Learning Resources

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.

Abstract: In the midst of post-COVID enrollment and financial troubles the University of Arkansas at Little Rock learned to leverage planning and accreditation to build community and resilience. This session will address the university's setbacks, challenges, opportunities, and solutions in launching a shoestring integrated planning process amidst multiple crises: retrenchment, restructuring, leadership changes, an accreditation visit, COVID, and new enterprise resource planning (ERP) software. Find out how your institution can apply out concrete, low-cost, real-life strategies for initial integrated planning initiatives as well as respond to common setbacks and pitfalls in a VUCA context.

Abstract: Determining where to invest in terms of academic programming and staffing can oftentimes be difficult due to competing interests by academic programs as well as a lack of resources. This session will describe how one university sought to improve academic planning and resource allocation within their academic units, and the software solution they used to do it. We'll discuss the university's example and broader best practices for reviewing metrics in research, finances, benchmarking, and predictive modeling as well as staffing and resource allocation related to academic planning.

Abstract: Innovative leaders must promote and cultivate a data culture that informs decision making across an institution. In this session, we will discuss data strategies for capital and facilities planning that enable real-time mobile access to planning tools, automated project tracking, metrics, and building transparency in order to support the planning and execution process. Come learn about agile development of available open source tools that enable cost-effective data strategies, including automated processes, and the development and implementation of planning and execution tools.

Abstract: A university’s strategic plan sets out its intent to reach higher, innovative levels to be considered prominent, a market leader, or universally recognized for excellence. By engaging employees as “owners” they can actively manage the forces and operational processes during plan implementation, monitoring, and controlling. Working with data-based performance metrics aids employees—and even students— in decision-making to evaluate options that affect performance thereby influencing the outcome. This session provides insight into KSU’s approach on engagement across the university.