Conference Takeaways

May 2024

April was a busy month for conference travels. I had the opportunity to attend two important events: the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Annual Conference and the AZTransfer Summit. Both provided a valuable perspective on the evolving landscape of higher education. Here are some of my takeaways.

At the HLC Conference, there were discussions about critical issues facing higher education nationally, including the opportunities and challenges presented by AI, paradigm shifts in teaching, learning and enrollment, and the increasing need for accountability and innovation within our programs and institutions. Financial sustainability, talent management, the growth of short-term credentials, and the effects of political, social, and regulatory changes on education were also emphasized. One of the themes was the post-pandemic transformation in how we teach and engage students and how colleges and universities continue adapting to provide flexible and responsive educational options, along with meaningful guided pathways and strategic enrollment management. This aligns with our mission to serve our community’s unique demographic and economic needs.

The AZTransfer Summit was equally informative. It has a focus on enhancing the transfer processes and practices, which is a vital component of our students’ educational pathways. The sessions offered great opportunities to promote transfer literacy and awareness among community college educators and emphasized the value of data (e.g., the ASSIST report portal) in supporting our program review and research efforts. One session highlighted the importance of authentic assessments in an AI-influenced era, through methods such as project-based learning and real-world simulations. Additionally, the discussions around Open Educational Resources (OER) emphasized not just cost savings but also the relevance and adaptability of our curriculum to meet the diverse needs of our students transitioning from K-12 to higher education. Dual enrollment was another hot topic as it continues to grow statewide. It was noted that colleges need to carefully address the impact of the new HLC policy on faculty qualifications, the balance between program expansion and quality of instruction, and the allocation of support and resources. One suggestion was to utilize NACEP faculty and curriculum standards as best practice frameworks.

I hope these takeaways provide you with some food for thought as we continue working on strategies to better support our students’ educational and career goals.

Wei Ma, PhD
Dean of Instructional Innovation
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