4.4 Student Recruitment and Admissions The program shall have student recruitment and admissions policies and procedures designed to locate and select qualified individuals capable of taking advantage of the program s various learning activities, which will enable each of them to develop competence for a career in public health. a. Description of the program s recruitment policies and procedures The GPHP aims to recruit students from Lebanon, the Arab region and beyond. The targets for each of these, as indicated in the Indicator Monitoring Report, are 70%, 25%, and 5% respectively. In line with these targets, the GPHP has developed both a local recruitment plan and a regional recruitment plan. A budget for these activities is prepared yearly and approved by the Dean. Local recruitment: The action plan for local recruitment is the most extensive, as its targeted yield is highest. Each year, the GPHP administrative coordinator prepares an action plan that includes a list of activities linked to objectives and critical comments as to what worked in the previous year. Action plans for the last three are available on site. The objectives of the national plan for promotion of the GPHP include (i) enhancing diversity; and (ii) providing the Faculty with adequate financial resources by attracting self-paying students. Some of the activities include: Developing promotional material about the program to assist prospective applicants in their decision-making process. Keeping promotional material up-to-date and accessible. Developing and maintaining a database of key contacts in national (and regional) universities. Updating the alumni database. Sending mailings that include a description of the GPHP, admission requirements, and dates to alumni. Developing and maintaining a database of key contacts at public health institutions in Lebanon (and the region). Sending mailings to PH institutions. Inviting senior students from AUB and other universities to bi-annual informational sessions. Discussing with program directors strategies that focus on recruiting students for degrees with historically low enrollment rates for example MS-Population Health. Most recently, we have asked alumni to give us information regarding their employment details. We plan to post this information on our website to better inform potential students of the range of jobs in public health. Regional Recruitment: Recruitment of regional students occurs through a variety of channels: 1. The FHS and AUB websites provide information on our teaching programs, admission requirements, and our research and service. Information is available to potential students in a user friendly manner and refers them to specific individuals for more information. A general email address: gphp@aub.edu.lb is also listed for inquiries. 213
2. FHS Alumni: Each year, we send out mailings to all our alumni with information on deadlines for applications for admissions as well as recruitment material. We encourage alumni to share these with potential students. 3. GPHP Faculty: Our faculty members carry recruitment materials with them to meetings and conferences they attend when working on research or services projects. 4. FHS workshops and meetings: Information on our teaching programs and scholarship/financial aid opportunities is shared with participants of all workshops organized by GPHP/FHS on or outside campus. 5. Targeted mailing to public health institutions: Each year, we send out mailings to targeted public health academic or practice institutions such as universities, ministries and UN agencies with information on deadlines for applications for admissions as well as recruitment material. We encourage these institutions to share this material with potential students. 6. Expanded ad-hoc efforts: In 2008, a regional recruitment action plan was developed (available on site). As a result of this plan, two GPHP faculty members visited Jordan, Oman, Syria, and Yemen. During these visits, meetings were held with governmental organizations, universities, UN agencies, hospital directors, NGOs, and individuals. The report on findings is available on site. International recruitment: Efforts to recruit international students are concentrated on three main activities: (i) the website as described above, (ii) the dissemination of informational brochures by faculty members when they travel, and (iii) the FHS/GPHP booth at the American Public Health Association annual meeting exposition (since 2009). We have received numerous inquiries while at APHA, and some follow-up requests. We have successfully attracted students from beyond our region who are looking for an international experience in a CEPH accredited program. Evaluation of recruitment efforts: Every year we evaluate our recruitment efforts, assessing whether we have reached our targets and adjusting objectives as needed for the next year. In addition, newly enrolled students are asked questions at orientation about how they heard of the program, and why they chose to join. To date, responses have indicated that all sources are critical: 36% have heard about our program through AUB, 27% from friends at FHS; 27% from friends who graduated from FHS, 31% from an internet search/website. The GPHP responds quickly to changes in student enrollment. Over the last three, we have experienced an increase in the number of applicants to the program, as well as an increase in the yield of those accepted by the program. In an effort to understand whether this is an aberration or a pattern, we developed a quick survey administered at orientation that asked students joining in 2009-10 more in depth questions about why they had chosen to join and if they could help explain this change. Results indicated a greater demand for jobs in public health. (Survey questions and the report are available on site). b. Statement of admissions policies and procedures www.aub.edu.lb/registrar/pages/catalogue-graduate11-12.aspx An applicant is considered for admission to the GPHP program if he/she meets the following minimum requirements, as defined in the AUB University Catalogue: a. Good academic record in undergraduate and graduate education 1 1 Only applies for MPH applicants 214
