On Campus - with CITI Program

In this episode, we explore the power of design thinking in shaping the future of universities. Our guest, Laura McBain, shares insights on how this human-centered, iterative approach to problem-solving is transforming higher education—making it more innovative, inclusive, and community-driven. From enhancing teaching and research to forging stronger connections with local communities, design thinking is redefining how universities address real-world challenges. 

Laura is a designer, adjunct professor, and Managing Director at the Stanford d.school. She specializes in professional education and strategic partnerships, working with companies, nonprofits, and philanthropic institutions to harness design as a catalyst for innovative transformation. 

Additional Resources 

• Stanford d.school: https://dschool.stanford.edu/  

Welcome to season 3 of On Campus! This season, we're diving into the engaged university, exploring how campuses create meaningful connections—between students, faculty, alumni, and the community. 

In this kickoff episode, we sit down with Elliot Felix, author of How to Get the Most Out of College and host of The Connected College podcast. Elliot shares insights from his book and his work helping universities foster stronger, more connected campuses. We’ll discuss the changing landscape of higher education, the critical role of engagement in student success, and ways institutions can create a more inclusive, supportive, and connected college experience. 

Join us as we set the stage for a season filled with stories, strategies, and conversations about what it truly means to build an engaged university. 

Additional Resources 

• Elliot Felix’s website: https://www.elliotfelix.com/connectedcollege 

Update 1/13/25: As reported in Inside Higher Ed (https://www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-takes/2025/01/13/freshman-enrollment-fall-data-error-led-miscount?%7C_federal=), first-time first-year enrollment did not actually decline by 5% in Fall 2024. The National Clearinghouse will release updated numbers in early 2025. 

As 2024 comes to a close, we’re reflecting on the biggest stories that shaped the world of higher education this year. From declining enrollment and the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s affirmative action ruling to the rise of generative AI and free community college initiatives. Join us as we break down the top 10 trends, controversies, and innovations that defined the year. Whether you’re an educator, student, or policy enthusiast, this wrap-up will give you insights into where higher ed is headed in 2025 and beyond. Don’t miss it! 

In this episode, we tackle the complex factors that contribute to undergraduate student success and retention. Our guest, Dr. Lua Hancock, shares insights on the most pressing challenges students face, from financial strains to balancing academic and personal responsibilities. We explore how mentorship, peer support, and university programs can make a difference, especially for first-generation and underrepresented students. Tune in for a deep dive into effective strategies and what universities—and faculty—can do to create a more supportive environment for every student. 

Dr. Hancock has more than 25 years of experience in progressive student and academic affairs.  Most recently, she served as the Vice President of Campus Life and Student Success at Stetson University.  Dr. Hancock now specializes in providing consulting and coaching to industry leaders, assisting them with mindful, equitable, and impactful leadership. 

Lua has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and African/African American Studies from Rollins College, a master’s degree in Alternative Dispute Resolution from Nova Southeastern University, and an EdD in Higher Education Leadership. 
 

Additional Resources 

CITI Program’s Health and Wellness Series: https://about.citiprogram.org/series/campus-health-and-wellness/ 

CITI Program’s International Student Success Series: https://about.citiprogram.org/series/international-student-success/  

In this episode, we dive into the shifting landscape of undergraduate enrollment with our guest, Dr. Aaron Berger. We explore the factors currently influencing enrollment, from the lingering effects of the pandemic to the rise of online courses and their growing impact. Are certain fields of study becoming more popular? How are universities adapting to the challenges of rising tuition costs, FAFSA changes, and the growing demand for international education? Tune in to get an insider’s perspective on the biggest challenges and innovations shaping the future of higher education. 


Aaron Berger, PhD, is the interim director of national recruitment at Kent State University. He has over 15 years of experience in college admissions at multiple types of institutions. 

In this episode, we dive deep into the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), exploring its history and the significant developments over the past two years that have impacted both students and universities. From the origins of FAFSA as a tool to make higher education more accessible, to recent changes aimed at simplifying the process, we cover the key reforms and challenges that have emerged. We’ll also discuss how these changes affect student eligibility, the distribution of aid, and how universities are adapting to these shifts. Join us as we unpack the evolving landscape of FAFSA and its critical role in shaping the future of financial aid in higher education. 

Our guest for this episode is W. Kent Barnds, the Executive Vice President for Strategy and Innovation at Augustana College. He also serves as the Vice President of Admissions, Financial Aid, and Communications and Marketing. 

