![Generative AI render of two high school students lost in a corn maze. The corn is very tall, reaching above their heads.](https://res.cloudinary.com/bravery/image/upload/f_auto,q_80,dpr_2.0,ar_3:2,w_680,c_fill/heht/heht-61-og_b0qz86.jpg)
Higher Ed Hot Takes
One part newsletter, and two parts us just needing to say the quiet part out loud every seven days. Subscribe to get us in your inbox.
What People Are Saying
![Generative AI render of two high school students lost in a corn maze. The corn is very tall, reaching above their heads.](https://res.cloudinary.com/bravery/image/upload/f_auto,q_80,dpr_2.0,ar_3:2,w_680,c_fill/heht/heht-61-og_b0qz86.jpg)
![Generative AI render of a woman holding a visor over her eyes. It appears to be made up of code. In the background is a city at night. Car light reflections on either side. There is floating code overlaying the entire graphic.](https://res.cloudinary.com/bravery/image/upload/f_auto,q_80,dpr_2.0,ar_3:2,w_680,c_fill/heht/heht-og-60_he9thv.jpg)
Control AI, Not Vice Versa
![Illustration of a very large college campus from overhead. Thousands of students mill about on the grounds outside. The ocean is in the background. Created with generative AI.](https://res.cloudinary.com/bravery/image/upload/f_auto,q_80,dpr_2.0,ar_3:2,w_680,c_fill/heht/heht59-og_gsix51.jpg)
Is Public Trust Related to the Size of Your Institution?
![Three cool students with sunglasses looking frustrated at what they see on a laptop screen. Theyr'e standing in a busy quad area on a college campus.](https://res.cloudinary.com/bravery/image/upload/f_auto,q_80,dpr_2.0,ar_3:2,w_680,c_fill/heht/heht58-cover_azvmcx.jpg)
Great UX isn't about you.
![Midjourney generative render of a classroom of high school seniors in the 1980s looking sad because they got rejection letters from their colleges.](https://res.cloudinary.com/bravery/image/upload/f_auto,q_80,dpr_2.0,ar_3:2,w_680,c_fill/heht/heht-rejection_siaps2.jpg)
How do you market well when you waitlist or reject some customers?
![A billboard next to a road at dusk. Two hearts overlap on it.](https://res.cloudinary.com/bravery/image/upload/f_auto,q_80,dpr_2.0,ar_3:2,w_680,c_fill/heht/heht-love-languages_o1xkpw.jpg)
What your brand love language says about you… and what it has to do with value
![A Midjourney-generated illustration of a person looking into swirling world of ambiguous business and marketing shapes and artifacts.](https://res.cloudinary.com/bravery/image/upload/f_auto,q_80,dpr_2.0,ar_3:2,w_680,c_fill/heht/mj-strategic-ambiguity.jpg)
Research: Why do we talk about Branding in Higher Education? And will Isomorphism doom us all?
![Three business workers standing in an office discussing a report. 1960s style comic strip drawing rendered by Midjourney](https://res.cloudinary.com/bravery/image/upload/f_auto,q_80,dpr_2.0,ar_3:2,w_680,c_fill/swot-midjourney_uaqqrj.jpg)
Identifying your threats is not enough
![Michael Bluth telling his sister, You're gonna get some hop ons. From Arrested Development](https://res.cloudinary.com/bravery/image/upload/f_auto,q_80,dpr_2.0,ar_3:2,w_680,c_fill/hop-ons-still.jpg)
You're gonna get some lock-in
![Two palm trees against a blue sky.](https://res.cloudinary.com/bravery/image/upload/f_auto,q_80,dpr_2.0,ar_3:2,w_680,c_fill/80730013_fb2sx1.jpg)
Navigating Higher Ed Web Strategies in 2024: Survey Insights
![Some eggs with funny faces drawn on them expressing a wide range of emotion.](https://res.cloudinary.com/bravery/image/upload/f_auto,q_80,dpr_2.0,ar_3:2,w_680,c_fill/tengyart-DoqtEEn8SOo-unsplash_kiqhvm.jpg)
Discomfort Hacking in Usability Studies
![A stack of paper-filled binders on a desk.](https://res.cloudinary.com/bravery/image/upload/f_auto,q_80,dpr_2.0,ar_3:2,w_680,c_fill/heht/HEHT-50-Academic-Program-Reviews_shinrv.png)
Academic Program Reviews and You!
