Sustaining Trust Under Pressure

Building trust between faculty and administrators is only the first step toward navigating change successfully. The real challenge lies in maintaining it — especially as institutions continue to face financial pressures, shifting priorities, and political scrutiny.

Lasting trust depends on consistency, transparency, and a shared sense of purpose. Leaders who communicate clearly and include faculty in meaningful decision-making can strengthen their institutions for the long term.

Building Trust, a new report from The Chronicle, offers practical guidance for sustaining credibility and collaboration even amid uncertainty. Drawing on interviews and case studies from across higher education, the report provides insights into how colleges can create cultures of trust that endure.