Discussion: Leading Change in Difficult Times

Regardless of how limited an institution’s fiscal resources may be, it is often said that it is the people of an institution that keep the campus’ heart beating even in the most difficult of times. Students, staff, faculty, alumni, and others work tirelessly to see their institutions persevere, and even grow, in uncertain times.

This week’s readings explore the importance of human relationships in times of adversity such as conflict and crisis. Consider a situation you have experienced as a student or professional in which change was desperately needed, but the institution lacked the resources (financial, human, or otherwise) to implement much needed change.

Assignment

Post a description of the situation. Explain the positive or negative role human relationships and financial limitations played in the situation.

*****Assignment length must be 3 to 4 paragraphs using in text citation from thebelow learning resources******

Learning Resources

Note:  To access this week’s required library resources, please click on the link to the Course Readings List, found in the  Course Materials  section of your Syllabus.

Focus On

As you explore this week’s resources, focus on the ways in which leaders can identify, acquire, and use a variety of resources (human, informational, and financial) to achieve critical student success goals and leverage existing resources to support change. Note the importance of finding alternative resources when traditional sources of support dry up and the value that internal and external stakeholders can bring as partners in the change process.

Required Readings

McClellan, G. S., & Stringer, J. (Eds.). (2016). The handbook of student affairs administration (4th ed.). San Francisco, CA: Wiley.

· Chapter 21, “Supporting and Enhancing Student Learning Through Partnerships with Academic Colleagues”

· Chapter 25, “Budgeting and Fiscal Management for Student Affairs”

Varlotta, L. E., Jones, B. C., & Schuh, J. H. (2010). Developing budget models, communication strategies, and relationships to mitigate the pain of tough economic times. New Directions for Student Services, 2010(129), 81–87.

Note: Retrieved from the Walden Library using the Academic Search Complete database.

Developing budget models, communication strategies, and relationships to mitigate the pain of tough economic times. New Directions for Student Services, (129) by Varlotta, L. E., Jones, B. C., & Schuh, J. H. Copyright 2010 by JOHN WILEY & SONS, INC. – JOURNALS. Reprinted by permission of JOHN WILEY & SONS, INC. – JOURNALS via the Copyright Clearance Center.

Eldridge, J., & Mason, T. (2010). Communicating with stakeholders. New Directions for Student Services, 2010(129), 43–58.

Note: Retrieved from the Walden Library using the Academic Search Complete database.

Communicating with stakeholders. New Directions for Student Services, (129) by Eldridge, J., & Mason, T. Copyright 2010 by JOHN WILEY & SONS, INC. – JOURNALS. Reprinted by permission of JOHN WILEY & SONS, INC. – JOURNALS via the Copyright Clearance Center.

Keppler, K. (2010). Alternate budgetary sources during budget rescissions. New Directions for Student Services, 2010(129), 29–41. Retrieved from the Walden Library using the Academic Search Complete database.

Alternate budgetary sources during budget rescissions. New Directions for Student Services, (129) by Keppler, K. Copyright 2010 by JOHN WILEY & SONS, INC. – JOURNALS. Reprinted by permission of JOHN WILEY & SONS, INC. – JOURNALS via the Copyright Clearance Center.

Optional Resources

The Handbook of Student Affairs Administration

· Chapter 17, “Effective Management of Human Capital in Student Affairs”

Varlotta, L. E. (2010). Becoming a leader in university budgeting. New Directions for Student Services, 2010(129), 5–20.

Note: Retrieved from the Walden Library using the Academic Search Complete database.