![A Jenga-like group of blocks, close to falling. The blocks are in a gorgeous, green meadow next to some mountains.](https://res.cloudinary.com/bravery/image/upload/f_auto,q_80,dpr_2.0,ar_3:2,w_680,c_fill/heht/HEHT-49-Psychological-Safety-and-Professional-Development_gjvsey.png)
The Relationship Between Psychological Safety and Professional Development
![A cylinder shaped time machine in a room.](https://res.cloudinary.com/bravery/image/upload/f_auto,q_80,dpr_2.0,ar_3:2,w_680,c_fill/heht/HEHT-48-Marketing-Insights-from-the-Past-and-Present_zelksd.png)
Marketing insights from the past and present
![A college diploma on a table that's on a beach with stormy skies overhead.](https://res.cloudinary.com/bravery/image/upload/f_auto,q_80,dpr_2.0,ar_3:2,w_680,c_fill/heht/HEHT-47-Responding-to-Is-College-Worth-It_teuu5h.png)
How strategy can impact the answer to "is college worth it?"
![An incomplete triangle made of light that is hovering over a kaleidoscope looking background.](https://res.cloudinary.com/bravery/image/upload/f_auto,q_80,dpr_2.0,ar_3:2,w_680,c_fill/heht/HEHT-46-the-illusion-of-complete_adxr9a.png)
The Illusion of Complete
![An excited dog eats some ice cream from a sugar cone.](https://res.cloudinary.com/bravery/image/upload/f_auto,q_80,dpr_2.0,ar_3:2,w_680,c_fill/heht/HEHT-45-shifts-shocks-and-physical-therapy_ao5zrh.png)
Shifts, Shocks, and Physical Therapy?
![A weathered welcome sign attached to stone and brick building.](https://res.cloudinary.com/bravery/image/upload/f_auto,q_80,dpr_2.0,ar_3:2,w_680,c_fill/heht/HEHT-44-Welcome-New-College-Presidents_d52tpr.jpg)
Welcome New University Presidents
![A computer that's worn out, old, and has plants growing out of it.](https://res.cloudinary.com/bravery/image/upload/f_auto,q_80,dpr_2.0,ar_3:2,w_680,c_fill/heht/HEHT-43-Modernization_p80swe.jpg)
Making the case for WordPress Modernization
![Koi swimming in a beautiful reflection pool.](https://res.cloudinary.com/bravery/image/upload/f_auto,q_80,dpr_2.0,ar_3:2,w_680,c_fill/heht/HEHT-42-Reflections_e4vgsu.png)
Reflections from year one at Bravery
![A ship on the ocean approaches a storm and waterspout on the horizon.](https://res.cloudinary.com/bravery/image/upload/f_auto,q_80,dpr_2.0,ar_3:2,w_680,c_fill/heht/HEHT-41-Storm-Ahead_xov04k.png)
Directionally correct predictions of higher education's demise
![Several differently-colored arrows pointing in all sorts of directions.](https://res.cloudinary.com/bravery/image/upload/f_auto,q_80,dpr_2.0,ar_3:2,w_680,c_fill/heht/HEHT-40-Arrows_urj17c.png)
Organizational Frames and Advocating for Digital Strategy
![A man looks scared as he holds a needle, thread, and some yarn.](https://res.cloudinary.com/bravery/image/upload/f_auto,q_80,dpr_2.0,ar_3:2,w_680,c_fill/heht/HEHT-39-threads-dread_vwazem.png)
Existential Threads Dread in Higher Ed
![A yellow funnel rises out a molten pit of colors.](https://res.cloudinary.com/bravery/image/upload/f_auto,q_80,dpr_2.0,ar_3:2,w_680,c_fill/heht/HEHT-38-funnel-shape_fxyqqs.png)
Is the shape of our recruitment model outdated?
