March 14, 2025 • 17 mins
AI is transforming student success. Test-optional admissions are shaking up college acceptance — but not always in the way you’d expect.
Family support and alumni networks are proving to be more critical than ever for student retention. Strong connections are driving better outcomes, both academically and socially.
Learn how AI is personalizing learning, why test-optional might not be the solution we hoped for, and how online learning is reshaping access to education.
Whether you're a student, parent, or educator, discover how these trends are shaping the future of higher ed — and why connection might be the most powerful factor of all.
Timestamps:
▶️ 00:00 – Introduction: Higher Ed at a Crossroads
▶️ 00:29 – AI in Academic Support: Early Warnings & Personalized Learning
▶️ 02:12 – Test-Optional Admissions: A Fair Shot or a Hidden Barrier?
▶️ 03:25 – CRMs & OPMs: The Business Behind Higher Ed
▶️ 05:55 – Why College Still Matters: The Broader Value of Higher Ed
▶️ 07:44 – Connection Is Everything: Family, Alumni, and Support Networks
▶️ 11:53 – The Rise of Online Learning: Access, Challenges, and Solutions
▶️ 13:54 – Takeaways: The Future Is About Connection
Learn more about the Higher Education Marketing Institute:
- Website: https://highereducationmarketinginstitute.com/
- X: https://x.com/HEMInstitute
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/higher-education-marketing-institute/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HigherEducationMarketing
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Jack (00:00):
All right, let's dive in this stack of articles.
You gave me about the future ofhigher ed.
Yeah, pretty fascinating.
Yeah, I'm actually reallyexcited to unpack it all with
you.
Jill (00:07):
Yeah.
Jack (00:08):
Yeah.
Uh, we've got AI and academicsupport, the effectiveness of
test optional admissions, familyengagements, role and retention.
Even a look at those OPMcontracts that seem to be on
everyone's mind lately.
Jill (00:21):
It's like you're trying to get a 360 degree view of all the
forces shaping higher ed today,both for students and for the
institutions themselves.
Jack (00:29):
That's the goal.
We're going to explore how AIcould transform student success
for the better.
Examine whether diversifyingcollege admissions is actually
working and hopefully uncoversome surprising stuff along the
way.
When you were going throughthese articles, what really
jumped out at you?
Jill (00:42):
Well, this article from Element 451, uh, AI Driven
Academic Support Systems forStudent Success, it really digs
deep into the potential of AI topersonalize learning and support
students, but it goes way beyondjust AI tutors.
Jack (00:56):
I have to admit, when I hear AI in education, I
immediately picture thosepersonalized learning platforms
like Khan Academy or Coursera.
They've been using AI for awhile now to adjust coursework
based on how someone's doing.
But this article is suggestingthat AI could go much further
than that, right?
Jill (01:14):
Absolutely.
Imagine AI powered academicadvisors helping students map
out their entire academicjourney or virtual assistants
that can answer any Any questiona student has about financial
aid or campus resources 24 7.
Wow.
Jack (01:29):
Okay.
Jill (01:30):
And, and this is where it gets really interesting.
Some researchers are evenlooking into how AI can analyze
student data to identify thosewho might be struggling
academically or personally.
Jack (01:39):
That's incredible.
It's almost like an earlywarning system to connect
students with help before theyeven know they need it.
Jill (01:44):
Right.
Jack (01:44):
But I know a lot of people get concerned about data privacy
when AI is involved.
Does the article talk about thatat all?
Jill (01:49):
They do.
Element 451 is very upfrontabout the ethical
considerations.
They really emphasize theimportance of responsible data
management and ensuring thathuman interaction stays a core
part of education.
It's about striking the rightbalance between using technology
and preserving those intimateconnections that make learning
meaningful.
Jack (02:09):
That makes a lot of sense.
You wouldn't want to lose thatpersonal touch.
And speaking of making educationmore accessible, you also
flagged this higher ed divearticle, uh, diversifying
college admissions.
Why test optional is not aseffective as we hoped it seems
like going test optional wassupposed to make things more
fair But this article suggeststhat it might not be that
straightforward,
Jill (02:29):
right?
and there's this reallyinteresting study from SSP
International that found thattest optional policies might
actually be putting firstgeneration and underrepresented
students at a disadvantage.
Hmm.
The idea is that even if thesestudents have good test scores,
they're less likely to submitthem because of the cost of
testing or barriers to access.
So colleges might be missing outon a lot of talented students
(02:51):
simply because they're notseeing those scores.
Jack (02:53):
Wow.
That's a pretty big unintendedconsequence.
It almost makes you wonder iftest blind policies where scores
aren't considered at all wouldbe a better way to go.
Jill (03:02):
Some people are definitely pushing for that.
And it's a very complex issuewithout any easy solutions.
It brings up a whole new set ofquestions about how colleges
would evaluate applicants fairlyand holistically without relying
on those standardized testscores.
