Modularizing programs can also help to lower cost barriers and provide more flexibility and impact. For example, Southern New Hampshire University redesigned its online MBA to combine practical, real-world course materials with industry credentials. Students can finish the program in less time and for less money and benefit from industry-endorsed certificates and badges from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) embedded directly into the program.
3. Work with employers on learning and development opportunities
Institutions should consider both students and employers as their consumers. This approach requires a mindset shift for institutions to see themselves not only as stimulators of learning, but also producers of talent. Many industries are experiencing skills gaps and talent shortages as they look to fill high-demand roles that require specific skillsets. Institutions are well-positioned to bridge that gap by partnering with local and regional employers on workforce development opportunities. This approach complements an institution’s market-driven focus through modularized programs.
As the Great Resignation has taught us, employees are now looking for the ‘best places to learn’ in addition to the ‘best places to earn.’ Employers must prioritize learning and development to recruit and retain top talent. Institutions of higher education can play a unique role in fostering and enabling that lifelong learning.
4. Adopt a 21st century student journey approach
Over the last two decades, technology has fundamentally changed consumer habits. Student expectations for the college experience are no exception. Institutions must continually build modern processes around today’s student journey to create more seamless experiences that meet their needs—from a prospective student’s admissions application to a graduating student’s transcript request. Georgia State University has pioneered the use of AI-powered chatbots, improving retention and graduation outcomes particularly for first-generation and underrepresented students.
While education is not a commodity to be bought or sold, institutional processes should be simpler, more intuitive and accessible, leveraging technology to streamline workflows with a few clicks of a mouse or taps of a finger. That’s the world students will join once they begin their careers. The institutions that prioritize the enablement of today’s student journey will prove more successful in the future of learning.
Looking ahead
The pandemic accelerated many of the trends we’re seeing in higher education today. Institutions must continually adapt to these changing circumstances by taking an ecosystem approach to career-connected education–one that serves students, institutions and employers—especially in times of economic uncertainty. Implementing meaningful change won’t happen overnight, but when done successfully, institutions will enroll and graduate more students while providing a stronger return on investment for all stakeholders.
Todd Zipper is Wiley’s executive vice president and general manager of University Services and Talent Development, a global provider of technology-enabled education solutions to meet the evolving needs of universities, corporations, and ultimately, learners. Wiley University Services partners with over 70 nonprofit institutions across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East and Australia.
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