INTRODUCTION: Introduction and Overview of Higher Education Landscape

Overview 

Welcome to Week 1 of our journey into strategic and financial planning in higher education! This week marks the beginning of our exploration into the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of higher education in the United States.

As we embark on this learning adventure, it is critical to grasp the current strategic issues facing higher education institutions. Colleges and universities are facing a myriad of challenges, from shifting demographic trends to technological advancements, all while navigating complex regulatory environments and financial pressures. Understanding these challenges is fundamental to developing effective strategies that ensure the continued success and relevance of our higher education institutions.

Consider how the concepts discussed in this module relate to your prior understanding and experiences. Reflect on your past experiences and knowledge within the context of higher education. How have you seen institutions adapt to change? What strategies have proved effective in addressing strategic challenges?

Module Objectives

In this module, the activities, content, and assignments will guide your learning process to ensure you can:

  1. Identify Key Strategic Challenges: Students will be able to identify and articulate the top strategic challenges facing higher education institutions in the U.S. (CLO A and C)
  2. Evaluate the Importance of Adaptation and Flexibility: Students will assess the significance of institutional adaptation and flexibility in responding to the dynamic landscape of higher education. They will analyze case studies and examples to understand how institutions have successfully navigated strategic challenges through adaptability. (CLO A, B, and C)

(CLO) stands for Course Learning Objective. You will find a complete list of Course Learning Objectives in the Syllabus and on the Start Here: Course Overview page. Each Module Objective in this course has its associated course-level objective indicated in parentheses to clarify the relationship between the two.

Module To-Do List

Here's everything you need to do and remember for this module:

  • Review Syllabus and Start Here Module
  • Submit Academic Integrity survey
  • Read all assigned materials
  • Complete the discussion board assignment
  • Attend Live Session