Higher Education
Higher education and research institutions advance student and institutional success by balancing competing priorities and effectively aligning limited resources.
Higher Education
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Cryptocurrency opportunities and risks in higher education
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Maximize ROI with proficient project controls
At a glance
Higher education leaders turn to Baker Tilly to enhance student and institutional success. Our client experience spans from effective risk management and innovative strategies to compliant fiscal reporting and operational controls.
Colleges and universities are under increasing pressure to improve student engagement and outcomes while meeting demands for greater transparency and affordability. More than ever, stakeholders are exploring challenging questions on topics including academic and admissions integrity, enrollment management, cybersecurity and student wellness.
This ever-changing environment presents unique opportunities for (and expectations that) institutions transform in new and bold ways, such as adopting advanced data analytics and strategic human capital management. To be successful, institutions must harness the force of an integrated, courageous navigator who can collaborate with leaders across all functions and levels to drive holistic solutions from an institution-wide perspective.
Let's embark on this journey together.
We have a responsibility to our schools and the public to make well-informed educated decisions. It is important that our advisors are meticulous in what they do, proactive in the way they do it and possess a high level of knowledge in the higher education industry. Baker Tilly is one such firm.Audit Committee Chair, large state system
Higher Ed Advisor: A Baker Tilly Podcast
Higher Ed Advisor is Baker Tilly's podcast delivering relevant and authentic insights for college, university and research institution leaders, including series on fiscal resiliency, risk, collegiate athletics and esports, health and wellness and data analytics.
We guide you on:
As a forward-looking, collaborative and consultative ally, our unique insights derive from a specialized focus on higher education clients and issues. Our dedicated Value Architects™ give you access to the industry’s most strategic thinking to bring transformative guidance and impactful solutions required to nimbly manage matters related to:
Fiscal resiliency
- Affordability and strategic resource alignment
- Combination consulting
- Enrollment and retention
- Fiscal modeling and analysis
- Human capital management
- Performance optimization
- Shared services consulting
- Strategic planning
- Student wellness and success
Collegiate athletics and esports
- Athletic department and program analysis
- Esports department and program assessments and governance
- Name, image and likeness (NIL) compliance and regulatory oversight
- NCAA agreed-upon procedures
- NCAA compliance (and other regulatory compliance)
- Policies and procedures
- Recruiting strategies
- Scholarship management
Risk advisory and internal audit
- Board and audit committee governance
- Cybersecurity and privacy
- Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC)
- Enterprise risk management
- Fraud, ethics and academic integrity
- Internal audit
- Internal controls reviews
- Risk assessments
Accounting and assurance
- Financial statement audit
- Regulatory compliance
- Research and grants compliance
- Tax preparation and compliance
Recognizing that all higher education and research institutions must balance numerous priorities with finite resources, we design tailored, solutions-driven strategies and approach every situation with practicality so you can progress your institutional mission.
Cybersecurity insights
Combating the rising costs of cyber insurance: how we got here, and what organizations can do
As the cost of cyber insurance trends upward, often with less coverage, organizations across all industries must improve their cyber controls to minimize premium costs and their risk of a cyber attack.
Research security: what auditors must know in 2022
Gain insight into the latest research security developments and requirements and how they impact higher education.
Cybersecurity and data privacy: recognizing the risks facing NFP organizations
Not-for-profit organizations should be aware of similarities between cybersecurity and data privacy and take proactive steps to address potential risks.
Ransomware prevention guide
Our ransomware prevention guide explores eight leading cybersecurity practices to minimize an organization’s chance of a ransomware attack.
HITRUST FAQ
Here are the answers to frequently asked questions regarding HITRUST, HITRUST assessment types, external assessors and HITRUST certification timelines.
Cybersecurity risk management: mitigating vulnerabilities in the cloud
This on-demand webinar discusses cybersecurity threats, leading practices to mitigate those threats and the nuances of securing third-party hosted solutions.
Managing cybersecurity risks in the cloud
While the idea of cloud-hosted infrastructure may seem new, organizations have been outsourcing management of their infrastructure for decades. Read this article to better understand the cloud’s unique capabilities, as well as how you can utilize the securities within the cloud.
Managing security risks when using third-party hosted solutions
As businesses continue to focus on their core products and services, many organizations have found the development of internal proprietary applications no longer align to their long-term strategic goals or objectives and chose to outsource technical staff managing the day-to-day operations. Read this article to see what security risks still remain after resources shift and how to successfully navigate the new technology.
Growth by the numbers
270+
private institutions
140+
public institutions
18
state systems
125+
research institutions, including 55 institutions classified as highest research activity*
10 of the top 15
highest recipients of federal funding**
120+
religious institutions
50+
liberal arts institutions
Baker Tilly in the news
Accuracy Matters: How Colleges Can Avoid Misreporting With Reliable Data
In light of 10 universities recently being removed from the U.S. News & World Report due to inaccurate or misleading information, Baker Tilly Principal Adrienne Larmett shares in an article with University Business how colleges and universities can prevent misreporting and make sure their data is accurate.
