As a new academic year has started for many institutions, we see the happy return of more higher education news in this week’s issue. First, we explore how technology has led to increased burnout among faculty before discussing just how many students use AI regularly (spoiler alert: a lot!). From there, we look at ways to make your institution “student ready” and finish with disappointing survey results about the new FAFSA. Happy fall semester, everyone!  

After reading today’s issue, use the comments section to let us know if your institution offers AI literacy training to students, faculty, and staff. 

Faculty Burnout 

From Report finds professors are burned out, thanks to technology | Inside Higher Ed   

Half of faculty members feel burned out, with most attributing it to the “always on” nature of technology.   

Our Thoughts 

While the survey was specifically about faculty members, I know my fair share of higher education staff who feel similarly. Technology has a way of creeping into all areas if not approached carefully and with control. The results of this survey are particularly concerning as technology continues to expand in the classroom, leading to a divide between faculty who embrace it and those who resist it.   

From an IT perspective, the findings of the survey suggest that to reduce burnout, faculty should be more involved in the decision-making process about educational technology . Faculty well-being directly affects teaching quality and student educational outcomes. Understanding the challenges faculty are facing can help guide institutions in developing supportive environments that balance both the opportunities and drawbacks of increasing tech use in education. I see the results of this survey as a call to action for better communication and collaboration with faculty.  

Student Use of AI 

From Survey: 86% of Students Already Use AI in Their Studies | Campus Technology   

A recent survey from the Digital Education Council found that 86% of students use AI for their coursework with half using it weekly.    

Our Thoughts 

For me, the most notable part of this survey is the results are taken from responses across sixteen countries. This indicates that AI use among students impacts higher education around the world. Despite this widespread usage across different cultures with differing approaches to higher education, students still feel unprepared to use AI effectively when they enter the workforce. This indicates a lack of AI literacy instruction and training programs at various institutional types across countries.   

This gap between current educational practices and the expectations of students is important for institutions to consider as students increasingly use AI. While we do not yet know the long-term impacts of AI, it is necessary that we effectively equip students, faculty, and staff with the skills and knowledge they need today to use these tools. Historically, I know higher education exercises caution when adapting to new technologies, but I feel this is one instance where we must dive in to support students where they are.  

A Student-Ready College 

From 3 strategies to support college readiness among students | Inside Higher Ed  

As student readiness for college has declined (most recently due to the pandemic), experts are asking whether colleges are prepared to help students succeed.   

Our Thoughts  

In full disclosure, I’ve been a proponent of adapting the college experience to better meet the needs of students since I started my career in higher education almost twenty years ago. I remember being a first-generation college student who was lucky enough to have friends explain what simple higher education terminology meant (like office hours) and help me navigate the “hidden curricula.”   

When I started working in higher education, I advocated for explaining phrases and eliminating acronyms to make processes easier for all students. These ideas were reinforced in me when I read Becoming a Student-Ready College: A New Culture of Leadership for Student Success back in 2016. Given the enrollment challenges that lie ahead for many institutions, even small changes that help students succeed matter. Regardless of your department, everyone at the institution can contribute to this effort. 

No Love for the New FAFSA 

From Just 29% of families say the updated FAFSA was easier to complete, survey finds | Higher Ed Dive  

Less than one-third of families thought the new FAFSA was an improvement over the old one.   

Our Thoughts  

Well, the results of this study must be disappointing for The Department of Education. I’m sure some of the respondents’ feelings are still influenced by the delays and negative experiences many had when completing the new FAFSA, but it is still discouraging. The simple fact is that most students require some level of financial aid to attend a postsecondary institution. Because of this, ED was charged with making the process easier for families, but it seems they missed the mark for two-thirds of users.  

While we won’t have the official numbers for the fall semester from the National Student Clearinghouse for a while, I expect to see decreases in enrollment for some institutions and possibly for overall postsecondary enrollment. Although, the impact on overall enrollment may be partially offset by the rise in dual enrollment over the last couple of years. Either way, this year’s FAFSA challenges will impact institutions for years to come