Strategic Staffing in Graduate Admissions: Using Data to Do More with Less

Please provide a one-paragraph overview of the session.‎ (200 words or less): In a time of tightening budgets and increasing pressure to meet enrollment goals, graduate admissions offices are being asked to do more with fewer resources. This session will explore how graduate enrollment managers and admissions leaders can use data to make informed staffing decisions that align with institutional priorities. We'll discuss practical ways to use a CRM and other tools to assess workload, reallocate roles, advocate for resources, and prioritize high-impact activities—all grounded in data. Participants will leave with actionable strategies to navigate budget constraints while maintaining service levels, supporting staff well-being, and advancing enrollment goals.

Session Agenda/Outline (200 words or less): In this session, I’ll share how graduate admissions offices can use data to make strategic staffing decisions in the face of shrinking budgets and increasing demands. I’ll begin by outlining key data sources—such as application trends, funnel metrics, and staff workload tracking—that provide insight into where and how work is happening. Next, I’ll walk through a framework for conducting workload analysis, identifying inefficiencies, and aligning staffing levels with enrollment goals.

The session will then explore how to model staffing scenarios based on varying budget and enrollment projections, and how to use those models to prioritize high-impact tasks. I’ll also discuss strategies for cross-training staff, reallocating roles, and advocating effectively to leadership using clear, data-backed arguments.

Throughout the session, I’ll share my example of how in the last year I have had to restructure staffing, maintain enrollment levels, take on a new graduate program, and support team morale—even during budget cuts. Attendees will leave with practical tools and ideas they can immediately apply to their own staffing and budget challenges.