For some colleges and universities, partnering with commissioned agents to recruit international students is part of a multifaceted admission strategy.

Though the use of agents can be controversial, EducationUSA is changing its long-standing policy and will now make EducationUSA information and resources available to the public at large, which would include agents. They will also include agents working with US higher education institutions in EducationUSA events and meetings.

“We feel we are missing opportunities if we do not work with US colleges and universities that have elected to work with agents and do so in accordance with best practices,” Caroline Casagrande, deputy assistant secretary of state for academic programs, told Inside Higher Ed.

“We are committed to making EducationUSA information resources available to all higher education institutions, agents, and other legitimate third-party actors. Our goal is to increase the number of international students in the United States, while providing students access to complete information about all their educational options through open and transparent processes, reflecting the quality and integrity of the US higher education system.”

NACAC maintains a healthy concern over the potential effects of commissioned recruiting and is committed to advancing best practices.

NACAC recently released a six-part series to guide NACAC members in the responsible use of commissioned agents in international student recruitment. The series covers a wide-range of topics — ranging from legal requirements to transparency standards and training guidance.

NACAC will host a Facebook Live conversation with Fred Boll of EducationUSA on Jan. 31 at noon ET. Tune in to hear more about international student recruitment in the US and this changing policy.

Ashley Dobson is NACAC’s communications manager for content and social media. You can reach her at adobson@nacacnet.org.