Understand Transformation
Transformation is complex — but it doesn’t have to be confusing. Here you can learn how real, lasting change happens in higher education. You’ll find a clear structure, practical guidance, and field-tested insights to help your institution move from intention to sustained, equity-centered impact.
HOW INSTITUTIONS TRANSFORM

Components of How Institutions Transform
Institutions transform by integrating evidence-based practices that create inclusive and coherent learning environments and by leveraging a student-centered mission, catalytic leadership, strategic data use, and strategic finance in a robust continuous improvement process.
HOW INSTITUTIONS TRANSFORM
Evidence-Based Practices
Student success starts with what students experience every day. This section introduces the student-facing reforms that make transformation visible—and shows how institutions focus their efforts where it matters most.
HOW INSTITUTIONS TRANSFORM
Core Institutional Capacities
Big changes require strong foundations. This section looks at the core capabilities—like leadership, finance, and data use—that help institutions organize, execute, and sustain transformation.
HOW INSTITUTIONS TRANSFORM
Continuous Improvement Process
Lasting change doesn’t happen all at once. It’s built through cycles of reflection, action, and learning—powered by people across the institution. This section explores how colleges use structured routines like PRPAM and student-centered frameworks to empower teams, embed improvement into daily work, and align strategy with long-term goals.
Stages of the Transformation Journey
While every path is unique, transformation tends to follow five essential stages. Each stage plays a distinct role in helping institutions build momentum, align people and priorities, implement evidence-based solutions and embed lasting change.
Grounded in research and field-proven strategies, this journey offers you a clear, practical roadmap to navigate transformation and drive sustained, equity-centered impact—no matter where your institution begins.
Lay the Groundwork

Build urgency, assess readiness, and establish the foundation for change.
Transformation often begins when it becomes clear that better outcomes—especially for historically underserved students—require more than marginal adjustments. This stage focuses on building awareness, assessing readiness, and laying the foundation for what’s next.
Start the Process

Turn shared urgency into shared direction with clear roles, goals, and strategy.
With readiness established, leaders set the course. This stage is about clarifying transformation priorities, engaging stakeholders across roles, and aligning efforts around a shared vision and coordinated approach.
Sharpen the Focus

Use data to define equity gaps, map the student experience, and set focused goals.
In this stage, institutions pause to reflect and make intentional decisions. They analyze student data, identify barriers, and define the ideal student experience to focus change efforts where they’ll have the greatest impact.
Act with Purpose

Launch high-impact changes and align systems to support lasting execution.
This is where transformation becomes visible. Institutions implement evidence-based practices—such as advising redesign, developmental education reform, and digital learning—while coordinating teams and infrastructure for long-term success.
Sustain and Evolve

Embed continuous improvement into your culture—and make equity part of your identity.
Transformation is not a destination — it’s an ongoing, iterative journey. In this final stage, institutions monitor progress, refine strategies, scale what works, and embed equity into every facet of their operations.

See How Others Have Transformed
Discover how institutions like yours have navigated their transformation journeys. Browse real-world case studies and gain insights you can apply today.