b. Proficiency in English demonstrated by passing the University English Entrance Examination (EEE), or by achieving the minimum required score for TOEFL examination or IELTS. MPH admission policies and procedures In addition the MPH has specific Admission Policies and Procedures www.aub.edu.lb/fhs/fhs_home/admissions/pages/index.aspx Admission Requirements A candidate is eligible to be considered for admission to the MPH program if s/he holds a bachelor s degree from AUB, or an equivalent degree from another recognized institution, with a cumulative average of at least 80 or its equivalent in the major field of study. When only a cumulative average is available, the applicant will qualify for regular admission if his/her average is 80 or more. A candidate with a major and cumulative average of at least 75, but less than 80, may be considered for admission on probation if s/he holds a bachelor s degree from AUB, or an equivalent degree from another recognized institution. When only a cumulative average is available, the applicant will qualify for this category if his/her average is between 75 and 80. Mid-year admissions are accepted on a case-by-case basis when our quota is not reached. Students admitted at midyear may only register as part-timers. Students entering the MPH program are evaluated on their previous experience in a health related field and may be exempt from a 3-credit hour practicum. Applicants for exemption are assessed on a case-by-case basis (see policy on exemption). A candidate who wishes to enroll as a part-time student may do so provided s/he completes the requirements within a period of four. Application for Admission Applicants to the MPH program must submit a complete graduate application form with required transcripts and records according to dates set by the AUB Office of Admissions (www.aub.edu.lb/admissions/pages/index.aspx ). Refer to AUB Catalogue (Policy on Admission). FHS requires all applicants to submit a detailed personal statement for each concentration they apply to, describing the reasons for wanting to join the MPH program at FHS, reasons for choosing the specific concentration, and stating career objectives as well as how the chosen MPH concentration is expected to enhance their career. Selection Criteria Applicants to the MPH program must specify the area of concentration of their choice by priority on the application form. Admission into the concentration areas within the MPH program is based on the following criteria: Choice of Faculty: Priority for consideration for admission goes to applicants who indicate FHS as their first choice. Choice of concentration: Priority for consideration for admission in a concentration area goes to applicants indicating that concentration as their first choice. Grade point average: Normally priority for consideration for admission goes to applicants with higher grade point averages. 215
Other factors taken into consideration include diversity in background (prior degree and previous academic institution), geographic diversity, and type of work experience, personal statement and interview when applicable. In cases where applications are received from candidates with bachelor s degrees or higher degrees from a recognized institution other than AUB, particularly from national universities in the region with different grading systems, conversion of averages is made according to information from past experience. Efforts are underway at FHS, in coordination with the AUB Admissions Office and other faculties, to develop a data bank on institutions of higher learning feeding students to AUB and on the performance of enrolled students from those institutions, to better develop the conversion factors for averages. The MPH program sets yearly quotas for admission and divides the quota among the various concentrations according to historical enrollment. The quota is set through an enrollment management process that looks at data on applicants, and enrolled students on a year by year basis. The Graduate Studies Committee proposes the quota then gets feedback from departments and final approval from the Dean. Quotas are set for two primary reasons: (1) to ensure that the number of students in class falls within the limits of quality education and (2) to ensure that the market is not saturated. Each applicant is reviewed during a department meeting of his/her chosen concentration. Admissions decisions are made and recommended to the Graduate Studies Committee (GSC). The GSC approves the decisions or when necessary, returns a particular decision to the department for re-consideration. Once finalized by the GSC, recommendations are sent to the Dean for final approval. MS programs admission policies and procedures An applicant is considered for admission to the MS in Epidemiology or MS in Population Health if he or she meets the minimum requirements, as defined in the University Catalogue and to the MS in Environmental Sciences (Major: Environmental Health) if he or she meets the minimum requirements. A copy is available on site. MS programs are governed by the policies and procedures of the Board of Graduate Studies. All applicants to MS programs are reviewed during meeting in the department that offers that MS degree. MS EH applicants are first reviewed by the Interfaculty Graduate Environmental Sciences Program (IGESP). Admission decisions are made and recommended to the GSC. The GSC approves the decisions or when necessary, returns a particular decision to the department for reconsideration. Once finalized by the GSC, recommendations are sent to the Dean for final approval. c. Examples of recruitment materials and other publications and advertising that describe, at a minimum, academic calendars, grading, and the academic offerings of the program. If a program does not have a printed bulletin/catalog, it must provide a printed web page that indicates the degree requirements as the official representation of the program. In addition, references to website addresses may be included. The University catalogue, GPHP brochures, and information pamphlets are examples of the advertisement materials used to market the Program (copy available for review on-site). A wide range of information is also available on the AUB website about: the University, Academic Calendar, Admissions, links to financial and student services, information on academic offerings, and descriptions and requirements for professional experiences. www.aub.edu.lb/fhs/fhs_home/student_services/pages/prospective_students.aspx www.aub.edu.lb/fhs/fhs_home/degrees_programs/pages/graduate_program.aspx 216
d. Quantitative information on the number of applicants, acceptances and enrollment, by specialty area, for each of the last three. Data must be presented in table format. See CEPH Data Template J. Table 4.4.d. Quantitative Information on Applicants, Acceptances, and Enrollments by Program Area, Fall AY 2008-09 to 2010-11 MPH- HBE/HPCH 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 Applied * 41 55 86 Accepted 35 36 42 Enrolled 15 16 23 MPH-HMP Applied * 74 89 111 Accepted 48 52 50 Enrolled 18 33 26 MPH-EB Applied * 27 32 37 Accepted 24 28 27 Enrolled 9 14 12 MS-EPI Applied 20 26 22 Accepted 15 19 17 Enrolled 5 4 8 MS-POPH Applied 20 11 20 Accepted 13 9 12 Enrolled 0 1 3 MS-EH Applied 20 17 16 NOTES: Accepted 19 11 12 Enrolled 5 3 4 * Data with duplicates: Applicants to the MPH Program who have identified more than one concentration choice, are repeatedly counted based on the number of departments which reviewed the applications. Applicants who are rejected by the department of first choice of concentration, are reviewed by the department of their second and third choice of concentration. 217
e. Quantitative information on the number of students enrolled in each specialty area identified in the instructional matrix, including headcounts of fulland part-time students and a full-time- equivalent conversion, for each of the last three. Non-degree students, such as those enrolled in continuing education or certificate programs, should not be included. Explain any important trends or patterns, including a persistent absence of students in any program or specialization. Data must be presented in table format. See CEPH Data Template K. See table 4.4.e below Table 4.4.e. Students Enrolled in Each Degree Program by Area of Specialization, Fall AY 2008-09 to AY 2010-11 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 HC FT HC PT FTE HC FT HC PT FTE HC FT HC PT FTE MPH- HBE/HPCH 16 12 23 17 15 24.69 20 30 38.54 MPH-HMP 15 30 32.1 33 39 54.3 21 48 47.68 MPH-EB 9 12 14.73 13 14 20.48 8 16 16.92 MS-EPI 4 4 6.23 6 3 8.01 8 6 12.02 MS-POPH 2 2 3.34 1 0 1 2 2 3.34 MS-EH 6 8 11.02 4 10 10.7 4 10 9.69 NOTES: PT and FT status is based on credits. A load of 9 credits corresponds to a full-time equivalent for an MS student A load of 12 credits corresponds to a full-time equivalent for an MPH student We have no clear explanation for the low application and enrollment in MS degrees. By comparison, there is greater interest in the MPH, probably due to the fact it is a professional degree and because there is no doctoral program within the GPHP. 218
f. Identification of outcome measures by which the program may evaluate its success in enrolling a qualified student body, along with data regarding the performance of the program against those measures for each of the last three. Table 4.4.f Outcome Measures for Students: Criterion Over Three Years Indicator(s) ST7.1.1.a Proportion of newly enrolled students above 85% (GPA)/Total # AY 2008-09 AY 2009-10 AY 2010-11 Target 35.5% 38.4% 42.7% 50% Time Frame Status KPI ST7.1.2.a Proportion of students who were admitted in a specified fall and who graduated within the residency period of 4 (cohort of graduate students who joined in a specified fall) For PT admitted Fall 05-06: 76.9% For FT admitted Fall 07-08: 89% For PT admitted Fall 2006-07: 72.7% For FT admitted Fall 2008-09: 89.5% For PT admitted Fall 2007-08: 70% For FT admitted Fall 2009-10: 86% 100% ST7.2.1.a Proportion of newly enrolled non-aub students 46.1% 51.0% 54.0% 60% ST7.2.2.a Proportion of newly enrolled regional students 13.5% 13.0% 6.0% 25% 219
ST7.2.3.a Proportion of newly enrolled international students 7.70% 10.00% 3.00% 5% ST7.2.4.a Proportion of students by previous degree/specialization Health Sciences: 17% Nutrition: 13% Medical sciences: 22% Applied Sciences : 2% Basic Sciences: 43% Public Health: 13% Arts :2% Health Sciences: 24% Nutrition: 15% Medical Sciences: 31% Applied Sciences : 3% Basic Sciences: 27% Public Health: 7% Arts :8% Health Sciences: 5% Nutrition: 22% Medical Sciences: 29% Basic Sciences: 30% Public Health: 4% Arts :9% Not above 30% for any previous degree ST8.1.1.a Proportion of students satisfied with the advising process 91% 95% 86% 90% except Medical Sciences ST8.2.1.a Proportion of graduates employed within one year 92% 88% 88% 95% ST8.2.1.b Proportion of graduates employed in public health jobs within one year 87% 75% 84% 85% ST9.1.1.a Proportion of FHS committees with student representation (Constant) 67% 67% 67% 67% 220
ST9.1.2.a Number of organized town meetings / AY 2 per year 2 per year 0 1 per year ST9.1.3.a Proportion of students attending town meetings / total enrollees 1st TM 19.2% 2nd TM 3.9% Average 1st TM 19.4% 2nd TM 4.4% 0 30% over 3 Away from target g. Assessment of the extent to which this criterion is met. This criterion is met. Strengths Admission procedures and policies are clearly stated in the University Catalogue and Program s brochures. The program advertises using promotional and recruitment material. Weaknesses None identified Future plans We are considering giving priority to applicants with public health experience. We will be adding profiles of alumni onto the website to provide more information for individuals interested in careers in public health. The program is thinking about more proactive ways to recruit students. 221