Changing Higher Ed

Most institutions survey their faculty, but few turn that data into meaningful action. This episode explores how higher education leaders can use faculty satisfaction data to inform strategic planning, strengthen shared governance, retain talent, and lead institutional change. Dr. Drumm McNaughton is joined by Dr. R. Todd Benson, Executive Director of COACHE (Collaborative on Academic Careers in Higher Education), to examine how institutions are applying faculty data in more intentional ways. The conversation focuses on how leadership can move from reporting results to building trust, aligning leadership decisions with faculty needs, and implementing sustained improvements. Benson outlines COACHE's three-year cycle, where survey data serves not as a static report card, but as the starting point for structured, campus-wide conversations. Institutions are encouraged to engage faculty in interpreting the data, identifying top priorities, and co-owning the solutions. This approach helps shift the focus from compliance and benchmarking to long-term capacity building. Shared governance is a recurring theme throughout the episode. Benson explains how survey questions are designed to test whether faculty and administration are operating in a framework of mutual trust and responsibility. He shares examples where even well-documented governance structures break down due to weak relationships or inconsistent communication—issues that leadership can't fix with policy alone. The episode also breaks down COACHE's findings from the national Faculty Retention and Exit Study. Three factors consistently predict faculty satisfaction and attrition: how time is allocated, how resources align with expectations, and whether leadership is seen as trustworthy and transparent. These drivers connect directly to institutional risk, culture, and long-term sustainability. Examples from Georgia State University and the University of Texas at Arlington show how institutions can take action. Georgia State created a public-facing COACHE dashboard that connects findings to actual decisions. UT Arlington's faculty senate led the charge, collaborating with administration to develop a shared scorecard and secure resources to address salary equity and improve doctoral student recruitment. For presidents, provosts, and boards, the message is clear: collecting faculty data isn't enough. The real work happens in what you do next. What higher ed leaders will learn in this episode: How to engage faculty in prioritizing and interpreting satisfaction data What shared governance metrics reveal about institutional health How time, trust, and support shape retention Why transparency and follow-through matter more than data volume What successful institutions are doing to move from insight to action Three takeaways for higher ed leadership: Communicate clearly and consistently—before, during, and after surveys Share the human impact of faculty work, not just metrics Recognize and reflect value back to your faculty in ways that build trust Bonus insight: "The absolute worst feeling of a leader is to turn around and find no one's following." As Dr. Drumm McNaughton explains, leadership isn't just about making decisions—it's about building the trust and relationships that make people want to follow. Without that, strategy fails before it begins. Read the transcript of this episode at https://changinghighered.com/faculty-satisfaction-data-for-strategic-change-in-higher-ed/ #HigherEducationPodcast #HigherEducation #FacultySatisfaction

As short-term credentials gain traction, higher ed leaders face a critical question: Are these programs truly cost-effective and accessible—or just shorter? In this episode, Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with Jinann Bitar, Director of Higher Ed Research and Data Analytics at Education Trust, about the cost-efficiency, accessibility, and policy implications of short-term credential programs. They discuss new research on program affordability, disparities across states and industries, and the limited long-term earnings data available. Jinann shares what institutions need to consider before integrating short-term credentials into their academic portfolios and how leaders can ensure these programs support—not undermine—student success. Topics Covered: Are short-term credentials really affordable? How their costs compare to traditional academic programs State-level enrollment trends and policy drivers Gaps in ROI and earnings data Why stackable credentials matter How presidents and boards should approach academic restructuring Three Takeaways for College Leaders: Use data to guide program decisions Collaborate with external partners to align with labor market needs Design short-term programs that meet the expectations of today's learners This conversation is especially relevant for institutions exploring academic realignment, workforce partnerships, or strategic planning initiatives. Read the transcript at https://changinghighered.com/what-college-leaders-must-know-about-short-term-credentials/ #HigherEducation #ShortTermCredentials #HigherEducationPodcast Guest: Jinann Bitar, Director of Higher Education Research and Data Analytics, Education Trust Host: Dr. Drumm McNaughton, Higher Education Consultant and CEO of The Change Leader

