Change is hard. Anyone who works in higher education knows just how true that statement is, especially when the process requires collaboration and agreement across multiple campus stakeholders. In this week’s issue, we explore strategies for managing change fatigue and what leaders can do to navigate this growing challenge. After that, we turn our attention to shifts in international student enrollment trends, including the potential implications for institutions, before closing with a nonpartisan exploration of President-elect Trump’s pick for Secretary of Education and what it might signal for the future of higher education policy.  

Also, a quick programming note. The HEat Index will be taking next week off. We’ll be back in your inbox in two weeks. We hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving! 

After reading today’s issue, use the comments section to let us know how your institution manages change. 

The Importance of Managing Change 

From Navigating Change Fatigue: The Energy-Commitment Model for Organizational Change | EDUCAUSE Review  

Change fatigue is causing higher education staff to disengage and is negatively impacting institutions. By understanding the issue and implementing effective solutions, college and university leaders can help their institutions continue to move forward.   

Our Thoughts 

With the many pressures squeezing higher education these days, it probably feels like change is constant. Whether we’re implementing new technology, changing structures to comply with regulations, or facing increased turnover in leadership positions, change is rarely easy. I think that’s why I found this article so refreshing as it sheds light on a growing challenge for change management leaders: change fatigue.   

In addition to defining change fatigue, the authors also introduce a possible solution. They provide the Energy-Commitment Model (ECM) as a new change management framework, which focuses on people’s energy and commitment levels to help ensure successful outcomes. What stands out to me in the ECM is its emphasis on tailoring strategies to meet the specific needs of change-fatigued individuals and highlighting the importance of self-care. By integrating these practices, leaders can create a more supportive environment, reducing burnout while achieving organizational goals. As the higher education landscape shifts in response to external factors, balancing the urgency of change with teams’ capacity to manage it will be essential for driving sustainable success.  

International Enrollment Shifts 

From A New Era in International Enrollment | Inside Higher Ed  

The international student market shifted to India while most program growth was seen at the graduate level.    

Our Thoughts 

The rebound in international student enrollment is encouraging news, though it may be short-lived. While international students make up just over 5% of total higher education enrollment in the U.S., they play a vital role for institutions. Many international students pay full tuition, providing a critical revenue stream for tuition-dependent colleges and universities.  

However, this landscape remains fraught with challenges. Political and logistical headwinds, including the potential for increased visa denials and persistent financial barriers, could dampen future growth. Notably, this recent increase in international student enrollment was primarily driven by graduate students from India, a shift that carries implications for institutions. With more students coming from a lower-income country and focusing on graduate programs, there may be heightened financial need among prospective international students.  

For institutions relying heavily on undergraduate international enrollment, this data is a timely reminder to assess their recruitment strategies. Strategic adjustments, such as expanding financial aid offerings or diversifying target markets, could help ensure long-term stability in the face of evolving international student trends. 

New Education Secretary? 

From Trump Picks McMahon as Education Secretary | Inside Higher Ed  

President-elect Trump has selected Linda McMahon, a business and wrestling executive, to lead the Department of Education.  

Our Thoughts  

While I have tried to avoid political news in the HEat Index, McMahon’s selection as the potential new education secretary warrants discussion. Regardless of your politics, it’s important to understand more about the person selected to lead the Department of Education (ED) as their priorities and focus will have a direct impact on institutions.  

McMahon’s background as a business executive with limited experience in education signals a significant shift in focus for ED. Policies may prioritize short-term credentials over traditional four-year degrees, alongside an increased emphasis on school choice. Such changes could reshape the higher education landscape, particularly regarding funding allocations and programmatic focus.  

Additionally, potential expansions of Pell Grant eligibility for short-term credential programs or increased deregulation of for-profit institutions could alter enrollment trends and impact workforce preparation strategies. Taken together, these anticipated policy directions highlight the need for institutional leaders to engage in proactive advocacy efforts and adapt their strategies to align with, or respond to, these shifts.