In higher education, we often pride ourselves on structure, policy, and precedent — and for good reason. These frameworks provide consistency, fairness, and accountability. But amid that scaffolding, a dangerous habit can take root: saying no too quickly, too easily, and sometimes without necessity.

The word no ends conversations. It closes doors. It tells a student — or a colleague — that there’s no path forward. And yet, so often, that no is based on systems or assumptions we’ve never challenged. A form, a deadline, a requirement — something that feels immovable until someone dares to ask, why not?

That’s where the word maybe becomes art.

Maybe is not indecision. It’s not a stall tactic. It’s a posture of possibility.

It invites exploration, collaboration, and creativity. It makes space for yes, but only after the hard, important work of figuring out what stands in the way — and whether that obstacle actually needs to remain there.

When I say maybe to a student, I’m signaling belief — in them, in the system’s flexibility, and in our shared ability to find a path forward. I’m saying, “I don’t know the answer yet, but I’m willing to try.” That mindset is entrepreneurial. It’s student-centered. It’s bold.

Maybe Is Where Innovation Lives

Maybe is how policy evolves. It’s how students on the brink of giving up suddenly feel seen, heard, and supported. When we shift from a no-first mindset to a maybe-first culture, something powerful happens:

• Students advocate for themselves.
• Staff collaborate across departments.
• Systems that seemed immovable begin to stretch.

There Is Beauty in Maybe

Too often, higher education leaders say no because of some seemingly insurmountable roadblock. Why? What if we asked why not?

Maybe is not about ambiguity — it’s about openness. It’s about helping students grow and learn through the process of figuring it out together.

Maybe epitomizes opportunism, entrepreneurialism, progression, and growth.

It empowers students to become critical thinkers and problem-solvers. And it empowers us, as leaders, to be bold enough to build more human systems.

What This Looks Like

• Pausing before answering.
• Asking if the barrier is truly necessary.
• Collaborating to find solutions.
• Challenging outdated structures.
• Choosing flexibility when it serves learning.

If we want to help students learn, grow, and succeed — we must start leading from maybe.

Because maybe changes everything.