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Webinar Recordings

Published
April 9, 2026

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Trends that Impact Higher Education Planning

Insights from SCUP’s Spring 2026 Trends in Higher Education Report

By: Nicholas Santilli, University of San Diego | Dr. Ashley Strong Green, Augusta University

Join Nicholas Santilli and Ashley Strong-Green for a dynamic conversation exploring the external forces shaping higher education in 2026. Drawing from SCUP’s Spring 2026 Trends for Higher Education report, they’ll offer their perspective on what these trends really mean for your institution—and how to act on them.
Abstract: Join Nicholas Santilli and Ashley Strong-Green for a dynamic conversation exploring the external forces shaping higher education in 2026. Drawing from SCUP’s Spring 2026 Trends for Higher Education report, they’ll offer their perspective on what these trends really mean for your institution—and how to act on them. You’ll gain more than a list of trends. This session brings fresh insights, real-world context, and practical takeaways that go beyond the report. Leverage what you learn to enhance your team’s strategic, scenario, and contingency planning—and stay ahead of the curve in an increasingly volatile landscape. What This Webinar Will Cover
  • Social trends impacting higher education in 2026
  • Technological trends impacting higher education in 2026
  • Economic trends impacting higher education in 2026
  • Environmental trends impacting higher education in 2026
  • Political trends impacting higher education in 2026

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    Trends for Higher Education

    Published
    March 16, 2026

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    Trends Inside Higher Education | Spring 2026

    By: Apryl Motley, CAE

    What are key movements and trends within higher education? From agentic AI to restructuring initiatives, learn the forces and changes directly impacting higher education, now and in the future.
    Abstract: Integrated planning prepares your institution for change by ensuring its decisions are informed by realities in the external environment. What are key movements and trends within higher education? From agentic AI to restructuring initiatives, learn the forces and changes directly impacting higher education, now and in the future. This issue curates and summarizes 40–50 trends happening inside the world of higher education that could impact colleges and universities. Each trend includes a brief summary, a footnoted source, and discussion questions to help you analyze and act on the trend.

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    Planning for Higher Education Journal

    Published
    March 13, 2026

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    Can the ‘Iron Triangle’ Be Bent?

    Institutions Attempt to Maintain Quality and Access While Freezing Tuition

    By: Rich Michal, EdD

    This article explores the implementation and sustainability of long-term (10+ years) tuition freezes at two large public flagship research universities: Purdue University and the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

    From Volume 52 Number 2 | Jan–Mar 2026 2026

    Abstract: Amid declining public trust, demographic challenges, and mounting concerns about affordability, many institutions are asking whether the long-held “iron triangle” of higher education—where reducing cost inevitably diminishes quality and underrepresented student access—still holds true. This article draws on case studies of Purdue University and the University of Wisconsin–Madison, which sustained decade-long tuition freezes. Their experiences reveal lessons in leadership, culture, process reengineering, financial positioning, and trade-offs that suggest the iron triangle can, in some cases, be bent.

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    Webinar Recordings

    Published
    January 21, 2026

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    No Man is an Island

    Navigating the Changing Tides of Integrated Planning

    By: Melissa Renner, South Texas College | Fernando Chapa, PhD, South Texas College

    This session will describe how South Texas College restructured its integrated planning processes through the development of two planning bodies—which became instrumental in dismantling silos, aligning stakeholders, and amplifying diverse voices across multiple campuses.
    Abstract: This session will describe how South Texas College (STC) restructured its integrated planning processes through the development of two planning bodies: the Institutional Leadership Council (ILC) and the Institutional Planning and Effectiveness Committee (IPEC). This restructuring was instrumental in dismantling silos, aligning stakeholders, and amplifying diverse voices across STC’s large service district and multiple campuses. Presenters will share lessons learned from the restructuring and demonstrate how to use both small-group (IPEC) and large-group (ILC) communication channels to balance inclusive communication with intentional, focused dialogue.

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    Planning for Higher Education Journal

    Published
    December 1, 2025

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    Coordinating Complexity

    Streamline Institutional Change Through Integrated Planning

    By: Will Miller, PhD, Danielle Farris, MS, Katelyn Nelson, BS, and Nicole Wallace, BS

    The authors replaced a costly, time-intensive model with a SharePoint-based system to transform sprawling processes into responsive systems for growth.

    From Volume 54 Number 1 | October–December 2025

    Abstract: With over 100 programs and 113 sites across 28 states and multiple countries, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University faced mounting complexity in managing institutional changes. Previously, each change we made required meetings with up to 30 participants from more than 20 offices, including Financial Aid, Facilities, Academic Affairs, IT, and Site Management. Through integrated planning, we replaced that costly, time-intensive model with a SharePoint- based system for asynchronous collaboration. The shift fostered transparency, reduced delays, and empowered cross-functional alignment. The project exemplifies how intentional design and relationship-building can transform sprawling processes into coordinated, responsive systems prepared for institutional growth and change.

