Physicians and biologists speak of “systems biology” and engineers of “systems engineering.” The idea is integration. If you manipulate a patient’s potassium level, you had better worry about the impact on other organs and bodily functions. If you want a more powerful heater in your car, you should think about the whole electrical system.
In higher education, the term obfuscates as much as it enlightens. There are many different types of college and university systems in our country â?? sometimes even within the same state.