NACUBO In Brief

Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) is more than just a threat assessment; it’s a methodical organization-wide approach to making decisions about the safety and security of college and university community members – on campus and abroad. Join Bronté Burleigh-Jones, CFO, vice president, and treasurer at American University; Keesha Trim, senior director of risk management at the University of Richmond; and NACUBO’s Liz Clark as they discuss key considerations to make when implementing an integrated approach to risk management in higher education.   Bronté and Keesha talk about the shared responsibility in ensuring ERM plans are always ready to meet the moment and how to communicate ERM strategies to the broader community. Bronté also shares the mindful approach her campus took in conducting a risk analysis on whether to arm or not arm the campus police department – showcasing how a thoughtful ERM process can set a standard for future decision-making.   Additional Resources Connect with Liz on LinkedIn Connect with Keesha on LinkedIn Learn about University Risk Management and Insurance Association (URMIA) Check out URMIA’s Annual Conference, Oct 12-16 Check out NACUBO’s other podcasts! Career Conversations CBO Speaks

When tuition policies have more exceptions than the rule or there is a need to increase student enrollment and reach new markets, it might be time for institutions to take a fresh look at—and consider modernizing—those policies. In this episode, the University System of Maryland’s Colleen Auburger, associate vice chancellor for budget analysis, and Chad Muntz, associate vice chancellor for decision support and chief analytics officer, join NACUBO’s Bryan Dickson in a conversation on how they aligned tuition policies with their strategic priorities and guiding values of accessibility and affordability.   Chad and Colleen discuss how they built a workplan with considerations for timing, impacts, and risks, and the importance of engaging with stakeholder groups in a meaningful and manageable way to get feedback. They also share how equity and access were addressed and offer advice for other institutions exploring a realignment of tuition policies with long-term strategic planning.   Additional Resources Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn Connect with Chad on LinkedIn Connect with Colleen on LinkedIn Check out NACUBO’s other podcasts! Career Conversations CBO Speaks

Employee disengagement and burnout don’t just affect morale; they carry real financial and human costs for institutions. In this episode, Amanda Bailey, vice president for human resources at Boston University, and Kelcey Stratton, chief behavioral health strategist at the University of Michigan, join NACUBO’s Bryan Dickson in a conversation on the hidden costs when institutions don’t prioritize mental health and employee well-being.   There are institutional costs associated with employee turnover, as well as absenteeism, presenteeism, and lower engagement. Amanda and Kelcey review healthcare data and share how their institutions are aligning policies and programs to meet the evolving needs of faculty and staff. They also share how business officers can think holistically about cost, culture, and impact, and why well-being should remain part of financial sustainability conversations.   Additional Resources Read this Surgeon General Publication on Workplace Mental Health & Well-Being Read more on Employee Engagement Strategies: Fixing the World's $8.8 Trillion Problem Read more about Addressing Workplace Mental Health and Well-Being With Purpose - Huron Connect with Amanda on LinkedIn Connect with Kelcey on LinkedIn Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn

There’s no shortage of news about the U.S. Department of Education these days—from an executive order proposing to eliminate the agency, to new proposals on Capitol Hill that could reshape federal aid programs, to upcoming regulatory changes. The National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators’ Karen McCarthy joins NACUBO’s Liz Clark and Bryan Dickson to explore what these developments mean for higher education institutions and staff working in financial aid and business offices. They also discuss how NASFAA and NACUBO are supporting their members through advocacy and engagement.   Additional Resources: Read the latest NACUBO news Follow NASFAA on LinkedIn Connect with Liz Clark on LinkedIn Connect with Bryan Dickson on LinkedIn Check out NACUBO’s other podcasts! Career Conversations CBO Speaks

April 30 marked the first 100 days President Trump’s second term in the White House. Executive orders and federal agency upheavals have created new challenges and much uncertainty for colleges and universities. On Capitol Hill, House budget and tax proposals include a number of policy ideas that are adding to concerns. NACUBO’s Liz Clark and Ashley Jackson discuss these issues and advocacy efforts NACUBO has taken on behalf of its members.   Additional Resources: Read the latest NACUBO news Register for the next NACUBO Washington Update Connect with Ashley Jackson on LinkedIn Connect with Liz Clark on LinkedIn

