The 2026 EDUCAUSE Top 10 Part 2: Tools to Transform Campus Culture

In Part 1 of our EDUCAUSE Top 10 series, we explored how culture drives success across cybersecurity, AI, and analytics. In Part 2, we shift the focus to examine the technology and processes institutions will need to evolve campus culture. From building internal systems like governance committees to the intentional exploration of new, better technology systems, these next four trends—data-centric culture, knowledge management for AI, measured technology adoption, and technology literacy—focus on what it takes to make the shift from technological possibility to sustainable progress.

4. Building a Data-Centric Culture Across the Institution

Though informed decision-making has become an institutional imperative, and most institutions have powerful information at their fingertips, data is often siloed and, as a result, underutilized. The teams that need access to holistic student and institutional data don’t have it, which can lead to a host of problems—from inconsistent data usage to incorrect or incomplete analyses.

When everyone on campus—from academic leaders to administrative teams—can engage with and trust data, institutions can create data-centric cultures and make faster, more informed decisions that align with their mission. These institutions will eliminate data silos, expand access to information, improve data quality, and treat data as a strategic asset rather than an IT resource.

This year, institutions should focus on: 

• Improving Access and Literacy: Provide staff and faculty with user-friendly tools and training that make data approachable and actionable.
• Breaking Down Silos: Focus on systems and operational integrations and create cross-departmental data committees or governance councils to encourage collaboration and shared accountability.
• Transforming Data to Strategy: Integrate analytics into institutional strategies like budgeting and program reviews to support the institution’s mission and goals.
• Celebrating Data Wins: Recognize teams that use data creatively to solve problems or improve student engagement and success. 

Get the decision guide and discover how to use your data to better enable student success.

5. Knowledge Management for Safer AI

AI’s rapid rise from novelty to essential tool has left many institutions uncertain how to manage implementation safely and mitigate growing privacy and security risks. Number 5 on EDUCAUSE’s Top 10 list, Knowledge Management for Safer AI, highlights how institutions can mitigate those risks.

This year, institutions should focus on: 

• Creating Governance Committees: Form cross-functional teams to oversee AI implementation and ensure alignment with mission and priorities. 
• Establishing Universal Frameworks: Develop policies and standards that can be applied consistently across departments, covering data use, ethics, and privacy.
• Auditing AI Use: Regularly review where and how AI tools are deployed to identify risks, gaps, and opportunities for improvement.
• Educating Stakeholders: Build awareness and understanding of AI ethics and safe use among faculty, staff, and students. 

Download our white paper, for step-by-step instructions on how to responsibly adopt AI on campus.

6. Measured Approaches to New Technologies

Higher education institutions are inundated with new technology solutions, and the constant influx of options can make decision-making feel overwhelming and, worse, reactive. Many campuses are looking back at recent purchasing and noticing a series of impulsive, quick fixes that are now straining IT teams and hindering smooth operations.

The solution is to start implementing a measured, strategic approach to technology adoption that prioritizes clear evaluations of cost, value, and institutional mission alignment. By thoughtfully assessing new technologies before full-scale implementation, institutions can ensure resources are used wisely and innovations truly benefit students and staff. 

This year, institutions should focus on: 

• Evaluating Existing Systems: Identify technology gaps, system redundancies, and underutilized tools before investing in new solutions.
• Considering Integration Implications: When looking at new systems, consider how these systems will work with or against current systems.
• Assessing Cost and ROI of New Systems: Consider both short- and long-term costs, potential ROI, and the impact on staff and students when deciding on technology purchases.
• Piloting Before Purchase: Test solutions in limited settings to ensure real-world effectiveness before scaling up. 

Watch the webinar: Investing in Innovation: How to Maximize EdTech ROI at Your Institution

7. Technology Literacy for the Future Workforce

Preparing students for the workforce has always required discipline-specific skills, but today’s employers increasingly demand fluency with digital tools, data, and AI. Many institutions still face a gap between traditional curriculum and the technological skills students need in today’s workplace. 

Institutions that haven’t yet adopted intentional technology literacy programs need to consider doing so. By embedding digital skills across curricula and the broader student experience, institutions can better prepare graduates for in-demand careers. 

This year, institutions should focus on: 

• Partnering With Employers: Align programs with workforce expectations to ensure graduates are ready for emerging roles.
• Integrating Tech Into Curriculum: Embed data, analytics, and AI tools within academic programs, not just IT courses.
• Investing in Faculty Development: Support instructors by integrating technology into teaching and assessment.
• Promoting Lifelong Learning: Offer continuing education opportunities for alumni and staff to keep skills up to date. 

Build effective non-traditional programs with the Non-Traditional Program Playbook. 

Looking Ahead to Part 3:

Part 3 of our EDUCAUSE Top 10 series will explore the remaining trends: From Reaction to Proactive, AI-Enabled Efficiencies and Growth, and Decision-Maker Data Skills and Literacy.