An understanding of student needs, higher education policy,
and the national dialogue around the value of higher education have to be
communicated both through words and action. This is what campus leaders learned
as they gathered in Kansas City, Missouri, last month for the ACE Midwest Fall
Summit, “Reclaiming the High Ground: Aligning Value and Student Success.”
Early arrivers were treated to ACE Senior Vice President
Terry Hartle’s ever-popular update and analysis of recent federal policy
developments that impact higher education. This session provided participants
with background context in which to consider the federal landscape that can
impact institutional capacity for living out a value proposition. Topics
covered included federal funding, international students, and upcoming
legislation.
After an official welcome and time to network, Mushtaq
Gunja, ACE’s vice president and chief of staff, and Charlie Ruger, vice president
of philanthropy at the Charles Koch Foundation, presented research on “What the
Public Thinks About and Wants from Higher Education.” Among other findings, the
research showed that many members of the public look favorably on their local
higher education institution but have some negative views of higher education
in general.
It also showed a lack of awareness of the other benefits colleges
and universities deliver beyond bestowing degrees and preparing students for
the workforce, such as contributions to research. A robust discussion followed
in which summit attendees brainstormed how to use this data to showcase the
value their institutions provide to society. Conversations continued over a
reception and dinner as attendees digested all that they had learned that day.