Occupier Edge_Ed.5_US_0124

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Six university trends we’re seeing as a result of these market-shaking global forces

04 STATE OF THE ART TECHNOLOGY Students entering college these days were born in the 2000s, and they have never known a world without mobile phones, public WiFi, and flat screen televisions. In fact, they may not even remember a world without smart phones and internet- connected home appliances. Their expectations are that the technology offered on and around campus will be seamless and streamlined. Beyond just the staples of WiFi and cell service, today’s students expect video conferencing tools and modern A/V options around campus. Schools have to fight to keep up with technology amenities, and are also essentially mini-tech companies with responsibility for data security and growing provision of education services via online formats. In a 2017 survey of college and university deans conducted by 2U and The Academy for Innovative Higher Education, 91.5% of respondents indicated their institution will provide more online programs in 10 years than they do today. RESORT-STYLE AMENITIES Universities spend millions of dollars on student “consumption” amenities like rock- climbing walls and lazy rivers. New residence halls often have infinity pools, putting greens, fitness centers, gaming rooms, fire pits, grills, and saunas. One private dorm in London offers a cinema room and concierge. These features can significantly add to the cost of a college education, but studies indicate that such features help to attract students regardless of the added cost. The desire for new and better is not limited to residence halls. Universities are also spending billions of dollars on upgrading classrooms, libraries, computer labs, and athletic facilities.

DISRUPTION

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02 CONNECTION TO SOMETHING BIGGER Universities can often feel like their own little cities, whether they are in a small town or part of a Gateway city. However, there are a myriad of benefits linking the daily life of a college with its surrounding community. This connection offers opportunities for students to connect with the business and cultural communities outside the university walls, and provides resources for partnership between corporations, students, faculty, and civic institutions. And, it helps connect students’ ongoing learning with real-life application. COLLABORATION It may have been at one point that the main benefit of postsecondary education was to spend time learning from professors who lectured on their areas of expertise. However, now learning is more active and collaborative, which means that professors are less founts of knowledge and more mentors, subject matter experts, and facilitators. In addition to rubbing elbows with professors, the value of an education is increasingly found in the connections that are made with:

> > Other students from diverse backgrounds

> > Alumni

> > Industry experts and current professionals in students’ field of study

> > Business incubators

> > Extracurricular activities and groups / societies

30 The Occupier Edge