It would require a major shiftin how we think about
admissions.
Jack (03:20):
Definitely food for thought, especially with more
and more colleges going testoptional.
And while we're talking aboutbig changes in higher ed, you
also pulled a couple of articleson CRMs and OPMs.
I have to admit, this is an areaI'm not super familiar with.
Jill (03:34):
It's a little bit behind the scenes, but it's becoming
more and more important, solet's break it down a bit.
First, there's Enterprise WideCRM for Higher Education, a
complete guide from Element 451.
Jack (03:43):
Okay.
Jill (03:44):
A CRM, or Customer Relationship Management System,
is basically a software platformthat helps colleges manage every
interaction they have with astudent, from their initial
interest all the way through tobecoming an alumnus.
Jack (03:55):
Okay, so it's about centralizing all of that student
data and communication in oneplace.
But what's the real benefit ofthat for the colleges?
Jill (04:05):
Well, it's about streamlining the entire student
experience, both for thestudents themselves and for the
staff.
A well implemented CRM canpersonalize communication track
student progress flag studentswho might need extra support and
even automate a lot ofadministrative tasks.
Jack (04:22):
Oh, so it's really about making things more efficient and
effective.
Jill (04:24):
Exactly.
Jack (04:25):
Okay, that makes sense.
And what about those OPMs youmentioned?
They were a bit morecontroversial.
Jill (04:29):
Yeah, OPMs, or Online Program Management Providers,
are companies that help collegeslaunch and manage their online
programs.
They handle everything fromdeveloping courses and marketing
to recruiting students andproviding technical support.
It can seem like a reallyattractive option for colleges
that want to expand their onlineofferings quickly.
Jack (04:48):
But I'm guessing there are some downsides.
Jill (04:50):
Well, that's where the second article comes in.
Which OPM contract terms shouldconcern campus leaders and why?
It's from UPCEA, and it'sbasically a huge warning sign
for colleges thinking aboutpartnering with an OPM.
The contracts can be incrediblycomplex and often favor the OPM
over the school.
Jack (05:08):
So it's a buyer beware kind of situation.
Jill (05:09):
Exactly.
This article really gets intothe nitty gritty details of
things like revenue sharing,data ownership, even academic
control.
It points out specific termsthat colleges should watch out
for and even gives examples ofgood, bad, and really ugly
contract language.
Jack (05:24):
Yikes.
Jill (05:24):
Yeah.
Jack (05:25):
So what's the main takeaway for colleges
considering an OPM?
Jill (05:28):
Do your homework.
Don't sign anything withoutunderstanding all of the
implications.
Make sure your legal team,faculty, IT department, anyone
who might be affected by thispartnership is involved and be
ready to negotiate those termsand protect your institution's
interests.
Jack (05:43):
It sounds like good advice for any contract, really, but
especially in this case wherethere's so much at stake as
online learning continues togrow.
Jill (05:49):
Absolutely.
It's a very fast changing world,and colleges need to be smart
about how they navigate thesepartnerships.
But speaking of online learning,let's shift gears a bit and talk
about the broader value ofhigher education itself.
Jack (06:01):
You're right.
We've talked a lot about the howof higher ed, but not as much
about the why.
There's a lot of discussionthese days about whether a
college degree is even worth itanymore, especially with tuition
costs going up and alternativepaths like coding book camps
becoming more popular.
Jill (06:17):
Right, but you included this great article from Carnegie
making the case for why highered matters that speaks to that.
It reminds us that a collegeeducation is about so much more
than just learning job skills.
It's about developing criticalthinking communication skills,
problem solving a widerunderstanding of the world.
Jack (06:34):
It's about becoming a well rounded person who can
contribute to society in ameaningful way.
Jill (06:39):
Exactly.
And this article makes a reallycompelling argument for why
those qualities are even moreimportant in a world that's
changing so rapidly.
Jack (06:47):
I also noticed the article mentioned the importance of
engaging local communities.
And really owning the narrativeabout why higher ed is so
important.
Jill (06:55):
Absolutely.
Yeah.
Colleges need to do a better jobof showcasing the impact they
have on students lives and thecommunities they serve.
Sharing real world successstories and demonstrating the
value of a college degree in away that connects with
prospective students, theirfamilies, even policymakers.
Jack (07:12):
It sounds like higher education is at a crossroads
facing both serious challengesand exciting possibilities.
Jill (07:19):
That's a great way to put it.
It's a period of immense changeand innovation with a real shift
towards more student centeredapproaches, personalized
learning, and a greater emphasison equity and access.
And technology, when usedthoughtfully and ethically, can
really drive that progress.
Jack (07:36):
Alright, we've covered a lot of ground here.
Let's take a quick break andcome back to dive into the rest
of these sources.
How does that sound?
Jill (07:41):
Sounds good to me.