The fifth edition of the National Profile of Higher Education Chief Business Officers, released last year, offers crucial insights into the career paths, responsibilities, and aspirations of CBOs across the country. In this special crossover episode between CBO Speaks and NACUBO in Brief, host Donna Schiele and NACUBO's Bryan Dickson explore the Profile's findings with Nicole Long, chief financial officer and vice president of finance and administration at Agnes Scott College in Decatur, Georgia, and Peter Elliott, vice president for administrative services at South Florida State College in Avon Park, Florida.   The Profile examines key demographic trends in higher education leadership, revealing significant progress in diversity while highlighting areas still needing improvement. Long and Elliott provide valuable context around the study's findings on career pathways, succession planning, and evolving skill requirements. Their discussion emphasizes how the CBO role continues to expand beyond traditional financial oversight, with increasing focus on data analytics, new business models, and strategic planning - areas that require intentional development of future leaders.   Join us for an insightful discussion about: Key findings from the 2024 CBO Profile, including demographic shifts and emerging trends Essential skills for modern CBOs, including strategic planning and change management The importance of succession planning and developing future leaders How the role of CBO continues to evolve and expand beyond traditional financial responsibilities Strategies for attracting diverse talent to CBO positions The 2024 National Profile of Higher Education Chief Business Officers provides crucial insights into the changing nature of the profession, revealing how the role continues to expand beyond traditional financial oversight to encompass strategic planning, data analytics, and comprehensive institutional leadership. This discussion brings these findings to life through the experiences of current CBOs, offering valuable perspective for institutions and leaders working to develop the next generation of higher education business officers.   Links Learn more about the National Profile of Higher Education Chief Business Officers Connect with Peter on LinkedIn Connect with Nicole on LinkedIn Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn Check out NACUBO’s other podcasts! Career Conversations CBO Speaks

Executive orders and memos issued during President Trump’s first weeks back in the White House have elevated risk and uncertainty for colleges and universities. A leaked list of House budget and tax proposals includes a number of alarming policy ideas, and it is unclear how, or if, the Congress will be able to fund the federal government after March 14. NACUBO’s Liz Clark and Ashley Jackson discuss these issues and advocacy efforts NACUBO has taken on behalf of its members.   Links & Notes NACUBO Letter to Congress on 2025 Priorities (January 31, 2025) NACUBO Statement on Federal Funding Freeze Catch up on news from NACUBO Register for NACUBO’s February 11, 2025 Washington Update Connect with Ashley Jackson on LinkedIn Connect with Liz Clark on LinkedIn Check out NACUBO’s other podcasts! Career Conversations CBO Speaks

Dr. Ruth Johnston, vice president of NACUBO Consulting joins Liz Clark to talk about NACUBO Consulting. Ruth talks about the expertise, experience, and leadership abilities NACUBO consultants bring to each engagement. She also discusses some of the top issues for which institutions are seeking solutions. Ruth also explains how NACUBO Consultants are integrating tools available from NACUBO such as the Student Success Hub, resources developed by NACUBO’s analytics team, and more.   Links & Notes Learn more about NACUBO Consulting Connect with Ruth Johnston on LinkedIn Access the NACUBO Student Success Hub Explore additional analytics resources from NACUBO Discover Higher Education’s Top 5 Business Issues of 2024

La Toya Hart, Ph.D., assistant vice president, institutional research, planning and effectiveness, at Jackson State University and Lindsay Wayt, Ph.D., senior director, analytics, at NACUBO join Liz Clark to talk about the new Change With Analytics Playbook, a comprehensive resource designed to support institutions in creating a culture and capacity for strategic data use. The free resource contains 16 “plays” for data leaders to follow in order to make significant progress on their institution’s analytics goals.   Links & Notes Access the Change with Analytics Playbook Connect with La Toya on LinkedIn Connect with Lindsay on Linked In Explore additional analytics resources from NACUBO