![An image of a thumbs up surrounded by a bunch of white, fluffy clouds.](https://res.cloudinary.com/bravery/image/upload/f_auto,q_80,dpr_2.0,ar_3:2,w_680,c_fill/heht/HEHT-37-white-space_drel6f.png)
The Value of White Space in Web Design
![An iceberg melts in the ocean.](https://res.cloudinary.com/bravery/image/upload/f_auto,q_80,dpr_2.0,ar_3:2,w_680,c_fill/heht/HEHT_36_summer-melt_o2i4vf.png)
Let’s Just Call it Onboarding
![A sad bear slumps over a long, wooden table in an empty boardroom. On the wall is a painting of an open flame.](https://res.cloudinary.com/bravery/image/upload/f_auto,q_80,dpr_2.0,ar_3:2,w_680,c_fill/heht/HEHT-35-sad-boardroom_uy4hie.png)
Which jobs in Higher Ed are Bullsh*t?
![Group of folks talking during a focus group session.](https://res.cloudinary.com/bravery/image/upload/f_auto,q_80,dpr_2.0,ar_3:2,w_680,c_fill/heht/HEHT-34-Focus-Group_ngijlh.png)
When Focus Groups Go Wrong
![A field of Forget-me-not flowers bathed in morning light.](https://res.cloudinary.com/bravery/image/upload/f_auto,q_80,dpr_2.0,ar_3:2,w_680,c_fill/heht/HEHT-33-Forget-me-nots_uikpc0.png)
Remembering the WHY of a Project
![Abstract art featuring red, orange, blue, and greenish yellow colors.](https://res.cloudinary.com/bravery/image/upload/f_auto,q_80,dpr_2.0,ar_3:2,w_680,c_fill/heht/HEHT-32-Abstract-Student-Well-Being_x0nmsf.png)
We Are Responsible for Student Mental Health
![A robot University President smiles at commencement. But why?](https://res.cloudinary.com/bravery/image/upload/f_auto,q_80,dpr_2.0,ar_3:2,w_680,c_fill/heht/HEHT-31-Robot-President_n5u8sr.png)
Institutional Trust: More important than ever
![A saxophone lays on an open book of music. There is an off-white background.](https://res.cloudinary.com/bravery/image/upload/f_auto,q_80,dpr_2.0,ar_3:2,w_680,c_fill/heht/HEHT-30-Jazz-Sax_flil6v.png)
Our community is our product
![A spray-painted, kind-of-smiling emoji, on a concrete-like, textured background.](https://res.cloudinary.com/bravery/image/upload/f_auto,q_80,dpr_2.0,ar_3:2,w_680,c_fill/heht/HEHT-29-small-talk_qlmvh7.png)
Small Talk actually has a purpose
![Red letters that spell "idea," are placed into a box marked, "brain."](https://res.cloudinary.com/bravery/image/upload/f_auto,q_80,dpr_2.0,ar_3:2,w_680,c_fill/heht/HEHT-28-marketing-code-word_kfhydi.png)
Marketing is NOT a code word
![Glowing mushrooms in a dark wood.](https://res.cloudinary.com/bravery/image/upload/f_auto,q_80,dpr_2.0,ar_3:2,w_680,c_fill/heht/HEHT-27-Transition_twqugx.png)
Preparing for New Leadership
![A basketball almost falls into a net, but stops just short, and there's white text that says #NotToday.](https://res.cloudinary.com/bravery/image/upload/f_auto,q_80,dpr_2.0,ar_3:2,w_680,c_fill/heht/HEHT-26-Hashtag-Not-Today_h6sd8a.png)
About Your Branded Hashtags...
![Triangle patterns of pink and blue arranged in an abstract manner.](https://res.cloudinary.com/bravery/image/upload/f_auto,q_80,dpr_2.0,ar_3:2,w_680,c_fill/heht/HEHT-25-ambiguity_fgqh6f.png)
Embrace the Ambiguity
![Medieval armor and helmet over a chainmail floor.](https://res.cloudinary.com/bravery/image/upload/f_auto,q_80,dpr_2.0,ar_3:2,w_680,c_fill/heht/HEHT-24-LARPING_x364pm.png)
Are You LARPing Your Content Strategy?