The Chronicle of Higher Education: Do the ‘U.S. News’ Rankings Rely on Dubious Data?
Major universities look to rankings to present and differentiate themselves amid pressure to boost enrollment, revenue and donations. Baker Tilly Senior Manager Adrienne Larmett spoke with The Chronicle of Higher Education on data reporting challenges for colleges and universities and the critical role of oversight.
Trustees and Presidents - Opportunities and Challenges In Intercollegiate Athletics
Baker Tilly Partner Dave Capitano and Senior Manager Adrienne Larmett are featured on Dr. Karen Weaver's “Trustees and Presidents - Opportunities and Challenges In Intercollegiate Athletics” podcast.
Inside Higher Ed: Some College Athletes Cash In While Others Lose Out
As college athletes profit from new sponsorship deals in light of the NCAA’s interim name, image and likeness (NIL) policy, institutions are struggling to navigate state laws and regulations. Baker Tilly’s Adrienne Larmett discusses the complexities #NIL poses with Inside Higher Ed, and what institutions need to consider moving forward.
Inside Higher Ed: Treating Private College Athletes Like the Pros
In response to the National Labor Relations Board’s memo this week classifying some college athletes as employees, Baker Tilly Senior Manager Adrienne Larmett talks with Inside Higher Ed on how this new guidance adds complexity for colleges and universities as they work to comply with and operationalize name, image and likeness (NIL) rules.
Higher Ed Dive: Christine Smith gives insight into the next steps of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education integration.
Following the vote for Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) to move forward with integrations, Baker Tilly Managing Director Christine Smith comments on the challenges ahead.
Inside Higher Ed: Christine Smith gives insight into the Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education integration process.
As Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) moves forward with integrations, Chancellor Dan Greenstein is trusting Baker Tilly Managing Director Christine Smith and Baker Tilly's team of higher education specialists to turn plans into action: leading the strategy for stakeholder mapping, accreditation approval and more.
Forbes: Higher Education Must Change To Thrive: The Case Of Consolidation In The Pennsylvania State System
Baker Tilly Managing Director Christine Smith was recently featured in the article highlighting how the Higher Education team is helping the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education reinvent itself to provide more affordable, career-relevant education for all students.
The Business Journals: Christine Smith provides insight into the importance of fiscal resiliency for Higher Ed organizations
Baker Tilly Managing Director Christine Smith recently spoke with The Business Journals about how colleges and universities can chart an intentional path forward to ensure student success within the context of long-term fiscal resiliency and institutional sustainability.
Data Analytics Solution for Higher Education (DASH)
Drive powerful, strategic and transformational decision-making across your institution with DASH.
Future-forward solutions
Collegiate Athletics & Esports
You call the plays, we help you score.
Internal Audit
Leverage industry-specialized internal audit for organizational success.
Enterprise Risk Management
Mitigate risks and seize opportunities.
Cybersecurity
Proactively protect and address your cybersecurity and information technology (IT) risks.
Privacy
A sound privacy program accounts for compliance, legal, financial, third party, reputational and activisms risks.
Risk Advisory
Baker Tilly addresses the full spectrum of risk, governance and compliance considerations in the context of industry, operations and culture.
Assurance
Baker Tilly pairs deep industry knowledge with service specialization to deliver high quality accounting and assurance services.
Tax
Contributing to clients’ success by accelerating tax deductions, increasing tax credits, reducing cash taxes and mitigating risks
Board & Audit Committee Governance
Enhance your governance practices to improve oversight.
Fraud & Forensic Investigations
Identifying, quantifying, and mitigating the risks, costs, and effects of fraud, abuse, and corruption.
Grants Administration & Research Compliance
A strong research portfolio coupled with a robust grants administration and research compliance infrastructure help to attract top talent and build prestige for an institution.
Performance Optimization
Baker Tilly’s performance optimization professionals help clients ensure that resources are aligned with strategic priorities and positioned for cost effectiveness.
Human Capital
Baker Tilly’s human capital consulting teams help organizations leverage the most updated approaches and latest technologies to reshape the employer/employee relationship, driving success and business returns.
Development Advisory
Guiding clients through development projects from conception to completion.
Academic Medical Centers
Baker Tilly's qualified and experienced professionals understand the intersection of higher education and healthcare.
Among my various legacy contributions to this place over 20 years, I rank bringing on Baker Tilly to assist us near the top of the list.(Former) General Counsel, Ivy League institution
They have been very client focused, they know their respective technical areas and treat us as an important client. Both management and the audit committee recognize the enhanced technical and service quality we have received from Baker Tilly.Audit Committee Chair, large private institution