From the triumphs and missteps of past SSC members, we’ve seen that even the most compelling vision can fall flat without the right goals, teams, and mechanisms to sustain its momentum. That’s why we’re constantly brainstorming ways to help institutions hardwire accountability into their SSC launch plans.
Not every stakeholder automatically marches to a broader vision without resistance or delay—and getting advisors to buy into SSC is no exception. So what can you do to maximize enthusiasm, engagement, and adoption while minimizing the influence of change-resistors at your institution?
Spreading the SSC Vision
While there’s no silver bullet, we recommend several ways to foster frontline accountability for the SSC initiative on your campus.
As a leader, it’s easy to forget that not everyone has your level of knowledge. The following steps are designed to help bring your team members closer to the SSC vision by putting it into context.
1. Set clear and measurable goals
Explain what SSC is designed to accomplish, and make sure advisors’ quantitative and qualitative personal goals align with the institution’s reasons for bringing SSC on board.
Want to hear how Georgia State University fosters accountability? Vice Provost Timothy Renick shares the details in our latest video.
2. Provide thorough direction
Communicate what’s expected of advisors, and explain how they should interact with SSC. Given the time requirements and strategic implications, the mindset of “letting advisors determine how the systems tie together” won’t suffice.
- Need help framing these conversations?
Our next-generation advising toolkit includes documents, templates, and tools for improving academic and career advising across campus. Access the toolkit.
3. Arm your team with the right skills
Training and skill-building are key components in any change effort. If advisors aren’t confident they have the skills to understand and use SSC, the likelihood of adoption decreases exponentially.
Want to build your advisors’ confidence?
- Check out our on-demand presentation to learn how a growing number of institutions are investing in data and analytics as change-management tools.
4. Share inspirational and transparent context with all stakeholders
Providing the “why” behind a change effort is crucial to ensuring its ultimate efficacy. Teaching the front lines how important their daily contributions are to the institution’s larger goals can create motivation and acceptance of new processes and efforts.
Interested in inventive advising strategies? Our related webinar profiles cost-effective tactics colleges and universities are using to promote degree completion and career readiness.
5. Focus on motivation
Are the people that can make change incented and motivated to do so? Make sure your advisors consider learning a new system a career-building opportunity. Help them understand that, rather than adding to their list of things to do, SSC can make them more efficient.
We’re Here to Help
Your dedicated consultants are always available to provide examples and frameworks from across SSC.
