Dive Brief:
- A judge recently decided Deep Springs College — a rigorous, two-year, all-male institution with an enrollment of 26 — may begin admitting females after a California appeals court ruled to allow it last week.
- The fight was raised by a group of alumni who challenged that the trust under which the college was founded was intended to establish an institution that would only educate men, Inside Higher Ed reports.
- College officials say the college's mission revolves around rigor, not remaining a single-sex institution.
Dive Insight:
Many institutional leaders know well the levels of opposition they may face when considering any change — whether it's in institutional mission, a decision to cut or decrease the level of athletics, conversations about merging with other institutions, or even simply updating the logo and branding of a college. And as the industry continues to look for ways to assert its relevance and each individual institution looks to compete for a shrinking pool of students, more of these conversations will need to be had.
Changing the direction of study funded by an endowment or trust requires even more consideration than other types of changes, however. Working with donors to craft the least-restrictive language possible will help institution leaders stay ahead of this type of issue and also avoid potential student backlash over the philanthropists' perceived influence on campus. For funds established decades or a century ago, transparency and communication with all stakeholders will be key. Most stakeholders want what is best for the institution, and clearly articulating the value of the proposed change to the institution may help quell concerns.