The Anthology Together 2025 Conference highlighted significant technology shifts that are set to reshape higher education. With AI, integrated platforms, and redesigned student experiences moving to the forefront, institutional leaders face both opportunities and challenges in navigating this transformation.
AI and Proactive Student Support
The introduction of Anthology Virtual Assistant (AVA) marks a move from reactive to predictive student engagement. AVA can automate personalized outreach and manage routine inquiries while maintaining space for faculty oversight. Similarly, the “Help AI” feature in the Student Portal provides context-sensitive guidance, adapting to individual needs.
Considerations for Institutions:
- Review existing communication workflows to identify where AI can reduce routine burden.
- Establish governance for AI-driven messaging that reflects institutional values.
- Provide faculty training to balance automated communication with personal connection.
- Pilot implementations with targeted groups before broader rollout.
Enhancing the Student Experience
Updates to the Anthology Student Portal include degree audit integration with registration, configurable dashboards, and detailed transaction history. Blackboard introduced improved navigation and immersive tools such as VR, while Anthology Ally applies AI to support accessibility improvements.
Considerations for Institutions:
- Ensure infrastructure can support real-time data integration.
- Shift staff responsibilities from routine support to higher-value student engagement.
- Build faculty readiness for VR-enabled instruction.
- Embed accessibility standards into content development from the start.
Administrative Platform Consolidation
Several solutions are being streamlined: Anthology Advance now unifies the Raise and Encompass fundraising platforms; the new Outcomes platform replaces Goals Framework for assessment; and Anthology Engage incorporates gamification features to encourage campus participation.
Considerations for Institutions:
- Begin mapping legacy system data to prepare for migrations.
- Develop change management strategies that recognize these as workflow shifts, not just software upgrades.
- Design gamification approaches that authentically align with campus culture.
- Sequence rollouts carefully to avoid overlapping disruptions.
Building a Phased Implementation Strategy
Institutions will need to approach adoption in phases:
- Assessment (Immediate): Identify impacts, integration requirements, and training needs.
- Infrastructure Preparation (6 Months): Upgrade systems, launch pilot programs, and establish governance.
- Deployment (6–18 Months): Roll out strategically, monitor adoption, and refine processes.
Technology Infrastructure Requirements
Sustained success will depend on cross-functional coordination and investment in:
- Governance bodies with authority to resolve integration conflicts.
- Middleware and API management for complex interactions.
- Professional development that goes beyond one-time training.
- Risk protocols to manage simultaneous updates and potential disruptions.
The Bigger Picture
The developments unveiled at Anthology Together 2025 go beyond software updates—they signal a transformation in how institutions deliver education, support students, and manage operations. Preparing for this shift will require organizational alignment, careful sequencing, and a focus on long-term strategy.
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