At my previous employer (a private college), we had a consulting group come and and discuss strategic planning. I asked them whether we could justify improving

At my previous employer (a private college), we had a consulting group come and and discuss strategic planning. I asked them whether we could justify improving academic programs using ROI. The lead consultant said, "Nowadays, it's all about the amenities," and that we should build a swimming pool. I think higher ed really is about pleasing the students, parents and alumni, and keeping the money flowing, unfortunately. Bureaucracies just perpetuate themselves.