The inaugural issue of The Value of Knowing introduces the importance of building a robust decision support culture in higher education. With nearly 25 years of campus experience and over six years as a higher education consultant, I share insights on two key approaches: internal development and external consultant support. This issue explores how data-driven decision-making can align institutional resources with mission priorities, offering practical strategies for campus leaders to foster transparency and sustainable outcomes.

This issue of The Value of Knowing explores the importance of building a robust decision support framework in higher education. We discuss how integrating data across functional units—such as curriculum delivery, faculty effort, human resources, and finances—can empower institutions to make informed, strategic decisions. By fostering transparency and collaboration, a comprehensive decision support culture ensures that resource allocation aligns with institutional goals. Real-world examples highlight the transformative potential of a holistic approach to decision-making.

Discover the pivotal role of the chart of accounts in shaping robust decision support structures for new university leaders. This newsletter guides you through optimizing your CoA to enhance financial transparency, compliance, and informed decision-making. Learn strategic steps for effective collaboration with accounting and decision support teams to align the CoA with institutional goals, ensuring it remains a dynamic, integral tool in managing financial operations and supporting strategic decisions at your college or university.

The General Ledger (GL) is an essential tool for managing financial resources in higher education, offering detailed insights into an institution’s financial health. This newsletter explores how maximizing the GL can enhance decision-making by focusing on three key areas: organizing a detailed chart of accounts, identifying educational units, administrative centers, and auxiliary services, and understanding the flow of funds. In an incentive-based budget environment, transparency and accuracy in financial reporting are critical to fostering accountability and institutional growth.

This newsletter explores the importance of academic cost accounting as a vital tool for enhancing financial transparency and decision-making in higher education. By outlining its benefits for faculty and academic leaders, the article emphasizes how this tool fosters informed resource allocation and strategic planning. The piece also highlights the challenges and opportunities in developing an academic cost framework and underscores the crucial role of faculty engagement in the process, offering a step-by-step guide to building an effective cost accounting system.

Review the budgeting process within higher education.

This chapter outlines the establishment of performance improvement projects.

Focus on the assessment of organizational structures.

Evaluate the current state of decision support and business intelligence in higher education.

Conclude with a recap of key themes, stressing the strategic value of assessments and the evolving role of consultants.