In Their Shoes
We need to understand the obstacles that face the student population we seek to serve. It could be that the proposed solutions are not effective because they do not remove the challenges affecting students or do not do enough to meet students where they are. By gaining an understanding of students and the community in which they live, we have an opportunity to search for creative answers designed to support student success.
Football, Pumpkins, Fall, and a New School Year
Despite the never ending obstacles that lay across the path, higher education has another opportunity to focus on those improvements that may not be new or particularly innovative, but can have a big impact. Sometimes big change comes from small solutions consistently implemented.
Worth the Wait
The point of success is not in making your consumer base wait, but in the ability to consistently exceed their expectations so that the wait is worthwhile because in the end the consumer will not be disappointed. Tribes create loyalty and a unique user experience builds the tribe.
Dreaming Beyond Realities: Lessons from Underdogs
We gravitate to true stories and heart-warming tales of people who overcome the odds to make a difference and change the world. The truth is that we love underdogs because they remind us of the potential we all have inside.
The Danger Zone
Institutions need to take a step back and look at their “why” and rekindle their unique purpose. It is impossible to see the opportunities ahead when the fear of losing the status quo prevents us from following our passion. It’s easy to be compliant when all you have to do is check a box; however, it’s a sign of leadership when an institution’s “why” defines its quality and longevity.
Bad Luck Number and Hope
The next time we take a look at offering new degree programs or refining our processes, we need to remember the students we serve. Our focus should be on making the journey a little easier by clearing a few more obstacles and providing support so every student knows the victory of finishing.