Institutions of Higher Education Can Make a Global Impact

At its core, higher education is often viewed as a business model. Colleges and universities analyze student interests to develop programs, recruit professors, and allocate resources accordingly. To expand, they seek ways to stay competitive and attract students beyond their local community, all with the aim of generating revenue. This objective is generally accepted since students are making an investment in a brighter future that will positively impact their families and communities.

Higher education institutions, found worldwide, are known for their commitment to independent thinking and research, earning the trust of their communities. Hence, there is a pressing need for these institutions to do more than just educate upcoming generations to be socially aware and well-equipped professionals. But they must also inspire students to pursue careers within their communities to address local challenges and contribute back to society. Higher education plays a crucial role in shaping the minds and hearts of the next generation, fostering a brighter future for all. And there is more that can be done to make a global impact.

Let’s start with enrolled students, who are poised to making a difference, with support and encouragement from their professors and advisors. First, encourage them to venture out of their comfort zone and try something new like taking an elective or joining a student organization. This can help broaden their horizons and their openness to new ideas and perspectives and build their leadership skills. Second, they can invest their spare time in worthy causes and will reap the personal and professional payoffs. The personal incentive here is the sense of renewed perspective and gratitude that comes with appreciating the little privileges we may enjoy, and others may lack. The professional incentive is the demonstrated ability and commitment to using their skills to transform society. ?Third, remind them to make it fun! Committing time and effort to actively shaping a better future can and should prove rewarding. Student-run non-profit and charity organizations put the “social” into social impact. They bring together eager students with big ideas and big hearts and rally them around being the change they want to see in the world through creative projects with a tangible impact on people’s lives.

Universities have the potential to make a global impact by starting at a local level. Instead of solely focusing on competitive degree programs, engage with local businesses, schools, and hospitals to understand their specific staffing needs. Develop degree programs that align with the community's staff needs and collaborate with these organizations by providing student work programs, such as the Federal Work Study Program. This approach not only equips students with the necessary qualifications and practical experience but also increases the likelihood of them staying within the community, as many jobs prioritize internal hiring.

There are numerous opportunities for staff and administration to engage in volunteer work to reach the community beyond relying solely on student organizations like the Fraternity and Sorority Councils. Institutions can establish staff groups that come together to support the community in various capacities. By becoming active contributors in the community, schools can serve as a positive influence for other institutions to follow suit. While these concepts may not be groundbreaking, they are likely part of many institutions' agendas. However, administrators, especially in understaffed departments, often find themselves overwhelmed with administrative tasks, leaving little time for social interaction with students and the community. Contacting Higher Ed Consulting can help streamline and take over processing tasks, freeing up time for staff to actively contribute to their community and make a difference on a larger scale. Call Today!