Community Conversation: Why Is Change So Hard in Higher Ed?

Community Conversation

Discussion Topic

Why Is Change So Hard in Higher Ed?

Change is constant—but in higher education, it’s rarely easy. Join your peers for an open, peer-led discussion about the roots of resistance to change in colleges and universities. What makes higher education so uniquely change-resistant? What can we do to better understand and work with that resistance?

This conversation will set the stage for our upcoming read-along series inspired by Essential Practices for Organizational Change in Higher Education, by Nicole Gahagan. Together, we’ll share experiences, frustrations, and ideas—and begin thinking about new ways to lead change with more empathy, strategy, and purpose.

You don’t need to attend all sessions to participate—each conversation stands alone, though attending all is encouraged. Other conversations in this series:

• Human-Centered Change — Laying the Groundwork (October 23)
• Human-Centered Change — Sustaining Change (November 11)

Note: We ask all participants to engage thoughtfully, respect diverse perspectives, and honor SCUP’s community guidelines for productive and respectful dialogue. Community Conversations are not recorded.

Moderator

Nicole Gahagan

AVP, Strategic Integrations and InitiativesMadison Area Technical College

Registration

Note: This conversation will not be recorded.

You will receive an email 24 hours and 30 minutes prior to the program that will include a link to the Zoom meeting.

Registration will close on September 11, 2025 at 12:15 PM Eastern.

Please contact the SCUP Membership Team at membership@scup.org with any questions.