Sector Change Architecture Our Students Need Us to Have

It’s no secret that higher education faces unprecedented challenges in an era of shifting demographics, technological advancements, and increasing public scrutiny. While some colleges may attempt to navigate these cross-currents on their own, we believe that partnership and collaboration (done well) make innovation and change easier, and more likely to be successful. Ten years of seeing the value of smart collaboration for student success has motivated us to build an experience for our sector that will embolden attending campuses inspired, focused and clear-eyed for the path ahead, and aligned with new partners to make their journey easier. Imagine attending a strategy retreat with your team, alongside 100 other campuses, with supported paths connecting you to new allies wrestling with similar issues. Now add an extra dose of inspiration, the most cutting-edge ideas in the field, skill-building workshops, and UIA’s signature approach to convening designed to leave you energized and refreshed for the path ahead when you get home. That is what the UIA National Summit (October 23-25 in Tempe, Arizona) will be. 

Our sector has a lot of ways to gather, but we think there are important elements missing to help institutions get clarity about where they are, where they are going, and who else might want to team up to make the road easier. Other sectors have built in “change architecture” to how they gather annually, with a predictable cadence of setting new goals, reflecting on progress, celebrating wins, and facilitating natural partnerships and allies. We know higher education has had many of these elements at times in the past, because we benefitted greatly from them. From our initial gathering of university presidents ten years ago (where they had a side meeting during a convening at the Aspen Institute), to the required process of defining explicit, measurable goals at the White House Opportunity Summit, or refining our plans and strategy at the Carnegie Improvement Science Workshop, each event helped us build our vision of catalyzing sector-wide change. 

The Summit is not just another conference—it's a unique opportunity for campus teams to join together, reflect on their goals, analyze their data, and chart a course for the future. By engaging in this process alongside other institutions facing similar challenges, you'll gain fresh perspectives, uncover shared patterns, and forge valuable connections. Here's what you can expect at the UIA National Summit:

• Reflection & Clarity: An off-site experience for you and your team to reflect on your goals, review your strategy, and gain fresh insights from your data.
• Energy + Allies: Collaborate with other teams in a trusting environment, fostering brainstorming, collaboration, and collective problem-solving.
• Collaboration: Receive facilitation and support to identify potential collaborative projects, clusters, or networks with other institutions.
• Tools and Skill-Building Workshops: Hands-on workshops on process mapping, design thinking, and change management strategies to equip your team with practical skills.
• Space for New Ideas: Engage in brainstorming sessions, ideation workshops, and pitch competitions to explore innovative solutions and opportunities for funding and support.
• Celebration: Recognize and celebrate the institutions and individuals making significant strides in student success and innovation.
• Inspiration: Gain fresh perspectives and inspiration to navigate the challenges ahead with resilience and clarity.

This summit is the experience I wish existed for my own team—a chance to rejuvenate, connect with peers, and celebrate our wins. It's about more than just making improvements; it's about sustaining the impact our students deserve, fortifying us all with the resilience needed for the path ahead.  

Tickets for the UIA National Summit are selling fast, will sell out (we’re building the event for 450 for intimacy) so you definitely want to secure your spot today. While we aim to cover the base costs, our priority is your experience, not profit. Don't miss out on this opportunity to be part of a movement driving positive change in higher education. Register now and join us at the forefront of innovation and progress.