By Tammy L. Aagard, Ed.D, Managing Consultant, ̽»¨Â¥ Consulting
Dear ̽»¨Â¥ Consultants,
We are pulling together a group of stakeholders for a campus-wide initiative. How do we keep things moving forward even if there are differences of opinion and approach?
Signed,
Campus Project Team
Dear Campus Project Team,
When beginning a large-scale initiative that involves campus stakeholders with varying opinions and perspectives, establishing a set of guiding principles can help to center the group on agreed-upon objectives. These statements help to align decisions and actions around a common purpose.
Guiding principles provide clarity of purpose and facilitate communication regarding the initiative. They deliver a framework and touchpoint for actions when combined with your mission, vision, and values. In times of disagreement, stakeholders can ask the question: Does this fit with our guiding principles?
Guiding principles should be short, understandable, and easy to communicate.
Some examples of technology project guiding principles include:
Examples of course scheduling guiding principles include:
Focus on a learner-centered course schedule.
Reduce the number of cancelled courses.
Minimize scheduling conflicts by spreading courses throughout the day rather than just during prime times.
Balance modalities (e.g., online, hyflex, in-person) to accommodate learning styles and preferences.
Examples of SEM planning principles include:
Consider all enrollment segments, not just first-time students.
Focus on financial viability.
Center decisions on data.
Enrollment is everyone’s responsibility.
These guiding principles can be developed at the highest levels. However, they should be socialized and vetted with various constituent groups for successful adoption. Clearly defined principles can contribute to the project’s success and keep people focused on what really matters.
Signed,
Tammy, ̽»¨Â¥ Consultant
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For more information on how ̽»¨Â¥ Consulting can assist your campus with enrollment and learner-success planning, visit our ̽»¨Â¥ Consulting website or contact us via email at consulting@aacrao.org.