Chapter 3 Defining an Institutional Aspiration Using Data Flashcards
What is one defining trait of US higher education?
Diversity among campuses.
What happens to institutions that do not stand out?
They will feel competition more keenly.
What is a consequence of pursuing rankings and prestige in higher education?
Higher education appears increasingly homogenous.
What should presidents and senior campus leaders do to understand their institutions?
Use qualitative and quantitative data for analysis.
What is rare for an institution in higher education?
Truly abandoning its founding purpose or original context.
What motto did Ezra Cornell pen for Cornell University?
I would found an institution where any person can find instruction in any study.
What should ambitious agendas reference according to the text?
An institution’s guiding principles.
What should leaders do with previous strategic planning efforts?
Review, synthesize, and identify key themes.
What is an ideal vehicle for considering a campus’s strengths?
A campus-wide self-study.
What do successful self-studies generate among campus constituents?
A sense of pride and optimism.
What do campus strategic plans often need to avoid becoming outdated?
Refreshing and setting new goals.
What do governance documents reveal about a campus?
Hot-button topics between administrative and academic prerogatives.
What did the Kentucky General Assembly pass in 1997?
Postsecondary Education Improvement Act of 1997 (House Bill 1).
What does the 60x30TX Plan aim for?
60% of the 25- to 34-year-old population in Texas to hold a certificate or degree by 2030.
What is the purpose of listening tours in defining institutional aspirations?
Gather qualitative data and align various agendas.
What should campus leaders be willing to accept when presenting a new vision?
Discomfort with initial responses.
What is a common issue with institutional research offices?
They are often data rich but information poor.
What should senior leaders estimate when discussing institutional aspirations?
The internal impact of proposed changes.
What trend did the National Center for Educational Statistics report regarding graduation rates?
The six-year graduation rate for first-year students increased from 55.4% to 62.4% from 1996 to 2012.
What is the significance of the Student Achievement Measures?
They provide more inclusive measures for graduation rates.
According to the hypothetical example, how many additional students could earn a degree?
Up to 198 more students.
What do colleges want for their students?
To succeed and earn degrees.
What analysis can focus on student success?
Total number of degrees earned, enrollment, or student success metrics.
What is the focus of colleges regarding student success?
Colleges want their students to succeed and contribute to the campus’s bottom line.
Why is it important to view data through the lens of equity?
To address gaps in access and outcomes, and to highlight inequities and injustice.
What factors should colleges consider when analyzing graduation rates?
Race, ethnicity, gender, income levels, age, enrollment intensity, and other factors.
What do equity gaps indicate?
Structural problems within a college or university and society.
What is a key component of defining an aspirational strategy in higher education?
Focusing on equity and social justice.
What is the significance of impact estimates and value propositions in higher education?
They help build trust, strengthen relationships, and inspire confidence in the campus community.
What is the relationship between a college education and economic outcomes?
A college education can net more than a million dollars in earnings over a lifetime.
Fill in the blank: Equity gaps are percentage point differences between the graduation rate of a specific race/ethnicity and the graduation rate of _______.
white students.
What does the 90 x 30 Challenge at Lehman College aim to accomplish?
To award 90,000 or more degrees by 2030.
How does Lehman College’s demographic influence its mission?
93% of students are people of color, with a significant portion from low-income households.
What was the projected economic impact of the 90 x 30 Challenge?
Nearly $7 billion in additional income and roughly $3 billion in tax revenues.
True or False: Lehman College’s 90 x 30 Challenge has been recognized as a national model for aspirational strategies.
True.
What type of data can help colleges analyze postgraduate outcomes?
State longitudinal data systems and data from the Census Bureau.
What are some specific tools mentioned that help colleges develop their value propositions?
Return on investment analyses.
What does a focus on equity in higher education signify for colleges?
A commitment to addressing systemic obstacles and improving outcomes for underserved populations.
Fill in the blank: The education provided by institutions serving historically underserved populations is a _______ and economic imperative.
moral.
What does the term ‘intersectionality’ refer to in the context of college equity analysis?
The overlapping social identities and related systems of oppression or discrimination.
What was a major challenge faced by the Bronx population, as highlighted in the case study of Lehman College?
Low levels of educational attainment and high rates of poverty.
What role does the COVID-19 pandemic play in the perception of college education value?
It raises concerns about job prospects and the worth of investing in a college education.
What is the significance of the American Council on Education recognizing Lehman College?
It acknowledges Lehman as a top vehicle of upward mobility among Hispanic-serving institutions.
