AI: new source of competitiveness in higher education

Purpose This paper aims to survey the current landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) applications in higher education institutions (HEIs) and recommend future directions. Design/methodology/approach This paper reviews the recent trends, showcases the applications and provides future directions through a review of current uses of AI in HEIs. Findings The results of this study highlight successful applications of AI technologies in three main areas of college operation: student learning experience; student support; and enrollment management. Research limitations/implications This review has important implications for early adopters of AI by HEIs in providing a competitive advantage. The limitation lies in the scope of the review. It is not comprehensive and does not cover other areas of college operations. Originality/value This is the first review about AI in higher education. It is of value in building future research and serving as a framework for AI applications in HEI.

An Examination of Organization Learning and Data Driven Decision Making within Two University Enrollment Management Programs

This paper investigated the declining number of students in higher education institutions, and the effective strategies universities can use to recruit students who will graduate. From this research, it appeared that data-driven decision-making can be an effective means to create a successful enrollment management office. Through a practice of data-driven decision-making, organizational learning can happen, which will allow an organization to maintain success and build a culture that sustains that success. Three key themes emerged from the research that will help to inform best practices for other colleges and universities to implement ideas from this research. The three themes are: an organization must have good, usable data; an organization should strive to create a culture of teamwork to sustain success, and an organization needs a successful enrollment leader.

Recruiting and Retaining Racially Minoritized Students into Professional Postbaccalaureate Athletic Training Programs

Context Racially diverse individuals are underrepresented in the field of athletic training. Previous research identified multiple factors that may contribute to diversity concerns including a lack of access to higher education, underrepresentation, financial instability, lack of programming, and mentoring for minoritized students through matriculation in health care education programs. Objective To identify current recruitment and retention strategies aimed at racially minoritized students in athletic training programs. Design Consensual qualitative research. Setting Individual interviews. Patients or Other Participants A total of 14 professional athletic training program directors (age = 47 ± 7 years; years credentialed = 25 ± 7 years; years in role = 13 ± 7 years). Main Outcome Measures This qualitative study used consensual qualitative research methodology with the incorporation of multianalyst triangulation and member checking to establish trustworthiness. The interview protocol consisted of questions regarding current recruitment and retention strategies used by directors of professional master's programs. Results Four domains emerged from the study: (1) benefits of diversity, (2) marketing, (3) individualized support, and (4) enrollment management strategies. Participants expressed that diversity could lead to a more inclusive and positive learning environment and could improve patient care through establishing race concordance on the program Web site, social media, and other print materials. Program directors demonstrated a lack of awareness relative to available professional resources and the difference between creating equal versus equitable resources. Participants demonstrated variability in their awareness of enrollment management strategies, specific to admissions resources and professional resources. Conclusions Program directors appreciate the benefits of racial diversity and are actively engaged in marketing strategies to recruit minoritized students. They are also working to retain minoritized students but may be providing equal, rather than equitable, resources. Professional athletic training programs must continue to develop and promote effective strategies for admissions, support matriculation, and increase identifiable and equitable resources to better serve minoritized students.