Want a strategy for higher ed’s survival? Unite the faculty and administration.

With the 2024-25 school year underway, colleges and universities face competing priorities and mounting challenges — including financial strains, the enrollment cliff, AI in the classroom and questions about the value of higher education, all underscoring the need for uniting higher ed to address these complex issues. 

These issues are integral to educational institutions’ long-term viability, but they shouldn’t overshadow higher education’s fundamental mission: educating students and equipping them with the skills they will need for the rest of their lives. 

Faculty members are at the heart of this mission, yet they often find themselves overburdened with various responsibilities that distract from their core educational priorities.

When faculty priorities conflict with institutional goals 

Balancing institutional needs and faculty priorities has always been challenging. The rapidly changing higher education landscape has only added to the tension. 

On one side of the equation, faculty members are focused on building curriculums, conducting research and teaching classes — all of which foster a rich learning environment for students. Seven in 10  say interactions with students bring them the greatest satisfaction in their work. 

On the other side, university leaders are grappling with external factors and complex challenges critical to the institution’s long-term success, such as declining enrollment figures, keeping tuition costs in check, and setting policies and practices around the use of AI. 

Too often, administrative leaders redirect resources away from faculty-centric areas to support institutional initiatives, cut costs, and balance the budget. For instance, faculty are often required to teach additional classes or handle larger class sizes without specific training or guidelines.

1. Refine curriculum and courses

Refining curricula to align with institutional values enhances educational outcomes by integrating core values into teaching, research and service. By providing examples and practical tips for faculty engaged in this change, you can support your institution’s core mission around academic excellence, diversity and community engagement, while making student education more impactful. 

Instead of prioritizing rote memorization, foster connections between various fields of study and link coursework to current challenges through case studies, project-based learning and partnerships with industry and community organizations.

2. Reduce administrative burdens 

Administrative tasks, such as paperwork, scheduling and bureaucratic procedures, can detract from teaching, research and student interaction — the primary reasons many faculty enter academia. 

Streamlining processes through automation and additional institutional support enables your faculty to focus on core academic responsibilities. In particular, workflow automation tools can manage repetitive tasks like form submissions and data entry, while electronic document management systems facilitate efficient document handling. 

Likewise, advanced communication tools and learning management systems can enhance the efficiency of course administration and improve the overall student experience by automating routine tasks.

3. Invest in technology tools and training

Digital tools such as online platforms, interactive simulations and collaborative technologies enhance student engagement and enable more flexible and personalized learning experiences. For instance, digital interactive assessments such as online quizzes, virtual labs and multimedia projects can provide immediate feedback, adaptive learning pathways and opportunities for collaborative learning.

Investing in advanced technologies is only the first step; you then must invest in professional development and training to ensure your faculty stays current with technology. Provide comprehensive training in assessment design, data analysis and educational technology and engage in small projects to demonstrate the value of technology.

4. Leverage data-driven insights

Analyzing and extracting insights from the various types of data available can improve the responsiveness and effectiveness of educational programs. For example, administrative and academic leaders can use employment data to monitor shifting job market demands and industry trends to ensure academic programs stay relevant and students are prepared for their next chapter. 

One data point that’s extremely important is student feedback. Your institution and faculty should regularly solicit and incorporate student feedback through surveys and forums to ensure academic programs better meet your students’ evolving needs and interests.

5. Foster holistic student learning and engagement

The value of higher education goes beyond test scores — it encompasses a commitment to a holistic education that equips students with the essential skills they will need for professional and personal success. 

In the classroom, faculty can emphasize critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, collaboration and other soft skills through activities that require teamwork, presentations and critical analyses. Likewise, testing criteria, which include a mix of traditional exams, project-based assessments, presentations and practical demonstrations, can better assess students’ understanding and application of knowledge. 

This holistic approach also extends beyond the classroom. For example, many schools are now adjusting their admissions processes to consider an applicant’s life experiences, soft skills and access to resources for a comprehensive view of the student’s skills and experiences as they begin their academic journey.

Aligning your institution toward long-term success

By crafting holistic policies and practices that reflect a deep understanding of the needs and goals of the faculty and institution, you can create a symbiotic relationship that enhances the educational experience for students and ensures faculty can focus on what they love most about their jobs — thus, building a broad picture of holistic success for students, faculty, staff and the program.