Perspectives on Annual Giving Amid COVID-19

Annual giving teams have needed to adapt to unforeseen and uncontrollable circumstances caused by COVID-19. This has forced many shops to make big decisions on short notice, upending the long-term planning that is typically required for a successful annual giving year. This unprecedented situation calls for action now, not later, in order to salvage a […]

Leading Through a Crisis

In the last few weeks, every aspect of higher education—from educational delivery to research to student support—has changed profoundly. Leaders have had to make difficult decisions with incomplete information in hand and against a backdrop of fear and confusion, knowing that their decisions will drastically alter both campus operations and the experiences of the many […]

How to Manage Stress as a Faculty Member During Uncertain Times

The COVID-19 crisis has put a great deal of strain on faculty members as they juggle already taxing schedules with a rapid transition to remote instruction. Managing a new style of teaching, disruptions to research and writing practices, and the realities of working from home have proved to be a herculean task for many. Watch […]

Executing Your Communications Plan During a Crisis

Institutions are now several weeks into their COVID-19 responses, but there are still many emerging decisions that need to be communicated to students, families, faculty, staff, alumni, and the local community. It’s critically important that these communications are cohesive and true to your institution’s brand, while also being transparent and resonant with the intended audiences. […]

Adjusting Academic Policies Because of COVID-19: A Discussion Space

With no national standards available, it is difficult to make decisions around academic policies during the current COVID-19 crisis. In tandem with faculty senate, academic leaders are needing to revisit academic policies around things like the tenure clock, shared governance, graduation requirements, and repeating coursework that impact both students and faculty. As decision-makers push forward, […]

The Art of Faculty Accountability

For many reasons, it can feel challenging to hold faculty accountable for their performance—especially when they’re struggling. The truth is, not holding faculty to expected standards often seeds long-term problems, creates resentment amongst faculty colleagues, and is a disservice to the institution’s students. But how do we do this work in a way that brings […]

Managing Faculty Workloads: A Discussion for Department Chairs

Faculty bring a range of academic and professional talents to their departments. Because of this, many faculty carry heavy workloads, which can lead to high levels of burnout. Chairs are in the unique position to manage faculty workloads, and consequently, the long-term growth and development of faculty, as well. However, many chairs do not have […]

Courageous Gardening: Equity Minded Leadership in Higher Education

In Courageous Gardening: Equity-Minded Leadership in Higher Education, authors Susan C. Turell and Maria Thompson invite you to become a master gardener of your campus or departmental landscape—and provide a practical workbook for doing so. There are no easy tips and tricks here; instead, this workbook guides you to building and sharpening the tools you will […]