The More We Know
As an educator, I personally believe that administration needs to make sure we "know why" they are implementing policies or procedures. More often than not, business partners or admin will come out with a new initiative and, for whatever reason, fail to explain why it is needed (or their explanation is insufficient).
If you keep us informed, give us an opportunity to be heard about what we think of these changes (heck, make us think we have some say in it even if we don't!), then new goals, policies, etc., will be easier to accept and transition to.
It is a very positive feeling when the administration explains to its staff, in detail, why a policy has been initiated.
Another benefit is that we will have a better understanding of the change. We can then explain it with a more positive attidtude to our students, who may ultimately feel the change in a policy. Our willingness to accept these changes allows them to accept the changes quickly and leads to a smoother transition.
Being informed of the reasons for policies and being supported in establishing new guidelines in important.
I also feel that we need to be supported in the same way we support our students.
Administrations that understand that create a very positive work place.
It is important for faculty retention to occur. Administration should explain changes that are occuring and what is in it for the faculty. This may to some extent help make a smoother transition.
Denise ,
Most people, faculty members included, can accept policy changes if they know why the change is being made, know how it will impact them and/otr if they had a part in the decision making process.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I think this is so true. With Gainful Employment hitting our industry hard there are 100s of changes sometimes on a daily basis. The problem with our particular institution is change comes without warning, training, support, etc. to make the change happen. With all of this change, every company should have a team that deals with change management.
Brian,
Your school is in the same circumstances as other institutions impacts by the current regulatory environment. The successful ones will involve many folks in the change plans and will communicate before, during and after the changes are implemented.
Jeffrey Schillinger
