TECHNOLOGY AND UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS

Using Technology in Undergraduate Admissions

Table of Contents

Introduction2

Methods3

Results4

Implications for Practice5

Using Technology in Undergraduate Admission

Introduction

In response to ever-increasing workload, one of the recent challenges confronting undergraduate admissions offices has been the transition from traditional paper-based processes to electronic processing of student applications utilizing computer technology. Several researchers have studied this shift in processes, although none has studied this shift in the context of undergraduate education admissions. The purpose of this study is to attempt to understand the shift from a manual, paper-based process to an online, electronic process in admissions offices. Using primarily qualitative interviews, the study examines the organizational setting and implementation process using the conceptual framework guiding this study, routine action theory, a perspective that examines repairing, expansion, striving in routines. Findings reveal that an iterative process allowing for staff input appeared successful in repairing routines that needed attention, expanding for new opportunities, and striving for ideal outcomes. Implications for the use of technology leading to the development or “professionalization” of the workforce in admissions, as well as challenges with technology use are addressed.

This study of a shift from paper to electronic based processing (review) of undergraduate admissions is noteworthy at a time when the public is greatly concerned with accountability in government, efficiency in spending, and access to undergraduate education. Further, as noted earlier, not many studies have examined how online service processes do or do not change the way an organizational participant qualitatively views information. This study of the shift in applications review in two undergraduate institutes was intended to establish the significance of the findings through the discussion, linking the themes explicitly to larger theoretical and practical issues. In this restrictive budget era, many institutions are looking to technology for solutions to eliminate or reduce repetitive clerical processes as cost-saving measures. Because admissions processes can be politically volatile, they have not traditionally been portrayed as a transparent process, and thus the study may yield important implications for practice.

In addition to this, to answer the question, "What are participants' views of the change from paper to electronic-based processing of student admission applications?" Several areas of literature reviewed. Initially, this chapter provides background and discussion of recent challenges in institute admissions. Among these challenges are policy shifts toward comprehensive review of student applications and alteration of review procedures from paper to electronic processing. The traditional and electronic reviews of applications are described in turn.

Methods

The purpose of this study was to explore and analyze the change from a paper- based review process to an online, electronic review process of student admission at two big California institute campuses. Specifically examined in this qualitative study were the views of three different groups of employees (technical, managerial, and application evaluator) about this shift in work procedures. To date, although much research has examined admissions' outcomes, this change in admissions procedures appears an overlooked area of research (Zalanowski, 2004).

Within a declining economy and overall increasing costs in undergraduate education, institute admission offices' budgets have striven to keep pace with the dramatic rise ...