With financial uncertainties spreading across institutions, IT teams are challenged to reduce costs while also expanding capabilities

New demands, new challenges: Modernizing IT to drive long-term financial efficiency


With financial uncertainties spreading across institutions, IT teams are challenged to reduce costs while also expanding capabilities

The uncertain fall is fast approaching, and higher-education institutions are readying themselves for what’s ahead: remote instruction. While health and safety precautions are at the forefront of leaders’ minds, this shift also brings an increased need for digital services, IT infrastructure, and training to support virtual learning.

At the same time, the pandemic is triggering budget cuts and furloughs within institutions across the country – financial repercussions that may reshape higher education for decades.

Related content: Higher-ed is digitized–now, let’s modernize it

Almost three-quarters of higher-education institutions are preparing for cuts in the institutional IT budget for the upcoming academic year; and many are cutting five to 30 percent of their IT budgets. Boston University, for example, plans to lay off or furlough about 250 employees as part of its plan to close a $96 million budget gap.

This places great pressure on IT departments to reduce costs and at the same time, prepare to deliver expanded digital services.

Sign up for our newsletter

Newsletter: Innovations in K12 Education
By submitting your information, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

eSchool Media Contributors

"(Required)" indicates required fields