What's Happening?
In a recent episode of The Key podcast by Inside Higher Ed, higher education leaders discussed the importance of data in enhancing student success. The conversation featured Courtney Brown from the Lumina Foundation, Elliot Felix from Buro Happold, and
Mark Milliron from National University, moderated by Sara Custer, editor in chief at Inside Higher Ed. The discussion centered on how colleges can leverage data to better understand and meet the needs of their students. Mark Milliron emphasized the necessity of 'data work,' which involves establishing robust data governance, creating data warehouses, and integrating data across various platforms. Elliot Felix highlighted the potential for institutions to collaborate on AI policies and utilize external data sources, such as labor market data, to gain a comprehensive understanding of student outcomes. Courtney Brown stressed the need for institutions to adapt to the diverse needs of modern students, who often juggle multiple responsibilities.
Why It's Important?
The discussion underscores the critical role of data in transforming higher education to be more student-centered. By effectively utilizing data, institutions can tailor their services to better support a diverse student body, which includes working adults and financially independent individuals. This approach can lead to improved student outcomes and satisfaction. The emphasis on collaboration and external data sources suggests a shift towards more integrated and holistic educational strategies. This could potentially lead to more efficient resource allocation and policy development, benefiting both students and educational institutions. The insights shared in the podcast highlight the growing recognition of data as a vital tool in addressing the evolving challenges faced by higher education.
What's Next?
Institutions may begin to implement the strategies discussed, such as enhancing data governance and exploring collaborative approaches to policy development. As colleges increasingly recognize the value of data, there may be a push towards more comprehensive data integration and the use of external data sources. This could lead to the development of new tools and platforms designed to support data-driven decision-making in higher education. Additionally, policymakers and educational leaders might consider revising existing frameworks to better accommodate the diverse needs of today's students, potentially leading to systemic changes in how student success is measured and supported.