Tom Netting, president of TEN Government Strategies and a trusted Washington insider, returns to provide a critical update on sweeping federal changes affecting higher education. In conversation with Drumm McNaughton, he breaks down the Trump administration's executive order to dismantle the Department of Education, a move that's already led to major staff reductions and the redistribution of responsibilities across other federal agencies. Key Discussion Points Structural Overhaul of the Department of Education: Nearly 50% of ED staff have been laid off, including in core offices such as Federal Student Aid and the Office for Civil Rights. Regional participation offices have been shut down, leaving institutions without direct support contacts. The shift of student loan collections to the Small Business Administration signals an unprecedented reorganization of oversight. Title IX and Civil Rights Rollbacks: The Supreme Court overturned Biden-era Title IX rules, reinstating Trump-era standards. Protections for transgender students and DEI-related compliance structures are being reversed or defunded. OCR layoffs jeopardize ongoing investigations and reduce institutional support. Policy Enforcement Through Funding Threats: Columbia University's $400M in federal funding was withheld and later restored after accepting federal conditions, including police authority to arrest student protesters and the appointment of an academic overseer. These enforcement tactics set a new precedent, raising concerns about academic freedom and governance. Student Loan Crisis and Risk Exposure: Delinquency rates are reportedly spiking, with internal policy discussions suggesting 70–80% of borrowers may be behind. Institutions face growing exposure as default risks rise, with potential Title IV eligibility consequences. Risk-sharing legislation and budget reconciliation proposals could place financial liability on colleges for unpaid loans. Governance, Autonomy, and Institutional Strategy: Boards must take a more active role in navigating federal restructuring and enforcement trends. The implications go beyond compliance—federal funding is increasingly tied to campus culture, policy, and speech. Strategic responses now require governance-level attention to protect institutional mission and integrity. Three Key Takeaways for Higher Education Leaders and Boards Reassure students that aid is still available and prepare them for repayment obligations now managed under new federal structures. Support compliance and financial aid staff as they navigate the loss of regional ED contacts and fast-changing guidance. Re-evaluate governance-level policies on Title IX, DEI, and civil rights to ensure legal alignment and institutional resilience. Download the March 2025 Higher Ed Board Briefing (PDF) → Read the transcript at: https://changinghighered.com/washington-update-dismantling-the-department-of-education/ #HigherEducation #DepartmentofEducation #HigherEdPolicy About Our Podcast Guest Tom Netting Having spent all of his professional career devoted to higher education policy oversight and implementation, Tom Netting has an extensive knowledge of the laws and regulations governing all aspects of higher education. His considerable background and experience have afforded him the opportunity to view the development and implementation of federal higher education and workforce development policy in their entirety – including issues related to higher education and workforce development, health care, veteran affairs policies, and the procurement of federal appropriations. About the Host Dr. Drumm McNaughton is the founder, CEO, and Principal Consultant at The Change Leader, Inc. A highly sought-after higher education consultant with 20+ years of experience, Dr. McNaughton works with leadership, management, and boards of both U.S. and international institutions. His expertise spans key areas, including accreditation, governance, strategic planning, presidential onboarding, mergers, acquisitions, and strategic alliances. Dr. McNaughton's approach combines a holistic methodology with a deep understanding of the contemporary and evolving challenges facing higher education institutions worldwide to ensure his clients succeed in their mission.

