It’s particularly important for colleges to demonstrate that they’re willing to meet students where they are. Many students from disadvantaged backgrounds are stopped by the feeling that their lives aren’t stable enough, Papageorge said.

This shift will be built on key enablers that drive success in a hybrid environment: navigating virtual collaboration tools and telework platforms, implementing telework policies and procedures that maximize productivity and collaboration while minimizing data security risks, and adapting long-held in-person norms and culture. Institutions that are successful in making this shift will first assess their current landscape, then begin to address high-priority workplace components that impact faculty, staff, students, university finances, and operations.