A national survey suggests independent colleges are innovating, embracing change and feeling optimistic about the future—which is a far cry from the bleak portrayal in the popular media.
Summary
Small private colleges and universities are adapting to the external challenges they face by innovating in a variety of areas, and presidents of these institutions perceive a high level of support for their leadership from their boards of trustees and administrative cabinets. These are among the conclusions of this report, which is based on a national study of small and mid-sized independent colleges and universities conducted as part of the Council of Independent Colleges' Project on the Future of Independent Higher Education.
Key Insights
- The most frequent cost-focused measures taken by college presidents include leaving open faculty positions unfilled, freezing salaries, reducing other staff, restructuring or closing academic programs, and outsourcing operations.
- Popular strategies for revenue enhancement and diversification include opening new undergraduate and graduate programs, changing approaches to fundraising, and expanding online courses and programs.
- Other common initiatives and innovations include changing admission strategy and financial aid practices, expanding athletic programs and facilities, increasing international student recruitment, and reforming resource-allocation systems.