Enrollment marketing strategy is no longer optional—it's essential for institutions looking to grow in a competitive, high-cost digital environment. In this episode, Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with Max DesMarais, Director of Strategy at Vital, about how colleges and universities can use data, content strategy, and full-funnel marketing to improve student recruitment and ensure academic offerings align with demand. Building an Effective Enrollment Marketing Strategy Validate program demand before launch using research, polling, and student behavior data. Use student-friendly program names that match what prospective learners are searching for. Treat marketing as a strategic function, not just an operational cost. Improving Program Visibility and Differentiation Define what sets your programs apart—and communicate it clearly. Avoid generic messaging; focus on outcomes, flexibility, and student needs. Promote content that supports early-stage decision-making, not just applications. Aligning Programs with Market Needs Adjust program format, pricing, and positioning to reflect real-world demand. Consider flexible tuition strategies and delivery models for nontraditional learners. Use community and employer input to shape offerings before they launch. Three Takeaways for University Presidents and Boards Lead with Research – Don't greenlight programs or campaigns without validating student and employer interest. Invest in Full-Funnel Marketing – Build awareness and trust early to reduce cost per lead and improve conversions. Clarify Differentiation – Know what makes your institution unique and ensure it's reflected in every message. Institutions that align marketing, academic planning, and student insights will be positioned to thrive in a shrinking enrollment environment. Tune in to learn how to sharpen your enrollment marketing strategy and build a more responsive, competitive institution. Read the transcript on our website: https://changinghighered.com/enrollment-marketing-strategy-how-to-attract-students-and-align-programs/ #EnrollmentMarketing #HigherEdLeadership #AcademicProgramGrowth #StudentRecruitmentStrategy About Our Podcast Guest Max DesMarais runs the digital marketing strategy and paid advertising departments at Vital, managing online marketing activity and processes for a wide variety of clients - including Vital's own marketing department. He has a specialization in education and has helped dozens of clients improve the results and efficiency of their marketing strategy. Connect with Max DesMarais on LinkedIn → About the Podcast Host Dr. Drumm McNaughton is the founder, CEO, and Principal Consultant at The Change Leader, Inc. A highly sought-after higher education consultant with 20+ years of experience, Dr. McNaughton works with leadership, management, and boards of U.S. and international institutions. His expertise spans key areas, including accreditation, governance, strategic planning, presidential onboarding, mergers, acquisitions, and strategic alliances. Dr. McNaughton's approach combines a holistic methodology with a deep understanding of the contemporary and evolving challenges facing higher education institutions worldwide to ensure his clients succeed in their mission. Connect with Drumm McNaughton on LinkedIn→

80% of Champlain College graduates land jobs in their field of study—because the college designed its model to make students workforce ready. In this episode, Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with Alex Hernandez, President of Champlain College, about how higher education institutions can build their innovation muscle to realign academic programs with workforce needs and improve graduate outcomes. Building the Innovation Muscle Strategic planning is treated as an annual, living process—not a static document. Faculty co-design new academic models, driving institution-wide innovation. Innovation is embedded in culture, not dependent on top-down initiatives. Aligning Curriculum with Workforce Demands Champlain's Upside-Down Curriculum introduces major-specific coursework in year one. Students access internships early, building career experience before graduation. Programs are shaped by employer input to match real workforce needs. Leveraging Employer and Community Partnerships Industry partnerships inform curriculum and create pathways to employment. Dual enrollment initiatives like Vermont Cybersports expand access and impact. Regional collaboration addresses talent shortages and economic development. Three Takeaways for University Presidents and Boards Clarify the North Star – Align planning and programs around a focused mission: preparing students for work, life, and impact. Focus Resources Strategically – Prioritize high-value initiatives and say no to what doesn't serve institutional goals. Build Institutional Trust – Innovation happens at the speed of trust. Engage faculty and staff in designing the future. Higher education leaders have an opportunity to evolve their institutions through intentional