Additional resources: 

• FAFSA Website
  https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa  

In this episode, Justin Osborne, Associate Vice President at HRP Consulting Group, shares his 17-year journey in clinical research, focusing on his roles in Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) and HRP's consulting services for universities. Justin also highlights the value of networking and resources for universities. The episode concludes with insights into Justin's experience as a podcast host and his goals for expanding the "On Research" podcast.

Justin Osborne is the Associate Vice President of the HRP Consulting Group. He has over 15 years of experience in the human subject research field. He began his research career on the commercial IRB side before shifting to the local IRB world. Justin served as a non-scientific board member at the University of Cincinnati’s IRB for several years before returning to the commercial IRB arena. 

Additional resources: 

• HRP Consulting Group 
  https://thehrpconsultinggroup.com/  
• CITI Program’s Series – Institutional Review Board (IRB) Administration  https://about.citiprogram.org/series/irb-administration/  
• CITI Program’s Series – Human Subjects Research  https://about.citiprogram.org/series/human-subjects-research-hsr/  

As enrollment levels for traditional-aged college students decline, credit for prior learning has become a vital topic of conversation within higher education. Awarding credit for previous work or certifications offers a promising strategy to boost enrollment numbers. In this episode, Dr. Sara Cunningham explores how organizations like the American Council on Education (ACE) can collaborate with universities to standardize prior learning.  

Dr. Cunningham is the Executive Director of One Dupont Ventures, leading initiatives to improve learner mobility and success as part of ACE’s Education Futures. She joined ACE’s Learning Evaluations team in 2018 to help develop digital learner records and promote credit for prior learning. She previously served as the Chief Student Success Officer at Unity College in Maine after teaching in their Captive Wildlife Care and Education program.  She received her PhD in Integrative Biology from the University of California, Berkeley, and continues to use her understanding of animal behavior in a surprising number of endeavors. 

 
Additional resources: 

• CITI Program’s "Higher Education Accelerated Credit" Webinar - https://about.citiprogram.org/course/higher-education-accelerated-credit/ 
• Institutional Best Practices Guide by ACE - https://www.acenet.edu/Programs-Services/Pages/Credit-Transcripts/Institutional-CPL-Best-Practices.aspx 

Title IX regulations have been modified and updated throughout the years, with the most recent updates being released in April 2024 and set to take effect on August 1, 2024. In this episode we sit down with Dr. Adrienne Lyles to delve into the intricacies of Title IX, exploring the impact on educational institutions and the lives of students. Dr. Lyles shares her expertise on the legal and social dimensions of Title IX, offering practical advice for navigating and understanding this critical aspect of academic life. 

Dr. Lyles is the Executive Director for Equal Opportunity and Title IX Coordinator at the University of Cincinnati. She holds a PhD and MA in philosophy from the University of Colorado and a JD from Notre Dame Law School.  

Additional resources: 

• CITI Program’s Title IX Series
  https://about.citiprogram.org/series/title-ix/ 
• The Final Rule, which was published in the Federal Register on April 29 of this year -  https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/04/29/2024-07915/nondiscrimination-on-the-basis-of-sex-in-education-programs-or-activities-receiving-federal
• The Final Rule’s accompanying Fact Sheet - https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/t9-final-rule-factsheet.pdf
• The Office for Civil Rights resource for drafting Title IX policies and grievance procedures - https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/resource-nondiscrimination-policies.pdf 
• Title IX Administrators should also review the Title IX Athletics NPRM on Sex-Related Eligibility Criteria for Male and Female Athletic Teams, which was published on April 13, 2023 but has not yet moved forward at this time. -  https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/04/13/2023-07601/nondiscrimination-on-the-basis-of-sex-in-education-programs-or-activities-receiving-federal

This episode is part 2 of our conversation about AI in the Classroom with guests Dr. Mohammad Hosseini and Dr. Michał Wieczorek. Dr. Hosseini is an assistant professor at the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University. And Dr. Wieczorek is an IRC Government and Ireland Fellow at Dublin City University.  

The discussion continues with Drs. Hosseini and Wieczorek as they examine AI's ethical and bias implications and consider what the future might look like in the classroom and in research.  

Additional resources: 

• CITI Program’s courses and webinars on AI:
  • https://about.citiprogram.org/course/essentials-of-responsible-ai/ 
  • https://about.citiprogram.org/course/artificial-intelligence-the-impact-on-academic-and-research-integrity/ 
  • https://about.citiprogram.org/course/ai-in-higher-education-an-overview/  
• Dr. Hosseini’s blog post on AI in the Classroom: 
  • https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/impactofsocialsciences/2023/03/01/moving-slowly-and-fixing-things-we-should-not-rush-headlong-into-using-generative-ai-in-classrooms/