These are consequential times. Higher education institutions stand at a crossroads, with the opportunity to transition from being competent in many areas to excelling in a select few. It is not about doing more with less; it is about doing less with less. The main metric should no longer be pre-pandemic standards. We must stop comparing our organization to the pre-pandemic era, as the goal is not to revert to that period. The business model has fundamentally changed, with the pace of change accelerating. The changes that have occurred and are emerging cannot be reversed. Some view the pandemic as an interruption, believing we will eventually return to the old normal. However, others see it as a disruption, driving innovation for the future. This forward-looking perspective is crucial and timely, emphasizing the need for courageous leaders who can drive transformation. Higher education must look forward to the opportunities of the next decade, not backward.
6 Predictions
Here are six predictions for the fall semester of 2025 for higher education:
1. Intensifying Protests: Anticipate an increase in protests, demonstrations, and encampments this fall. The ongoing war in Gaza and the presidential election will be significant focal points, likely escalating campus activism.
2. Enrollment Roller Coaster: The chaos surrounding FAFSA will persist, continuing to impact enrollment numbers. Institutions will focus on boosting spring 2025 enrollments and enhancing efforts for student re-enrollment to address shortfalls.
3. Shrinking Budgets: Expect budget reductions and cuts as institutions grapple with lower-than-expected enrollments. With COVID-19 funding depleted and no increases in state funding, financial constraints will become more pronounced.
4. Regulations on Hold: Count cases have already led to injunctions on new Title IX regulations. The Supreme Court's decision to end the Chevron precedent suggests further court changes to regulations throughout the fall.
5. AI in Limbo: While generative AI advances rapidly, institutions are not yet up to speed. Despite student usage, policies and regulations lag behind, and operationalizing AI requires significant resources that many institutions currently lack.
6. Human Capital at Capacity: The "do more with less" management approach is no longer acceptable to higher education employees. With staff reductions and increased pressures, expect higher turnover and growing challenges in filling open positions.
Higher Ed Cost
The percentage of high school graduates transitioning directly to college has declined from around 70% a decade ago to 62% today. Affordability is a major concern for those opting out, with many citing costs as the primary reason. 40% of enrolled students do not complete their degrees, often due to financial pressures. If higher education institutions want to address enrollment challenges, then they need to address the rising costs of higher education. Institutions need to do more to control expenses to lower the demand for tuition increases.
Presenting
I’m often asked why I continue to present at professional association conferences. One of the primary reasons is the opportunity to stay current in the profession. Preparing educational content for presentations necessitates in-depth research and meticulous preparation. By engaging with contemporary research and best practices, I ensure that my knowledge remains relevant and cutting-edge. Moreover, presenting at conferences enables me to share valuable knowledge and insights with my peers. This dissemination of information contributes significantly to professional development fostering a culture of continuous learning. Additionally, presenting at conferences allows me to remain connected to the profession and colleagues. All of this enhances my collective growth within the profession.
