PART VI: The "Nuts and Bolts" of and Best Practices in Catholic School Development - Advancement - Enrollment Management. Spring 2025 Focus: 40 Best Practices in Enrollment Management
The Institute for Pastoral Initiatives at the University of Dayton and the Institute for School and Parish Development (ISPD) Announce Spring Semester 2025, On-line, For-Credit, Certificate Course
February 7, 2025 – May 19, 2025
With the first classes starting on Friday, February 7, 2025, the Institute for Pastoral Initiatives at the University of Dayton and the Institute for School and Parish Development (ISPD) announce our spring 2025 certificate course (for credit through the university): Part VI: The “Nuts and Bolts” of and Best Practices in Catholic School Development—Advancement–Enrollment Management.
SPRING 2025 FOCUS: 40 BEST PRACTICES IN ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT.
IT IS NOT A REQUIREMENT TO HAVE TAKEN PART I AND/OR PART II AND/OR PART III AND/OR PART IV AND/OR PART V IN ORDER TO TAKE PART VI.
This is our popular “Nuts and Bolts” curriculum that was introduced in the fall of 2022. Over 1,200 students (presidents, principals, pastors, superintendents, development/advancement directors, admissions/enrollment management directors, staff members, marketing committees, faculty and staff, board members, and volunteers) have taken one or more of the previous courses. Part I was offered in the fall 2022, Part II was offered in the spring 2023; Part III was offered in the fall 2023; Part IV in the spring of 2024; Part V in the fall of 2024.
This course is made up of eight classes with practical, how-to “nuts and bolts” processes that you can learn and implement right away! This semester’s focus is on BEST PRACTICES IN ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT. After 35+ years of consulting with Catholic schools and seven years of teaching hundreds of students through the Institute for Pastoral Initiatives at the University of Dayton, ISPD has compiled a list of best practices in order to enhance the Enrollment Management efforts at Catholic schools. Every class will present action strategies that schools are using to grow and retain their enrollment. Please plan to join us!
Here is the schedule with dates, times, and content for each class.
Class # 1: Friday, February 7, 2025 – 10:00 AM CENTRAL TIME
- Introduction/Background
- # 1: The Principal’s Letter
- # 2: Guiding Families through the Application Process
- # 3: State of the School Message
- # 4: Showcasing Performing Arts Groups
- # 5: Personalizing Everything
Class # 2: Friday, February 21, 2025 — 10:00 AM CENTRAL TIME
- # 6: Developing Your Top 10
- # 7: Developing Your WOW
- # 8: Working with an Enrollment Management Core Team
- # 9: Shadow Days
- # 10: Written EM Plan of Action
Class # 3: Monday, March 10, 2025 — 10:00 AM CENTRAL TIME
- # 11: Understanding and Using Demographics
- # 12: Postcard Campaigns
- # 13: Ambassador Teams
- # 14: Exit Interviews
- # 15: Written Student Retention Plan
Class # 4: Friday, March 21, 2025 — 10:00 AM CENTRAL TIME
- # 16: Open House(s)
- # 17: Catholic Schools Week
- # 18: Educating Families on the GAP
- # 19: The Ultimate Question Survey
- # 20: On-Campus Events
Class # 5: Friday, April 4, 2025 — 10:00 AM CENTRAL TIME
- # 21: Inviting Prospective Families to School Events
- # 22: Creating an Interactive Website for EM
- # 23: Effectiveness of Social Media for EM
- # 24: Visiting Feeder Sources/Schools
- # 25: Creating Video Testimonials
Class # 6: Monday, April 28, 2025 — 10:00 AM CENTRAL TIME
- # 26: Building Relationships with Feeder Sources
- # 27: Visiting with Every School Family
- # 28: Hosting Neighborhood Receptions
- # 29: Filling Every Seat Mentality
- # 30: Creating “Disney-like” Signage
Class # 7: Friday, May 9, 2025 — 10:00 AM CENTRAL TIME
- # 31: Individualized School Tours
- # 32: Participating in Community Events
- # 33: Creating Yard Signs and Banners
- # 34: Speaking to Civic Organizations
- # 35: Using Referral Forms with Parents, Students, Alumni, and Parishioners (if applicable)
Class # 8: Monday, May 19, 2025 — 10:00 AM CENTRAL TIME
- # 36: Educating Prospective Families about Scholarship Opportunities
- # 37: Marketing in Catholic Newspapers and Parish Bulletins
- # 38: Creating a Scorecard of Enrollment Goals
- # 39: Understanding the “Closing Room”
- # 40: Creating the “What to Do if You Are Interested” Document
- Wrap-Up and Looking Forward
Additional Information / Pricing
Designed by ISPD in coordination with The Institute for Pastoral Initiatives at the University of Dayton, this on-line course is tailor-made for Catholic leaders. The cost of the course is $175.00 per student. There are eight classes; each class lasts approximately 50-60 minutes. The course will be taught by Frank Donaldson, president of ISPD, and invited guest presenters.
