The Agenda at a Glance is your exclusive preview of the transformative sessions and inspiring speakers awaiting you at this year’s event. Ready to learn more? See the full Event Guide here.

Unlock the Future of Shared Services in Higher Education

How Leading Universities Are Turning Shared Services into a Strategic Advantage

The conversation around Shared Services is evolving. No longer just about cutting costs, the most forward-thinking institutions are using it to streamline operations, enhance service delivery, and build trust with faculty and staff. But making it work takes more than efficiency metrics—it requires strong leadership, stakeholder buy-in, and a model that actually serves the people who use it.

We’ve put together an in-depth article that breaks down:

✔ How universities can move from resistance to adoption through smarter stakeholder engagement

✔ The leadership missteps that can derail Shared Services—and how to fix them

✔ What real success looks like beyond budget savings

✔ Lessons and case studies from top institutions

Universities are under increasing pressure to do more with less - rising costs, declining enrollment, and operational inefficiencies make it clear that the traditional decentralized model is no longer sustainable. Shared Services Centers (SSCs) offer a solution but expanding them beyond HR and IT requires strategic planning, stakeholder buy-in, and the right technology.

In this article, we explore:

✔ Why SSC expansion is no longer optional—and what’s driving institutions to act now

✔ The key benefits of scaling Shared Services beyond administrative functions

✔ The biggest challenges institutions face—from faculty resistance to governance complexity

✔ Proven strategies and case studies from universities successfully expanding SSCs

Is Your Institution Stuck in Silos? Here’s How to Fix It.

Higher education is built on knowledge-sharing, but too often, departments operate in isolation - leading to inefficiencies, duplicate efforts, and slow decision-making. As universities face growing financial pressures and evolving student needs, breaking down silos is no longer optional - it’s essential.

In this article, we explore:

✔ Leadership strategies that drive collaboration and break down internal barriers

✔ Technology solutions that streamline communication and operations

✔ Key success metrics to measure and sustain cross-departmental cooperation

✔ Real-world case studies of institutions leading the way

Discover how universities are fostering stronger, more connected institutions by rethinking collaboration, governance, and shared services.

Universities face unprecedented budget pressures as state funding shrinks, federal research grants become uncertain, and public scrutiny intensifies. Traditional cost-cutting methods, like hiring freezes or enrollment reductions, risk long-term damage. A more sustainable path forward involves strategically consolidating administrative functions through Shared Services.

In this article, we explore:

✔ Why adopting Shared Services is now critical - and how recent funding challenges have pushed universities to act immediately.

✔ Proven case studies showcasing real-world savings and improved efficiency from institutions like Texas Tech, Oregon State, and the University System of Georgia.

✔ The policy and governance landscape universities must navigate, from state incentives and oversight challenges to federal funding volatility.

✔ How leading institutions overcome resistance and barriers to achieve stakeholder buy-in and successfully implement Shared Services.

View the Higher Ed SSOW One-Pager for a concise look at the topics our visionary speakers are focusing on and networking opportunities you can expect onsite. In higher ed's current uncertain financial landscape, make sure you're not missing out on these peer discussions.

Discover Who’s Attending Higher Education Shared Services & Outsourcing Week 2025

Join us in St. Petersburg for the premier event in higher education shared services and outsourcing!

Current Attendee Snapshot

• Who’s in the room: Get a sneak peek at the universities and professionals attending this year’s event.
• Roles & representation: Explore the key job titles and institutions shaping the future of shared services.
• Engage & connect: Network with top leaders dedicated to advancing shared services in higher education.

Discover Who Attended Higher Education Shared Services & Outsourcing Week 2024

Join us in St. Petersburg for the premier event in higher education shared services and outsourcing!

Past Attendee Snapshot

• Exclusive overview: Learn about the diverse professionals who attended the event.
• Detailed look: Discover job titles, colleges, and universities represented.
• Vibrant community: Understand the dedication to advancing shared services in higher education.

Want your copy emailed to you? Click here.

Unlock the Highlights from Higher Education Shared Services & Outsourcing Week (Higher Ed SSOW)

We’re still buzzing from the incredible success of Higher Ed SSOW this past September! The feedback from attendees has been overwhelmingly positive, proving once again why this event is the go-to forum for driving innovation and collaboration in higher education shared services.

Ready to relive the action and dive into all the exciting moments by exploring our Post-Show Report. Whether you were there or couldn’t attend, this report is your ultimate guide to the event’s top insights and breakthroughs. Here’s what you’ll find:

• Top Sessions & Speakers: Get the highlights from standout sessions on RPA & AI, Lean Process Improvement, and more. These discussions, led by top-rated industry leaders, are shaping the future of higher ed shared services
• Audience Insights: Discover who attended and the key demographics driving change in the higher education sector
• Attendee Experiences: Hear directly from your peers about why Higher Ed SSOW was an eye-opening event that fostered meaningful connections and fresh ideas
• Beyond the Conference: Explore the unique networking opportunities, exclusive site tours, and off-site experiences that made this year’s event truly unforgettable

Ready to dive in? Claim your complimentary copy of the Post-Show Report today! Prefer to have it emailed to you? Click here.

Want to know what to expect at the 2025 Higher Education Shared Services & Outsourcing Week? Explore the previous iteration's agenda to get a sense of what we're building upon for 2025.

Highlights from the Previous Edition:

• Industry Leader Insights: Gain valuable knowledge from the sessions led by top experts in the field
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with peers and industry leaders to expand your professional network
• CPE Credits: Learn how attendees earned Continuing Professional Education credits to advance their careers

Relive the highlights of the successful 2024 Higher Education Shared Services & Outsourcing Week and discover how to apply these learnings to your organization for continued professional growth. Don't miss out on the opportunity to leverage these insights and connections for your institution's success!

