MHEC is engaging in conversations with states as they prepare for the implementation of Workforce Pell. Across the country, states are working through the complex process of translating federal policy into operational programs. This includes defining high-wage, high-demand occupations, identifying eligible programs, developing application and review processes, and aligning occupational and program classification systems. Many states are coordinating efforts across governors’ offices, workforce agencies, higher education systems, and state financial aid authorities.
As implementation planning advances, key challenges are emerging around workforce data access, employer validation, and student advising related to lifetime Pell eligibility. MHEC's engagement strategy, developed through Workforce Pell roundtables with state leaders in our region, is designed to surface these challenges and facilitate cross-state learning as implementation progresses.
As Workforce Pell moves toward launch, we will support alignment of postsecondary education and workforce development by convening partners, sharing emerging practices, and offering informational webinars and convenings to address policy, data, and implementation questions. For more information, please contact Carrie Wandler, senior director of policy initiatives, carriew@mhec.org.
As higher education institutions navigate rapid technological change, the annual MHEC Technologies Community Conference convened technology leaders in Rosemont, Illinois, February 26–27, to advance regional solutions for emerging topics in higher education across the Midwest.
The two-day conference brought together chief information officers, technology directors, and institutional leaders to examine how rapidly evolving technologies are shaping institutional strategy, operations, and the student experience. Through presentations, peer discussions, and networking, participants exchanged practical approaches drawn from their institutions.
This year’s theme, “Building Bridges: Connecting Ideas, People, and Possibilities,” framed conversations about how technology leaders can connect ideas across disciplines, align institutional priorities, and translate innovation into practical solutions.
Several sessions focused on the accelerating impact of artificial intelligence in higher education, from integrating AI tools into academic and administrative workflows to navigating governance, policy, and institutional risk. Other discussions explored expanding digital accessibility expectations, the role of data and analytics in institutional decision-making, and challenges in recruiting and developing technology talent.
The conference also illustrated how the MHEC Technologies Community functions throughout the year. Leaders come together to identify emerging challenges, share insights, compare approaches, and align around strategies that support institutional progress. Conversations often surfaced practical tensions; for example, how institutions can move quickly on AI adoption while developing governance, policy, and risk frameworks that keep pace with rapid technological change.
As the pace of technological change accelerates, MHEC's regional network becomes a practical resource—helping technology leaders compare approaches, surface emerging challenges, and work through what is and isn’t working on their campuses.
For more information on the Technologies Community, please contact Benjamin Coder, programs and contracts manager, mailto:benjamin@mhec.org.
The Midwestern Higher Education Compact, in partnership with EAB, has launched a regional research study focused on shared services and administrative effectiveness in higher education. The goal of this effort is to better understand current practices, identify promising strategies, and inform future collaboration opportunities within and across postsecondary institutions in the Midwest.
Survey invitations are being sent to higher education leaders across the region, including chief business, finance, operations, human resources, and information officers. Responses will be reported in aggregate and will help shape case study examples, regional insights, and shared learning opportunities for participating institutions.
Didn’t receive an invitation but would like to participate? Please contact Mary Roberson at MHEC at maryr@mhec.org to request access to the survey.
MHEC has awarded a new technology contract to Precision Task Group, Inc. (PTG) for Workday Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) subscriptions and related professional services. The agreement was awarded through MHEC’s Next Generation Higher Education ERP System of Systems RFP following a competitive solicitation. The new contract advances MHEC's work to 
