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Outdated campus systems threaten institutional missions, from productivity and the staff experience to success for modern learners—first-generation, transfer and adult students. This webcast discussion, inspired by Inside Higher Ed’s recent special report, “Seamless by Design: Reducing Friction Through Smarter Campus Systems,” will examine the root causes of siloed systems, redundant processes and layers of bureaucratic red tape that plague so many institutions. It will also consider solutions.

Drawing on data, case studies and expert insights, the discussion will explore how colleges and universities can break through institutional complexity and clear a path for a better student and staff experience. By streamlining workflows, integrating systems and aligning technology with modern learner and staff needs, colleges and universities can reduce friction at every touchpoint—leading to stronger retention, improved outcomes and healthier, more sustainable operations. 

The webcast will cover: 

  • Where systems friction lives and how it impedes modern learner success and staff productivity and experience.
  • How to start building integrated, student-ready systems that make a difference.
  • Why technology solutions and stacks must serve people, not the other way around. 
  • How smarter campus systems aren’t just a technology upgrade but a student success strategy.

Can't attend the webcast? You should still register -- all registrants, including attendees and absentees, will receive a recording of the webcast and a copy of the presentation slides. 

Thursday, October 23, 2025 | 2 p.m. E.T.

Seamless by Design: Reducing Friction Through Smarter Campus Systems

PANELISTS

Colleen Flaherty
Senior Editor of Special Content at Inside Higher Ed

Colleen Flaherty, senior editor of special content, previously served as Student Voice editor for Inside Higher Ed. Prior to joining the publication in 2012, Colleen was military editor at the Killeen Daily Herald, outside Fort Hood, Texas. Before that, she covered government and land use issues for the Greenwich Time and Hersam Acorn Newspapers in her home state of Connecticut. After graduating from McGill University in Montreal with a degree in English literature, Colleen taught English and English as a second language in public schools in the Bronx, New York. She earned her M.S.Ed. from City University of New York Lehman College as part of the New York City Teaching Fellows program.

Ben Upton
Freelance Journalist and Special Report Author

Ben Upton is a freelance journalist based in Washington. He served as Times Higher Education’s Europe reporter between November 2021 and October 2023 and previously covered European research policy for Research Professional News. Before graduating from City, University of London’s journalism school in 2017, he worked in academic publishing and taught at a private university in Wuhan, China.