Vacated dorms, online classes, and virtual graduation ceremonies are just a few of the challenges institutions of higher education have faced in the last few years. Colleges and universities struggle now with keeping students, faculty, and staff physically safe while still navigating the path to keeping their data safe as well. With remote learning an increasing part of today’s higher education experience, identity management is more crucial than ever.
And this is just the beginning. The future of higher education will be increasingly digital. Digital transformation, including the popularization of online learning and degree programs as well as growing interest in massive open online courses (MOOCS), was the reality in higher education even before the onset of the global COVID-19 pandemic. This transformation, which has been accelerating, is challenging university administrators to prioritize students’ digital experience while scaling to operate efficiently, maintain a high level of data security, and anticipate new risks. Identity governance is central to these efforts.