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Planning for Higher Education Journal

Published
January 20, 2026

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Beyond Compliance

Building a Sustainable Assessment Framework for Continuous Improvement at Scale

By: Amanda M. Main, PhD, and Sean W.G. Robb, PhD

A case study of a public university’s college of business administration contributes empirical evidence of scaling challenges and offers a transferable framework for institutions seeking to enhance assessment capabilities while maintaining faculty engagement.

From Volume 54 Number 2 | January–March 2026

Abstract: Using a longitudinal case study spanning two decades (2003–2022), the authors analyzed how a large public university’s college of business administration designed a system that balanced institutional assessment needs with faculty workload considerations. Their findings revealed that successful large-scale assessment systems require: (1) multilevel organizational structures with clear staff roles, (2) embedded assessment measures leveraging existing coursework, (3) technological infrastructure to streamline data collection, and (4) robust feedback mechanisms ensuring interventions are implemented and evaluated. The study contributes empirical evidence of scaling challenges and offers a transferable framework for large institutions seeking to enhance assessment capabilities while maintaining faculty engagement.

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Planning for Higher Education Journal

Published
April 4, 2025

Institutional Transformation and Successful Accreditation Review Through Data-Informed Collaboration

Gain Accountability with Values-Based Integrated Planning

By: Shawna Herwick, MSW, and Paul Illich, PhD

Implementing a values-based integrated planning framework equipped Southeast Community College to leverage the data it collected to build and strengthen relationships, align the institution within and across divisions, and prepare for change. The efforts led to the successful modernization of facilities, historic enrollment growth, staffing increases, other operational improvements, and a positive accreditation outcome.

From Volume 53 Number 2 | January–March 2025

Abstract: Southeast Community College (SCC) applied an integrated framework approach to inform all aspects of its successful comprehensive accreditation review. Following decades of reviews leading to monitoring and focused visits to address opportunities for improvement, SCC managed its most recent comprehensive assessment through integrated planning to ensure the accreditation process coincided with building relationships, aligning divisions and departments, and promoting a culture that is well prepared for change. This structured and focused integrated planning method for comprehensive accreditation review was associated with a successful outcome that involved no monitoring or required follow-up for the first time in the College’s accreditation history.

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Planning for Higher Education Journal

Published
February 14, 2025

Improving Student Support on a Decentralized Campus

Project Management Ensures Campus Stakeholder Buy-in, Cross-Collaboration, and Thorough Communication

By: Delaney Ybarra, MA, Andrea Garrity, MS, and Erica L. Wagner, PhD

Portland State University’s Office of Student Success adopted a project management framework to improve student outcomes, starting with a pilot program to administer hardship funds.

From Volume 53 Number 2 | January–March 2025

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Planning for Higher Education Journal

Published
February 5, 2025

‘Catching’ Substantive Changes with Integrated Planning

Form a Dedicated Team to Reduce Silos, Develop Cross-Unit Collaboration, and Implement Transformative Goals

By: Rachel E. Smith, PhD, and Leslie W. Grant, PhD

Implementing changes at institutions that operate under a distributive leadership model can be challenging because academic and support units function separately. This article recommends successful ways to manage the change-making process.

From Volume 53 Number 2 | January–March 2025

Abstract: Implementing changes at institutions that operate under a distributive leadership model can be challenging because academic and support units are siloed. This article presents an example of one midsize, public, research institution’s successful strategy for “catching,” or identifying and managing, substantive changes using integrated planning. Through a centralized team of academic and support unit representatives, the academic units shared planned substantive changes, received feedback, and adjusted. The institution’s substantive change policy, infrastructure, and collaborative culture ensured the changes did not slip through the cracks or hit significant roadblocks. This article shares how the team operated, giving recommendations for institutions implementing the change practice.

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Planning for Higher Education Journal

Published
January 19, 2024

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The Value of Promising Failures and Partial Successes

Visible and Actionable Assessments Can Support a More Equitable Learning Environment

By: Karen Singer-Freeman, PhD

The Grand Challenges Project provides a comprehensive framework for institutions to overcome barriers, promote equity, and advance continuous improvement in higher education evaluation practices.

