With 17 years of insider experience, I specialize in enhancing university operations and strategic planning through innovative, data-driven solutions. Receive succinct, powerful insights on using analytics and artificial intelligence to streamline operations, increase ROI, and make informed strategic decisions. Ideal for C-suite aiming to do more with less and navigate the complexities of modern higher education.
Trump’s Exec Order Hits Hard... Is This a New Normal?
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Hi there Reader, The past two few weeks have ushered in significant changes for higher education institutions, with federal actions impacting operations, international students, and diversity initiatives. Here's a high-level overview of. Massive Layoffs at the Department of Education... To Continue?The Trump administration continues to make substantial cuts within the U.S. Department of Education, aiming to reduce its workforce by nearly half. Education Secretary Linda McMahon stated that these measures are intended to "shake up" the system and decrease bureaucracy. However, concerns arise regarding potential disruptions in student aid processing and civil rights enforcement. 🔎 The takeaway? Institutions should prepare for possible delays and reassess their reliance on federal support services. 📢 Read More Expansion of Student Visa RevocationsImmigration authorities have broadened the scope of student visa terminations, affecting numerous international students across various institutions. Reasons range from political activism to minor infractions, leading to uncertainty among international student communities. Universities must enhance support systems for international students and stay updated on evolving immigration policies. 📢 Full Article Federal Scrutiny Over DEI InitiativesThe Department of Education has launched investigations into over 50 colleges concerning their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. This action is part of a broader effort to reshape higher education policies, prompting institutions to reassess their DEI commitments amidst potential federal penalties. Colleges should review and document the objectives and outcomes of their DEI initiatives to ensure compliance and effectiveness. Closing Thoughts: Higher education is at a pivotal moment. Federal policy changes are reshaping the landscape, affecting operations, student demographics, and institutional priorities. Proactive engagement and strategic planning are essential for institutions aiming to navigate these challenges successfully. 🚀 Let's discuss how your institution can adapt to these developments. -Mike O’Connor O'Connor & Associates |
Hi, I'm Mike!
With 17 years of insider experience, I specialize in enhancing university operations and strategic planning through innovative, data-driven solutions. Receive succinct, powerful insights on using analytics and artificial intelligence to streamline operations, increase ROI, and make informed strategic decisions. Ideal for C-suite aiming to do more with less and navigate the complexities of modern higher education.
Hi there Reader, Higher ed is under scrutiny— but is it under siege? In the past two weeks, we’ve seen elite institutions challenge direct federal overreach, new alliances emerge across sectors, and fresh innovations redefine how we think about student success and fiscal sustainability. This week’s newsletter surfaces: System-level redesign insights from Meacie Fairfax (Complete College America). A rallying cry from 200+ presidents against government interference. And a wildly underrated data...
Hi there Reader, Welcome back. This week, we're digging into the intersection of institutional strategy, federal overreach, and student loan reform. From campus data labs to billion-dollar showdowns with the federal government, the higher ed playbook is being rewritten in real time. Let's get into it. Rethinking the College Business Model with Matt Hendricks Founder, Perspective Data Sciences What if you could scan every college’s contracts, staffing levels, and pricing models—and flag costly...
Hi there Reader, Higher ed is at a crossroads—and the data we rely on to navigate it is disappearing fast. Meanwhile, student debt is exploding, AI is accelerating, and the ground beneath colleges and universities is rapidly shifting. Student Debt & the Fight for Economic Mobility In my recent conversation with Kristin McGuire, Executive Director of Young Invincibles, we tackled higher ed’s most urgent and overlooked crisis... The cost of attendance vs. what today’s students actually need....