A new report from the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) offers a more nuanced perspective on enrollment as we approach the demographic cliff, which, in reality, feels more like a slow, steady decline. In this week’s issue, we’ll take a deeper look at how this report can help your institution with enrollment planning. Afterwards, we discuss the importance of balancing AI with ethical considerations in higher education followed by a “top ten” list shared by a chief digital officer that highlights key trends and priorities for digital transformation.  

After reading today’s issue, use the comments section to share how your institution is striking an ethical balance with your AI initiatives. 

Upcoming Demographic Cliff Revisited 

From A Long Way Down the Demographic Cliff | Inside Higher Ed  

A new report from WICHE provides updated details of the upcoming demographic cliff.    

Our Thoughts 

So, you’re probably thinking, “Yeah, yeah…the demographic cliff and drop in enrollment. I’ve heard it all before.” While that might be true, it’s still important to revisit updated reports as they offer additional nuance with more recent data, providing a clearer picture of the upcoming enrollment shifts. This new information, combined with other challenges such as declining first-year enrollment and financial pressures, enables institutions to develop more informed strategic plans to navigate these challenges effectively.  

Additionally, I think it’s crucial to read the actual report, not just the news summaries, to better understand how these demographic shifts might affect your institution. For instance, declines in high school graduates won’t be uniform across all states, with some Southern states even experiencing growth. However, this growth will primarily come from students who identify as Hispanic or multiracial, meaning institutions may need to adjust recruitment and support strategies to successfully enroll and retain these students.  

AI and Ethics in Higher Education 

From Striking a Balance: Navigating the Ethical Dilemmas of AI in Higher Education | EDUCAUSE Review  

Navigating the complexities of artificial intelligence (AI) while upholding ethical standards requires a balanced approach that considers the benefits and risks of AI adoption.   

Our Thoughts 

I know AI feels ever-present these days. We’ve featured it numerous times in this blog alone. While I may be a little tired of writing about it, I recognize its profound impact on higher education makes it crucial to continue the conversation. The last technology that affected our industry this much was likely the internet itself, but AI technologies have proliferated far more rapidly. Because of this swift rise, it’s essential to carefully consider the ethical and responsible integration of these tools in our teaching and learning environments.  

As educators face increasing pressures to adopt AI tools, understanding their implications for equity, sustainability, and human-centered learning is critical. This article not only provides a sobering reminder of AI’s risks but also outlines actionable pathways for addressing these challenges. For instance, AI is trained on historical data and may reinforce systemic biases, emphasizing the need for better faculty training to critically evaluate AI tools before their adoption.  

Additionally, the article’s emphasis on human-centered learning is vital for the future of our institutions. (For a deeper dive, see this excellent piece by John Warner). Maintaining meaningful human interactions in AI-supported classrooms should remain a key priority for institutional AI initiatives. The real challenge lies in leveraging AI to enhance education while ensuring it supports instead of replaces the human connections that are fundamental to meaningful learning experiences. 

A Chief Data Officer’s Wish List 

From Digital Leadership Must-Haves for 2025: A CDO’s Picks | Campus Technology  

Ed Wozencroft, the chief digital officer (CDO) at the New Jersey Institute of Technology discusses where he thinks digital information leaders should focus their work in 2025.   

Our Thoughts  

While these are just one person’s ideas, they provide a thought-provoking starting point for considering the digital transformation work your institution might undertake in 2025. The interview with Wozencraft highlights the evolving role of digital leadership in academia and offers a roadmap for navigating a rapidly changing technological landscape. As digital transformation increasingly becomes a strategic imperative in higher education, we may see more institutions creating chief digital officer roles.  

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Wozencraft devotes much of the interview to the importance of human-centered digital transformation and ethical AI integration. As students and faculty express concerns about AI replacing human interaction and perpetuating bias, institutions must approach these issues with transparency and empathy. By emphasizing human-centered design principles, we can address immediate concerns about AI while laying the groundwork for sustainable, learner-focused innovation. Prioritizing technological advancement alongside ethical responsibility will help foster greater trust and equity in our classroom environments.