There's still a lot to explore.
You know, as we've been talkingabout all these different pieces
of higher education, I'venoticed a That's a theme that
keeps coming up in a lot ofthese articles.
Oh, I'm curious.
What have you picked up on?
Jack (07:55):
It's this idea of connection and how important it
is in higher ed for bothstudents and institutions.
Jill (08:00):
Yeah, I see what you mean.
We talked about that higher eddive article that highlighted
the importance of familyengagement, especially for
students from underrepresentedbackgrounds.
Having that strong supportnetwork can make such a
difference.
Jack (08:12):
Exactly.
But it's not just about family.
You also included this reallyinteresting piece from him, the
importance of an alumni network.
Oh, yeah.
It makes the case that alumninetworks aren't just good for a
school's reputation.
They can be a real driving forcein marketing and even help
graduates launch their careers.
Jill (08:29):
So it's kind of a win win for everyone.
Engaged alumni build a strongreputation for the school,
attracting more students whothen become successful alumni
themselves, boosting theschool's standing even more.
It's a great cycle.
It really is.
And I thought it was reallyinteresting how the HEM article
broke down how alumni networkscan be used to provide social
proof drive, organic traffic tothe school, and even enhance
(08:52):
career services.
It's all about showcasing thosereal world success stories and
demonstrating the real value ofa degree from that institution.
Right.
Jack (09:01):
That's way more powerful than just saying, come to our
school.
We have a great program.
Yeah.
Actually seeing what graduateshave accomplished is so much
more impactful for prospectivestudents.
Jill (09:10):
Absolutely.
That kind of authenticity reallyresonates with people,
especially these days whenthey're constantly bombarded
with information.
It helps them cut through allthe noise and make a decision
based on real evidence.
Jack (09:22):
It's like they're not just selling a degree, they're
selling a community and anetwork of support that comes
with it.
Which reminds me, didn't thatElement 451 article about AI
also touch on the idea ofconnection, even when it was
talking about artificialintelligence?
Jill (09:36):
You're exactly right.
It might seem a littlecounterintuitive, but a lot of
times the goal is to use AI toactually build a stronger sense
of connection between studentsand their institutions.
Jack (09:46):
Okay, I need an example.
How does that actually work?
Jill (09:48):
Well, think about those AI powered academic advisors we
were discussing earlier.
By analyzing student data, thosesystems can provide personalized
guidance and support that makesstudents feel like their school
really sees them and understandstheir individual needs.
Jack (10:03):
So it's not just about crunching numbers.
It's about using AI to make thewhole learning experience more
human centered.
Jill (10:09):
Exactly.
And this is where those ethicalconsiderations we talked about
earlier come back into play.
It's crucial to make sure thatthese AI systems are designed in
a way that respects studentprivacy, promotes equity, and
enhances the human element ofeducation instead of trying to
replace it.
Jack (10:25):
It seems like we keep coming back to this idea of
connection.
Whether it's AI familyengagement, alumni networks, or
even the discussion about testoptional admissions, it all
points to strong connectionsbeing crucial to success in
higher ed.
Jill (10:39):
I totally agree.
When you really think about it,learning is a social activity at
its core.
We learn best when we feelsupported, engaged, and
connected to a community ofpeers, mentors, and in some
cases, even intelligentmachines.
Jack (10:51):
But building and maintaining those connections in
a world that's increasinglydigital and decentralized.
It
Jill (10:58):
is.
And that's exactly why it's soimportant for colleges and
universities to be proactiveabout creating those
opportunities for connection.
It could be through onlineplatforms, in person events,
mentorship programs, or evenjust taking a more personalized
approach to communication.
Jack (11:13):
And this is where technology can be such a
valuable tool, right?
Not to take the place of humaninteraction.
But to facilitate and strengthenthose connections.
Jill (11:22):
Absolutely.
Think about all the waystechnology is already used to
connect people.
Social media platforms, videoconferencing tools, online
learning platforms.
They can all be incrediblypowerful tools for building
communities and creating thatsense of belonging.
Jack (11:36):
It's like we're at this really interesting intersection
of technology and humanconnection.
And higher education is rightthere.
In the middle of it all,
Jill (11:43):
I think you've nailed it.
It's such a dynamic time with somuch change and opportunity, and
it's going to be fascinating tosee how these trends continue to
develop in the coming years
Jack (11:51):
before we move on to some final takeaways.
There was one more article youpointed out that I want to talk
about how online learning opensup higher education to a broader
spectrum of students.
From the student.
It feels like online learning isjust such a big part of the
higher ed conversation thesedays.
Jill (12:07):
It really is.
This article gets to the heartof why online learning has
become such a force.
And it's all about access.
Online learning removes thosegeographic barriers, makes
education more affordable, andgives students the flexibility
to learn at their own pace andon their own schedule.
