Consideration of Aggressive and Strategic Approaches to Address Declining Enrollment in US Pharmacy Schools

Abstract

Members from Cohort 13 of the Academic Leadership Fellows Program (ALFP) 2016-2017 were challenged to present a debate on the topic: "In Turbulent Times, Pharmacy Education Leaders Must Take Aggressive Action to Prevent Further Declines in Enrollment" at the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy INfluence 2017 meeting in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico. This paper is the result of thoughtful insights emerging from this debate. We present a discussion of the question of whether pharmacy education leaders must take aggressive action or strategic approaches to prevent further declines in enrollment. There are many thoughts regarding current declines in enrollment. Some educators contend that a more aggressive approach is needed while others argue that, while aggressive actions might lead to short-term gains, a more viable approach involves strategic actions targeting the underlying causes for decreasing enrollment. This paper explores themes of enrollment challenges, current and future workforce needs, and financial issues for both pharmacy programs and students. In summation, both aggressive actions and a strategic, sustainable approach are urgently needed to address declining enrollment.

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Report of the 2018-2019 Student Affairs Standing Committee

“…As a starting point, colleges and schools are encouraged to integrate 360degree feedback assessments or comprehensive Strengths Finder to first identify the strengths of their recruitment leaders. [19][20][21] Once identified, these attributes could be utilized to develop well-rounded recruitment teams whose strengths complement one another, ensuring that the right people are in the right roles.…”

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“…1 Foremost on many minds across the Academy was the significant recession the profession was experiencing, underscored by declining pharmacy school applicant rates and a job market for graduates that had markedly retracted. 2,3 Now, as the COVID-19 pandemic spreads across the globe, an avalanche of change has engulfed us professionally and drastically altered almost every aspect of our lives.…”