The often-used businesses term "right-sizing" has in recent years become common in higher education. Though sometimes used as a euphemism for "downsizing," it more rightly refers to an effort to optimize enrollment, human resources, programs and facilities—in other words, fixed costs. There are a host of factors that should go into the analysis when an […]
A hatch closes on the round pod as it tilts backward. Inside, relaxing music plays along with a display of soothing LED lights and the student has 20 minutes to rest—before being roused by a gentle, automated massage. Saint Leo University in Central Florida installed four of these EnergyPods in a residence hall common room […]
The needs of those who work and learn in institutions of higher education require environments that reflect their preferences and culture more than ever before. That’s why experiential branding and wayfinding have become integral parts of an institution’s architectural expression. While the brand—the story of who you are and why you exist as an institution— […]
There is no greater financial investment in one’s future than a college degree. While this viewpoint has its critics, the reality is the value of a degree has never been greater. Despite public questions about a degree’s worth, the pay gap between college graduates and those without a degree reached a high in 2013. According […]
The go-to data point used to indicate whether an institution is helping students reach success has tended to be its graduation rate. Post-graduation employment is another indicator that colleges and universities will note for ROI-focused students and families. While these signs of success aren’t going anywhere, the definition of student success has evolved to include […]
At the end of the 2014 Little League World Series star pitcher Mo'ne Davis got the call of her life. Mo'ne is only in 8th grade but already she has new learning and earning options. Head Coach of the University of Connecticut women's basketball team Geno Auriemma acknowledged the 13 year old's athletic prowess with […]
Helen Drinan is nothing if not outspoken. The eighth president of Simmons College (Mass.) is a strong advocate of women's rights, diversity and equal opportunity. Coming from a corporate background where she often had to stand up for herself in a male-dominated environment, Drinan pulls no punches when pointing out higher education's shortcomings in these […]
The roster of people flowing in and out of campus buildings changes frequently. New students come in, others graduate. Adjunct faculty and visiting scholars join the campus for a limited time; corporate partners and parents stop over for a day. Giving everyone access to the appropriate buildings is a challenge that’s compounded when a mix […]
Resource constraints and other challenges are preventing some historically black colleges and universities from internationalizing their campuses as extensively as other institutions of higher education. That’s a major finding of the Creating Global Citizens initiative, which for three years studied seven HBCUs that worked with the American Council on Education’s Inclusive Excellence Group and the […]
West Virginia is the latest state to encourage college students to take 15 credits or more every semester so they can graduate on time. Sponsored by the nonprofit Complete College America, the “15 to Finish” campaign is already in 15 other states, most notably Hawaii, which first developed the program. In its first year, 2011-12, […]
