Dialogue Session
As the first step in crafting a new strategic plan for the College, a series of dialogue
sessions were held in fall 2024 with members of the Harper community. These sessions
aimed to explore perceptions, attitudes, and interests while aligning them with the
evolving needs of students, employees, employers, and the broader community.
- The Changing Landscape of Higher Education
According to futurist and author Jack Uldrich, “Today is the slowest rate of change
we will ever experience.” From Artificial Intelligence (AI) to quantum computing,
the world is changing rapidly around us. How will these changes affect the way we
teach and how our students learn? How do we teach a community of learners who are
tech savvy, and have the world at their fingertips, while others are English language
learners or are facing challenges? A panel of experts offered their views on these
and other questions.
View the agenda and summary from the dialogue session.
- The Changing Landscape of Work
The employment landscape is rapidly changing and shifting how we see work. Many of
the jobs that will exist in 2035 are not present today and the skills needed to do
these jobs will need to be developed. Artificial intelligence and automation are certain
to impact the way we live and work. The value of diversity in the workplace is growing
and evolving. Remote work has a greater impact than ever before. A retirement surge
is headed our way. Are we ready?
View the agenda and summary from the dialogue session.
- The Changing Landscape of the Community
In this dialogue session, we explored the transforming demographics, economic trends
and social dynamics shaping our community college district. Harper College has already
experienced major changes to the community it serves as evidenced by recent distinctions
as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American Native American Pacific
Islander Serving Institution (AANAPISI). Who will be a part of the communities we
serve in the next decade, what programs and services will they need, and which organizations
will we identify as partners? These topics and the important role Harper plays as
a convener for our district during this session was explored.
View the agenda, and summary from the dialogue session.
