Hi there Reader,

Diving into this week’s insights tailored for forward-thinking leaders in higher education...

Illinois Proposes Equity-Driven Funding Overhaul for Public Universities

Illinois is making waves with a proposed bill, the Adequate and Equitable Funding Formula for Public Universities Bill (Senate Bill 3965), which could transform how state funding is allocated to public higher education institutions. This novel funding model prioritizes adequacy and equity, particularly benefiting regional and minority-serving institutions. The bill aims to address funding gaps by incorporating factors like socioeconomic and racial diversity into its formula, similar to the state’s K-12 funding model. If passed, this legislation could serve as a blueprint for other states seeking to make higher education more accessible and equitable. However, the bill's ambitious scope and the significant financial commitment required have sparked debate about its feasibility.

​Read more​

​

Congressional Spotlight: Universities as Economic Drivers—But at What Cost to Smaller Schools?

The recent Congressional Research Service report examines the growing role of higher education in economic development, spotlighting how universities are central to innovation and regional growth. The report praises federal programs, like the CHIPS and Science Act, for supporting university-led initiatives but is critiqued for not fully addressing the challenges smaller institutions face in accessing these resources. For higher ed leaders, this emphasizes the importance of engaging with federal initiatives while advocating for equitable resource distribution to ensure broader institutional participation and impact.

​Full Report​
​

The AI Neckpiece Tackling Loneliness—But at What Cost?

Avi Schiffmann's "Friend," a $99 AI-powered neckpiece, promises constant companionship by listening and responding to your conversations. While Schiffmann markets it as an "emotional toy" aimed at tackling loneliness, it’s hard to ignore the irony of needing an AI device to simulate friendship. The concept treads a fine line between innovative and unsettling, especially when considering its "always listening" feature, which, despite assurances of privacy, could raise concerns. The tech might appeal to those craving connection, but it leaves one wondering: Are we really so disconnected that we need to wear a chatbot around our necks?

​More on Friend​

Humble Brag: I helped an organization find $500k+ in operational savings via a data-driven performance project...

Curious to know more?

👉 Let's Chat​

Stay agile,

-Mike O’Connor

O’Connor & Associates

​​

unsubscribe here.