Obstacles and Potential
We convince ourselves that higher education must be broken and that the traditional model no longer works. Well, that is not entirely true. It does work, for some, but not for all, and that is the bigger issue. We tend to think of higher education as a privilege instead of a common good. We spend time experimenting with silver bullets hoping that one solution will rise above the rest and solve the higher education crisis.
Higher Education's Christmas Carol Conundrum
Just because Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer last year, doesn’t mean it needs to happen again. Let’s focus on increasing affordable educational options designed to help all students achieve their academic goals; it starts This Christmas.
When Close Enough Becomes Good Enough
In the middle of being busy, we start to settle. We look around and know the things that need to get done to stay ahead of the game, but we fall into the trap of saying “it’s close enough” which then turns into “we’re good enough.” Unfortunately, as in business, institutions who adopt a culture of settling realize before too long that they can no longer be competitive with a “good enough” attitude and as a result no longer exist.
When We Need It Most
Most of us hear the word education and think colleges, professors, and textbooks, but some of the best education I ever received was through mentors that I have been blessed to have in my life. Some are still mentors for me today, others I briefly passed on the street, and a few we engaged in short conversations, but all gave me the encouragement, inspiration, and, yes, even criticism I needed to become who I am today.
Trick or Treat: Transfer Credits
Putting students first is more than just a fun catch phrase that is integrated into institutional effectiveness and strategic planning efforts. It is an opportunity to re-evaluate current processes and procedures that can make a big difference without tapping into limited financial resources. Institutions need to work with students to proactively identify those courses that can be applied to their program of study and avoid requiring students to take courses that contain content they have already mastered.
The One About Higher Education
It is a fact that an educated society is better than an uneducated society. As humans, we have to work to overcome our faults. We have to look past the numbers and see the people. We have to scale the obstacles and see the opportunities. We have to avoid roadblocks and create paths toward progress. We have to dispel negativity and gently nudge people forward.