Mount Saint Vincent University has officially entered its "SEM era". And while faculty and staff aren't required to make friendship bracelets (yes, this is a Swiftie reference), they will be working collaboratively to improve the overall student journey - from recruitment to graduation and as alumni.
On January 23, 2026, MSVU launched its first Strategic Enrolment Management (SEM) Plan - a comprehensive roadmap that will guide the university's approach to enrolment, retention, and graduation over the next five years. Students and their experiences are at the heart of the plan. As is a deep commitment to MSVU's vision, mission, and values.
"SEM will push us to continue to advance our historical emphasis on access and impact," said Dr. Joël Dickinson, President and Vice-Chancellor of MSVU at the SEM launch event. Dr. Dickinson noted that MSVU's SEM plan is rooted in the university's commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility, and Truth and Reconciliation, providing opportunities, and removing barriers. She noted that, from the outset, MSVU sought to create a plan that was unique to the university and that reflects its values, realities, and experiences, and that has been accomplished.
Dr. Dickinson acknowledged that MSVU has been known for offering a supportive and positive student experience, but the world is changing and the challenges facing students continue to evolve. The SEM plan responds to this reality.
A collective effort
The SEM plan requires the efforts of all MSVU faculty and staff. If the degree of engagement in the planning process and launch event is any indication, it is going to be successful.
The plan will further strengthen connections between university departments, implement key initiatives to improve the student experience, and remove barriers that may impact student success.
"No matter what department we're in, SEM gives us a chance to think about policies, programs, and decisions with one goal in mind: putting students and their experiences at the centre," explained Isabelle Nault, Vice-President Administration. "SEM isn't about doing more. We're already doing a lot. It's about doing things differently, together. It's about working collaboratively and breaking down silos so our work feels more connected and more effective."
At the SEM launch event, Dr. Lori Francis, Vice-President Academic and Provost, explained that we already see countless examples of SEM at MSVU. For example, when a professor notices when something seems "off" with a student and connects them with student supports early; when faculty and staff show up to support varsity athletes; when admissions processes and platforms are as easy to navigate as possible; and when initiatives are implemented to meet student needs such as the Students' Union's Captain Crow's Café which provides volunteer opportunities, builds community, and supports students who are facing food insecurity.
"SEM requires us to challenge our assumptions about students' motivations and challenge our own practices and policies," said Dr. Francis. "And through SEM, we will set the stage for our students to thrive across the whole of the student journey."
Keeping it all on track
A lot of planning went into the development of the SEM plan, especially from Dr. Francis, Dr. Keltie Jones, Associate Vice-President Student Experience, the SEM Steering and Planning Committees, and someone who has probably been in their SEM era the longest: Dr. Marisha Caswell, Manager, Strategic Enrolment Management Initiatives.
Dr. Caswell will lead the implementation of the SEM plan over the next five years. She will work with MSVU's faculty and staff to identify priorities, help make connections across the university, and find supportive resources to help achieve goals.
Dr. Caswell joined MSVU in 2018 as the Mount 101 Program Coordinator, starting a successful, ongoing program designed to help first-year students with the transition to MSVU. Her role expanded to take on other aspects of student transition and retention, and most recently, SEM specifically.
Implementing MSVU's first SEM plan requires someone who can build on the work the university community already does, think differently, make connections and ensure alignment and efficiency across all aspects of the organization. Dr. Caswell has risen to that challenge and successfully brought all MSVU faculty and staff into the SEM era.
There was an exceptionally strong turn-out at the launch event; the enthusiasm and deep commitment to students among those gathered was notable. (There might even have been a SEM hype track shared, created by MSVU's very own spoken-word artist, rapper, instructional designer and part-time instructor Dr. Mike McGuire.)
Together, the MSVU community is entering this era with clarity, purpose, and the confidence that they are building something transformative for students.
