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

by Presidents Forum | 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

by Presidents Forum | 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

by Presidents Forum | 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

by Presidents Forum | 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

by Presidents Forum | 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.

Miami Dade College: Making Higher Education More Affordable

by Presidents Forum | Dec 19, 2024 | Innovation, Outcomes and Accountability, Video

Miami Dade College: Making Higher Education More Affordable

The big picture

Miami Dade College has achieved a remarkable 98% debt-free graduation rate.

Why it matters

In an era where student debt is crippling millions, MDC’s model demonstrates how institutions can deliver affordable education without compromising quality.

By the numbers:

70% of students come from low-income homes
Only 1,800 out of 125,000 students took loans last year
No tuition increase in 12 years

Key strategies:

Focus on institutional efficiency over tuition hikes
Early financial literacy education and FAFSA support
Strategic deployment of scholarships and aid
Leveraging state programs like Bright Futures