In this conversation, Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner and Dr. James Shulman discuss the pressing challenges facing higher education, particularly the financial pressures and the need for collaboration among institutions. Dr. Shulman emphasizes the importance of provosts in addressing cost issues and fostering a culture of collaboration while navigating the complexities of institutional autonomy. He introduces the concept of the 'synthetic university' as a framework for innovative solutions and collective action in higher education. Dr. Shulman shares insights from his book and highlights successful case studies that demonstrate the potential for collaboration to enhance educational quality and efficiency.

Takeaways

• The challenge of controlling costs in higher education is significant and multifaceted.
• Provosts play a crucial role in managing financial pressures and fostering collaboration.
• Redundancies in higher education can be beneficial, but unnecessary duplications should be streamlined.
• External partnerships can provide valuable solutions to institutional challenges.
• The concept of the 'synthetic university' encourages innovative and collaborative solutions.

The Provost and Student Affairs: A Conversation with Amelia Parnell

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. Amelia Parnell, president of NASPA, discusses the evolving landscape of student affairs in higher education. She emphasizes the importance of collaboration between student affairs and academic affairs, the need to address the diverse and holistic needs of students, and the role of data in enhancing student success. Dr. Parnell also highlights current trends in student affairs and provides insights into how institutions can better support their students. In this conversation, Amelia Parnell discusses the importance of understanding data identity in education, fostering communication for student success, and navigating barriers in higher education. She emphasizes the need for adaptive leadership strategies, common mistakes to avoid, and the future role of NASPA in supporting student affairs. Parnell also highlights the significance of finding joy and humor in the challenges faced in higher education.

Takeaways

• Collaboration between student and academic affairs is crucial for student success.
• Holistic approaches to student needs require data-informed strategies.
• Diverse student populations present unique challenges and opportunities.
• Effective communication across campus is essential for addressing student needs.
• The relationship between student affairs and academic affairs should be collaborative, not competitive.

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. Chuck Ambrose and Dr. Mike Nietzel discuss their book 'Colleges on the Brink' and the concept of financial exigency in higher education. They explore the challenges institutions face in maintaining financial health, the importance of monitoring key metrics, and the balance between making tough financial decisions and preserving academic integrity. The discussion emphasizes the need for proactive financial management, engaging faculty in budget processes, and identifying new revenue streams to ensure institutional sustainability. They also share lessons learned from institutions that have successfully navigated financial exigency and provide book recommendations for further reading.

Takeaways

• Monitoring key financial metrics is essential for provosts.
• Balancing financial decisions with academic integrity is challenging.
• Engaging faculty in financial discussions is crucial.
• Most institutions that declare exigency do not go out of business.
• Provosts play a key role in resource allocation and decision-making.