Blog Post

Sean A. Hays (Claremont Lincoln University) offers his takeaways from an insightful session at the SCUP 2024 Annual Conference.

“Challenges to Integrated Approaches for Institutional Effectiveness,” presented by R. Joel Farrell at the SCUP 2024 Annual Conference, was a masterclass in addressing the complexities and necessities of integrated institutional effectiveness (IIE).

The session emphasized the critical need for higher education institutions to break down silos that fragment data, resources, and personnel. Farrell, the vice provost for institutional effectiveness at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, highlighted a holistic view of IIE for fostering student success and supporting overall institutional performance.

He discussed the IIE model and its accompanying rubric, which were valuable for attendees. These tools are essential for planning leaders who strive to bridge gaps across various institutional functions, ensuring a more cohesive and efficient operation. Farrell also illustrated the pitfalls of disjointed decision-making and underscored the importance of having a clear and unified strategic vision.

His presentation on the challenges of integrating strategies for institutional effectiveness was educational and motivational. There were several key takeaways; one that resonated with me was to view institutional success from multiple perspectives to ensure everyone feels responsible for student well-being.

I appreciated that Farrell incorporated interactive elements into the presentation, such as questioning attendees’ own IIE challenges, encouraging active participation and reflection, and enhancing the learning experience. His engaging delivery style kept the audience attentive and invested in the topic.

Author Biography

Sean A. Hays, MEd, is the vice president of quality and effectiveness at Claremont Lincoln University (CLU). His 30 years of leadership experience include managing strategic initiatives and operational processes, planning and implementing institutional strategic goals, and assessing the effectiveness of projects, methods, and policies. Before joining CLU, he held leadership positions in student experience, student services, and enrollment. Hays also had positions in field operations, human resources, and general management in various industries.