Higher Education and Policy Analysis: Diversity in admissions practices to increase enrollment
Policy Analysis Project: Part 1 – Define the Problem Assignment Instructions
Overview
The purpose of this assignment is to begin writing your policy analysis report. The Eightfold Path begins with defining the problem. Defining the problem assists the analyst and the client with understanding the scope of the problem and the need to make a change. Defining the problem is an ongoing process and, most likely, will change as the analyst learns more about the topic and the client’s expectations.
Instructions
You will choose a topic from the Topics list below. Once you have chosen your topic, you will define the problem following Bardach’s Eightfold Path guide. It is also recommended you review the Policy Analysis Project Template and the Policy Analysis Project:
Part 1 – Define the Problem Grading Rubric to better understand the requirements and scoring of this assignment.
Following the Eightfold Path guide and Policy Analysis Project:
Part 1 – Define the Problem Grading Rubric, use the Policy Analysis Project Template (template section Policy Problem) to create a well-written qualitative statement of at least 500 words that includes your problem definition and background information and will deliver needed context to the client. At least 2 authoritative sources are required to support your claims and conclusions. Follow current APA formatting requirements for all in-text citations and the Sources section of your Policy Analysis Project Template.
Policy Analysis Topics
# Selected Issue Main Question Client Assumption
1 Raising Tuition Costs Should XYZ University raise, lower, or maintain our current tuition charges? President More funding needed for need-based grants
2 Declining High School Graduates How should XZY University recruit high school student in our state of Michigan? Director of Admissions Maintaining current enrollment of in-state students
3 Student Debt Are XYZ University students borrowing too much? Vice President for Student Financial Services Rising default rates among student borrowers
4 HBCU How should XYZ University structure our admissions practices to increase enrollment? Director of Admissions Declining African-American enrollment
5 Diversity How should XYZ University structure our admissions practices to increase enrollment? President Declining under-represented people groups
6 Tenured Faculty Should XYZ University offer tenure to full-time faculty who have been teaching for 10 or more years? Provost No tenure now exists
7 Non-traditional Students Should XYZ University start offering online course options? Director of Finance Declining ROI
8 Online Learning Should resident students at XYZ University be able to also take online courses at a reduced rate? Associate Vice Provost the for Resident Campus Loss of revenue due to resident students taking online classes
9 Freedom of Speech on Campus Should XYZ University allow controversial speakers to lecture on campus? Provost Free expression of ideas
10 University Leadership What leadership model be would effective for the future of XYZ University? Chairman of the Board Current President transitioning out
11 General Education Should general education courses at XYZ University be decreased of increased? Dean of the School of General Education Understanding the need for more specialized job ready experiences after graduation
13 International students What contribution could international students have on XYZ University diversity initiative? Dean of Students Increasing diversity on campus
14 University Classifications Is a Carnegie classification of value to XYZ University? Associate Provost Becoming a research institution
15 Community college Should XYZ University look to build an articulation agreement with the state community college system? Registrar Increasing the university’s influence in the state
16 African-American males Attracting African-American non-athletes males to XYZ University a predominately Caucasian campus Dean of Admissions Increase diversity among the male population
17 College Preparedness What type of program could be established to help in-coming freshman be ready for college level work at XYZ University? Dean of General Studies Increasing enrollments in non- credit college prep courses (Math and English)
18 Facilities How should XYZ University deal with overcrowded parking spaces? Director of Facilities No more spaces are to be added to the campus
19 A Green Campus At what cost should XYZ University invest in a green campus initiative? Board President Updating campus to current standards
20 Recruitment Should XYZ University hire more female recruiters to attract more male students? Director of Admissions Increase male enrollment
21 Title IX Should XYZ University place the Title IX office in a out building location on campus? Dean of Students Minimize Title XI claims
22 University Rankings How important are the rakings to attracting international students to XYZ University? Director of International Admissions Declining international population
23 Criminal Records Should XZY University drop the use of asking for criminal record information in the admissions process? Dean of Admissions An effort to boost enrollment among under-represented populations
24 Other Should you not find something of interest in this list, you can request an additional topic that must be approved by the instructor. You will need to provide an four main parts to your request, they are: Issue, Main Question, Client, and at least one assumption (the assumption acts like a limiter for the topic).