Demographic and economic swings are a reality for colleges and universities, but thoughtful campus leaders can create proactive, rather than reactive, approaches to program development and connect those with employers’ workforce needs. Ivy Tech Community College’s Dominick Chase, senior vice president and chief financial officer, and Molly Dodge, senior vice president of workforce and careers sit down with NACUBO’s Bryan Dickson, director of student financial services and educational programs, to discuss how the institution cultivated corporate partnerships and legislative support for a dynamic, skills-oriented curriculum that has increasingly transformed student outcomes.   Additional Resources:   Connect with Dominick on LinkedIn Connect with Molly on LinkedIn Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn Check out NACUBO’s other podcasts! Career Conversations CBO Speaks

Student retention is a top priority for every campus and is affected by numerous factors. Everything from accessibility to payment instructions, course registration and billing due dates, payment methods and options could influence student retention. Join Becky Copper-Glenz, Fitchburg State University’s dean for the school of graduate, online, and continuing education, and Bryan Dickson, NACUBO’s director of student financial services and educational programs as they discuss research findings from the university. They’ll explore which billing practices have impacted enrollment and retention, how practices are being applied to different student groups, and whether their payment processes are aligned with today’s environment.     Additional Resources: Learn more about Fitchburg State’s work Connect with Becky on LinkedIn Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn

Anne Ollen, Managing Director at the TIAA Institute, a think-tank within TIAA, develops and executes the TIAA Institute's higher education program. In conversation with NACUBO’s vice president for policy and research, Liz Clark, Anne shares highlights from a recent TIAA Institute research initiative to deepen understanding of potential and current employees' job choices and what people expect to gain in return for the work they do at colleges and universities. She describes a tool institutional leaders can consider—an employee value proposition (EVP)—to convey the benefits of working in higher education. Anne shares insights on the tangible and intangible benefits of an EVP. Additional Resources Explore the research from the TIAA Institute Learn more about Anne Ollen Connect with Anne on LinkedIn Connect with Liz on LinkedIn

Brent O’Guin, artificial intelligence strategist and architect at the Georgia Institute of Technology speaks with Neil Gavigan, policy and advocacy manager at NACUBO about his work leading generative AI integration across the institution. Stating “you don’t have to wait to start getting value from AI,” Brent shares his experiences helping staff build a working understanding of readily available tools while applying them to various administrative functions. Links & Notes Read about Georgia Tech’s Responsible Adoption of AI Connect with Brent on LinkedIn Connect with Neil on LinkedIn

With 30 years of experience in higher education administration, Mark Hampton, executive education advisor at Amazon Web Services (AWS), is deeply familiar with the changing needs of institutions and necessary steps to meet the challenge. In conversation with NACUBO’s vice president, policy and research, Liz Clark, Mark shares insights about change management as well as the importance of proper data stewardship.   Likening an institution’s data to its financial resources, Mark challenges administrators to break down data silos before they are “left behind” in this era of rapid technological change.   Links & Notes Read Not Set in Stone: Strategies to Break Down Data Silos and Increase Analytics ROI See Mark’s work with AWS Connect with Mark on LinkedIn Connect with Liz on LinkedIn

Andrea Young, vice president for finance and administration at DePauw University, and Curtis Wiseley, executive director of MINDful College Connections, speak with Neil Gavigan, policy and advocacy manager at NACUBO, about their innovative approach to better meet the mental health needs of students at Depauw University, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, and St. Mary of the Woods College.   With a shared vision and support from the Lilly Endowment, these three institutions created a flexible and responsive consortium to help each member deliver resources when—and where—their students need them.   Links & Notes Learn more about MINDful College Connections Connect with Andrea on LinkedIn Connect with Neil on LinkedIn

