Ohio needs to dramatically increase the number of students who attend, succeed, and graduate with a degree that counts. New funding, political support, and alignments at the state level promise tuition restraint, increased collaborations, focused missions, and system efficiencies. The University System of Ohio calls on the public colleges and universities to unite under one banner, focus on common goals, while retaining individual identities. On campus, changes in information technology, resources and student demographics are creating significant changes in how educational opportunities are developed and delivered. This theme addresses programs and collaborations designed to serve the state well.

Topics will include (but are not limited to):

• effective business / academic partnerships that serve more Ohioans,
• collaborations between K-12 and higher ed that serve demonstrated state needs,
• strengthening ties between Ohio's colleges and universities, programs that remove barriers for adult learners, addressing educational needs of the Ohio workforce.

Example questions that presentations around this theme might address include: