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, Here are few updates on the insides, and periphery, of the Academy.... 7 Campuses. One System. A Cautionary Tale. Penn State just approved plans to close 7 of its 24 campuses. While framed as “restructuring,” the real signal here is existential: Low enrollment, mounting deficits, and diminishing local pipelines have pushed even a land-grant flagship into retreat mode. 📉 Translation?This isn’t just a rural problem or a small-school story. The ground is shifting under everyone....
Hi there Reader, Higher education is navigating stormy waters: declining enrollments, stagnant faculty salaries, and looming endowment tax hikes are squeezing budgets. Yet, amidst the turbulence, strategic leaders are finding opportunities—leveraging alumni networks for revenue, rethinking strategy with data, and learning from EdTech’s missteps. This week, we unpack insights to help you steer your institution forward. Spotlight: What Founders Get Wrong About Higher Ed This week, I’m sharing a...
Hi there Reader, Hope your week is going as well as can be... We've got a lot to talk about this week, so let's dive in... The FAFSA Mess, Transparency Gaps, and a Smarter Model for Student Aid Guest: Chris Abkarians, Co-CEO of Juno Last week, I sat down with Chris Abkarians to unpack the FAFSA failure, the crumbling trust in federal aid systems, and the quiet emergence of more equitable models for student borrowing and pricing. A few takeaways: FAFSA Fallout Isn’t Just Tech: Chris makes it...