planning, faculty-driven innovation, and academic realignment that prepares graduates for today's—and tomorrow's—workforce. Read the transcript on our website: https://changinghighered.com/higher-education-innovation-builds-workforce-ready-graduates/ #HigherEdInnovation #StrategicPlanning #AcademicRealignment #WorkforceReadyGraduates About Our Podcast Guest Alex Hernandez is the tenth president of Champlain College, a private independent college in Burlington, VT renowned for its innovative approach to getting students Ready: Ready for Work, Ready for Life, and Ready to Make a Difference. Over eighty percent of Champlain graduates are employed in jobs related to their field of study. Champlain College is Building on Vermont's Strengths through innovative pathways that prepare students for careers in leading industries and grow local economies. Prior to Champlain, Alex was the Dean of the School of Continuing and Professional Studies (SCPS) and Vice Provost of Online Learning at the University of Virginia. Before that, Alex was a leader in K-12 education, working as a teacher, administrator, and partner of a national foundation. He is a fierce advocate for education opportunity, access, and innovation. He lives in Burlington with his wife Michelle and has twin sons in college. Connect with Alex Hernandez on LinkedIn → About the Podcast Host Dr. Drumm McNaughton is the founder, CEO, and Principal Consultant at The Change Leader, Inc. A highly sought-after higher education consultant with 20+ years of experience, Dr. McNaughton works with leadership, management, and boards of U.S. and international institutions. His expertise spans key areas, including accreditation, governance, strategic planning, presidential onboarding, mergers, acquisitions, and strategic alliances. Dr. McNaughton's approach combines a holistic methodology with a deep understanding of the contemporary and evolving challenges facing higher education institutions worldwide to ensure his clients succeed in their mission. Connect with Drumm McNaughton on LinkedIn→

There are 41.5 million Americans who left college without earning a degree—but many would return if given the right opportunity. In this episode, Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with Alana Rose, Vice President of Academic Networks at InStride, about how workforce education and corporate partnerships can unlock a hidden enrollment market. The Workforce Education Advantage Employer-funded education provides debt-free learning opportunities for employees. Workforce development programs help companies upskill employees and retain talent. Higher education institutions gain access to non-traditional learners and new revenue streams. Meeting the Needs of Non-Traditional Students Online and hybrid learning formats offer flexibility for working adults. Stackable credentials and credit for prior learning support degree completion. Institutions must provide tailored student support to improve retention. Aligning Higher Ed with Workforce Needs Corporate partnerships ensure programs match industry demands. Employers seek a balance of technical, business, and durable skills. Advisory boards help shape relevant curricula. Three Takeaways for University Presidents and Boards Leverage Corporate Partnerships – Workforce education is a growing enrollment strategy. Lower Barriers to Access – Flexible pathways and support services drive student success. Invest in Institutional Resources – Dedicated staff is essential for scaling employer-funded education. Workforce education presents a major opportunity for higher education leaders. Tune in to learn how institutions can align with corporate needs, create sustainable enrollment pipelines, and provide meaningful educational pathways for non-traditional students. Read the transcript on our website: https://changinghighered.com/hidden-enrollment-market-in-workforce-education/ #HigherEdEnrollment #WorkforceEducation #EmployerSponsoredEducation About Our Podcast Guest Alana Rose is Vice President of Academic Network at InStride, where she leads partnerships with top-tier universities and educational institutions to deliver innovative workforce education programs. With over a decade of experience in higher education and university relations, Alana has a proven track record of fostering partnerships that drive institutional growth and expand access to education for working learners. Prior to InStride, Alana held leadership roles at Emeritus and 2U, overseeing operations for university partners and scaling global online education programs. Alana earned her B.A. in Psychology from the University of Southern California. Connect with Alana Rose on LinkedIn → About the Podcast Host Dr. Drumm McNaughton is the founder, CEO, and Principal Consultant at The Change Leader, Inc. A highly sought-after higher education consultant with 20+ years of experience, Dr. McNaughton works with leadership, management, and boards of U.S. and international institutions. His expertise spans key areas, including accreditation, governance, strategic planning, presidential onboarding, mergers, acquisitions, and strategic alliances. Dr. McNaughton's approach combines a holistic methodology with a deep understanding of the contemporary and evolving challenges facing higher education institutions worldwide to ensure his clients succeed in their mission. Connect with Drumm McNaughton on LinkedIn→

