Higher Education: rapid scale of change or none at all?

As a continuation of our last episode, and indeed part of the current podcasting series, Prof Judith and Prof Christopher discuss change in the university context.

Over the course of this session, we think about change as a concept and how we approach and respond to it.  How do we manage change itself?  What are the mechanisms in place?   How do we assess needs and then respond to them?

Judith ponders the philosophical reality of change and seemingly manages to present both sides of the argument simultaneously!  We debate the reality that the one constant in all of this is people.  So perhaps, the changes in leadership, and approaching and processing issues changes as much as people change.  People’s reaction to change is often very constant and if you provide a rational explanation it often works out.  Except when it doesn’t, of course.

We recognised the reality that, technologically speaking, the changes have been dramatic and then tripped down memory lane remembering overhead projectors and the introduction of printing in colour.

We continued the theme of looking at people and thinking about the central purpose of a university is the outcome – namely the students graduating.  And yes, we are aware of research output.  When thinking about the external environment we understand the changing landscape but when we think about the internal environment, it could perhaps be thought of as business as usual.  Getting students in the door, supporting them throughout their journey and then helping them on their way.  We wonder how many members of a university or student facing?  How many interact with students on a daily/weekly basis and how this impacts their understanding of where they are and indeed, the very idea of a university.

Does being non-student facing mean you aren’t ‘part of a university’ or is the reality much more that departments are integral in the success of the university, and indeed of providing student support, whether they talk to them or not.  A university is a delicate organisation – and organism – and all parts contribute.  Managing change is a delicate too – so let’s bring in some experts to help us with this.

 

 

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