6 semester credits

Higher education, as an enterprise, as well as individual institutions, grow more complex every day. Meeting the needs of diverse stakeholder groups, operating within an increasingly convoluted legal and regulatory environment, and adapting to changes in society can lead to fragmentation and divisiveness within institutions. In this course, education professionals examine ways in which leaders can bridge traditional gaps between academic affairs, student affairs, business and external affairs, and community partners to promote collaboration on learning-centered goals. They investigate strategies for leading change within and across different parts of the institution to implement new requirements, seize opportunities, or plan responses to crises and challenges. Moreover, education professionals explore the use of research methods appropriate to understanding institutions, programs, and stakeholder interests.