This is a four – month course beginning Friday, February 7, 2024. Students will be able to earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) from The University of Dayton and a Certificate of Completion from the university by participating in eight classes from February 2025 – May 2025.
If a participant is unable to attend any of the “live” classes in the course, he/she will be able to attend the class(es) by viewing the recording, the PowerPoint, and the handout materials – on her/his own time.
Please note: If a participant is not interested in the credits for the course or the certificate, then he/she can audit the course for the information, the PowerPoints, and the handouts. The cost is the same.
Testimonials
“Thank you, Frank, for the wonderful information.”
- Carol Grewal, Associate Superintendent, Archdiocese of San Francisco
“I have thoroughly enjoyed all of the material. Thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of this class. I’m excited about joining the next class to learn more about Annual Funds.”
- Maureen Ringley, Principal, Nativity Catholic School; Brandon, FL
“Many of the “nuts and bolts” provided in the ISPD class speak specifically to the intent I have for enhancing the Development/Advancement efforts of our high school. The materials from this class helped bring clarity to my thoughts and provide direction for how to move forward in my efforts of building the school community and strengthening the Catholic culture and finances for the school’s future. I am appreciative of the timing of this class and the insights shared in such a detailed format that is applicable immediately. Thank you.”
- Sister Tonette Sperando, OSB, president, St. John Paul II Catholic School; Huntsville, AL
“These courses have been a tremendous help to provide guidance and direction from the entire ISPD team and the guest faculty. The amount of material that was covered in a short amount of time was amazing! Thank you and hats off to the ISPD team!”
- Julie Bebey, Advancement Director; Our Lady of Mercy Regional School; Maple Glen, PN
“This course is very thorough, providing step by step instructions, with all the handouts needed to help leaders with the advancement and development of their Catholic schools. Excellent presentations, excellent information! Well worth the time invested!”
- Mary Dorn, Principal; Our Lady of Sorrows School; Homewood, AL
“This course has helped to provide clarity. I have been given specific tools and procedures to identify what is truly important for us to be a visible and unshakable school community.”
- Melinda Dunn, Director of Enrollment and Communications; St. Mary’s Catholic School; Longview, TX
“The instructor shares a wealth of knowledge and strategies that he shares for our benefit. You cannot get this kind of information anywhere else. His classes have been extremely valuable to the growth of our school.”
- Jim Horan, Principal; Most Holy Trinity; El Paso, TX
“This course was exceptional! Well organized with many, many helpful suggestions. It will make a significant difference in our planning process.”
- John Kastelic, Chair, Finance Council; St. Peter’s Parish; Mansfield, OH
“This was a highly informative and beneficial course. The course was fast-paced, full of pertinent information and timely with helpful handouts. I strongly recommend any course offered by ISPD.
- Chris Kirkpatrick, Director of Development; Our Lady of Victory Parish and School; State College, PA
“If you want to enjoy a class that helps you create a culture of belonging for your school, provides processes that are practical and proven, and learn from the wisdom of others, please sign up.”
- Toni Pallatto, Director of Advancement; St. Theresa Catholic School; Coral Gables, FL
“This course was jam-packed with practical ready to use templates, plans, resources and best practices for ensuring the vitality of your school. These ideas have stood the test of time but remain relevant today.”
- Mary Beth Webster, Principal; St. Aloysius Regional School; Springville, NY
Unable to take Part V offered by ISPD and The Institute for Pastoral Initiatives at the University of Dayton?
You can now purchase the entire course!