Hello there!
As spring break approaches, we enter the final quarter of the school year. This stretch always feels compressed, as important decisions and priorities converge simultaneously. Budget analysis, recruitment of new faculty and staff members, and enrollment projections are all moving forward in ways that will directly shape next year.
To finish the quarter with clarity, take some time with your team to identify the signals of momentum, friction, and assumptions your community is navigating.
Step 1: Answer the following:
Step 2: Group the responses into three categories:
Step 3: For each category, answer the following:
The patterns emerging now will inform how you allocate resources, refine priorities, and set expectations for the year ahead.
As you consider this analysis, I encourage you to explore this month’s Trend Tracker and Pulse Perspectives, offering timely insights and practical context to support momentum, navigate friction, and test assumptions.
In this edition of the Trend Tracker, we highlight the following signals and trends. Within each area, a number of clickable resources are available.
01 Workplace Recognition02 Inside Out Leadership03 Sector Disruptions04 Online Feedback05 Learner-Centered Ed06 Pre-Mortem Risk Management07 Higher Ed Headlines08 Digital Analytics
Reflecting real-time perspectives representing the voices in our association, we solicited feedback from SAIS Heads to complete a pulse survey focused on top challenges, faculty & staff retention/recruitment, and head/board partnership. Some key findings include the following:
See slide deck for full results.
As you look toward the summer, SAIS is offering a series of experiences designed to strengthen leadership capacity and deepen capabilities across every role in our schools.
As you move through this final stretch, know that you are not navigating it alone and that we remain committed to equipping you for the work ahead.
Take care,
Dr. Brett JacobsenSAIS President
