The Policy Path Ahead

The Policy Path Ahead

by | Feb 10, 2025 | Policy, Video

The Policy Path Ahead

Why it matters:

The Presidents Forum’s 2025 policy agenda is built on five core commitments that aim to modernize higher education for today’s students.

The big picture:

Our five commitments prioritize:

  • Students First: Measuring policies by student outcomes
  • Accountable Innovation: Advancing competency-based education
  • Empowering Working Learners: Creating flexible pathways
  • Access for All: Removing educational barriers
  • Parity Across Modalities: Equal standards for all learning formats
AI’s Not a Genie in a Lamp: It’s a Space to Think

AI’s Not a Genie in a Lamp: It’s a Space to Think

by | Feb 6, 2025 | Innovation, Video

AI’s Not a Genie in a Lamp: It’s a Space to Think

The big picture:

Author Josh Thorpe argues against viewing AI as either a “magic power” or “just a tool” — instead advocating for seeing it as an interactive learning environment.

Why it matters

As educational institutions grapple with AI integration, Thorpe’s perspective offers a middle ground between complete rejection and uncritical acceptance.

Key insights

  • Students generally fall into three categories:
    • Those overwhelmed by new tech
    • Those using AI to cheat
    • Those who thoughtfully integrate AI into learning

Bottom line

AI in education works best when it prompts students to think more deeply rather than doing the thinking for them.

February Update

February Update

by | Feb 4, 2025 | Outcomes and Accountability, Policy, Uncategorized, Video

February Update

The February update focuses on High Social Value Education and key policy updates, emphasizing both individual success and community impact in higher education.

The big picture:

Presidents Forum is expanding its influence through:

  • New partnerships
  • Policy agenda development
  • Engagement with Department of Education leadership

Coming up:

  • Linda McMahon’s Education Secretary confirmation hearings (mid-February). Senate vote expected by early March
  • DC meeting on March 24-25
The Future of Higher Ed Regulation

The Future of Higher Ed Regulation

by | Jan 23, 2025 | Policy, Video

The Future of Higher Ed Regulation

Big picture:

A panel of higher education experts discussed recent changes in Department of Education regulations, particularly focusing on negotiated rulemaking and distance learning oversight.

Key panelists:

  • Phil Hill – Ed tech expert and reporter
  • Scott Pulsipher – Western Governors University president
  • Mark Milliron – National University president

Key takeaways:

  • “Whiplash” effect: The Department’s sudden shift in December marked an unprecedented change in their approach to regulation
  • Process concerns: Panelists agreed that earlier engagement with higher education institutions could have prevented unintended consequences
  • Modern learner focus: Regulations need to account for today’s diverse student population, including working adults and lifelong learners

2025 New Years Resolutions

2025 New Years Resolutions

by | Jan 13, 2025 | Outcomes and Accountability, Video

2025 New Years Resolutions

The Big Picture

The Presidents Forum is setting ambitious goals for 2025, focusing on three core principles:

Core principles

  • Working Learners First: Supporting students balancing education with careers and family
  • Student-Centered Innovation: Every decision starts with student benefit
  • Quality & Accessibility: Breaking down barriers while maintaining standards

What’s Next

The Forum’s 2025 policy agenda includes:

  • Data reforms for better tracking student success
  • Increased military tuition assistance
  • Student-owned learning records
  • Equal treatment for remote learning
Excelsior’s Constellation strategy for developing transformative partnerships with other institutions

Excelsior’s Constellation strategy for developing transformative partnerships with other institutions

by | Jan 10, 2025 | Innovation, Outcomes and Accountability, Video

Excelsior’s Constellation strategy for developing transformative partnerships with other institutions

Big Picture

Excelsior is pioneering a constellation model of higher education partnerships to create seamless student experiences across multiple institutions.

Why it matters

Traditional partnerships and mergers in higher education are often rigid and bureaucratic. This new model aims to be more flexible and student-centric.

Key features of the constellation model:

  • Students can move between partner institutions for specific experiences
  • Includes short-term, intensive in-person programs
  • Seamless credit transfer between institutions
  • Integration with employer needs and workforce development

The bottom line:

Excelsior’s constellation model could revolutionize how institutions collaborate, offering students the flexibility to combine online learning with targeted in-person experiences.