Higher education institutions continue to struggle with student retention, career readiness, and underemployment among graduates. Traditional college advising models focus heavily on selecting a major, yet many students graduate with empty degrees that fail to translate into meaningful careers. In this episode of Changing Higher Ed®, Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with Scott Carlson and Dr. Ned Scott Laff, authors of Hacking College: Why the Major Really Doesn't Matter and What Really Does, about how institutions can rethink academic advising, faculty engagement, and student success strategies to better serve today's learners. Carlson, a senior writer for the Chronicle of Higher Education, and Laff, who has over 35 years of experience in college and university settings helping students design successful undergraduate experiences, discuss how universities can shift away from a rigid, major-centric model to a personalized student success framework. They explain how students who lack career clarity often end up in underemployment, taking jobs unrelated to their degrees. Their research shows that institutions must evolve their advising structures to help students identify vocational purpose, leverage experiential learning, and navigate the hidden job market. The Problem with Traditional Academic Advising The outdated focus on major selection leads students into rigid career paths, often misaligned with their strengths and interests. A one-size-fits-all advising model leaves first-generation and low-income students struggling to navigate the complexities of higher education. Limited faculty-student engagement prevents students from leveraging university resources and professional networks. Lack of career-aligned experiential learning results in students graduating without the necessary skills and industry connections. Revolutionizing College-to-Career Transition Carlson and Laff propose a new model where higher education leaders integrate career-focused advising and faculty mentorship into the student experience. This involves: Helping students explore hidden intellectualism—their deeper interests and skills that could shape their career trajectories. Connecting students with faculty and industry professionals to uncover career pathways beyond traditional job titles. Expanding experiential learning opportunities through internships, mentorships, and project-based learning. Teaching students to research the hidden job market to discover roles they might never encounter through a standard career fair. Institutional Strategies for Student Success For university presidents, boards, and executive leaders, improving student outcomes requires a fundamental shift in how advising and faculty engagement are structured. Institutions should: Encourage faculty to act as mentors, guiding students beyond coursework to explore real-world career applications. Train advisors to support students in creating flexible, goal-oriented academic plans that integrate experiential learning. Strengthen career services by building industry partnerships and embedding career readiness into academic programming. Utilize existing institutional resources—including government affairs, research opportunities, and alumni networks—to connect students with career pathways. The Hidden Job Market and Career Readiness Career exploration should begin early in a student's academic journey. Institutions must help students develop the ability to recognize opportunities beyond traditional job titles by: Encouraging proactive networking with faculty, professionals, and industry leaders. Teaching students to research and navigate the hidden job market, where many opportunities exist outside of standard recruitment channels. Expanding experiential learning options, such as internships and project-based coursework, to provide practical experience that aligns with evolving workforce demands. With AI-driven automation threatening traditional advising roles, institutions must act now to redefine how they support student career pathways. Colleges that fail to adapt will continue to see declining retention, underemployment, and dissatisfaction among graduates. Five Takeaways for University Presidents and Boards Be Open to Change – Institutions must actively remove barriers that prevent student success. The current advising model is failing many students, and colleges need to adopt a more flexible, student-centered approach that helps learners navigate their academic and career paths effectively. Preserve Academic Variety – Colleges are eliminating liberal arts programs due to financial pressures, but this limits students' ability to create multidisciplinary educational experiences. Institutions