The 25th annual HEUG Alliance conference just concluded in Seattle, Washington. It was an intense three days dedicated to networking and learning, with over 300 sessions to attend. And did I mention that the conference was in person? Here are some of the key themes from the conference that I have continued to reflect on since returning home.
- Data: Countless Opportunities (and Even More Challenges)
Data was a frequent discussion topic as it continues to evolve. Despite this evolution, it may be one of the areas in which institutions continue to struggle the most. And given the inclination to use data safely and efficiently — be it for decision making, constituent management, or institutional reporting — the path forward isn’t always clear.
One readily apparent point is that managing data is not a single or simple problem. For some organizations, it’s a question of access. For others, the concern lies heavily with data hygiene and integrity, while others are trying to determine what data is valuable. For many, it is all the above.
The good news is that there was consistent strategic and tactical messaging and guidance across multiple sessions, like taking the time to plan and understand your data, ensuring executive buy-in on data access, collaborating, and recognizing that effective data management and governance is a journey rather than a destination.
- The Future Is Interconnected
Alliance 2022 conference sessions coalesced around core education technologies: student information systems (SIS), constituent relationship management (CRM), enterprise resource planning (ERP), and human capital management (HCM). More than ever, there is a demand to organize systems as parts of a whole rather than as individual players. Systems developed in a vacuum or implemented without consideration for a full suite of use cases (including integration) perpetuate data challenges and undermine institutional initiatives to improve constituent experiences.
Planning a technology stack without understanding how your systems may need to tie together is like building a house of bricks without mortar. Everything might be visible, but you are applying unnecessary strains on the humans who will perform swivel-chair integrations, sacrificing opportunities to innovate and automate. And eventually, the pressure causes cracks to show.
Organizations need to understand that the relationships between system environments require vision and strategy. This type of behavior fosters collaboration and coordination across units.
- You’re Not Alone (and That’s a Good Thing)
It was clear that there was tremendous energy and enthusiasm across the conference. Institutions benefit by working with fellow schools, technology solutions, and strategic partners to face challenges. The most successful campuses have found ways to develop strong partnerships and make contributions. The discussions in all forms demonstrated the incredibly collaborative ethos that pervades higher education and makes it such a rewarding industry to support.
As the old saying goes, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
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