Ingraining Succession Planning in Higher Education IT

With one-fifth of higher education CIOs to retire within five years, and almost one-half of CIOs planning to retire within the next ten, colleges and universities must plan for major changes within IT leadership. Succession planning is an oft-cited—but too rarely practiced—means for limiting potential negative consequences of staffing transitions.

This document lays out the case for succession planning in higher education IT departments, demonstrates how to identify and assess potential gaps in technical skills and core competencies, and establishes a road map for staff improvement in technical, business, higher education, interpersonal, and leadership capabilities.