Creating Effective Communication with Departments in Higher - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
Creating Effective Communication with Departments in Higher Education Jocelyn Faber MS Applied Educational Psychology Maegan Bishoff MS Higher Ed. and Student Affairs Admin. Setting the Expectations Learn useful techniques and strategies
Jocelyn Faber MS Applied Educational Psychology Maegan Bishoff MS Higher Ed. and Student Affairs Admin.
§Learn useful techniques and strategies to keep communication lines flowing §Gain confidence to discuss positive and negative feedback with departments §Learn how to set and manage role expectations as an advisor
Setting the Expectations…
What makes us so special?
What makes us so special?
Background about Northeastern University
§Large Private Research-based Institution §17,506 Undergrad §175 majors §8 colleges within University
§ College of Art, Media, & Design (CAMD)
Advising Before & After
§College of Art, Media, & Design
§ 1,540 students; 300:1 student advisor ratio § Faculty Advising to Professional Advising
§ Advisors cover academic planning and administrative duties § Department chairs make program substitutions and changes § Advisor autonomy and inclusion in department discussions
§ Siloes in budget, policy, and academically
Flow of Communication in Higher Ed.
Academic Advisor Key Faculty Dean’s Office Student Department Chair Parents
Common Sources of Miscommunication
§Curriculum changes
§ Adding a new class § Changing major requirements § Course substitutions § Adding new majors/minors to a department
§Role Confusion
§ Duplicating efforts § Staff changes § Class Cancelations § Department having trouble letting go of control
Common Sources of Miscommunication
§Improper Referrals §Complete Avoidance
Common Sources of Miscommunication
§Historical §Structural §Cultural §Generational
Impediments of Miscommunication
§Know yours and your departments Communication Styles §Carl Jung’s Types of Communication Styles:
§ Controller § Collaborator § Analyzer § Socializer
Fixing the Problem: Starting at the Core
§John Dewey’s Reflective Thinking Sequence
§ Define the problem § Analyze the problem § Establish criteria for a solution § Generate possible solutions § Select the best solution
Fixing the Problem: Reaching a Solution
§Salem & Gratz’s Organizational Communication Theory in Higher Ed
§ Concentrate on a situation’s description § Obtaining agreement on the status quo § Focus on goal creation and group consensus of those goals § Consider alternative courses of action
Fixing the Problem: Expanding the Solution
§Generational and cultural aspects §Work to change the campus culture and expectations campus wide
Fixing the Problem: More Considerations
§Start from the top
§ College mission § Dean buy-in § Know and keep the flow of communication § Don’t dwell on negatives or past issues and show appreciation
Tips for Effective Communication
§Departments:
§ Create a handbook § Process documentation § Defer to department’s preferred form of communication § Utilize liaisons § Volunteer to teach class or speak within a department § Frequent check-Ins
Tips for Effective Communication
§Future assessments
§ Focus groups § Surveys
§Other ideas?
Coming Together