Jack (12:24):
Yeah, it's really a game changer for people who wouldn't
be able to attend a traditionalbrick and mortar college because
of work commitments, familyobligations, or even just
because they live in a remotelocation.
Jill (12:34):
Exactly.
And as we know, the pandemicreally accelerated this whole
trend, pushing colleges toembrace online learning in ways
they hadn't before.
Jack (12:42):
But even with the rise of online learning, there are still
challenges, right?
Like, how do you ensure qualitycontrol, maintain academic
rigor, and prevent students fromfeeling isolated in that online
environment?
Jill (12:53):
You're absolutely right.
The, the student articleaddresses those concerns head
on.
Right.
They emphasize the importance ofdigital literacy for students
upholding strong accreditationstandards for online programs
and providing really robustsupport services for online
learners.
It's not enough to just throwsome lectures online and call it
a day.
Jack (13:13):
Yeah, you need careful planning and intentional design
to create those engaging andinteractive learning
experiences, even in thatvirtual setting.
Jill (13:22):
And this is where the importance of connection and
community, which we've beentalking about, comes in even
more strongly.
Colleges really need to findcreative ways to foster a sense
of belonging among their onlinestudents, just as they do for
their on campus students.
Jack (13:35):
So things like virtual study groups, online forums, or
even just regular check ins fromprofessors and advisors.
Jill (13:41):
Right.
It's
Jack (13:41):
about making sure those students don't feel lost in the
system and that they have thesupport they need.
Jill (13:45):
And it's a challenge that goes beyond just online
learning.
It's something all colleges anduniversities need to be thinking
about as they move forward inthis ever evolving world of
higher ed.
Jack (13:54):
So as we start to wrap up our deep dives, what are your
final thoughts on thiscollection of articles?
Jill (14:00):
For me, the biggest takeaway is that higher
education is at a reallyimportant turning point.
There are some big challengesahead, but also incredible
opportunities for positivechange.
And at the center of it all isthe enduring value of a college
education.
Whether someone is looking forcareer advancement, to expand
their knowledge, or even justfor personal growth, higher
(14:21):
education offers a unique pathfor transformation.
Jack (14:24):
I completely agree.
And it's been so interesting tosee how the theme of connection
keeps coming up as such acrucial factor in student
success, whether it's throughfamily support, alumni networks,
or even AI systems that aredesigned to provide more
personalized guidance.
Jill (14:38):
It really underscores the importance of that human element
in education.
It's a good reminder thatlearning isn't just about taking
in information.
It's about engaging with ideasand with people in a meaningful
way.
Jack (14:49):
And on that note, I think it's time to bring this Deep
Dive to a close.
Jill (14:52):
Until next time.
Jack (14:53):
You know, we've covered so much in this Deep Dive.
AI's role in shaping howstudents experience college
admirers, the changing world ofcollege admissions, and even how
technology like CRMs and OPMsare impacting things behind the
scenes.
Jill (15:09):
Right.
Jack (15:09):
But it feels like there's this one missing piece that we
haven't really talked about yet.
Jill (15:12):
Hmm.
Yeah, I see what you mean.
We've talked about how theseforces are changing higher ed,
but what does it all mean forour listeners out there?
How can they use these insightsto navigate their own journeys,
whether they're students,parents, or even educators
themselves?
Jack (15:26):
Yeah, that's a great point.
It's easy to get caught up inthe big picture stuff, but
really it's about how thisinformation can be used
practically.
What would you say is the mostimportant takeaway for our
listeners?
Jill (15:35):
If I had to sum it all up in one key idea, it would be
this.
Connection is everything.
We've seen this over and over inour conversation.
Family support, alumni networks,even the possibility of AI
creating more personalizedlearning, it always comes back
to that human connection.
Jack (15:52):
I'm really feeling that.
It seems like in a world that'sso digital and can sometimes
Feel isolating that sense ofbelonging and community is even
more important than ever
Jill (16:03):
It really is and I think this has implications for
everyone involved in highereducation for students It means
being proactive about seekingout those connections joining
clubs participating in studygroups reaching out to mentors,
Jack (16:15):
right?
Jill (16:16):
Don't be afraid to ask for help and build your own support
network
Jack (16:19):
and for parents and educators.
It's about Acknowledging howimportant it is to encourage
those connections, whether it'sthrough getting families
involved, creating welcomingenvironments for students, or
even using technology to make iteasier for people to connect and
mentor each other.
It's all about making sure thatno one feels Lost or alone in
the system.
Jill (16:40):
I think you've hit the nail on the head.
And the exciting thing is we'reseeing more and more colleges
and universities reallyembracing this idea.
They're putting more resourcesinto student support services,
strengthening theirrelationships with their alumni,
and exploring new ways to usetechnology to make learning more
engaging and connected.
Jack (16:56):
It's like higher education is going through a
transformation.
