Does receiving the HEat Index in your inbox each week serve as a helpful nudge, reminding you to stay updated on the most important higher education news? Or perhaps you join us for a fresh perspective on the issues shaping higher education today? Either way, we’re grateful you’ve chosen to spend time with us this week as we wrap up the year. In this issue, we explore new research from Georgia State University on the power of timely nudges, discuss the potential for increased federal accountability measures for higher education institutions, and conclude with a review of the most impactful moments of 2024.  

After reading today’s issue, use the comments section to share your favorite higher education story from 2024.  

The HEat Index is taking a short break for the next two weeks to rest, recharge, and prepare for an exciting new year. We’ll be back in January with the latest in higher education news. Wishing all our readers a joyful holiday season and a Happy New Year! 

The Power of Timely Reminders 

From Nudges Work—for Students’ Most Pressing Tasks | Inside Higher Ed  

Researchers at Georgia State University (GSU) say that timely nudges help students complete high-stakes tasks.    

Our Thoughts 

Nudges have been discussed in education literature for almost fifteen years, with some studies finding significant benefits and others concluding they make little difference. However, generational shifts in students and changing expectations around technology are two reasons I believe we should revisit the potential impact of nudges. In today’s enrollment-challenged environment, even simple interventions could lead to measurable improvements in retention and student success.  

The key takeaway from the GSU research is that nudges are most effective when they are timely, targeted, and focused on high-stakes tasks. By limiting nudges to specific, high-value activities, there’s a greater chance that students will follow through. This appears to be a critical factor in the success of GSU’s nudge initiative and would be an important first consideration if I were planning to launch a nudge program on my campus. Ultimately, I think students want the same thing we do—just-in-time information tailored to their specific needs. 

More Higher Ed Accountability May Be Coming 

From The Emerging Bipartisan Era of Accountability | On EdTech  

Glenda Morgan discusses the growing, bipartisan support for increased accountability in higher education.   

Our Thoughts 

I appreciate Morgan’s coverage of the College Cost Reduction Act (CCRA) as I’m not sure it has received enough attention. I believe we are at a pivotal moment in the evolution of accountability and financial oversight in higher education. The CCRA represents a significant shift in how institutions are held accountable for student outcomes. Whether you agree or disagree with its provisions, it is vital to understand the broad implications of this proposed bill.  

One of the most striking aspects of the CCRA is its emphasis on risk-sharing, which would make institutions financially liable for unpaid student loans under certain conditions. This represents a departure from historical norms, where accountability primarily rested with students and loan servicers. The bipartisan support for this approach reflects a growing consensus that institutions must take greater responsibility for the financial and professional outcomes of their graduates.  

However, institutions serving underrepresented populations or offering degrees in lower-paying fields will face unique challenges under this framework. This raises important questions about equity and fairness in accountability measures. Higher education professionals must advocate proactively for nuanced policies that account for the diverse missions and student demographics of different institutions—before it’s too late. 

2024 In Review 

From 2024: The Year in Higher Ed | The Chronicle of Higher Education, Looking Back at 2024 in Higher Ed | Inside Higher Ed, A year in review: 10 higher education opinion pieces from 2024 |Higher Ed Dive, Most popular stories: Here is UB’s top 10 for 2024 | University Business   

A variety of higher education publications review what happened over the past year as we head into 2025.   

Our Thoughts  

I always found the end of the fall semester to be a great time for reflection and an opportunity to catch up on year-end coverage from various news sites. Revisiting the most impactful moments from 2024 provides valuable insights into the forces that have shaped higher education this year, helping us better anticipate what lies ahead. Plus, sometimes, it’s just helpful to recall everything that happened during this busy year in higher education.  

Additionally, these curated snapshots from trusted news sites highlight the issues that resonated most with our community. By reviewing these reflections, you can identify opportunities for improvement at your institution or uncover innovative solutions and success stories that inspire actionable ideas as we move into 2025.  

Ultimately, these reflection pieces do more than summarize the year. They offer a moment to pause, learn from the successes and challenges of peers, and recalibrate for the future. By engaging with these articles, we can better anticipate trends, align our efforts with sector priorities, and help shape a more responsive and resilient educational landscape in the coming year.