should strive to maintain a diverse academic landscape that allows students to explore various career pathways. Engage Directly with Students – University leaders should make an effort to understand student concerns firsthand. By informally engaging with students—whether in common areas or casual settings—presidents and board members can gain valuable insights into what students need to thrive. Empower Students to Take Ownership of Their Education – Instead of following rigid degree structures, students should be encouraged to design their own academic experiences by integrating coursework, experiential learning, and industry engagement in ways that align with their career goals. Advisors and faculty should support this by shifting from a prescriptive model to one that helps students think critically about their education. Rethink Institutional Priorities – Colleges can maintain their research and tenure agendas while also fostering a culture that encourages student success. Leaders should create systems that help students perceive higher education as an interconnected network of opportunities rather than a series of disconnected courses. Higher education institutions that fail to evolve will continue to see declining retention and job placement rates. Listen in as Dr. Drumm McNaughton, Scott Carlson, and Dr. Ned Laff explore how colleges can implement meaningful advising reforms to improve student success, institutional sustainability, and long-term career outcomes. Institutions looking for solutions to align their academic programs with evolving student needs should explore Academic Realignment and Redesign strategies. Read the podcast transcript on our website: https://changinghighered.com/transforming-college-advising-new-approach-to-student-success/ #AcademicAdvising #HigherEducation #StudentSuccess About the Podcast Guests Dr. Ned Scott Laff has over 35 years of experience in college and university settings, helping students design successful undergraduate experiences. He has taught both English and Honors courses and has broad interests in liberal arts education, the quality of undergraduate education, and the role of academic advising in liberal learning. He was Founding Director of the Center for the Junior Year at Governors State University; Director for Advising at Augustana College; the Director for General Education, Director of Contractual Studies, Director for Service-Learning and Director of the Center for Engaged Learning at Columbia College; former Academic Program Coordinator for Core Curriculum and Director for First Year Seminar at Loyola University Chicago. He has served as Director for Academic Program Development at Barat College of DePaul University; and as Associate Dean for Curriculum at Mundelein College of Loyola University Chicago. Connect with Ned Scott Laff on LinkedIn → Scott Carlson is a senior writer at The Chronicle of Higher Education who explores where higher education is headed. Since 1999, he has covered a range of issues for the publication: college management and finance, facilities, campus planning, energy, sustainability, libraries, workforce development, the value of a college degree, and other subjects. He has written such in-depth reports as "Sustaining the College Business Model," "The Future of Work," "The Right Mix of Academic Programs," "The Campus as City," and "The Outsourced University." Carlson has won awards from the Education Writers Association and is a frequent speaker at colleges and conferences around the country. His work has also appeared in The Baltimore Sun and Baltimore City Paper, among other publications. He is a graduate of the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Connect with Scott Carlson on LinkedIn → About the Podcast Host Dr. Drumm McNaughton is the founder, CEO, and Principal Consultant at The Change Leader, Inc. A highly sought-after higher education consultant with 20+ years of experience, Dr. McNaughton works with leadership, management, and boards of U.S. and international institutions. His expertise spans key areas, including accreditation, governance, strategic planning, presidential onboarding, mergers, acquisitions, and strategic alliances. Dr. McNaughton's approach combines a holistic methodology with a deep understanding of the contemporary and evolving challenges facing higher education institutions worldwide to ensure his clients succeed in their mission. Connect with Drumm McNaughton on LinkedIn→

Justin Kollinger, a Senior Risk Management Consultant at United Educators, shares his expertise in managing strategic risks faced by higher education institutions. He discusses the rising challenge of social inflation, which has led to increased insurance costs and litigation pressures. Kollinger highlights the top risks facing colleges, including data security and student mental health, while revealing the surprising absence of climate change risks on the list. He emphasizes the critical need for enterprise risk management programs to strengthen institutional resilience and governance.

