Higher Ed Pulse

Can AI Save Higher Ed from Burnout?

Episode Summary

Higher ed is exhausted—literally. A new report from The Chronicle of Higher Education confirms what many faculty and staff already feel: heavier workloads, fewer resources, and increasing pressure are pushing employees to the brink. But is there a way out? In this episode, Mallory and Seth explore how AI can be a powerful tool in reducing burnout, streamlining workloads, and helping institutions retain their best talent. Plus, they share real-world AI solutions, from automating admin tasks to freeing up time for strategic, high-impact work.

Episode Notes

Higher ed is exhausted—literally. A new report from The Chronicle of Higher Education confirms what many faculty and staff already feel: heavier workloads, fewer resources, and increasing pressure are pushing employees to the brink. But is there a way out? In this episode, Mallory and Seth explore how AI can be a powerful tool in reducing burnout, streamlining workloads, and helping institutions retain their best talent. Plus, they share real-world AI solutions, from automating admin tasks to freeing up time for strategic, high-impact work.

Chronicle Articles:
Higher Ed Is Exhausted
What It’s Like to Work in Higher Ed

Key Takeaways: 

• Burnout is at crisis levels. The Chronicle report shows that 65% of faculty and staff are working more than they were five years ago, often due to layoffs and staffing shortages.
• It’s not just about workload—it’s about control. Many higher ed professionals feel overworked, undervalued, and left out of key decision-making processes, leading to higher turnover.
• AI isn’t a magic fix, but it helps. Implementing AI tools can automate repetitive tasks, improve efficiency, and allow employees to focus on more meaningful work.
• Small AI wins add up. Simple tools like voice-to-text software, AI-powered research assistants, and automated meeting recaps can significantly reduce stress and save time.
• Leadership must embrace AI for change to happen. Many higher ed leaders aren’t using AI themselves, which makes it harder for institutions to adopt these tools at scale.
• The future of higher ed depends on retaining great talent. If burnout continues unchecked, institutions risk losing experienced professionals, which could impact student outcomes and institutional success.

Calls to Action

• Register for the AI Engage Summit to learn practical ways AI can transform your institution. Enrollify.org/engage
• Experiment with AI tools. Try NotebookLM, ChatGPT, Whisper, or Loom to streamline your daily tasks.
• Advocate for AI at your institution. Share AI success stories with leadership and push for tools that can lighten workloads.
• Read the full Chronicle report on burnout in higher ed (linked in the show notes).
• Subscribe to Enrollify for more episodes on the future of higher ed marketing and enrollment.