Time to redefine and disrupt higher education

Higher education is one of the few industries that has not significantly changed in the past few decades. And there is a growing belief that there is an urgent need to transform higher education but too many structures and practices are keeping colleges and universities stuck in the past.

College or university mission statements probably include a word like transformational or transformative. The work of a faculty member in any discipline also will include a statement that they are attempting to push the boundaries of their discipline and change things. The reality of how these institutions operate shows a powerful resistance, reluctance, and opposition to change.

There has been a “college-for-all movement” for a long time and this has resulted in some serious questions and challenges for higher education, including grade inflation and credit inflation sometimes meaning that a college degree no longer indicates that one is capable of doing difficult intellectual work.

People are struggling to figure out what is the point of college? Is it a good investment with a positive ROI (Return On Investment)? Does it provide better preparation for a career one seeks to follow?

An unsustainable financial model in colleges and universities and the importance of making education more accessible and equitable should be enough of a driver for higher education to change. However, a stubborn resistance to change is so ingrained in the culture and structures of higher education that change is extremely difficult or nearly impossible.

It is time for a disruption in higher education. Higher education traditionally has been associated and defined with college and universities. Our world today is in the midst of rapid change and the definition of higher education needs to be expanded with a revised definition.

The current higher education model is becoming increasingly obsolete, with more and more people unable to afford or access traditional colleges and universities. The creation of a more equitable and just society requires a revised and expanded definition of higher education to make it more accessible, relevant and with a better return on investment.

Far too many people have a very narrow definition of higher education and do not realize the meaningful difference that trade and skills-based programs make in our everyday life. Think about an experience, such as a car breakdown or medical issue or a plumbing problem and how highly skilled and experienced people working in these fields help us resolve and get through those situations.

Today’s workforce is impacted by accelerated pace of changes, especially the exponential changes experienced in technologies. Jobs are being eliminated, reshaped and created, which makes education and skills-based learning even more critical to a successful career and valuable workforce.

One of the best ways to redefine higher education is to expand its definition beyond the colleges and universities to include apprenticeships, business schools, trade schools, and vocational training. These programs prepare students for careers in fields such as carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work, which are often overlooked by traditional universities. By expanding the definition of higher education, more people will be able to access training and skills that are in demand with this expanded definition and will provide them with opportunities to earn good wages and achieve financial stability.

Students must learn to recognize and realize that they do not have to choose between either/or and that they have an opportunity to choose both. Dual enrollment programs are allowing people to start on college coursework while they finish high school and often in career-focused areas. People need to see the total picture of their range of choices beyond a college or university, such as workforce training, registered apprenticeships, skills-based instruction and certification programs.

We need to redefine the purpose of higher education and place a greater emphasis on developing critical thinking skills, creativity, and innovation. This will prepare students for careers in a rapidly evolving economy and equip them with skills that will be valuable across multiple industries. This shift in focus will also help make higher education more relevant to real-world situations and provide students with the tools to make meaningful contributions to their communities.

Another major factor to help those desiring access to higher education is a significant reduction of the cost of college and making the process of obtaining a degree more accessible. This may involve creating new funding mechanisms for students, such as tuition-free or low-cost programs, or expanding the availability of scholarships and grants. Additionally, universities could offer more online and hybrid classes to make education more accessible for those who are unable to attend traditional classes due to work or family obligations.

We must also ensure that higher education is inclusive and provides opportunities for all individuals, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, or socioeconomic status. This can be achieved by investing in diversity and inclusion programs, providing support services such as academic coaching, mental health counseling, and career counseling, and actively recruiting under-represented groups to ensure they are represented within the student body.

Redefining higher education is essential to ensuring that everyone has access to the training and skills they need to succeed in today’s economy. This is not an insolvable problem. It requires a willingness to intentionally deal with it with a strong commitment to develop and implement strategic solutions.

Closing Thought

“Education in general, and higher education in particular, is on the brink of a huge disruption. Two big questions, which were once so well-settled that we ceased asking them, are now up for grabs. What should young people be learning? And what sorts of credentials indicate they’re ready for the workforce?”

Daniel Pink, best-selling American author

Glenn Ebersole is a registered professional engineer and Business Development Manager at PM Design Group, a nationally licensed A&E firm in West Chester, PA, with 14 offices across the U.S. He can be contacted at [email protected] or 717-575-8572.