New Federal ADA Regulation Deadlines Are Approaching – Is Your Institution Ready? Colleges and universities must now meet stricter ADA compliance requirements for websites and digital content or risk legal consequences, fines, and loss of federal funding. With the Department of Justice's latest update to Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), institutions must ensure all web content, mobile apps, and digital resources meet WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility standards. For many schools, the deadline is approaching fast. In this episode of Changing Higher Ed®, host Dr. Drumm McNaughton has a conversation with Eugene Woo, CEO and founder of Venngage, to discuss what these new ADA regulations mean for higher education institutions and what they must do to comply. Understanding the New ADA Requirements for Higher Ed The Department of Justice's update to Title II clarifies long-standing accessibility expectations, removing ambiguity about digital compliance. Now, all institutions receiving federal funds—including financial aid, research grants, or disaster relief—must ensure their online content adheres to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1. AA The key changes include: Explicit standards for websites and mobile apps – Digital accessibility is no longer optional. Clearer rules on compliance deadlines – Larger institutions (50,000+ students) must comply by April 2026, while smaller institutions have until April 2027. Greater enforcement risks – ADA lawsuits have historically driven accessibility improvements, and these new regulations are meant to make institutions proactive rather than reactive. Woo explains that many universities operate hundreds, if not thousands, of websites across different departments and programs, making compliance a daunting task. Why ADA Compliance Matters for Colleges and Universities Accessibility Isn't Just a Legal Obligation—It's a Universal Design Best Practice Woo highlights that designing for accessibility benefits everyone, not just individuals with disabilities. Features like captions for videos were initially created for the hearing impaired but are now widely used by all viewers. The Biggest Accessibility Challenges for Higher Ed Websites According to WebAIM's annual survey of the top one million websites, these are the most common accessibility issues: Missing alt text for images – Over 50% of homepage images lack descriptions, making content inaccessible to screen readers. Poor form accessibility – Online forms frequently lack proper labels, creating barriers for those using assistive technology. Non-descriptive links and buttons – Generic link text (e.g., "Click here") makes navigation difficult for screen reader users. Inaccessible PDFs – Many course materials, syllabi, and administrative documents are in PDF format but lack proper tagging and readability. Color contrast issues – Up to 20% of men have some form of color blindness, yet many websites fail to meet the contrast requirements. 3. What Institutions Should Prioritize First Given the scale of most universities' digital footprints, Woo recommends: Conducting an ADA compliance audit to identify accessibility gaps. Prioritizing high-traffic pages and critical student services for remediation. Implementing universal design principles in new content to prevent future accessibility issues. How Universities Can Ensure ADA Compliance Designating Leadership Responsibility Presidents and institutional leaders must appoint a compliance officer or team responsible for ensuring accessibility across all digital platforms. Without clear ownership, accessibility efforts can fall through the cracks. Leverage AI and Automated Accessibility Tools for ADA Compliance Woo notes that institutions can use AI-powered tools to scan websites for accessibility violations and assist in remediation. Some platforms can even auto-correct PDFs and web pages to bring them closer to WCAG 2.1 standards. Budgeting for Digital Accessibility Compliance Compliance isn't just a policy issue—it requires financial investment. Schools must allocate resources for accessibility audits, technology upgrades, and training to ensure long-term compliance. Three Key Takeaways for Higher Education Leaders Determine whether your institution must comply—and by when Institutions receiving any federal funding must meet the new standards, with large universities facing an April 2026 deadline. Appoint a leader or team to oversee accessibility compliance Without clear accountability, compliance efforts will stall. Universities must assign responsibility to IT, compliance, or academic leadership teams. Invest in accessibility tools and training ADA compliance isn't just a one-time fix. Schools should budget for ongoing accessibility improvements, staff training, and technological upgrades. Higher education institutions can no longer afford to overlook digital accessibility. With the DOJ's new enforcement push, now is the time to act. Listen to the full episode for more insights from Eugene Woo and practical strategies for making your institution's digital content fully accessible. Disclaimer: This podcast and its accompanying show notes are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. We recommend that institutions consult a qualified compliance officer or legal counsel regarding ADA compliance or any other legal matters. Read the podcast transcript on our website: https://changinghighered.com/ada-compliance-in-higher-education/ #HigherEducation #ADACompliance #HigherEdPodcast About Our Podcast Guest Eugene Woo is the CEO and founder of Venngage, an infographic design platform that enables users to create compelling and accessible visual content. With over two decades of experience in software engineering and product development, Eugene