Candidates who complete the program are competent and knowledgeable educational leaders who have the ability to manage the organization, resources, and operations for the efficiency and effectiveness of diverse and complex post-secondary institutions. – Masters of Education in Higher Education Administration Standard Five
Every course in this program has helped satisfy this standard, as efficiency is becoming more and more important in higher education. However, the five courses below, using certain projects and assignments, specifically addressed this standard.
In Higher Education Administration, we learned the intricacies of higher education administrators, and what they must deal with on a daily basis. One challenge we discussed, in detail, was the decline of attainment in higher education. We are plagued with students who enroll, but never complete their degree. This is something many are considering the new standard for measuring higher education institutions. To study this further, we watched a documentary, Declining By Degrees, and completed a discussion about it. The discussion was engaging and many students shared my outrage and frustration. While the documentary discussed the problem, it did not go into detail the options we have to fix it. This is something we discussed throughout the semester, and realistically, throughout the program. Based on what I learned in this course, as well as the entire degree, attainment is an issue we should be focused on. I am now capable of identifying this problem, and discussing potential solutions using the resources available. Attainment is now one major definition of the effectiveness of a university. This course taught me how to evaluate it’s importance, as well as ways to achieve it.
In History of Higher Education, we discussed the history of not only the field, but specific aspects as they related to the history of the nation. As we know from all historical events, those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. One assignment we were tasked with was to research the history of a specific topic in higher education as it relates to our specific sector of the industry. I studied the history of the use of test scores for admission purposes. From the paper, I learned that much of higher education is cyclical. Higher Education, as a mostly public entity, must evolve with public opinion. Through historical investigation, I know that many policies can be vetted simply by viewing their policy predecessor. At some point, an institution has attempted a similar policy from which we can learn. Based on this specific knowledge, I am confident in my ability to investigate a policy before making an informed decision.
In Higher Education Politics, we discussed the micro politics of higher education, working with political operatives within the institution, such as rallying for resources, and making efficient decisions regarding resources. One such way we did this was through our memo project. We were tasked with creating a memo to a newly appointed president of a university. In this memo, we gave the president our recommendations on dealing with issues on our campus of organization and resource allocation, as well as any other political issue that may arise. This course, culminating in this project, caused me to consider all political issues, and which are a priority. In theory, this new president was relying on me to consider all issues regarding the institution, and to advise him or her properly. This course prepared me to consider an institution as an entire entity, and how to effectively use and manage the resources and operations of the institution.
In Higher Education Governance, we discussed the important decisions a governance structure in a state, or private institution, must make. Through the third segment of our final project, we discussed some decisions that were made in the past in our selected state governance model, as well as decisions they may face in the future. One important and efficient decision that is constantly being discussed is that of duplication. Governance structures must decide which institutions should offer which programs, and that all institutions cannot offer the same programs. Through this project, I learned how to make important and efficient decisions regarding higher education.
In the latter part of Higher Education Finance, we discussed the importance of internal politics of an institution in financial decisions. I learned that there are times in which tough decisions must be reached based upon what is for the best of the university. Internal politics play a large role in this, in that departments must make their achievements and contributions known, so that they will get a financial acknowledgement for their hard work. Departments who are contributing should be rewarded each year when the budget is published. We were assigned extensive reading on this subject, and were tasked with writing a reflection based upon the readings. After this course, I know my responsibilities as a budget manager, as well as a department head who is fighting for funding. I can manage a department and resources effectively and diligently.
Being efficient with financial and physical resources is becoming more and more vital in higher education today. This program has helped me discover the best ways to be efficient and effective as a higher education administrator.
In Higher Education Administration, we learned the intricacies of higher education administrators, and what they must deal with on a daily basis. One challenge we discussed, in detail, was the decline of attainment in higher education. We are plagued with students who enroll, but never complete their degree. This is something many are considering the new standard for measuring higher education institutions. To study this further, we watched a documentary, Declining By Degrees, and completed a discussion about it. The discussion was engaging and many students shared my outrage and frustration. While the documentary discussed the problem, it did not go into detail the options we have to fix it. This is something we discussed throughout the semester, and realistically, throughout the program. Based on what I learned in this course, as well as the entire degree, attainment is an issue we should be focused on. I am now capable of identifying this problem, and discussing potential solutions using the resources available. Attainment is now one major definition of the effectiveness of a university. This course taught me how to evaluate it’s importance, as well as ways to achieve it.
In History of Higher Education, we discussed the history of not only the field, but specific aspects as they related to the history of the nation. As we know from all historical events, those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. One assignment we were tasked with was to research the history of a specific topic in higher education as it relates to our specific sector of the industry. I studied the history of the use of test scores for admission purposes. From the paper, I learned that much of higher education is cyclical. Higher Education, as a mostly public entity, must evolve with public opinion. Through historical investigation, I know that many policies can be vetted simply by viewing their policy predecessor. At some point, an institution has attempted a similar policy from which we can learn. Based on this specific knowledge, I am confident in my ability to investigate a policy before making an informed decision.
In Higher Education Politics, we discussed the micro politics of higher education, working with political operatives within the institution, such as rallying for resources, and making efficient decisions regarding resources. One such way we did this was through our memo project. We were tasked with creating a memo to a newly appointed president of a university. In this memo, we gave the president our recommendations on dealing with issues on our campus of organization and resource allocation, as well as any other political issue that may arise. This course, culminating in this project, caused me to consider all political issues, and which are a priority. In theory, this new president was relying on me to consider all issues regarding the institution, and to advise him or her properly. This course prepared me to consider an institution as an entire entity, and how to effectively use and manage the resources and operations of the institution.
In Higher Education Governance, we discussed the important decisions a governance structure in a state, or private institution, must make. Through the third segment of our final project, we discussed some decisions that were made in the past in our selected state governance model, as well as decisions they may face in the future. One important and efficient decision that is constantly being discussed is that of duplication. Governance structures must decide which institutions should offer which programs, and that all institutions cannot offer the same programs. Through this project, I learned how to make important and efficient decisions regarding higher education.
In the latter part of Higher Education Finance, we discussed the importance of internal politics of an institution in financial decisions. I learned that there are times in which tough decisions must be reached based upon what is for the best of the university. Internal politics play a large role in this, in that departments must make their achievements and contributions known, so that they will get a financial acknowledgement for their hard work. Departments who are contributing should be rewarded each year when the budget is published. We were assigned extensive reading on this subject, and were tasked with writing a reflection based upon the readings. After this course, I know my responsibilities as a budget manager, as well as a department head who is fighting for funding. I can manage a department and resources effectively and diligently.
Being efficient with financial and physical resources is becoming more and more vital in higher education today. This program has helped me discover the best ways to be efficient and effective as a higher education administrator.