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About the Episode
This special live episode of the podcast was recorded on stage at SXSW EDU 2023 in Austin, Texas. The panelists included Matt Tower, Ciara Hamagishi, and Kelvin Bentley and they discussed strategies for institutions to intentionally balance their limited resources between physical assets and digital infrastructure. The full session description is below:
“Higher ed institutions continue to face headwinds due to enrollment declines, so limited resources must be deployed intentionally. The solution is to “right size” the different components of the institution to adapt to a constantly changing landscape. This takes the shape of things such as converting computer labs into esports arenas, integrating chatbots, and the metaverse. The result is that increasingly hybrid students are digitally engaged while optimizing the expertise of faculty and staff.”
Key Takeaways
- Hybrid Frontier in Education: Universities must find the balance between physical spaces and digital tools to meet evolving student needs and resource constraints.
- Differentiation for Success: Institutions that focus on niche areas, like XR innovation labs or specialized research programs, can build competitive advantages and attract students.
- Leveraging Partnerships: Collaborations with ed-tech companies, local businesses, and government grants are essential to fund and implement innovative solutions.
- Reimagining Campus Assets: Physical spaces can be repurposed creatively (e.g., eSports arenas, maker spaces) to better align with current and future demands.
- Supporting Lean Teams: Digital tools can enhance efficiency and quality, enabling institutions to maintain high levels of service with smaller, more focused teams.
Episode Summary
What Factors Are Driving the Need for Right-Sizing?
The panel identified a confluence of challenges, including enrollment shifts, tighter budgets, and changing student preferences, that require institutions to rethink their operational models. The pandemic accelerated digital adoption, but many universities now face the challenge of integrating these tools sustainably while maintaining relevance in physical spaces.
How Are Institutions Rethinking Physical Assets?
Examples like the University of Delaware converting old computer labs into eSports arenas highlight the potential of reimagining campus spaces. Other strategies include creating multipurpose innovation centers and forming partnerships to share resources. The importance of aligning physical spaces with institutional goals, student needs, and local economic priorities was emphasized.
What Role Do Digital Innovations Play?
Digital tools offer solutions for improving staff efficiency and enriching student experiences. Examples include:
- Virtual Reality (VR): Used for safe, cost-effective training in fields like mining, healthcare, and engineering.
- Wraparound Services: Companies like Flourish Labs and YouWill provide tele-counseling, while tutoring platforms support students with flexible, accessible options.
- Data and Coaching: Technologies that help institutions collect actionable data and provide personalized coaching are becoming increasingly critical.
How Can Institutions Fund These Changes?
The panel highlighted the importance of seeking grants and corporate sponsorships, especially in emerging areas like XR technologies and workforce development. Examples like Texas State University’s ALCA Center demonstrate how strategic grant applications can make cutting-edge innovations accessible.
What Is the Role of Institutional Culture?
A key theme was the need for institutional leaders to embrace humility and adaptability. Universities must engage students in continuous dialogue, seek out innovative partnerships, and prioritize services that directly impact student success. Schools like Northeastern University and Colby College were praised for their forward-thinking approaches to co-op programs and local economic development.
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About the Enrollify Podcast Network
The Higher Ed Geek is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!
Our podcast network is growing by the month and we’ve got a plethora of marketing, admissions, and higher ed technology shows that are jam packed with stories, ideas, and frameworks all designed to empower you to be a better higher ed professional.
Our shows feature a selection of the industry’s best as your hosts. Learn from Jaime Hunt, Allison Turcio, Corynn Myers, Dustin Ramsdell, Terry Flannery, Jaime Gleason and many more.
Learn more about The Enrollify Podcast Network at podcasts.enrollify.org. Our shows help higher ed marketers and admissions professionals find their next big idea — come and find yours!
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