![A small monkey holds up a mirror and gazes at itself with wonder. In the background is a blurred outdoor setting.](https://res.cloudinary.com/bravery/image/upload/f_auto,q_80,dpr_2.0,ar_3:2,w_680,c_fill/heht/HEHT-23-Introspection_qln9mx.png)
The Introspection Trap
![A muppet dances around wildly over a gradient background where water is dripping.](https://res.cloudinary.com/bravery/image/upload/f_auto,q_80,dpr_2.0,ar_3:2,w_680,c_fill/heht/HEHT-22-Chaos-Muppet_kawvpy.png)
Higher Ed Needs More Chaos Muppets
![A man is holding a rectangular cardboard box that says "Donations" on it in black sharpie. He is wearing a blue shirt and khaki pants.](https://res.cloudinary.com/bravery/image/upload/f_auto,q_80,dpr_2.0,ar_3:2,w_680,c_fill/heht/HEHT-21-Donations_dukimm.png)
Is Your Website for Marketing or Community Engagement?
![White text that reads "why is your web marketing underfunded?" A transparent image of Joel Goodman is also here on a gradient background.](https://res.cloudinary.com/bravery/image/upload/f_auto,q_80,dpr_2.0,ar_3:2,w_680,c_fill/heht/HEHT-20-web-marketing-is-underfunded_petu9d.png)
Your web marketing is underfunded
![Neurons firing in a dark space.](https://res.cloudinary.com/bravery/image/upload/f_auto,q_80,dpr_2.0,ar_3:2,w_680,c_fill/heht/HEHT-19-neuron-transfer_kqydfw.jpg)
Could employee transfers be the key to retention?
![A confused dog](https://res.cloudinary.com/bravery/image/upload/f_auto,q_80,dpr_2.0,ar_3:2,w_680,c_fill/heht/HEHT-18-doge-with-bowtie.png)
Accountability meets the Ecosystem
![A bunch of shredded purple paper in a pile.](https://res.cloudinary.com/bravery/image/upload/f_auto,q_80,dpr_2.0,ar_3:2,w_680,c_fill/heht/HEHT-17_paper-cuts.png)
Death by a million moral paper cuts
Collaboration FTW
What's in a voice?
You get what you pay for
The Role of Your Leader’s Character in Your Team’s Well Being
![A man floats along in a shattered universe.](https://res.cloudinary.com/bravery/image/upload/f_auto,q_80,dpr_2.0,ar_3:2,w_680,c_fill/heht/HEHT-12_Multiverse.png)
Lessons from the multiverse
Let's talk about your funnel
![A sign promoting HighEdWeb 2022 in Little Rock.](https://res.cloudinary.com/bravery/image/upload/f_auto,q_80,dpr_2.0,ar_3:2,w_680,c_fill/heht/HEHT-10-Sign.png)
HighEdWeb in 10 Tweets
We're all excited for HighEdWeb in Little Rock!
How Trustworthy is Your Institution?
![A red flag waves on the beach, which means "dangerous surf."](https://res.cloudinary.com/bravery/image/upload/f_auto,q_80,dpr_2.0,ar_3:2,w_680,c_fill/heht/HEHT-7-Red-Flag.png)
Do You Include "Red Flags" In Your Job Postings?
![A person coloring cogs in a machine next to a cup of coffee.](https://res.cloudinary.com/bravery/image/upload/f_auto,q_80,dpr_2.0,ar_3:2,w_680,c_fill/heht/HEHT-6-UX-Research.png)
UX Research: Drawing the Right Kind of Inferences
Hospitality at Scale
UX Research: Biting Off Exactly What You Can Chew
Marketing Budgets are Ballooning
![A bunch of gears intermingled with each other.](https://res.cloudinary.com/bravery/image/upload/f_auto,q_80,dpr_2.0,ar_3:2,w_680,c_fill/heht/HEHT-2-Gears.png)
Efficiency Gains: Move to a Design System
![Metal-plated number 1 sign against a concrete background.](https://res.cloudinary.com/bravery/image/upload/f_auto,q_80,dpr_2.0,ar_3:2,w_680,c_fill/heht/HEHT-1.png)
Where do we go from here?
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