has a strong background in engineering and a passion for visual storytelling. Prior to Venngage, he founded Vizualize.Me, a platform for creating visual résumés, which was acquired by Parchment in 2013. Eugene holds a Master of Science in Planning from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology Connect with Eugene Woo on LinkedIn → About the Podcast Host Dr. Drumm McNaughton is the founder, CEO, and Principal Consultant at The Change Leader, Inc. A highly sought-after higher education consultant with 20+ years of experience, Dr. McNaughton works with leadership, management, and boards of U.S. and international institutions. His expertise spans key areas, including accreditation, governance, strategic planning, presidential onboarding, mergers, acquisitions, and strategic alliances. Dr. McNaughton's approach combines a holistic methodology with a deep understanding of the contemporary and evolving challenges facing higher education institutions worldwide to ensure his clients succeed in their mission. Connect with Drumm McNaughton on LinkedIn→

According to recent ACE presidential survey data, women now constitute 33% of university presidencies, yet a troubling pattern has emerged: these leaders are often appointed during times of institutional crisis, creating what researchers call "the glass cliff" phenomenon. In this episode of Changing Higher Ed®, Dr. Lori Varlotta, former president of Hiram College and California Lutheran University and current Distinguished Professor of Higher Education Leadership at Cal Lutheran, shares insights from her research on the glass cliff phenomenon in higher education. Drawing from her first research sabbatical in 40 years, she explores how women presidents are often hired during periods of institutional vulnerability and what can be done to ensure their success. The glass cliff differs significantly from the well-known glass ceiling concept. While the glass ceiling refers to invisible barriers preventing women from reaching top leadership positions, the glass cliff describes a phenomenon where women are specifically recruited for leadership roles during times of institutional crisis or vulnerability. In higher education, this vulnerability typically manifests as enrollment declines, decreasing net tuition revenue, grant funding challenges, or cultural crises. Dr. Varlotta's research reveals that women presidents face unique obstacles when leading institutional turnarounds, often facing implicit bias, gender-based generalizations about their performance, and disproportionate scrutiny of their appearance and leadership style through gender-charged reporting. Key Takeaways for Prospective University Presidents and Boards 1. Due Diligence: Carefully assess whether the campus truly wants the bold, transparent leadership they claim to seek during the hiring process. Engage in extensive conversations with the board to ensure alignment between stated goals and actual support. 2. Resource Commitment: Secure essential resources before accepting the position, including PR support, crisis communication expertise, and a dedicated board committee willing to serve as change management partners. 3. Gender-Charged Reporting: Be prepared for heightened scrutiny of appearance, mannerisms, and communication style. As highlighted in the research, women leaders often face disproportionate attention to non-performance factors compared to their male counterparts. As higher education faces continuing challenges, understanding and addressing the glass cliff phenomenon becomes increasingly essential for institutional success. Dr. Varlotta's research highlights the importance of careful preparation, adequate support systems, and recognition of the unique challenges faced by women leaders in academic turnaround situations. Read the transcript on our website: https://changinghighered.com/the-glass-cliff-in-higher-education-challenges-faced-by-women-university-presidents/ #GlassCliff #UniversityGovernance #HigherEdLeadership About Our Podcast Guest For four decades, Lori Varlotta, Ph.D., has held leadership positions at universities large and small, public and private, faith-based and secular, stand-alone and system-embedded. For 20+ years, she has served at the executive level: Senior VP at Sacramento State and President at Hiram College (OH) and California Lutheran University. In both presidencies, Varlotta was the first woman at the institution to hold the post. At each, she was recruited to lead systemic changes to reposition the institution for the future. Along with the turnaround and repositioning work for which she is known, Varlotta contributes routinely to national conversations and publications on student success, systemic change, integrated planning and budgeting, curricular and co-curricular prioritization, shared governance, and DEIJ. As a first-generation college student, she is grateful for the educational opportunities she has experienced. She credits her blue-collar family and community, however, for teaching her life's most important lessons. Connect with Lori Varlotta on LinkedIn → About the Podcast Host Dr. Drumm McNaughton is the founder, CEO, and Principal Consultant at The Change Leader, Inc. A highly sought-after higher education consultant with 20+ years of experience, Dr. McNaughton works with leadership, management, and boards of U.S. and international institutions. His expertise spans key areas, including accreditation, governance, strategic planning, presidential onboarding, mergers, acquisitions, and strategic alliances. Dr. McNaughton's approach combines a holistic methodology with a deep understanding of the contemporary and evolving challenges facing higher education institutions worldwide to ensure his clients succeed in their mission. Connect with Drumm McNaughton on LinkedIn→