ACE’s Center for Policy Research and Strategy
(CPRS) provides thought leadership at the intersection of higher
education policy and institutional strategy. The center produces papers,
briefs, blog posts, infographics and convenings that explore emergent
practices with an emphasis on long-term and systemic solutions for an
evolving higher education landscape and changing American demographic.
Three themes guide the center’s work: 1) Re-imagining Diversity and Equity in Higher Education in the 21st Century; 2) Public Finance and Higher Education Systems; and 3) Transformational Leadership. Notable recent contributions include the following:
The American College President Study: The
longest-standing, most comprehensive source of information about the
college presidency and the higher education leadership pipeline. The
survey is in the field now. Make sure your president participates by
checking in here.
Campus Climate Blog Series: In response to unrest on college campuses, CPRS has put together an actionable and evidence-focused series authored by staff and invited scholars on Higher Education Today, ACE’s blog.
Pulse Point: CPRS launched this occasional, national online survey of college and university presidents in January 2016. The first survey explored presidential experiences, perceptions and reactions on the important topic of campus climate.
Evolving Higher Education Business Models: Leading with Data to Deliver Results: This foundational paper
(2 MB PDF) examines a network approach to leadership that creates transparency
around institutional financial data using business model analysis. A
recent three-part blog series on Higher Education Today also
looks at financial data issues in higher education and offers insights
for leaders looking to improve the way they use data in everyday
decision-making.
Higher Education Access and Opportunity in a Shifting Legal Landscape: In partnership with the Civil Rights Project at UCLA and Pearson’s Research and Innovation Network, CPRS released the report “Race, Class, & Access: Achieving Diversity in a Shifting Legal Landscape,” (3 MB PDF) examining how legal challenges to race-conscious admissions are influencing contemporary admissions practices.
Minority-Serving Institutions (MSI) Issue and Policy Brief Series: CPRS launched an issue and policy brief series
on public finance and MSIs, inviting scholars to use Delta Cost Project
and other relevant data sources to explore the financial profiles of
MSIs and consider the financial sustainability of these vital colleges
and universities.
Viewpoints: Voices from the Field: This series of occasional, independent papers authored by leading social science researchers
is designed to explore new and emergent concepts or revisit
foundational works to help readers reframe or retool their thinking
about higher education policy and practice. Inaugural briefs explored education deserts (9 MB PDF) and a Texas-based initiative supporting male students of color (1 MB PDF).
Higher Ed Spotlight: A collection of infographics that showcase relevant and timely issues of interest to higher education stakeholders. Recent spotlights include a series on chief academic officers and newly updated statistics on women leaders (1 MB PDF) in higher education.