We enhance Board, Leadership, and Compensation Effectiveness within Institutions of Higher Education.
The Casagrande Institute for Higher Education Effectiveness advances excellence by helping institutions promote transparent and fair compensation practices, evaluate grant-funded initiatives, refine academic portfolios, and optimize governance. Our consultants collaborate closely with institutional leaders to develop sustainable solutions that align with each institution’s mission, values, strategic priorities, and finances.
Our integration with the Center for Professional Learning at Viterbo University provides expanded opportunities to serve higher education. The Casagrande Institute proudly sponsors the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC), the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU), and the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU).
Realizing Mission Through Enhanced Effectiveness
Faculty and Staff Compensation
We help institutions develop sustainable and fiscally responsible compensation structures that attract and retain mission-aligned faculty and staff.
- Diagnostic assessment to evaluate current compensation practices and readiness for change.
- Benchmarking and competitive analyses.
- Development of custom structures that balance affordability, internal equity, and external markets.
Our process results in a clear compensation philosophy and framework to enable informed decision-making about investment prioritization.
Executive Compensation
We provide expert executive compensation services that equip institutions to navigate scrutiny during economically challenging times.
- Comprehensive education for boards and compensation committees.
- Executive compensation process reviews.
- Detailed assessments of total remuneration.
We also assist in clarifying executive roles, advising IRS Form 990 compliance, and developing key compensation components like incentives and retirement plans. Our services empower leadership to recruit, reward, and retain top talent.
Grant-Funded Program Evaluation
We provide independent and professional evaluation services for funded initiatives.
- Mixed-methods designs translate activities into measurable outcomes and impact.
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Continuous formative feedback loops help project teams refine strategy.
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Concise, compliance-ready reports meet NSF, NIH, NASA, and foundation requirements.
Our services help turn evidence into momentum, demonstrating impact and positioning you for further funding opportunities.
Academic Program Mix Analysis
We determine the actual costs, revenues, and margins for each program to help inform institutional decisions about resource allocation.
- Collaboration with administration and faculty leadership to ensure transparency and an understanding of finances.
- Balancing program margins with external demand and yield.
- Strategic recommendations informed both by data and by institutional mission.
Our results are designed to help you optimize academic offerings for financial sustainability and strategic growth.
Board and President Alignment
We aid the development of functional relationships within the board and between the board and president.
- Confidential stakeholder interviews to evaluate board and president effectiveness.
- Strengthen the critical relationships between the board chair, president, and committee chairs.
- Skilled facilitation of trustee and leadership meetings to ensure that all voices are heard.
Our neutral perspective builds trust, fosters the development of innovative solutions, and offers clear, unbiased guidance in navigating complex governance challenges.
Contact Us
David J. Bauer, Ph.D.
Director, Casagrande Institute for Higher Education Effectiveness
djbauer@viterbo.edu
608-796-3617