Prompt: Give the top ten things AV tech managers in higher education can do to better navigate the elimination of the Department of Education.
On March 20, 2025, the President of the United States, Donald Trump, signed an executive order dismataling the U.S. Department of Education. The action might create significant uncertainty for higher education institutions, particularly in funding, regulations, and accreditation. For AV tech managers in higher education, this could mean disruptions in budgets, procurement processes, compliance requirements, and social good initiatives. Here are ten key actions AV tech managers can take to navigate this potential shift:
1. Strengthen Institutional Advocacy and Networking
- Join and actively participate in HETMA (Higher Education Technology Managers Alliance), AVIXA, and Educause.
- Engage with institutional leadership to stay informed about policy changes and budgetary impacts.
2. Diversify Funding Sources
- Explore new funding avenues, such as state grants, private foundations, and industry partnerships.
- Seek out corporate sponsorships and vendor collaborations for AV upgrades.
3. Optimize Budgeting and Procurement Strategies
- Anticipate potential loss of federal funding and adjust long-term technology refresh plans accordingly.
- Standardize AV solutions across classrooms to streamline procurement and reduce costs.
- Consider consortium purchasing agreements to leverage volume discounts.
4. Prepare for Shifts in Compliance and Accessibility Standards
- Without federal oversight, ADA and accessibility standards may change or vary by state.
- Work with legal and disability services teams to ensure continued compliance with best practices, such as WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) for digital content.
5. Enhance Cybersecurity and Data Privacy Measures
- With changes in federal oversight, universities may need to develop independent security frameworks for FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act)-protected data.
- Strengthen AV system security protocols, including endpoint protection, authentication measures, and encrypted communications.
6. Develop Stronger Vendor Relationships
- Proactively negotiate contracts with AV manufacturers and service providers to ensure long-term pricing stability.
- Engage in direct partnerships with manufacturers to explore alternative funding models, such as subscription-based AV services.
7. Improve Internal Training and Workforce Development
- Since professional development funding may be impacted, establish in-house training programs for AV staff.
- Encourage cross-training among IT, AV, and facilities teams to maximize efficiency and expertise-sharing.
8. Expand Local and State-Level Government Engagement
- Since educational oversight may shift to states, establish connections with local policymakers and advocacy groups.
- Keep up with state-level AV technology funding opportunities and education initiatives.
9. Prioritize Scalability and Future-Proofing Technology Investments
- Invest in scalable, software-based AV solutions that minimize reliance on hardware.
- Explore AI-driven automation for AV troubleshooting, lecture capture, and room scheduling.
10. Support Institutional Transition Planning
- Collaborate with CIOs, academic leadership, and finance teams to plan for possible structural and operational changes in higher education.
- Provide data-driven insights on how AV investments contribute to student success and institutional goals.
By being proactive, AV tech managers can mitigate risks, maintain service continuity, and advocate for sustainable AV infrastructure in a shifting educational landscape. Would you like deeper insights into any of these areas?
All content, including text and graphics, are created by ChatGPT-4o.
No editing is performed. Use discretion when trusting responses.
