Most buying conversations in higher education start with features.

Dashboards. Alerts. Predictions. AI capabilities.

But stronger evaluations ask a different question: Will this system actually help our institution coordinate action?

In this audio edition of Signals, we explore why lasting impact depends on more than platform capabilities alone. Drawing from recent Inside Higher Ed and EDUCAUSE research, this episode examines the gap between investment and execution — and why institutions that see sustained progress tend to evaluate something deeper than feature lists.

Topics discussed include: • Why features alone don't create coordination • The difference between buying software and strengthening an operating model • Why fit matters more than breadth of capability • The role of workflow alignment, ownership, and long-term partnership • Questions institutions should ask before the next demo gets scheduled

Resources referenced in this episode: • Inside Higher Ed Survey Insights: The Top 12 • EDUCAUSE 2026 Top 10 Research • Buyer's Guide to Evaluating Institutional Success Systems • Student Success Playbook