About the Episode
About the Episode:
Recorded at the NAGAP GEM Summit, Mallory chats with Spenser Smith, Director of Admissions for Graduate Business Programs at Haslam College of Business, University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Spenser shares his insights on navigating the complexities of admissions in a post-affirmative action world, and introduces us to the innovative, holistic admissions process designed to foster diversity and inclusion at Haslam.
Key Takeaways:
- Impact of Supreme Court Decisions: The team at Haslam quickly adapted their admissions strategies following the Supreme Court's 2023 ruling on affirmative action, reinforcing their commitment to creating a welcoming environment for all students.
- Holistic Admissions Process: Haslam College has introduced a revamped holistic admissions process that assesses applicants on more than just their academic and professional achievements, aiming for a more inclusive and diverse student body.
- Collaborative Decision Making: The admissions committee at Haslam includes representatives from various departments, ensuring multiple perspectives are considered during the admissions process.
The Supreme Court Decision and Its Impact
Spenser recalls how the Supreme Court decision on affirmative action coincided with his early months as director, forcing him to adapt quickly. His team prioritized maintaining their values of inclusion and belonging while ensuring that every applicant felt seen and valued in a post-decision admissions landscape.
They began by reevaluating their existing admissions process, which heavily relied on a combination of interviews, academic records, and career outcomes. While effective in many ways, the process lacked a formal structure for incorporating qualitative data, like personal stories of perseverance or leadership.
Building a New Holistic Admissions Rubric
To address these gaps, Spenser and his team developed a weighted rubric that integrates both qualitative and quantitative factors. Inspired by a colleague’s research rubric, he tailored it to reflect the needs of the MBA program, drawing influence from U.S. News & World Report’s evaluation criteria.
The process works as follows:
- Committee Members’ Input: Each committee member independently reviews applicants’ materials and assigns scores on a 1–3 scale across multiple categories.
- Rubric Application: Scores are averaged and run through a weighted formula, producing a final score for each candidate.
- Qualitative Considerations: For applicants with notable stories of overcoming adversity or demonstrating resilience, the committee applies an alternate formula that increases the weight of qualitative factors.
Spenser emphasizes that while the rubric provides a structured guide, the committee still engages in robust discussions about intangibles, like community impact and alignment with program values.
Aligning Admissions with the “Volunteer Spirit”
The admissions process at the Haslam College of Business reflects the University of Tennessee’s core values, known as the “Volunteer Spirit.” This ethos encourages students and staff to prioritize service and leadership while making a positive impact on their communities.
To reinforce these values, Spenser’s team rephrased essay prompts and incorporated the “Volunteer Spirit” into qualitative evaluation criteria. Additionally, the MBA program features the Torchbearer Project, where students partner with local nonprofits to provide strategic recommendations, blending community engagement with real-world business skills.
Outcomes and Early Success
Since implementing the revamped admissions process, the program has seen a notable increase in the diversity of its applicant pool and enrolled students. Underrepresented student enrollment has nearly doubled, and applicant feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing appreciation for feeling truly seen in the process.
Spenser acknowledges that it’s still early days for this new approach, but the team is committed to refining and scaling the process over the next few cycles. He plans to evaluate the long-term impact on student outcomes and institutional goals.
Overcoming Challenges
Spenser was initially concerned about resistance to change, but his team’s shared commitment to equity and ethical decision-making smoothed the transition. Committee members appreciated how the new process elevated all voices, prevented bias, and aligned with the institution’s mission.
Words of Advice
Spenser’s advice for higher ed professionals:
- Collaborate Across Teams: Bring diverse voices to the table to ensure multiple perspectives shape your admissions process.
- Leverage Institutional Values: Align your admissions strategy with your institution’s core mission to create a more cohesive and impactful experience for applicants.
- Adapt Holistic Processes Thoughtfully: Implement structured rubrics to guide decision-making while leaving room for qualitative insights that highlight each applicant’s unique strengths.
- Evaluate and Iterate: Early results are promising, but consistent evaluation and feedback from your team will help fine-tune the process over time.
Connect With Our Host:
Mallory Willsea
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/
https://twitter.com/mallorywillsea
About The Enrollify Podcast Network: The Higher Ed Pulse is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!
Some of our favorites include Generation AI and Confessions of a Higher Education Social Media Manager.
Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.
Connect with Us at the Engage Summit: Exciting news — Mallory will be at the 2024 Engage Summit in Raleigh, NC, on June 25 and 26, and we’d love to meet you there! Sessions will focus on cutting-edge AI applications that are reshaping student outreach, enhancing staff productivity, and offering deep insights into ROI.
Use the discount code Enrollify50 at checkout.
Learn more and register at engage.element451.com — we can’t wait to see you there!
.svg)
.svg)