Realizing that success isn'tjust about grades and test
scores, but about creating asense of belonging and purpose
for everyone.
Jill (17:07):
Yeah, and that's a good thing.
Jack (17:09):
It is.
Jill (17:10):
It's a reminder that even with all the changes and
uncertainty, higher educationstill has that amazing power to
change lives and shape thefuture.
Jack (17:18):
So true.
I think that's the perfect placeto wrap up this deep dive.
It's been such an interestingjourney exploring these complex
and interconnected ideas thatare shaping the future of higher
education.
Jill (17:29):
It really has.
And I hope it's given everyonelistening some food for thought
as they think about their ownpath in this ever changing
world.
Jack (17:35):
Until next time everyone, stay curious and keep diving
deep into these importanttopics.
All right, let's dive in this stack of articles.
You gave me about the future ofhigher ed.
Yeah, pretty fascinating.
Yeah, I'm actually reallyexcited to unpack it all with
you.
Jill (00:07):
Yeah.
Jack (00:08):
Yeah.
Uh, we've got AI and academicsupport, the effectiveness of
test optional admissions, familyengagements, role and retention.
Even a look at those OPMcontracts that seem to be on
everyone's mind lately.
Jill (00:21):
It's like you're trying to get a 360 degree view of all the
forces shaping higher ed today,both for students and for the
institutions themselves.
Jack (00:29):
That's the goal.
We're going to explore how AIcould transform student success
for the better.
Examine whether diversifyingcollege admissions is actually
working and hopefully uncoversome surprising stuff along the
way.
When you were going throughthese articles, what really
jumped out at you?
Jill (00:42):
Well, this article from Element 451, uh, AI Driven
Academic Support Systems forStudent Success, it really digs
deep into the potential of AI topersonalize learning and support
students, but it goes way beyondjust AI tutors.
Jack (00:56):
I have to admit, when I hear AI in education, I
immediately picture thosepersonalized learning platforms
like Khan Academy or Coursera.
They've been using AI for awhile now to adjust coursework
based on how someone's doing.
But this article is suggestingthat AI could go much further
than that, right?
Jill (01:14):
Absolutely.
Imagine AI powered academicadvisors helping students map
out their entire academicjourney or virtual assistants
that can answer any Any questiona student has about financial
aid or campus resources 24 7.
Wow.
Jack (01:29):
Okay.
Jill (01:30):
And, and this is where it gets really interesting.
Some researchers are evenlooking into how AI can analyze
student data to identify thosewho might be struggling
academically or personally.
Jack (01:39):
That's incredible.
It's almost like an earlywarning system to connect
students with help before theyeven know they need it.
Jill (01:44):
Right.
Jack (01:44):
But I know a lot of people get concerned about data privacy
when AI is involved.
Does the article talk about thatat all?
Jill (01:49):
They do.
Element 451 is very upfrontabout the ethical
considerations.
They really emphasize theimportance of responsible data
management and ensuring thathuman interaction stays a core
part of education.
It's about striking the rightbalance between using technology
and preserving those intimateconnections that make learning
meaningful.
Jack (02:09):
That makes a lot of sense.
You wouldn't want to lose thatpersonal touch.
And speaking of making educationmore accessible, you also
flagged this higher ed divearticle, uh, diversifying
college admissions.
Why test optional is not aseffective as we hoped it seems
like going test optional wassupposed to make things more
fair But this article suggeststhat it might not be that
straightforward,
Jill (02:29):
right?
and there's this reallyinteresting study from SSP
International that found thattest optional policies might
actually be putting firstgeneration and underrepresented
students at a disadvantage.
Hmm.
The idea is that even if thesestudents have good test scores,
they're less likely to submitthem because of the cost of
testing or barriers to access.
So colleges might be missing outon a lot of talented students
(02:51):
simply because they're notseeing those scores.
Jack (02:53):
Wow.
That's a pretty big unintendedconsequence.
It almost makes you wonder iftest blind policies where scores
aren't considered at all wouldbe a better way to go.
Jill (03:02):
Some people are definitely pushing for that.
And it's a very complex issuewithout any easy solutions.
It brings up a whole new set ofquestions about how colleges
would evaluate applicants fairlyand holistically without relying
on those standardized testscores.
It would require a major shiftin how we think about
admissions.
Jack (03:20):
Definitely food for thought, especially with more
and more colleges going testoptional.
And while we're talking aboutbig changes in higher ed, you
also pulled a couple of articleson CRMs and OPMs.
I have to admit, this is an areaI'm not super familiar with.
Jill (03:34):
It's a little bit behind the scenes, but it's becoming
more and more important, solet's break it down a bit.
First, there's Enterprise WideCRM for Higher Education, a
complete guide from Element 451.
Jack (03:43):
Okay.
Jill (03:44):
A CRM, or Customer Relationship Management System,
is basically a software platformthat helps colleges manage every
interaction they have with astudent, from their initial
interest all the way through tobecoming an alumnus.