From Volume 52 Number 1 | October–December 2023

Abstract: The Grand Challenges in Higher Education Assessment Project (The Grand Challenges Project) is a national initiative designed to transform the landscape of assessment practices in ways that will increase equity by encouraging improvements in integrated planning. This article discusses the synergy between the three goals of the Grand Challenges Project: 1) Use Assessment Findings to Increase Equity; 2) Make Assessment Findings Visible and Actionable to Drive Innovation; and 3) Use Assessment Findings to Drive Rapid and Equitable Improvements in Pedagogy. Integrated planning is necessary to advance these goals, and progress toward each goal supports progress toward a more equitable and inclusive system of higher education.

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Planning for Higher Education Journal

Published
March 24, 2023

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Transforming Data into Meaningful Information

Put Methodologies in Action with Data-Driven Integrated Planning

By: Douglas Masterson, PhD, Christopher M. Davis, PhD, and Suzanne Carbonaro, MEd

Leaders in two different accreditation regions share best practices and lessons learned from their integrated planning evolution and its impact on operational efficiency and student learning.

From Volume 51 Number 2 | January–March 2023

Abstract: Institutional success depends on long-term sustainability, connecting investments with outcomes, and creating a culture that is data-informed. As the role of institutional effectiveness expands across higher education, designing a comprehensive integrated planning process is critical. Integrated planning requires a unified approach to utilizing academic and administrative data for continuous improvement. However, this can be an overwhelming process for institutions, with many unsure of where to start. Learn from leaders in two different accreditation regions as they share best practices and lessons learned associated with their integrated planning evolution and its impact on operational efficiency and student learning.

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Planning for Higher Education Journal

Published
November 9, 2020

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Trends in Accreditation

How Will Accreditors Once Again Become Relevant for Higher Education?

By: Lynn Priddy, PhD, with Stephen G. Pelletier

Dr. Lynn Priddy answers questions posed by education writer Stephen G. Pelletier related to changes in accreditation and their effect on institutions and students.

From Volume 49 Number 1 | October–December 2020

Abstract: Having been on both the inside of regional accreditation and outside looking back on it, Lynn Priddy knows that accreditation has long tried to revolutionize itself, while at the same time increasingly becoming subject to federal regulatory burdens and expectations from the Department of Education. That has backed it into becoming a bureaucracy at the very time it needed to break out to focus on innovation, learning, and student success.

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Planning for Higher Education Journal

Published
October 1, 2017

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Reflections on Two Decades of Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Developing Economies

By: Fred M. Hayward

In our increasingly mobile world, quality assurance and accreditation across the globe, and particularly in developing countries, has a number of implications for higher education as a whole.

From Volume 46 Number 1 | October–December 2017

Abstract: This article reviews 20 years of accreditation in developing economies, showing the progress made in quality assurance over this time and its impact on quality improvement. Quality assurance and accreditation are now nearly universal in the developing world, and the process is remarkably similar across countries. We see an overall congruence of goals and expectations and a growing recognition of the importance of what are seen as international standards. The process has led to significant improvements in the quality of higher education generally, a greater focus on teaching and learning, and increased public confidence in higher education as a result. Nonetheless, the quality of graduate education generally remains unacceptably low, and recognition by governments of the need to adequately fund public higher education is far too limited, with only a few exceptions.

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Planning for Higher Education Journal

Published
October 1, 2017

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Navigating Accreditation

Tips for a Smooth Reaffirmation Process

By: Kyla Cox Deckard

Three members of IU Bloomington’s successful accreditation reaffirmation team share insights and strategies for navigating the process at your institution.

From Volume 46 Number 1 | October–December 2017

Abstract: Three members of the Indiana University Bloomington team that coordinated the campus’s accreditation reaffirmation describe the process and the team’s approach to successfully completing the Higher Learning Commission review. By managing the work in a centralized way, the team drafted its assurance argument with an evidence-first approach. Collaborations across campus generated information about the institution’s best work and the newest initiatives aligned with the campus’s bicentennial strategic plan. The team shares lessons learned and how IU Bloomington is preparing today for the review in 10 years.

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