Hello
Changemaker!
Higher ed is changing. Leaders like you are reimagining systems, advancing equity, and improving outcomes. The challenges are real—but so is the momentum. Learn from what works. Act with confidence.
Hello
Changemaker!
Higher ed is changing. Leaders like you are reimagining systems, advancing equity, and improving outcomes. The challenges are real—but so is the momentum. Learn from what works. Act with confidence.
Why Transformation Matters Now
Higher education is misaligned.
Outdated systems, policies, and structures no longer serve today’s learners. The path to a degree is often confusing, inequitable, and full of unnecessary barriers.
Fragmented reforms haven’t worked.
Disconnected efforts often fall short. Real progress requires a cohesive, intentional approach linking strategy, people, and practices across the entire student experience.
Transformation is possible.
Institutions across the country are proving what’s possible when equity is the goal and transformation is the strategy. Their tools, stories, and insights are here for you.
What is Transformation?
Transformation is the realignment of an institution’s structures, culture, and business model to create a student experience that leads to dramatic and equitable increases in outcomes and value.
Realignment is the redesign of how an institution operates—its structures, policies, and culture—to advance racial and socioeconomic equity in student outcomes.
It’s not just about doing things differently; it’s about rethinking the systems that shape decision-making, resource allocation, and how students experience the institution. Realignment ensures strategy, operations, and values are working in sync and aligned with the institutional mission.
The student experience is the day-to-day reality of how learners interact with the institution—from entry to completion.
Transformation focuses on aligning academic and nonacademic supports to foster a sense of belonging and provide a clear, supported path to a credential and a career. A well-designed student experience ensures that success is not left to chance.
Equitable increases are measurable improvements in student success—where race, ethnicity, and income no longer predict who thrives and who doesn’t.
They’re not just about raising outcomes in general, but about closing persistent gaps and making success attainable for all students. Progress is defined and monitored through an equity lens.
Educational value is the return students receive from their postsecondary education—economic, personal, and social.
It reflects outcomes that matter: meaningful employment, financial mobility, personal growth, and the ability to contribute to one’s community. Centering transformation on value ensures that students, families, and society benefit from the investment in higher education.
Realignment
Realignment Realignment is the redesign of how an institution operates—its structures, policies, and culture—to advance racial and socioeconomic equity in student outcomes.
It’s not just about doing things differently; it’s about rethinking the systems that shape decision-making, resource allocation, and how students experience the institution. Realignment ensures strategy, operations, and values are working in sync and aligned with the institutional mission.
Student Experience
Student Experience The student experience is the day-to-day reality of how learners interact with the institution—from entry to completion.
Transformation focuses on aligning academic and nonacademic supports to foster a sense of belonging and provide a clear, supported path to a credential and a career. A well-designed student experience ensures that success is not left to chance.
Equitable Increases
Equitable Increases Equitable increases are measurable improvements in student success—where race, ethnicity, and income no longer predict who thrives and who doesn’t.
They’re not just about raising outcomes in general, but about closing persistent gaps and making success attainable for all students. Progress is defined and monitored through an equity lens.
Educational Value
Educational Value Educational value is the return students receive from their postsecondary education—economic, personal, and social.
It reflects outcomes that matter: meaningful employment, financial mobility, personal growth, and the ability to contribute to one’s community. Centering transformation on value ensures that students, families, and society benefit from the investment in higher education.
The Transformation Journey at a Glance
Every transformation looks different—but the path to lasting, equity-centered change tends to follow five essential stages. Grounded in research and field expertise, these stages form a clear, adaptable roadmap to help your institution move forward with purpose.
Lay the Groundwork
Recognize the need. Ready the institution.
Start the Process
Align leadership. Clarify vision. Engage the team.
Sharpen the Focus
Assess honestly. Prioritize intentionally.
Act with Purpose
Implement evidence-based reforms. Manage complexity.
Sustain and Evolve
Embed change. Scale what works. Adapt for the future.
Lay the Groundwork
Recognize the need. Ready the institution.
Start the Process
Align leadership. Clarify vision. Engage the team.
Sharpen the Focus
Assess honestly. Prioritize intentionally.
Act with Purpose
Implement evidence-based reforms. Manage complexity.
Sustain and Evolve
Embed change. Scale what works. Adapt for the future.
Tools for Taking Action
To support changemakers like you, we’ve curated a collection of high-leverage tools to design, implement, and sustain institutional transformation. Whether launching new efforts or refining your approach, these tools are here to help.
Research and Partnership
Built on What Works
Everything hosted on this site is informed by real work in the field. We’ve captured and synthesized insights from institutions leading the way—so you can take what’s proven and put it into action.
