Effectively Engaging Faculty in the World of Records

Sherry WellsRegistrarStephen F. Austin State University

Definition of ‘Engage’

•To draw into; involve; mesh•To assume an obligation•Occupy or engage the interest of•To enlist; recruit

Also:

•To fight; struggle; contend

Faculty

Faculty understand what we doFaculty know that we have their best interests in mind.Faculty do not want to be included in the planning stages of projects.All faculty agree on the direction the college/university should proceed.

FALSE!

Faculty

Can give valuable insight.Can help move a project forward.Can stop a project dead in its tracks.Can be your most valued ally or your worst enemy.

TRUE!

So how do you get your faculty engaged in the world of records?

Effective Communication is a good start.

Persistence is a must!

HOW?

Where do you begin?

Gain their trust!– Be open about what you are doing and why– Don’t get defensive when asked to explain

processes– Have good reasons for why you are doing what

you are– Include a faculty member on

Your planning councilSearch committees for office positionsImplementation teams

Get to know your faculty

Take advantage of opportunities– Seek out faculty members at university

functions– Take advantage of road trips– Visit faculty organizations such as faculty

senate– Listen to their ideas/seek suggestions

Effective Communication

There is no one ‘right’ way to communicate with the facultyTo be effective, you must try different methods to determine what works best on your campusUse more than one methodBe persistent and consistent

Effective Communication

Keep an open mind and be prepared to hear all perspectivesBe prepared to make ‘adjustments’ to your plansTry to be very clear in your discussion– Be careful to not use ‘Registrar Lingo’ in

discussions– Use mirroring exercise to ensure good

communication– Listen, listen, listen– Discuss, discuss, discuss

Examples where faculty input was invaluable1. Grade entry by faculty

2. The printing of census date rosters

3. As a cost saving method, discontinue the printing of certain reports that are available on-line.

Examples of engaging faculty1. The Registrar co-presents advising

workshops through the Teaching Excellence Center on campus.

2. The Registrar serves on several faculty led committees (curriculum committee, commencement committee, calendar committee, etc.)

How to proceedBe prepared to present your case to the faculty through faculty senate, chair’s forum, departmental meetings and one-on-one encounters. It is very important for them to understand what your office does and why you do it.Make everyone in your office aware of the same ‘talking points’. It will work against you if a member of your staff is approached and gives a different perspective than you have been pushing.Respect differing opinions and try to turn negatives into positives.

How to proceedKnow that sometimes you must compromiseDon’t give in TOO easily but don’t refuse to listen to differing opinionsAnd remember that you can’t win them allAs Kenny Rogers sings:“Know when to hold ‘em and know when to fold

‘em”Sometimes it isn’t the idea that is bad - it is the timing. – Just because something fails once does not

mean you can’t try again in the future.

And finally…

Remember that faculty are not your enemy even when it feels that way.They too want the best for the college/university.Their perspective just may be different from your perspective.And how boring would the world be if we all thought the same way?

Questions/Discussion

Thanks for coming!

Contact information:Sherry Wells, RegistrarStephen F. Austin State UniversitySFA Box 13050Nacogdoches TX 75962swells@sfasu.edu