Jack (03:55):
Okay, so it's about centralizing all of that student
data and communication in oneplace.
But what's the real benefit ofthat for the colleges?
Jill (04:05):
Well, it's about streamlining the entire student
experience, both for thestudents themselves and for the
staff.
A well implemented CRM canpersonalize communication track
student progress flag studentswho might need extra support and
even automate a lot ofadministrative tasks.
Jack (04:22):
Oh, so it's really about making things more efficient and
effective.
Jill (04:24):
Exactly.
Jack (04:25):
Okay, that makes sense.
And what about those OPMs youmentioned?
They were a bit morecontroversial.
Jill (04:29):
Yeah, OPMs, or Online Program Management Providers,
are companies that help collegeslaunch and manage their online
programs.
They handle everything fromdeveloping courses and marketing
to recruiting students andproviding technical support.
It can seem like a reallyattractive option for colleges
that want to expand their onlineofferings quickly.
Jack (04:48):
But I'm guessing there are some downsides.
Jill (04:50):
Well, that's where the second article comes in.
Which OPM contract terms shouldconcern campus leaders and why?
It's from UPCEA, and it'sbasically a huge warning sign
for colleges thinking aboutpartnering with an OPM.
The contracts can be incrediblycomplex and often favor the OPM
over the school.
Jack (05:08):
So it's a buyer beware kind of situation.
Jill (05:09):
Exactly.
This article really gets intothe nitty gritty details of
things like revenue sharing,data ownership, even academic
control.
It points out specific termsthat colleges should watch out
for and even gives examples ofgood, bad, and really ugly
contract language.
Jack (05:24):
Yikes.
Jill (05:24):
Yeah.
Jack (05:25):
So what's the main takeaway for colleges
considering an OPM?
Jill (05:28):
Do your homework.
Don't sign anything withoutunderstanding all of the
implications.
Make sure your legal team,faculty, IT department, anyone
who might be affected by thispartnership is involved and be
ready to negotiate those termsand protect your institution's
interests.
Jack (05:43):
It sounds like good advice for any contract, really, but
especially in this case wherethere's so much at stake as
online learning continues togrow.
Jill (05:49):
Absolutely.
It's a very fast changing world,and colleges need to be smart
about how they navigate thesepartnerships.
But speaking of online learning,let's shift gears a bit and talk
about the broader value ofhigher education itself.
Jack (06:01):
You're right.
We've talked a lot about the howof higher ed, but not as much
about the why.
There's a lot of discussionthese days about whether a
college degree is even worth itanymore, especially with tuition
costs going up and alternativepaths like coding book camps
becoming more popular.
Jill (06:17):
Right, but you included this great article from Carnegie
making the case for why highered matters that speaks to that.
It reminds us that a collegeeducation is about so much more
than just learning job skills.
It's about developing criticalthinking communication skills,
problem solving a widerunderstanding of the world.
Jack (06:34):
It's about becoming a well rounded person who can
contribute to society in ameaningful way.
Jill (06:39):
Exactly.
And this article makes a reallycompelling argument for why
those qualities are even moreimportant in a world that's
changing so rapidly.
Jack (06:47):
I also noticed the article mentioned the importance of
engaging local communities.
And really owning the narrativeabout why higher ed is so
important.
Jill (06:55):
Absolutely.
Yeah.
Colleges need to do a better jobof showcasing the impact they
have on students lives and thecommunities they serve.
Sharing real world successstories and demonstrating the
value of a college degree in away that connects with
prospective students, theirfamilies, even policymakers.
Jack (07:12):
It sounds like higher education is at a crossroads
facing both serious challengesand exciting possibilities.
Jill (07:19):
That's a great way to put it.
It's a period of immense changeand innovation with a real shift
towards more student centeredapproaches, personalized
learning, and a greater emphasison equity and access.
And technology, when usedthoughtfully and ethically, can
really drive that progress.
Jack (07:36):
Alright, we've covered a lot of ground here.
Let's take a quick break andcome back to dive into the rest
of these sources.
How does that sound?
Jill (07:41):
Sounds good to me.
There's still a lot to explore.
You know, as we've been talkingabout all these different pieces
of higher education, I'venoticed a That's a theme that
keeps coming up in a lot ofthese articles.
Oh, I'm curious.
What have you picked up on?
Jack (07:55):
It's this idea of connection and how important it
is in higher ed for bothstudents and institutions.
Jill (08:00):
Yeah, I see what you mean.
We talked about that higher eddive article that highlighted
the importance of familyengagement, especially for
students from underrepresentedbackgrounds.
Having that strong supportnetwork can make such a
difference.
Jack (08:12):
Exactly.
But it's not just about family.
You also included this reallyinteresting piece from him, the
importance of an alumni network.
Oh, yeah.
