In a higher education landscape marked by a shrinking student population and increasing uncertainty, institutional longevity—if not short-term survival—is top of mind for most. What many at-risk institutions fail to see, however, is that a primary focus on competition is a precarious survival strategy that more often than not, backfires. Cooperation, not competition is the […]
Institutional resiliency is a daunting challenge for smaller, tuition-dependent, change-resistant institutions. Indeed, the most vulnerable of these fragile colleges and universities may soon face extinction. Data from the National Center for Education Statistics tells us that there has been a noticeable decrease in the number of degree-granting postsecondary institutions in America over the past decade. […]
Standardized tests, once thought to be the best way to compare students from diverse backgrounds, are criticized as being biased and inconclusive. A small but growing number of colleges have made such testing optional for applicants. Does a test-optional policy result in a more diverse student body or improve attainment and retention rates? Measuring Success: […]
What staff and employees from every corner of campus expect from IT often differs from what tech staff can actually deliver. And while white-glove tech service might not always be possible, internal teamwork and enlightened management techniques can help IT departments earn a strong reputation for responsiveness. Of course, developing and maintaining a strong customer […]
1. Tackle issues head-on and promptly. This may be especially important for tech staff who ignore policies, fail to carry their load or can't seem to get along with co-workers. "Don't let the bad behavior of a few poison those who want to work," says CIO Yvette Brown Koottungal at Barry University in Florida. She […]
Academia continues to evolve for women aspiring to move into leadership positions. Once a career environment that offered few opportunities and minimal support for women's leadership, the situation is improving for faculty and administrative positions, at colleges and universities, public and private, large and small. In my own career path, I navigated through the university […]
When it comes to risk management, a key fear is being blindsided by exposure we didn't even know we had. At Meredith College, we have addressed many risks through the establishment of an administrative management council, composed of the direct reports of the vice presidents. Meeting at least twice per semester, this group of about […]
More than 40 medical schools have added culinary medicine programs to the menu to help students better understand how to combat obesity, diabetes and other chronic diseases. Aspiring medical professionals receive hands-on cooking lessons focused on creating healthy meals and supporting patients with special dietary needs. The courses also serve as an opportunity to explore consumption […]
Measuring faculty effectiveness has never been a perfect science—and it has always held potential for contention among instructors and administrators. Today, tighter budgets, greater demands in terms of student outcomes and service responsibilities, and a push for hard data increase the pressure to develop fair and accurate evaluation systems. The types of information collected on […]
Every semester, hundreds of freshmen at Champlain College in Vermont gather in a campus meeting room to play the "Game of Life." It's not the traditional board game. Instead, this event simulates financial decisions students will make after graduation. Each student is assigned a salary based on their major and then turned loose in a […]
