USAID/Philippines Mission Director Ryan Washburn (center, in suit and tie) and CHED Chairman J. Prospero De Vera III (center in white button-down shirt) launch the USAID UPSKILL Higher Education Innovation Leaders Fellowship Program. The launch featured the first batch of fellows, composed of 16 senior academic leaders and higher education officials from across the Philippines who will participate in an eight-month learning program, including sessions at Arizona State University, so they can drive innovatio

UDI launched a fellowship program aimed at transforming higher education in the Philippines amidst challenges of access and degree attainment, as part of a larger $30 million initiative. The program will empower senior academic officials to innovate and lead educational reform across 12 institutions, supported by both virtual and in-person training sessions in the Philippines and Arizona.



Dr. Freeman A. Hrabowski, III, President Emeritus, UMBC posing for a photo in front of campus.

Dr. Freeman A. Hrabowski, III, President Emeritus, UMBC joined the University Design Institute and Arizona State University in Fall 2023 for our annual Frank Rhodes Lecture Series. Dr. Hrabowski's lecture, titled “Leadership, Empowerment and Resilience in Higher Education: Reflections on the Past Fifty Years", discussed the importance of public universities in American society and around the world.



Group of staff, researchers, and leaders coordinating a project.

The Launching Leaders Program (LLP) at Arizona State University is an intensive eight-month initiative designed to empower faculty members in new administrative roles through tailored support and comprehensive workshops. Led by experienced academic personnel, LLP aims to nurture leadership competencies and ensure successful transitions for its participants.



Opening session of ASU Generative AI Community of Practice

ASU’s Academic Enterprise, Enterprise Technology, and Learning Enterprise collaborated with UDI to host a groundbreaking conversation on generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in higher education. The event engaged over 70 participants, fostering a dynamic environment to explore and advance GenAI practices, resulting in a comprehensive road map for future initiatives.



woman using virtual reality headset with desert landscape in background

In Summer 2023, UDI launched its first Student Design Corps (SDC) to amplify student voices in university teaching and learning. Over 12 weeks, a diverse team of four students researched, designed, and tested innovative prototypes to enhance student participation in academic decision making, supported by comprehensive UDI training and international education leaders' guidance.



The University Design Institute worked with the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) as part of a year-long Design Accelerator to address challenges that included student success initiatives, programmatic design and pathways to completion, and organizational design and culture.



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