It makes the case that alumninetworks aren't just good for a
school's reputation.
They can be a real driving forcein marketing and even help
graduates launch their careers.
Jill (08:29):
So it's kind of a win win for everyone.
Engaged alumni build a strongreputation for the school,
attracting more students whothen become successful alumni
themselves, boosting theschool's standing even more.
It's a great cycle.
It really is.
And I thought it was reallyinteresting how the HEM article
broke down how alumni networkscan be used to provide social
proof drive, organic traffic tothe school, and even enhance
(08:52):
career services.
It's all about showcasing thosereal world success stories and
demonstrating the real value ofa degree from that institution.
Right.
Jack (09:01):
That's way more powerful than just saying, come to our
school.
We have a great program.
Yeah.
Actually seeing what graduateshave accomplished is so much
more impactful for prospectivestudents.
Jill (09:10):
Absolutely.
That kind of authenticity reallyresonates with people,
especially these days whenthey're constantly bombarded
with information.
It helps them cut through allthe noise and make a decision
based on real evidence.
Jack (09:22):
It's like they're not just selling a degree, they're
selling a community and anetwork of support that comes
with it.
Which reminds me, didn't thatElement 451 article about AI
also touch on the idea ofconnection, even when it was
talking about artificialintelligence?
Jill (09:36):
You're exactly right.
It might seem a littlecounterintuitive, but a lot of
times the goal is to use AI toactually build a stronger sense
of connection between studentsand their institutions.
Jack (09:46):
Okay, I need an example.
How does that actually work?
Jill (09:48):
Well, think about those AI powered academic advisors we
were discussing earlier.
By analyzing student data, thosesystems can provide personalized
guidance and support that makesstudents feel like their school
really sees them and understandstheir individual needs.
Jack (10:03):
So it's not just about crunching numbers.
It's about using AI to make thewhole learning experience more
human centered.
Jill (10:09):
Exactly.
And this is where those ethicalconsiderations we talked about
earlier come back into play.
It's crucial to make sure thatthese AI systems are designed in
a way that respects studentprivacy, promotes equity, and
enhances the human element ofeducation instead of trying to
replace it.
Jack (10:25):
It seems like we keep coming back to this idea of
connection.
Whether it's AI familyengagement, alumni networks, or
even the discussion about testoptional admissions, it all
points to strong connectionsbeing crucial to success in
higher ed.
Jill (10:39):
I totally agree.
When you really think about it,learning is a social activity at
its core.
We learn best when we feelsupported, engaged, and
connected to a community ofpeers, mentors, and in some
cases, even intelligentmachines.
Jack (10:51):
But building and maintaining those connections in
a world that's increasinglydigital and decentralized.
It
Jill (10:58):
is.
And that's exactly why it's soimportant for colleges and
universities to be proactiveabout creating those
opportunities for connection.
It could be through onlineplatforms, in person events,
mentorship programs, or evenjust taking a more personalized
approach to communication.
Jack (11:13):
And this is where technology can be such a
valuable tool, right?
Not to take the place of humaninteraction.
But to facilitate and strengthenthose connections.
Jill (11:22):
Absolutely.
Think about all the waystechnology is already used to
connect people.
Social media platforms, videoconferencing tools, online
learning platforms.
They can all be incrediblypowerful tools for building
communities and creating thatsense of belonging.
Jack (11:36):
It's like we're at this really interesting intersection
of technology and humanconnection.
And higher education is rightthere.
In the middle of it all,
Jill (11:43):
I think you've nailed it.
It's such a dynamic time with somuch change and opportunity, and
it's going to be fascinating tosee how these trends continue to
develop in the coming years
Jack (11:51):
before we move on to some final takeaways.
There was one more article youpointed out that I want to talk
about how online learning opensup higher education to a broader
spectrum of students.
From the student.
It feels like online learning isjust such a big part of the
higher ed conversation thesedays.
Jill (12:07):
It really is.
This article gets to the heartof why online learning has
become such a force.
And it's all about access.
Online learning removes thosegeographic barriers, makes
education more affordable, andgives students the flexibility
to learn at their own pace andon their own schedule.
Jack (12:24):
Yeah, it's really a game changer for people who wouldn't
be able to attend a traditionalbrick and mortar college because
of work commitments, familyobligations, or even just
because they live in a remotelocation.
Jill (12:34):
Exactly.
And as we know, the pandemicreally accelerated this whole
trend, pushing colleges toembrace online learning in ways
they hadn't before.
Jack (12:42):
But even with the rise of online learning, there are still
challenges, right?
Like, how do you ensure qualitycontrol, maintain academic
rigor, and prevent students fromfeeling isolated in that online
environment?
Jill (12:53):
You're absolutely right.
The, the student articleaddresses those concerns head
on.
Right.
They emphasize the importance ofdigital literacy for students
upholding strong accreditationstandards for online programs
and providing really robustsupport services for online
learners.
