As legal and political pressures reshape the educational landscape, the role of enrollment leaders has never been more crucial. According to recent studies, over 70% of institutions report challenges in maintaining diversity and equity within their student populations due to changing regulations. Furthermore, data reveals that institutions with robust enrollment strategies are 50% more likely to meet their diversity and inclusion goals.
From January 15 to 17, 2025, the Center for Enrollment Research, Policy and Practice (CERPP) Conference 2025–Meeting the Moment: Leadership in Equity addresses the urgent need for enrollment leaders in K–12, undergraduate, graduate and professional education to adapt to the evolving legal and political landscape that impacts student recruitment and support.
Increasingly institutions face pressures to revisit and retool their enrollment strategies. The CERPP Conference will provide a vital platform for collaboration and knowledge-sharing. Education leaders will have the opportunity to engage with the latest research and explore successful policies and practices that can help navigate these challenges while staying true to their mission-driven commitments to equity and diversity.
“As we navigate a rapidly changing education landscape, it is essential that we come together to share insights and strategies that prioritize equity and support for all students,” said CERRP Executive Director Julie Posselt. “The CERPP Conference is an opportunity to not only address the challenges we face, but to reaffirm our commitment to building inclusive educational environments.”
Connecting education experts, leaders and peers, the transformative event offers thought-provoking discussions to gain practical insights that will empower educational institutions to thrive in this complex environment and to meet the moment in shaping the future of enrollment in education.
Highlights of speakers and sessions taking place at CERPP Conference 2025 include:
Opening Keynote Address: Elements of Equity Mindedness
Speaker: Estela Bensimon, University Professor Emerita, USC Rossier
A noted USC Rossier scholar presents principles of equity-mindedness and how to achieve equity by design.
Exemplars in Action: Outreach, Recruitment and Admission
Speakers: Olufemi Ogundele, UC Berkeley; David Kirschner, USC Gould School of Law; Jim Bock, Swarthmore College
Enrollment equity begins with relationships that start early, intentional services and committed leadership.
The session highlights leaders who share how they encouraged an equity or diversity-minded approach in outreach, recruitment and admission, especially in the wake of the Students for Fair Admissions (SFFA) Supreme Court decision.
Achieving Clarity and Managing Risk: Unleashing Your Degrees of Freedom
Speakers: Art Coleman, EducationCounsel LLC; Beong-Soo Kim, USC Office of the General Counsel
Understanding what the Supreme Court actually decided in SFFA—rather than what is popularly believed—how to respond and how to obtain the degrees of freedom it allows in policy and practice.
Taking Back the Narrative
Speakers: Eric Hoover, Chronicle of Higher Education; Teresa Watanabe, Los Angeles Times
Higher education has yet to find a compelling narrative that educates the public about the importance of seeking diversity and inclusion in its myriad activities. Journalists who are expert public communicators and are steeped in higher education have been invited to provide perspectives on how to better engage the public, media representatives, parents and students.
For a complete list of speakers and sessions, visit CERPP Conference 2025.
If you or your team (team registration discount available) would like to engage with higher education experts who are implementing strategies for greater educational inclusivity and success, please visit CERPP Conference 2025 to register.
For media inquiries and interview requests, please contact:
- Emily Chung, USC CERPP, Managing Director
- Ellen Evaristo, USC Rossier, Director of Media Relations, Promotion and Publicity
Julie R. Posselt
- Professor of Education