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    Trends for Higher Education

    Published
    November 14, 2025

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    Trends for Higher Education | The Student Voices Edition

    This special issue of Trends describes student perspectives on four trends featured in recent issues of Trends for Higher Education: AI, personal finances, enrollment and attrition, and international students. Learn more about the opinions, reactions, and perspectives students have about these critical topics, preparing your institution to engage with your students in a more informed way.
    Abstract: Integrated planning leverages stakeholder insights and knowledge to make better, more informed decisions. No stakeholder is more important than our students, which is why we’re releasing a special issue of Trends focusing on their perspectives. This Trends for Higher Education: The Student Voices Edition describes student perspectives on four trends featured in recent issues of Trends for Higher Education. Campus Sonar, a social listening firm, collected data from social platforms like Reddit and X to analyze what students are saying about artificial intelligence, their personal finances, enrollment and attrition decisions, and international students. Learn more about the opinions, reactions, and perspectives students have about these critical issues, preparing your institution to engage with your students in a more informed way. Use this report to:
    • Inform your student stakeholder engagement strategies
    • Develop questions for student surveys and focus groups
    • Benchmark against findings from your student stakeholder engagement efforts
    • Add context to what you’ve learned about your students and their perspectives

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    Webinar Recordings

    Published
    September 17, 2025

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    Trends that Impact Higher Education Planning Fall 2025

    By: Jason Nicholas, Northern Michigan University | Tina Dee, Muskegon Community College

    Join Jason Nicholas and Tina Dee for a dynamic conversation exploring the external forces shaping higher education in 2025. Drawing from SCUP’s upcoming Trends Outside Higher Education | Fall 2025 report, they’ll offer their perspective on what these trends really mean for your institution—and how to act on them.
    Abstract: Join Jason Nicholas and Tina Dee for a dynamic conversation exploring the external forces shaping higher education in 2025. Drawing from SCUP’s upcoming Trends Outside Higher Education | Fall 2025 report (available September 15), they’ll offer their perspective on what these trends really mean for your institution—and how to act on them. You’ll gain more than a list of trends. This session brings fresh insights, real-world context, and practical takeaways that go beyond the report. Leverage what you learn to enhance your team’s strategic, scenario, and contingency planning—and stay ahead of the curve in an increasingly volatile landscape.

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    Trends for Higher Education

    Published
    September 12, 2025

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    Trends Outside Higher Education | Fall 2025

    By: Apryl Motley, CAE

    How is the world outside your institution changing? From the growth of microschools to the decline of digital platforms and services, colleges and universities continue to face an environment that is uncertain and rapidly changing. Learn the key trends and movements that might impact your institution.
    Abstract: Integrated planning prepares your institution for change by ensuring its decisions are informed by realities in the external environment. How is the world outside your institution changing? From the growth of microschools to the decline of digital platforms and services, colleges and universities continue to face an environment that is uncertain and rapidly changing. Learn the key trends and movements that might impact your institution. This issue curates and summarizes 40–50 trends happening outside the world of higher education that could impact colleges and universities. Each trend includes a brief summary, a footnoted source, and discussion questions to help you analyze and act on the trend.

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    Blog Post

    Published
    September 2, 2025

    How Strategic Is Your Strategic Plan?

    Identify Its Shortcomings and Ask Key Questions

    By: Sarah L Collie, PhD, Associate Vice President for Organizational Excellence, University of Virginia

    Today, strategic planning in colleges and universities is more crucial than ever. Yet many strategic plans in higher education lack a clear strategy, instead resembling a long-range plan.

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    Planning for Higher Education Journal

    Published
    August 18, 2025

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    Strategic Alignment for Degree Completion

    Leverage an Integrated Planning Approach to Improve Credit Momentum and Student Success

    By: Nicole DeCapua, EdD, Mildred Mihlon, PhD, and Tracy Louisse S. Chacon, MEd

    By coordinating cross-functional teams, employing real-time data, and strengthening communication systems, a university bolstered student retention and completion without requiring new funding or staff.

    From Volume 53 Number 4 | July–September 2025

    Abstract: This article presents how a small, resource-constrained university leveraged integrated institutional planning to launch a 30-credit completion strategy that significantly improved student momentum, graduation rates, and institutional planning culture. By coordinating cross-functional teams, employing real-time data, and strengthening communication systems, the university built a scalable and sustainable framework that bolstered student retention and completion without requiring new funding or staff. This case offers a roadmap for similarly situated institutions aiming to align credit accumulation initiatives with broader strategic goals to drive measurable student success outcomes.

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