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 […]
"Your reputation is at risk." That was the message relayed to Marist College Vice President and CIO Bill Thirsk by a hiring manager who had been contacted by a former employment candidate. The job seeker had attempted to apply for a position through the New York college's online employment system, only to give up because […]
Higher education administrators looking to increase efficiency frequently cite document management as a major roadblock. Even so, the numerous flaws in the system used by the College of the Desert's admissions and records department went beyond the typical woes. Half a dozen faculty and staff at the California community college might end up handling a […]
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 […]
Wright State University invested significantly in printing equipment only to see demand decline. That lead administrators to overhaul the Ohio institution's entire printing system. By switching to a variable pay-per-print model based on volume and relying on one supplier to manage all its equipment, Wright State is saving $750,000 per year. Sharing assets with two […]
In two short years, Western Iowa Tech Community College upgraded from generic paper-based admissions packets to a personalized packet to online microsites tailored to each prospective student's needs and interests. Besides achieving higher application rates, the new MyHub program is saving on paper, printing and mailing. Mailing an inch-thick packet of materials to every potential […]
Managing personal finance is difficult enough for working professionals. For college students, it can be almost impossible. Part of the reason is that there are multiple finance-related aspects to higher education, and they have different, often confusing languages, says Nedi Goga, executive director of student financial services and compliance at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn. "Financial […]
Bill Dampier, President & Chief Operating Officer at MBS Direct When does an online bookstore make sense? Most bookstores that are on campus are threatened by external competition. Students are already shopping around for the best value when acquiring their course materials. It has become more difficult to meet their expectations. Many want lower-cost alternatives […]
Increasing enrollment is a priority for many institutions. The race is on to create a marketplace distinction in order to attract new students and to retain current students. As if this challenge weren't enough, colleges and universities are faced with rising costs, reduced endowments and smaller budgets. As campus leaders look for ways to leverage […]
Clark University (Mass.) Clark welcomed its first full class under the Liberal Education and Effective Practice program in fall 2013. A record 7,291 students applied to be part of Clark's class of 2018, a 31 percent increase over last year's numbers and a 70 percent rise over two years. Mount Ida College (Mass.) Enrollments have […]
