About the Episode
About the Episode: In this compelling episode, Dustin is joined by Greg Clayton from EducationDynamics to discuss the rapidly changing world of higher education, particularly focusing on enrollment management and admissions. Recorded in March 2024, amidst significant shifts due to Supreme Court decisions, changes in FAFSA processes, and the looming election, this conversation sheds light on the challenges and opportunities facing higher education institutions. Greg, with his deep background in ed tech and a passion for learner journeys, shares insights from his role in leading EducationDynamics' efforts to support institutions through these tumultuous times.
Key Takeaways
- FAFSA Rollout Challenges: Delays and changes in the FAFSA process are increasing stress on institutions and students alike, creating uncertainty in enrollment and financial aid timelines.
- Certificates and Micro-Credentials on the Rise: Demand for short-term, skills-focused credentials continues to grow as students seek affordable, fast pathways to career advancement.
- AI in Education: Institutions must embrace AI to stay relevant, both in creating educational offerings and preparing graduates for the workforce.
- Student-Centric Thinking: Institutions that adopt a learner-first approach will be better equipped to handle the challenges of regulatory changes, enrollment pressures, and shifting student expectations.
- The Need for Employer Collaboration: Higher ed institutions should partner with employers to align academic programs with workforce demands, ensuring that students graduate with market-ready skills.
Episode Summary
How Institutions are Grappling with Rapid Change
Higher education is facing unprecedented disruption, from Supreme Court decisions to regulatory changes and the delayed FAFSA rollout. Greg Clayton explains how these changes are creating stress for institutions, complicating budget planning, and delaying student enrollment decisions. Financial aid professionals, in particular, are feeling the strain of navigating the new FAFSA system amid already complex workflows.
Certificates and Micro-Credentials: A Growing Trend
The conversation highlights the increasing popularity of certificates and micro-credentials. As Greg notes, these short-term programs offer affordable, quick-to-complete options that align with employer demands for specific skills. Institutions have a significant opportunity to create stackable credentials that serve as on-ramps to degree programs while addressing the needs of adult learners and career changers.
The Role of AI in Higher Ed
Greg advocates for institutions to embrace AI, not resist it. Whether used for optimizing operations or building new educational programs, AI presents vast opportunities for innovation. Institutions must integrate AI into their curriculum to meet employer expectations and prepare students for the modern workforce.
The Importance of Student-Centric Strategies
One of the key themes of the episode is the need for institutions to adopt a student-centric approach. By prioritizing the needs and goals of learners, rather than focusing solely on institutional traditions, colleges and universities can improve enrollment, retention, and outcomes. Collaboration with employers to align academic offerings with workforce needs is a vital step in this direction.
Uncertainty Amid Political and Regulatory Changes
The upcoming U.S. presidential election and shifting regulatory landscape further compound the challenges for higher ed leaders. Institutions must prepare for potential shifts in federal policy while navigating ongoing challenges like public skepticism about the value of higher education.
About the Show: The Higher Ed Geek Podcast explores the impact of edtech on the student experience by speaking with diverse leaders from institutions, companies, and nonprofit organizations. Each week we aim to provide an engaging, fun, and relevant dose of professional development that honors the wide range of work happening all across the higher ed ecosystem. Come geek out with us! The Higher Ed Geek Podcast is hosted by Dustin Ramsdell and is a proud member of the Enrollify Podcast Network.
Connect With Our Host:
Dustin Ramsdell
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/
https://twitter.com/HigherEd_Geek
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!
Some of our favorites include Generation AI and I Wanna Work There.
Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.
Connect with Us at the Engage Summit:
Exciting news — Dustin will be at the 2024 Engage Summit in Raleigh, NC, on June 25 and 26, and we’d love to meet you there! Sessions will focus on cutting-edge AI applications that are reshaping student outreach, enhancing staff productivity, and offering deep insights into ROI.
Use the discount code Enrollify50 at checkout, and you can register for just $200.
Learn more and register at engage.element451.com — we can’t wait to see you there!
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