The positive unintended consequences of the pandemic on higher education in the United States
Abstract: While much has been written related to the challenges associated with COVID-19 in the higher education arena we were particularly interested in exploring what positive unintended consequences, if any, have been articulated. The eight-person research team took an inductive approach with a set of preselected texts by the lead researcher for review. The assets that were analyzed consisted of publicly accessible readings from various sources such as news media outlets, blogs, academic articles, and conference proceedings that focus on the higher education sector. Five findings are shared in a discussion about changes in higher education as a result of the pandemic, (1) mental health, (2) admissions requirements, (3) learning accommodations, (4) diversity in leadership, (5) diversifying classroom environments.