An exploration of the behavior of higher education institutions in adopting innovative information technology solutions before they have proven utility. Six constructs were used to explore patterns of adoption. A unique quantitative instrument examined 20 IT innovations through six constructs (diffusion, infusion, alignment, recruitment, advocacy, and differentiation quadrants). Key findings indicate that (a) institutions are diffusing more technology than can be infused, (b) technologies are not all well aligned with the goal of providing students with a clear (learning) advantage, (c) greater alignment is achieved with lower levels of innovation adoption, (d) technologies are used for recruiting purposes, (e) the assertion that students are pushing for ever increasing amounts of technologiecal innovaiton is an overstatement and fluctuates according to institution type, and (f) CIO's perceive the use of technology as a differentiator of their institutions within the higher education industry.