In 2021, human resources leaders at the University of California, Irvine leveraged changing ideas about the nature of work to introduce “Work Reimagined,” a program designed to retain the institution’s culture and community and deliver on its mission while building a human-centric work experience that allows for increased flexibility where and when employees work.   In this episode, UC Irvine’s Ramona Agrela, chief human resources officer, vice chancellor, and Michele Quint, executive director health sciences HR & medical center HR join Neil Gavigan, policy and advocacy manager at NACUBO to share about the ongoing process their institution is taking to improve outcomes for the institution and its employees.   Links & Notes Read more about UC Irvine’s Work Reimagined program Connect with Ramona on LinkedIn Connect with Michelle on LinkedIn Connect with Neil on LinkedIn Check out NACUBO’s other podcasts! Career Conversations CBO Speaks

Pete Zuraw, vice president of market strategy and development at Gordian, joins Neil Gavigan, policy and advocacy manager at NACUBO to discuss the latest in higher education facilities management. The conversation centers around the 11th edition of Gordian’s State of Facilities in Higher Education study, released earlier this year.   Pete and Neil focus on the various human elements that provide a foundation for higher education facilities: an aging facilities workforce, changing demographics in higher education, and the mission-driven purposes of facilities.   Links & Notes Download The State of Facilities in Higher Education, 11th Edition Download Gordian, APPA, and NACUBO’s Framework for Rethinking Collaboration in Higher Education Explore NACUBO’s State of Higher Education series Connect with Pete on LinkedIn Connect with Neil on LinkedIn

In this episode, NACUBO’s senior director, research and policy analysis, Ken Redd joins vice president, policy and research, Liz Clark to dig into the inputs and impacts of NACUBO’s research projects.   Beginning with the 2023 NACUBO-Commonfund Study of Endowments, a report that marks the 50th anniversary of NACUBO’s endowment study, they walk through the evolving research process and changing policy considerations of this flagship report on college and university endowments. Next they discuss results of the 2023 NACUBO Tuition Discounting Study—an annual study of tuition discounting practices, the use of institutional grant aid to reduce undergraduate tuition, at private nonprofit institutions. On the whole, Liz and Ken shed light on how these studies help inform business officers, the higher education sector, and members of the public about key trends in higher education finance.   Links & Notes Download the 2023 NACUBO-Commonfund Study of Endowments Read the press release: U.S. Higher Education Endowments Report 7.7% Return for FY23 While Spending More in Support of Their Missions Read the 50-year NACUBO endowment study retrospective Download the 2023 NACUBO Tuition Discounting Study Read the press release: Annual NACUBO Tuition Discounting Study Finds Financial Aid Awards on the Rise Read insights from Wofford College about tuition discounting Learn more about NACUBO Research Connect with Liz on LinkedIn Connect with Ken on LinkedIn

During the 2024 NACUBO Annual Meeting, NACUBO will unveil a new Student Success Hub, a toolkit designed to offer pragmatic approaches to evaluate and sustain student equity and student success initiatives. The Hub is the result of work from NACUBO that has been supported by three 3-year grants to produce a bank of resources to strengthen schools’ ability to analyze financial and student outcomes-related data.   In this episode, NACUBO’s vice president for policy and research, Liz Clark speaks with Kelli Rainey, Ed.D., senior director for grants management about the project and Amber Randolph, senior vice chancellor for administration and economic development, and chief financial officer at Rutgers University-Newark to learn more about the journey she and representatives from the 25 other participating colleges and universities undertook to develop this important project.   Links & Notes Listen to NACUBO In Brief Episode 84: Breaking Down Silos to Create and Sustain Equitable Student Outcomes Connect with Amber on LinkedIn Connect with Liz on LinkedIn Connect with Kelli on LinkedIn

Sharon Butler is deeply familiar with the “uneasiness and concerns” that international students face when it comes to paying tuition and other expenses. As Executive Vice President of Global Education at Flywire, a global payments enablement company that partners with institutions across the world, she is looking for solutions to these problems. In a conversation with NACUBO’s Bryan Dickson, director, student financial services and educational programs, Sharon shares findings from a recent a survey of more than 1,800 students across the world and talks about the importance of reducing friction to help students find the right solution.   Links & Notes View Flywire’s study Unlocking the Door to Higher Education Connect with Sharon on LinkedIn Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn