Recruiters who have close ties with multicultural student organizations (MSO) are better equipped to recruit a diverse student body. The intentionality of this approach is what I refer to as an equitable recruitment strategy, which is simply a unique approach that’s tailored to target a specific group of students within a larger recruitment plan. The relationship that a recruiter has with MSOs allows them to better understand the student experience in order to promote it authentically and connect with students who are currently enrolled at the institution. I know this to be true because I have seen this partnership in action as a former admissions recruiter.
Years ago, when I was a recruiter at a 4-year private university, I worked closely with two of the most prominent MSOs on campus—the Black Student Union (BSU) and the Latino Student Organization (LASO). I got to know the leaders and members of those clubs really well by meeting with them regularly. They didn’t just hear from me when I needed tour guides, hosts, or perspectives for a focus group.
Because of the relationship that was nurtured with them over time, I was able to regularly (and reliably) tap into the club membership of those groups when I needed volunteers for Open Houses and other recruitment initiatives. They were more than happy to help. My relationship with these clubs was truly beneficial and helped significantly with our multicultural recruitment efforts.
These days, I’m in student affairs and am no longer recruiting students However, my office has a great relationship with the school’s admissions office because the recruiter who oversees multicultural student recruitment has prioritized cultivating a relationship with our department. He is also the advisor for one of our MSOs and attends their club meetings regularly. As a result, he is often able to find student hosts for prospective student visits, like I did, many years before. He also enlists the multicultural affairs staff to participate on Open House panels in-person and virtually on a regular basis, and we’re happy to oblige.
As an equitable recruitment strategy, Admissions offices need strong relationships with MSOs and departments that are proximal to student life—particularly the multicultural affairs department, if there is one. This allows for a genuine understanding of the student experience, which is critical in the development of communication materials that promote the institution. A formal relationship with MSOs also aids in identifying students to partake in a variety of recruitment-related initiatives, like a focus group. Admissions representatives who have a relationship with MSOs are better equipped to recruit a multicultural student body.
