SWOT, PESTLE, or 4Ps? Which Framework Should You Use for Your Strategic Plan?
At the heart of any strong strategic plan is a clear, honest understanding of where your institution stands and what it might face in the future. That’s where tools like SWOT, PESTLE, and the 4Ps come in. In this blog, we’ll walk through how to choose the right tools (spoiler: use all three), and give you practical, not-boring tips on how to actually use them to make smart, mission-aligned decisions.
Unhack Your Summer: Why Real Rest Beats “Productivity Hacks” Every Time
Should you wake up at 4 AM, meditate for two hours, jump in your infrared sauna, spend an hour in your sensory deprivation tank, and then blend up a smoothie made with kelp harvested from your very own aquatic garden? I don’t know, maybe. But is that advice coming from a single person with no kids, a home gym, a personal chef, and a team of assistants?
Anatomy of a Commencement Address: Communication Lessons from a Frog
Kermit didn’t try to reinvent himself for the stage. He just leaned into what he always does best: connect. For institutions, that’s the goal too. Say what you mean. Mean what you say. And keep saying it in ways that sound like you. Because when your message feels steady and familiar, people trust it—and that’s what makes it powerful.
Is Your Digital Footprint Telling the Right Story?
Is your digital footprint actually aligned with who you are, who you serve, and the work you’re doing? Before a prospective student ever sets foot on campus (or logs into your LMS), they’ve already formed an opinion about your institution, and they did it online. If you’re not intentionally contributing to that narrative, it’s being assembled for you—and not always in ways you’d want.
Higher Ed in 2025: Thriving Through Strategic Adaptation
The future may be uncertain, but that doesn’t mean your institution has to face it unprepared. By focusing on foundational priorities—accreditation, state licensure, strategic planning, and institutional effectiveness—you’ll be positioned to tackle whatever challenges come your way.
10 Things to Remember When Preparing Your Institution’s 2025 Budget
A budget is more than an annual task—it’s a roadmap to sustainability, growth, and excellence. Yet, amidst rising costs, fluctuating enrollment, and new compliance challenges, the process can feel like trying to assemble IKEA furniture without instructions. Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Here are 10 essential considerations to make your 2025 budget both effective and strategic.