At Clarus, we specialize in working with organizations and institutions that help build stronger communities. As part of this focus, we’ve gained extensive experience working with colleges and universities throughout the United States.
A Vital Sector for Our Communities & Economy
The National Center for Education Statistics estimates that in 2021, more than 19 million individuals were enrolled in some form of postsecondary education in the United States. In addition to impacting the lives of so many individuals, higher education also helps advance economic, technological, and social progress.
Supporting Higher Education Clients through Our Collaborative Approach
While each institution of higher learning is unique, there are commonalities across them that are well-suited to Clarus’ collaborative approach to strategy and organizational development.
- Higher education has a complex range of stakeholders, from students, faculty, and administration to the community at large. Stakeholder engagement is one of our greatest strengths. Through collection of in-depth information and qualitative data through interviews focus groups, and surveys, we make space for many voices and perspectives.
- Higher education is highly collaborative, and each institution has rich traditions, culture, and values. Our approach is also very collaborative. We respect and build on each institution’s history, leverage its unique strengths, and bring diverse perspectives to the table to find solutions.
- Higher education is analytical and values solid reasoning. Our work takes a systems approach to engagement and planning. We develop a comprehensive, multi-dimensional understanding of each institution and the landscape around them, bringing a fresh perspective grounded in data and insight.
Helping Higher Education Meet the Challenges of Today
Higher education is facing a set of very unique challenges today. Here are a few examples of the challenges our clients in higher education are facing today and how we are helping them meet the moment.
- A shifting landscape for enrollment, funding, and competition for resources underscores a need to address and plan for sustainability for private and public institutions.
- Generational turnover and pandemic era changes, such as workplace preferences and hybrid work, amplify the need to invest in development of leaders and teams.
- Increasing focus on wellness and mindfulness both as a matter of study and as a priority of students, faculty, and administration increases focus on organizational culture.
- Emerging trends in workforce development broadening focus from two-year and four-year degrees to credentials and on-the-job training require a need for innovation at the school, department, and program levels.
Celebrating Successes
A few examples of client successes achieved in partnership with Clarus include:
- Clarus facilitated our Clarus Leadership & Team Development program at a distinguished academic health center in Texas to help it implement a new strategic plan and support the ongoing development of 28 established and emerging leaders.
- The dean of a professional school within a world-class university in Connecticut engaged Clarus to facilitate an issue-based planning process to develop a strategy and plan for undergraduate programming, including a focus on the structure and support needed to operationalize the plan.
- Leadership of a rapidly growing department within an academic medical center in Alabama engaged Clarus to design and facilitate an all-department retreat to help build relationships and trust, support understanding of the department’s vision and values, and enhance communication and alignment.
To learn more about Clarus, our services, and how we can help your organization, please contact us now.
