Hello Reader

The challenges in higher education are becoming increasingly complex...

From enrollment shifts to evolving technological landscapes.

Let's explore what's happening at the fringes of the academy.

1. Higher Ed’s New Normal: A Post-Pandemic Reality

In the wake of the pandemic, higher education is still struggling to regain its footing.

Some aspects of life have returned to "normal," while others remain stuck in what can be described as a "new normal."

For colleges, this means adapting to a landscape where enrollment is down, financial aid is increasingly scrutinized, and the future of graduate education is uncertain.

Key takeaways:

• Market Position Matters: Colleges that have clear market positions—especially those serving adult learners—are faring better, while middle-market schools face steep enrollment declines.
• Affluent Students Are Skipping College: With a desire for higher discounts and greater cost-effectiveness, wealthy students are increasingly bypassing higher ed institutions they once attended.
• A Shifting Demographic Landscape: Racial and economic disparities are causing significant shifts in enrollment numbers, with many colleges feeling the effects of these changes.

For a deeper dive, check out the full article here.

2. Quantum Computing, the Multiverse, and the Future of Higher Education

The convergence of quantum computing and the multiverse theory may seem like science fiction, but recent advancements suggest we’re entering a new technological frontier.

With the development of Google’s Willow quantum chip and quantum algorithms that offer unprecedented computing power, these breakthroughs could have far-reaching implications for... well, everything in the long term, and, perhaps nothing in the immediacy.

Google's 'Willow' quantum chip solved a complex computational problem in approximately five minutes—a task that would take the world's fastest classical supercomputer, Frontier, an estimated 10 septillion years to complete.

Researchers theorize it did so by borrowing compute power from parallel universes - therefore proving the existence of a multiverse.

Quantum computing promises to revolutionize data processing, making it faster and more efficient, with the potential to enhance every aspect of modern life...

(That is, If we can just figure out what it actually could do).

For insights on the future of quantum computing, check out Google’s Willow announcement and the Plain English podcast.

3. There’s a Place for Everyone: Embracing Human Diversity

By Adam Mastroianni | Experimental History | August 27, 2024

In a world that often feels divided, Mastroianni argues that there’s a place for everyone—everyone has a unique purpose and value.

Humans live in an infinite range of cognitive niches, with endless opportunities to find meaningful work or fulfillment, whether it’s as a professional bridesmaid, dog chef, or even a bovine reproductive technician.

The problem isn’t a lack of niches, but rather a lack of awareness about where people truly belong.

The challenge is helping individuals discover their place, particularly in a system that often overlooks the richness of diverse paths.

Read more here.

4. We Want Your Insights: Take Our Quick Survey on Operational Gaps

We’re looking to gather your feedback to help us better understand the operational challenges your institution is facing in 2025 and beyond.

This brief, confidential survey focuses on identifying key gaps and how external services, like ours, can help fill those gaps.

It only takes 6 minutes to complete, and your insights will help shape our future content and services to better support your institution.

Ready to share your insights?

​Click here to take the survey now.

Thank you for helping us understand your needs and ensuring that our resources remain valuable to you.

Closing:

As we head into 2025, it’s clear that higher education is at a crossroads.

While there are challenges ahead, the opportunities to innovate, collaborate, and evolve are boundless....

Even if our budgets are not.

​

-Mike O’Connor

O'Connor & Associates

​​

unsubscribe here.