Are you currently or plan to create an AV/IT Request for Proposals (RFP)? If so, start here! AVT presents the five-part series of articles on Navigating a Successful Higher Ed AV/IT RFP Process, written by Joe Way, PhD, CTS, executive director of Digital Spaces at UCLA.

In Part II of Navigating a Successful Higher Ed AV/IT RFP Process, Joe Way discusses: Starting with Data, Developing a Strategic Vision Built on Consensus, and the Order of Operations

Baylor University has introduced HealthyBearsTXT, a text messaging initiative to encourage student self-care and well-being. The initiative, a collaboration between faculty and health services, sends students two to three messages per week, addressing topics such as mental health, sleep and nutrition. The messages are written by students and incorporate research-backed insights. HealthyBearsTXT aims to raise awareness of campus health resources, which are underutilized despite high student need.

The University of Arizona utilizes the New Student Information Form to gain a deeper understanding of incoming students and tailor support services accordingly. The form, which has an 88% response rate, revealed that 63% of students anticipate needing help with financial aid, while 56% expect to need academic support. The data have prompted the university to create initiatives, such as the First Cats program for first-generation students, and to address the needs of Pell Grant recipients. A recent nationwide survey revealed that many college students remain uninvolved in campus events, with 26% never attending an event and 35% not participating in extracurricular activities.

Georgia has developed a robust fintech education pipeline through partnerships between its universities and industry leaders. The Georgia Fintech Academy, spanning 26 institutions, and TAG-Ed, which serves K-12 students and current workers, offer hands-on training, apprenticeships, and real-world projects. These initiatives ensure students and workers acquire practical, experiential skills that align with industry demands, helping to fill talent gaps and prepare the next generation for evolving fintech careers.