Learning Resources

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.

Abstract: For the past 20 years, higher education has invested heavily in improving student success, using new data and analytics systems, tools, and practices. Improvements and progress across higher education have mostly failed to meet expectations. But the arrival of next-generation artificial intelligence (AI) provides an exceptional opportunity. By combining AI with human intelligence (HI), we can create a powerful collaborative intelligence that can be embedded in learning processes, tools, and practices, enterprise-wide. AI can accelerate the long-overdue transformation of higher education. This article describes how to combine AI and HI in collaborative intelligence to significantly improve student success.

Abstract: This article explores a methodology for assessing and managing the financial viability of private, tuition-dependent institutions as well as institutional tactics and strategies used to improve their financial strength. The resulting model will help institutions understand the trends and predictive value of key financial metrics directly impacting their liquidity and operations and how senior leadership can drive change. Institutional examples illustrate how to engage senior leadership in strategic decision-making that includes assessment of revenue growth and/or expense management.

Abstract: When Vanderbilt University began seeing signs that cost escalation, scope additions, campus requirements, and authentic Collegiate Gothic architecture for their proposed new residence halls were all pressuring the budget, a multifaceted team worked collaboratively and arduously to stem the overruns.

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: Social mobility is an emerging area of focus for higher education institutions. In recent years, we have seen a proliferation of measures related to social mobility produced by publishers, scholars, think tanks, and foundations. However, it is still unclear which social mobility measures to advance, or when to intervene to improve social mobility outcomes. We rely on a century of literature from economics, sociology, and policy analysis to identify an appropriate framework to understand higher education’s contribution to social mobility. Using the metric-based planning framework, we identify areas for institutional intervention to enhance social mobility outcomes.

Abstract: Higher Education Systems Redesigned: From Perpetuation to Innovation to Student Success
Edited by Jonathan S. Gagliardi and Jason E. Lane
SUNY Press: Albany, New York: 2022
ISBN: 9781438487670
252 Pages

Abstract: The institutions that will thrive in the future will be those that use high-quality, relevant mission-driven data as part of their strategic, integrated planning process. Because of this it is imperative to create integrated institutional effectiveness (IIE) offices that serve as the connective tissue among all units within a college or university. The data and expertise of institutional effectiveness can be leveraged to benefit the institution as a whole. In this article, we discuss the value of creating an IIE office and challenges associated with a centralized infrastructure.