Rethinking Strategic Enrollment Student Success – Engaging Neurodiverse Students through an Asset-Based Lens

As post-secondary institutions strive for inclusive excellence, the rising number of students receiving accommodations should be seen as a sign of progress and a call for systemic change—not merely a metric of success or challenge to manage. Yet, many Strategic Enrolment Management (SEM) practices remain grounded in ableist models that often privilege neurotypical ways of learning and being, that may create barriers to access and not fully support neurodiverse learners. This session will explore how institutions can reshape their recruitment, transition and retention strategies to foster belonging, persistence, and success for this growing student population.

Drawing on Canadian data and best practices from peers, this interactive session will guide participants in developing an action checklist to inform institution-specific approaches. Through scenario-based discussions and student voice profiles, attendees will rethink recruitment messaging, proactive transition planning, and retention strategies that emphasize student strengths.

Learning Outcomes

• Discover the impact of neurodiversity on recruitment, transition, and retention in post-secondary institutions.
• Explore innovative Canadian approaches which support enrolment management that move beyond accommodations toward structural redesign and foster belonging and retention for neurodiverse students; and
• Co-develop a checklist that embeds accountability measures to enhance recruitment, transition,
  and retention strategies for neurodiverse learners.