been identified. It has been agreed that these will be addressed after the review of entry requirements exercise has been carried out. Colleges are encouraged to consider their current RPL quotas and where there may be room to include more. A project on Recognition of Prior Learning is underway as part of a HCI Pillar 3 project. 

Team:

Lead Sponsors: Dr. Ruth Ramsay, Dean of Graduate Studies & Prof Stephen Byrne, Dean of Undergraduate Studies

Administrative Lead: Dr. Jennifer Murphy, Director of Recruitment and Admissions

Team Members:

• Deputy President and Registrar
• Director of Recruitment and Admissions
• Admissions Officer
• Admissions Support Officer
• Chair of AC ASDC
• Business Development and Finance Manager, Office of the Deputy President and Registrar
• Graduate Studies Office
• International Office
• Recruitment Personnel
• Senior Programme Coordinator, ACE