What Higher Ed Leaders Are Prioritizing: Key Takeaways from UPCEA SOLAR ’25

The UPCEA Summit for Online Leadership and Administration (SOLAR) brought higher education leaders together in Portland, Oregon (July 22–24) to address a rapidly evolving learning landscape. With challenges ranging from AI integration to credential innovation and system-wide agility, the message was clear: institutions can’t afford to wait and see. They must act strategically, ethically, and with the future learner in mind.

Whether you attended or missed the event, here are five takeaways shaping leadership conversations across campuses nationwide.

1. From Initiative to Infrastructure: Content Transformation as Core Strategy

Institutional agility requires more than adopting digital tools—it calls for reimagining content itself. Sessions underscored how online leaders are reshaping course design, modality, and assessment to meet learner and workforce needs. This work is not just about modernization; it’s the foundation for transforming the learning experience toward greater flexibility, engagement, and relevance. One such example is the Semisphere project.

2. Credentials Are Evolving—Fast

Micro-credentials, stackable certificates, and embedded learning outcomes are moving from pilot programs to institutional policy. Higher ed leaders are recognizing that credential innovation isn’t just an enhancement, it’s a fundamental redesign of how education connects to workforce needs. The focus? Ensuring credentials reflect labor market signals and provide real value for learners.

3. AI Integration Requires Intention and Integrity

AI was a central theme, from curriculum design to learner support. Leaders called for a balanced approach—one that embraces AI’s potential while maintaining academic integrity, promoting equity, and preserving quality. The most forward-thinking conversations framed AI as a tool to empower both educators and students, not replace them.

4. Serving Adult Learners Means Redesigning the System

It’s not just about flexible schedules, it’s about flexible systems. Today’s adult learners need recognition of prior learning, personalized support, and clear return on investment. Institutions leading the way are designing for equity and experience, creating programs that truly meet learners where they are.

5. Leadership Development and Team Readiness Are Make-or-Break

Agility requires more than tools, it requires people. From succession planning to team up-skilling, sessions stressed that institutional success hinges on cross-functional collaboration and leadership capacity. Tomorrow’s higher ed leaders must be prepared to bridge vision with operational know-how.

What This Means for Higher Ed Innovators

If you’re involved in online program strategy, credential reform, or institutional AI planning, these aren’t just trends—they’re signals. The future of adult and online learning will demand:

– Cross-unit alignment and strategic clarity
– Agile and interoperable credential ecosystems
– Ethical, purpose-driven AI adoption
– Inclusive design for diverse learners
– Leadership development that builds team-wide capacity

Whether you’re just starting or actively advancing these priorities, the time to operationalize is now.

Want to explore how others are putting these ideas into practice or looking for a sounding board as you do the same? We’d be glad to connect.