WCET: Future of EdTech

by Presidents Forum | Jul 21, 2025 | Innovation, Underserved Communities, Working Learners

WCET: Future of EdTech

Big thing:

AI will be a “game changer” for higher education, enabling highly personalized support throughout the student lifecycle while potentially reducing costs.

Why it matters:

The current disconnect between the cost and price of distance education prevents students from realizing savings from technology implementation.

The big picture:

Personalized, AI-enabled education has the potential to transform access, affordability, and completion rates—changing families’ lives for generations.

Centering Career Readiness in Higher Ed

by Presidents Forum | Jul 18, 2025 | Outcomes and Accountability, Video

Centering Career Readiness in Higher Ed

Why it matters:

With employers increasingly focused on skills and outcomes, Purdue Global’s approach creates a direct pipeline between education and employment.

By the numbers:

Students from 1,800+ employers complete Purdue Global programs annually
Their bachelor’s degree in organizational management has enrolled 800+ students since 2022
That program has already produced 500+ graduates

Key innovations:

Using Lightcast for labor market analytics to provide broader job opportunities
Integrating career services in program development and review committees
Creating experiential credit opportunities that recognize workplace skills

The bottom line:

By inserting career readiness into every aspect of education, Purdue Global is demonstrating how universities can better serve both students and employers.

UT Arlington: AI Insights and Student Success Approach

by Presidents Forum | Jul 17, 2025 | Innovation, Outcomes and Accountability

UT Arlington: AI Insights and Student Success Approach

Why it matters:

Jennifer Cowley shares how UT Arlington is approaching artificial intelligence challenges and removing institutional barriers to support diverse student populations.

AI opportunities and challenges:

Views AI as both an opportunity and challenge for higher education
Notes that workplace changes are happening “faster than what it takes to prepare a student”
Students express concern about being “AI’d out of a job”
Different adoption rates: Business programs integrating AI consistently while writing programs still determining best approaches

Removing institutional barriers:

Found over 100 different registration “holds” creating unnecessary obstacles
Eliminated most holds by requiring departments to petition to keep them
Focus on making student experience “as frictionless as possible”

Military Education Benefits: Bridging the Gap Between Service and Success

by Presidents Forum | Jul 16, 2025 | Underserved Communities, Working Learners

Military Education Benefits: Bridging the Gap Between Service and Success

Big picture:

Military education benefits have stagnated while costs soar – creating a growing gap between service and educational opportunity. The recently passed reconciliation legislation allocates $100 million for military tuition assistance – a positive step, but comprehensive reform is still needed.

Why it matters:

Despite their sacrifice, service members face outdated support:

Tuition assistance has remained fixed at $250 per credit hour since 2002
College costs have increased by over 180% during this same period
The annual cap of $4,500 falls far short of actual educational expenses
Online students receive only half the standard housing allowance

What’s needed:

The Presidents Forum advocates for three critical changes:

Increasing per-credit-hour rates to match current costs
Raising the annual assistance cap
Eliminating the housing allowance penalty for online students

The bottom line:

Those who protect our freedom deserve the freedom to pursue education without financial barriers.

NC-SARA: Streamlining Distance Education

by Presidents Forum | Jul 15, 2025 | Outcomes and Accountability, Working Learners

NC-SARA: Streamlining Distance Education

Why it matters:

NC-SARA (National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements) facilitates smoother interstate distance education by reducing regulatory barriers for institutions and students.

Key benefits:

For students: Uninterrupted education when relocating, particularly beneficial for military families
For institutions: Streamlined compliance processes and ability to offer clinical placements/internships across state lines
For states: State-led agreement providing consistent regulatory framework

Looking ahead:

NC-SARA is focusing on:

Adapting to AI developments in education
Supporting data-driven policy decisions
Helping institutions navigate complex regulatory landscapes

The bottom line:

Re-education about NC-SARA’s value is needed as leadership turnover occurs in state governments and institutions.