Request a copy via email here.

Higher education institutions face unique challenges in streamlining operations. Kellie Campbell, Chief Information Officer, Vermont State Colleges System, shares her expertise in a must-read thought leader interview, offering a practical guide to mastering shared services implementation.

Talking points include:

• Efficient Communication
• Service Selection
  
• Effective SLAs
• Transparency
• Budgeting
• And so much more!

This interview is your roadmap to a more efficient and cost-effective shared services model. Want your copy emailed to you instead? Just click here!

Unlock the Power of Shared Services in Higher Education!

In today's rapidly evolving educational landscape, optimizing shared services is more critical than ever. This comprehensive report is designed to help your institution navigate the complexities of shared services, streamline operations, reduce costs, and boost service quality.

Inside This Report:

• Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Essential metrics to track your progress and ensure you're on the right path
• Service Level Agreements (SLAs): Guidelines to maintain consistent and high-quality service delivery
• Success Measures: Critical benchmarks to measure and achieve your goals

Gain valuable insights and practical strategies to revolutionize your institution's shared services. Want your copy emailed to you? Click here and start transforming your operations today! 

Top-Rated Past Presentations

Discover the most acclaimed presentations from the recent Higher Education Shared Services & Outsourcing Week (Higher Ed SSOW) conference. These top-rated sessions, now available for free, offer invaluable insights from industry leaders.

Featured Presentations:

• Transforming Higher Education: Winning Strategies for Implementing and Optimizing Lean Shared Services | Tomika Adams, Senior Director, Compensation and HR Services, Stanford University School of Medicine
• The UCPath Journey: From Startup to Value-Driven Venture | Calvin Turner, Executive Director of Shared Services, University of California Office of the President
• Journey to the Future: RPA & AI Initiatives to Unlock the Future of Work | Pam Gabel, Assistant Vice President for Shared Services Center, University of Michigan

Don't miss out on these expert insights. Access your copy today! Click here to request a copy via email.

Higher Ed institutions are juggling complex challenges in managing shared services. This Thought Leader Interview with Patrick McClain provides actionable strategies to optimize your operations and achieve success!

Our interview with Patrick McClain, a shared services leader, dives into:

• Selecting the right vendor for your needs
• Keeping your employees engaged
• Mastering the hybrid work environment

Prefer to get the interview straight to your inbox? Click here to claim your copy!

Are you ready to transform your institution's approach to change management? How can proactive strategies in shared services elevate your higher education institution?

Key Topics Inside Include:

• The importance of proactive change management in higher education
• A detailed five-step process for successful change management
• Aligning institutional goals, processes, core values, and technologies
• Case studies and best practices from leading institutions

In the dynamic landscape of higher education, effective change management is vital for institutions aiming to align with evolving goals, processes, core values, and technologies. Discover the essential five-step process that outlines the key stages involved in successful change management.

Want your copy emailed to you? Click here.

Is your institution struggling to attract and retain top-tier talent in the competitive landscape of higher education shared services? How can effective talent management strategies give you a competitive edge?

This Report Explores:

• The critical importance of talent recruiting and retention in higher education
• Effective talent management strategies for fostering growth and excellence
• Innovative approaches to attract and retain top-tier talent
• Real-time statistics and insights into optimizing shared services models

Discover innovative approaches to attract and retain exceptional individuals, providing valuable, real-time statistics to offer invaluable insights into unlocking the full potential of collaborative and efficient shared services models. Read it now!

Click here to have your copy emailed to you!

How can your institution ensure the success of its Shared Services Organization (SSO) initiatives? Are you ready to secure essential buy-in from your staff and faculty?

This Report Explores:

• The growing prevalence of SSOs in higher education
• The critical importance of stakeholder buy-in for successful SSOs
• Practical steps for institutional leaders to achieve staff and faculty buy-in

Discover the key strategies to create efficiencies and streamline operations through effective stakeholder engagement. Read it now!

Request a copy via email here.

How can higher education institutions overcome financial challenges while maintaining academic excellence? Join us for an exclusive interview with Brandon Gaines, Director of Financial Support Services and Service Excellence at Princeton, as he shares his expert strategies.

Top Topics Discussed:

• Capacity Modeling: Balancing academic goals with financial constraints
• Organizational Agility: Techniques for maintaining agility despite limited resources
• Future Trends: Insights into the future of shared services in higher education and trends to watch for in the next 5-10 years

Gain valuable insights from Brandon Gaines on how to navigate the unique challenges in higher education and prepare for the future. Watch the interview now!

Questions? Email us here.

How can aligning stakeholder values drive successful engagement in higher education? Join us for an exclusive interview with Heidi Tilghman, CAS Shared Services Director at the University of Washington, as she shares her expert insights.

Top Topics Discussed:

• Aligning Stakeholder Values: Cultivating a shared vision and tailoring communication strategies to maintain alignment with an institution’s mission
• Gauging Satisfaction: Key metrics used to measure stakeholder satisfaction
• Lessons Learned: Critical insights and advice to avoid common pitfalls in stakeholder engagement

Dive into Heidi Tilghman's experiences at the Higher Ed SSOW conference and gain practical tips for fostering long-term engagement. Watch the interview now!

Questions? Email us here.

Download the sponsorship agenda to see a full look at the event as well as our Higher Education audience looking for solutions in:

• Robotic Process Automation
• Intelligent Document Processing (IDP)
• CX (Customer Experience)
• Platforms Consulting/Advisory Firms
• Intelligent Automation
• Process Mining & Process Discovery
• Workflow & Process Automation
• OCR (Optical Character Recognition)
• & More