This chapter explores the potential of integrating conversational AI tools such as ChatGPT with data visualization (DV) tools such as Power BI in higher education settings. A brief history of chatbots is summarized and challenges and opportunities in higher education are outlined. The highlights include AI's prospects for enhancing data-informed…

This chapter presents findings from eight interviews with college and university chief financial officers about institutional borrowing practices during periods of uncertainty and crisis.

Higher education scholars often investigate the policy mechanisms of external accountability, but rarely explore institutional mechanisms of internal accountability. This chapter, which reports select findings from an in-depth case study of institutional budgeting at an American public research university, examines an underexplored mechanism of…

Traditional ecological models are promising for making sense of international student experiences, but the assumed monolithic nature of the structuring systems is inadequate for explaining development that occurs across multiple systems. We present and expand a model called the Spanning Systems Model that recognizes multiple ecologies. The model…

Across disciplines, mid-career faculty may be motivated by internal and external factors to pursue financial support for their work. Yet, it is unclear how mid-career faculty navigate individualized realities to develop the necessary skills for success in this aspect of their careers. This chapter guides the reader through planning for the pursuit…

This chapter uses feminist and empowerment theories as a framework to examine how women in mid-level professional leadership perceive their level of influence and define leadership. Results indicate that empowerment behaviors are central when these women engage in opportunities to influence institutional decision-making, in the ways they identify…

Higher education institutions and the actors therein are still grappling with disparities in student outcomes and disparate student experiences. Although diligent efforts have been made, institutions have yet to transform in any substantial way to overcome these issues. Rather than offering new student success practices, the focus of this chapter…

Despite their significant influence on the experiences of disabled college students, disability resource professionals are provided limited guidance on how to carry out the functions of their role. As a result, during the accommodations process, disability resource professionals generally rely on their instincts and "gut" reactions when…

This chapter discusses the overhaul of Plymouth State University using a framework of integration in all matters of decision-making. This is an example of whole system reorganization where traditional independent structures have been replaced by integrated structures representing new ways of working together and integral experiences for students.

The purpose of this chapter is to provide administrators and faculty with an understanding of learning analytics and its relationship to existing roles and functions so better institutional decisions can be made about investments and activities related to these technologies.

This chapter describes an open learning analytics system focused on learning process measures and designed to engage instructors and students in an evidence-informed decision-making process to improve learning.

This chapter presents an overview of current issues related to distance learning in higher education. It identifies central questions, issues, challenges, and opportunities that must be addressed by decision makers, as well as key attributes of effective leaders.

A key step in distance learning project management is the creation of a course development plan. The plan should account for decisions related to materials, curriculum, delivery methods, staffing, technology applications, resources, reporting lines, and project management--issues that may require administrator involvement and support, particularly…

Generation of voluntary support for colleges and universities has become an ever more important function that is key to the success of all postsecondary institutions. This is true even for public institutions, which have shifted from primarily focusing on alumni relations activities to executing billion dollar campaigns that equal those conducted…

Making the "right" risk management decisions involving students with significant psychological disabilities requires a clear and comprehensive understanding of the legal obligations and duties at issue. It also requires taking into consideration the best interests of these individual students. At the same time, decision makers must focus…