When Close Enough Becomes Good Enough
In the middle of being busy, we start to settle. We look around and know the things that need to get done to stay ahead of the game, but we fall into the trap of saying “it’s close enough” which then turns into “we’re good enough.” Unfortunately, as in business, institutions who adopt a culture of settling realize before too long that they can no longer be competitive with a “good enough” attitude and as a result no longer exist.
When We Need It Most
Most of us hear the word education and think colleges, professors, and textbooks, but some of the best education I ever received was through mentors that I have been blessed to have in my life. Some are still mentors for me today, others I briefly passed on the street, and a few we engaged in short conversations, but all gave me the encouragement, inspiration, and, yes, even criticism I needed to become who I am today.
Trick or Treat: Transfer Credits
Putting students first is more than just a fun catch phrase that is integrated into institutional effectiveness and strategic planning efforts. It is an opportunity to re-evaluate current processes and procedures that can make a big difference without tapping into limited financial resources. Institutions need to work with students to proactively identify those courses that can be applied to their program of study and avoid requiring students to take courses that contain content they have already mastered.
The One About Higher Education
It is a fact that an educated society is better than an uneducated society. As humans, we have to work to overcome our faults. We have to look past the numbers and see the people. We have to scale the obstacles and see the opportunities. We have to avoid roadblocks and create paths toward progress. We have to dispel negativity and gently nudge people forward.
Now Serving: Handcrafted Education
Starbucks understood that if it delivered a consistent experience, a solution to the morning grind, that consumers would respond. Higher education needs to understand that if it delivers thoughtful, consistent, quality education that meets students’ needs it will produce the next generation of innovators.
About Remembrance
Eighteen years later, we think terror attacks are a world away, but we face very real pain, hurt, and anger as we continue to read news on persisting racial tensions, bullying, sexual assault, and mass murders. Do we avoid confronting and responding to these important issues because they do not directly affect us? Because if it happens to one, it happens to us all.