Presidential perspectives on building next-generation postsecondary digital learning enterprises

November 2021

Are colleges and universities investing in the digital infrastructure needed to address the changing needs of learners?

Key Insights

82% of presidents indicate their institutions intend to increase hybrid (both online and on-campus) learning and other support services as a result of the pandemic.

70% of presidents feel confident their institution currently has adequate digital infrastructure to meet the needs of the learners they seek to serve.

Presidents rank improving digital infrastructure as their highest priority for physical capital investment, followed by academic buildings and on-campus housing facilities.

Presidents see multiple opportunities for innovating through digital technologies on an institution-wide basis, within specific undergraduate programs and non-degree offerings, and within student support services.

Student-related objectives—including the learning experience, retention, and the ability to offer flexible and hybrid learning and non-academic support—are critical drivers for digital infrastructure improvement.

Methodology

NEBHE surveyed 156 college and university presidents of two- and four-year public, independent nonprofit, and for-profit U.S. institutions. Respondents represented 41 states and all regions of the country. The survey was conducted online between April and June 2021.