VAR Roundtable: Data-Driven Decision Making in the VAR Framework

Explore Higher Digital Webinars: Practical Solutions & Thought-Provoking Insights
In solutions and product overviews, learn how our expert consultants tackle common challenges faced by higher education leaders like you, including collecting, cleaning, and managing institutional data, meeting new reporting requirements, and setting project priorities for your entire portfolio of initiatives.
In TRANSFORMED webinars, you’ll hear perspectives from leaders in higher education institutions on the latest issues affecting academia. AI trends? Enrollment cliff? Leading through disruption? We cover it all, facilitating discourse among multiple panelists, who serve institutions large and small, in the US or beyond, public or private.
Sign up for an upcoming webinar or select from the topics below for on-demand access to previously recorded webinars.
Higher education leaders face a pivotal moment—modernize data practices or risk falling behind. This webinar explores how institutions are leveraging cloud strategies, AI-driven analytics, and future-proofing techniques to transform data management. Learn from leading institutions and gain a strategic action plan to enhance accessibility, modernize infrastructure, and harness emerging technologies for long-term success. Don’t miss this chance to stay ahead in the evolving data landscape—register now to secure your spot!
Universities generate vast amounts of data, but without the right strategy, its full potential remains untapped. This webinar, Data as a Strategic Asset: How Universities Must Evolve Now, will explore how institutions can turn data from an operational burden into a powerful asset for decision-making, student success, and institutional efficiency. Gain insights on governance frameworks, breaking down silos, and fostering a data-driven culture.
Higher education is facing a data crisis—fragmented systems, governance gaps, and security threats are putting institutions at risk. Watch this Higher Digital webinar to explore the most pressing data challenges and gain actionable solutions to improve data integrity, accessibility, and security. Learn from real-world examples and leave with practical steps to protect your institution and enhance student outcomes.
As artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly transforms higher education, institutional leaders face the challenge of navigating this new landscape with the right balance of innovation, responsible guidance, and security. This webinar, part of the TRANSFORMED series, is moderated by Higher Digital President and CTO, Joe Gottlieb, and brings together a distinguished panel of higher education leaders—a university president, provost, and CIO—each offering unique perspectives shaped by distinct responsibilities and experiences at their institutions.
Students from around the world share their perspectives on what student success means to them, how their institutions are supporting and enabling their success, and messages for administrators on what institutions can further do to create even more meaningful student experiences.
Master Data Management (MDM) is not a destination as much as it is a journey. To some degree or another, all colleges and universities engage in MDM. The question all institutions should ask themselves is “Are we doing MDM at a maturity level that truly meets our needs?” This session will define the data maturity cycle, how to assess an institution’s maturity level, and the business risk associated with inadequate maturity, and AI readiness to help advance maturity.
It is more certain today than ever, the only constant in our world is change. Effectively using the massive amounts of data collected at colleges and universities is an essential component to respond to change. The good news is that advanced technologies are providing institutions with data management options not previously available or affordable. Join us to get a foundational understanding of MDM, its significance in higher education, and how institutions can begin implementing MDM practices.
Join our intro webinar, where current design partners of the (SEA)results Strategic Portfolio Management System share their thoughts around how they see the future of this important category and how it can help their institutions. With this software, higher ed leaders, both technical and administrative, have a new approach to seeing, sharing, and setting strategy based on priorities that drive the entire institution forward.
Ready for clarity on the new Vision-Aligned Reporting (VAR) requirements? Join our experts to learn exactly what data needs to be collected and reported. Discover practical, step-by-step strategies to prepare your institution for seamless data collection and integration. Be inspired by real examples and case studies showcasing successful reporting processes aligned with strategic goals. This session is perfect for those wanting to stay ahead of the curve, ensure compliance, and support student success and equity in the California Community College system.
Hear from a panel of leaders, executives, and students exploring insights and best practices on how to effectively build and execute meaningful student journeys from pre-enrollment to graduation and beyond.
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Your SIS Won't Save You
Register NowYour SIS Won’t Save You: The Real Risk in Campus Modernization
Upgrading a Student Information System (SIS) creates a major opportunity to streamline and simplify institutional operations. But too many small institutions assume the technology alone will deliver these improvements. In reality, it’s up to the people who use the system to buy in and make the necessary adjustments.
That’s where most SaaS transitions go off course.
In this webinar, Wayne Bovier, CEO of Higher Digital, and Jennifer Beyer, VP of Product Management for Thesis, will share:
✅ Why technology upgrades often fail to deliver promised results
✅ How governance, culture, and leadership gaps quietly sabotage SaaS projects
✅ Why early stakeholder buy-in is critical — and how to get it
✅ Proven change management tactics that drive long-term success
If you’re evaluating Thesis Elements or preparing for your migration to a new Student Information System, this session will help you avoid the hidden risks that derail many SIS projects — and create the conditions where your technology investment can really succeed.
Technology modernizes systems. Change management modernizes institutions.