It's not enough to just throwsome lectures online and call it
a day.
Jack (13:13):
Yeah, you need careful planning and intentional design
to create those engaging andinteractive learning
experiences, even in thatvirtual setting.
Jill (13:22):
And this is where the importance of connection and
community, which we've beentalking about, comes in even
more strongly.
Colleges really need to findcreative ways to foster a sense
of belonging among their onlinestudents, just as they do for
their on campus students.
Jack (13:35):
So things like virtual study groups, online forums, or
even just regular check ins fromprofessors and advisors.
Jill (13:41):
Right.
It's
Jack (13:41):
about making sure those students don't feel lost in the
system and that they have thesupport they need.
Jill (13:45):
And it's a challenge that goes beyond just online
learning.
It's something all colleges anduniversities need to be thinking
about as they move forward inthis ever evolving world of
higher ed.
Jack (13:54):
So as we start to wrap up our deep dives, what are your
final thoughts on thiscollection of articles?
Jill (14:00):
For me, the biggest takeaway is that higher
education is at a reallyimportant turning point.
There are some big challengesahead, but also incredible
opportunities for positivechange.
And at the center of it all isthe enduring value of a college
education.
Whether someone is looking forcareer advancement, to expand
their knowledge, or even justfor personal growth, higher
(14:21):
education offers a unique pathfor transformation.
Jack (14:24):
I completely agree.
And it's been so interesting tosee how the theme of connection
keeps coming up as such acrucial factor in student
success, whether it's throughfamily support, alumni networks,
or even AI systems that aredesigned to provide more
personalized guidance.
Jill (14:38):
It really underscores the importance of that human element
in education.
It's a good reminder thatlearning isn't just about taking
in information.
It's about engaging with ideasand with people in a meaningful
way.
Jack (14:49):
And on that note, I think it's time to bring this Deep
Dive to a close.
Jill (14:52):
Until next time.
Jack (14:53):
You know, we've covered so much in this Deep Dive.
AI's role in shaping howstudents experience college
admirers, the changing world ofcollege admissions, and even how
technology like CRMs and OPMsare impacting things behind the
scenes.
Jill (15:09):
Right.
Jack (15:09):
But it feels like there's this one missing piece that we
haven't really talked about yet.
Jill (15:12):
Hmm.
Yeah, I see what you mean.
We've talked about how theseforces are changing higher ed,
but what does it all mean forour listeners out there?
How can they use these insightsto navigate their own journeys,
whether they're students,parents, or even educators
themselves?
Jack (15:26):
Yeah, that's a great point.
It's easy to get caught up inthe big picture stuff, but
really it's about how thisinformation can be used
practically.
What would you say is the mostimportant takeaway for our
listeners?
Jill (15:35):
If I had to sum it all up in one key idea, it would be
this.
Connection is everything.
We've seen this over and over inour conversation.
Family support, alumni networks,even the possibility of AI
creating more personalizedlearning, it always comes back
to that human connection.
Jack (15:52):
I'm really feeling that.
It seems like in a world that'sso digital and can sometimes
Feel isolating that sense ofbelonging and community is even
more important than ever
Jill (16:03):
It really is and I think this has implications for
everyone involved in highereducation for students It means
being proactive about seekingout those connections joining
clubs participating in studygroups reaching out to mentors,
Jack (16:15):
right?
Jill (16:16):
Don't be afraid to ask for help and build your own support
network
Jack (16:19):
and for parents and educators.
It's about Acknowledging howimportant it is to encourage
those connections, whether it'sthrough getting families
involved, creating welcomingenvironments for students, or
even using technology to make iteasier for people to connect and
mentor each other.
It's all about making sure thatno one feels Lost or alone in
the system.
Jill (16:40):
I think you've hit the nail on the head.
And the exciting thing is we'reseeing more and more colleges
and universities reallyembracing this idea.
They're putting more resourcesinto student support services,
strengthening theirrelationships with their alumni,
and exploring new ways to usetechnology to make learning more
engaging and connected.
Jack (16:56):
It's like higher education is going through a
transformation.
Realizing that success isn'tjust about grades and test
scores, but about creating asense of belonging and purpose
for everyone.
Jill (17:07):
Yeah, and that's a good thing.
Jack (17:09):
It is.
Jill (17:10):
It's a reminder that even with all the changes and
uncertainty, higher educationstill has that amazing power to
change lives and shape thefuture.
Jack (17:18):
So true.
I think that's the perfect placeto wrap up this deep dive.
It's been such an interestingjourney exploring these complex
and interconnected ideas thatare shaping the future of higher
education.
Jill (17:29):
It really has.
And I hope it's given everyonelistening some food for thought
as they think about their ownpath in this ever changing
world.
Jack (17:35):
Until next time everyone, stay curious and keep diving
deep into these importanttopics.
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