Case Study: Developing a Program
Your Dean, Dr. Whalen, calls on you to build a program in your area of expertise.
Dr. Whalen: The President and I believe there's a need for a new curriculum in your discipline. We want you to develop this program.
You: Thank you Dr. Whalen. I accept this challenge and look forward to working with you on this proposal.
Dr. Whalen: I am sending you off on your own on this. I won't be heavily involved because I am working on a new strategic plan for our school. I plan to include your program in the new strategic plan. While I will be busy, please feel free to ask as many questions to me as you want. I can certainly answer them and guide you in the right direction.
You leave the meeting with Dr. Whalen and wonder to yourself what the heck you just got yourself into. You see Dr. Anderson in the hallway.
You: Dr. Anderson, I just received marching orders from the Dean to propose a new program. She really wants this program to be developed and is building it into her strategic plan. What do you think?
Dr. Anderson: Go for it. I don't see anything wrong with you beginning this process.
You: I am a little unsure about this process because this job is my first as a faculty member.
Dr. Anderson: We've all been there. You'll figure it out. Just use your resources well.
What is your first response after leaving your Dean's office and talking to Dr. Anderson?
The Dean appreciates that you are using her as a resource since this is your first time designing a new program.
Dr. Whalen: I am thrilled you're using me as resource.
You: Thanks. I really believe that I can do this, but I am a bit hesitant with this process. I was nervous about contacting you because I don't want you to think that I am not competent.
Dr. Whalen:Don't be foolish. You're new at this. I want you to organize a committee of 5 faculty members. Good luck!
You organize a committee of five faculty members (including yourself) and send everyone an email.
To: Dr. Abigail <dirk.abigail@university.edu>, Dr. Gilmore <bee.gilmore@university.edu>, Dr. Reese <jamie.reese@university.edu>, Dr. Dadson <michael.dadson@university.edu>
From: You <you@university.edu>
Dear Drs. Abigail, Gilmore, Reese, and Dadson:
Thank you for agreeing to participate on this program proposal committee. I have reserved the conference room for next Tuesday at 12:30PM for our first meeting. I will send out the agenda by the end of the week.
Thanks,
Me
(555) 321-1234
What is your next step?
At your first committee meeting, you present a very logical vision.
Dr. Abigail: I gotta tell ya, I think that this vision needs a lot of work. Do you honestly think you can create a program with such an ambitious vision? Where do you think you're working? Surely, not Google or Facebook. That's where this vision belongs. This university does not have the resources to support you. I wouldn't believe a word the Dean is telling you.
How do you respond?
You're at a meeting with your Dean.
You: Again, I am really sorry to meet with you and take away valuable time. I am really stuck on my next step.
Dr. Whalen: Don't worry about it. I am happy to guide you, so quit apologizing. Here is an outline of the steps the previous committee took in developing a new program. Please follow this outline.
You: Great! This is helpful.
Dr. Whalen: Oh good. Now listen. Your first step needs to be outlining a vision for your program. Remember, this is a statement of what you want your program to become. Dream big! Prepare your vision and present it to your committee at your first meeting.
Overall, however, the committee is pleased with your vision.
Dr. Gilmore: I really like this vision. You are dreaming big and that's what a vision statement needs to be.
Dr. Reese: I absolutely love it. I think it is doable even if Abigail is raining on your parade.
Dr. Abigail: I am just being realistic.
Dr. Reese: No. You're being cynical.
Dr. Dadson: It looks great! I need to go for a run. Are we done?
What is your plan for the next meeting?
Meeting with the Dean.
Dr. Whalen: I heard about Dr. Abigail's comments. Don't pay much attention to him. Your next task is design a mission based on your vision. Vision statements do not necessarily need to account for all resources.
You: I know. I am trying to dream big.
Dr. Whalen: You're doing fine. Go ahead and share your mission with the committee when you're ready.
At your next meeting, you present a mission statement to your committee.
You: So in summary, that's the mission of our program.
Dr. Dadson: Are we done? I am missing my run time with Dr. Anderson. Let's go.
How do you respond?
The next step in this process is to create a mission statement based on your mission and to present it to the committee.
You pause and ask the committee for their opinions on the mission statement.
Dr. Gilmore: I think your mission is interesting and is aligned with the university.
Dr. Reese: Yes, it's aligned with the university's mission and that should pay off at the end of the day.
Dr. Dadson: Seriously, I need to get going. I am late for my run.
Dr. Abigail is giving you a stern look. What's your response?
You decide to move the meeting along.
You: Yes, I'm sure we've all got places to be. Let's skip ahead and vote on these statements.
Dr. Reese: Wait a minute! I want to hear what everyone thinks before we vote!
Dr. Abigail stands up and looks straight at you...
Dr. Abigail: Seriously. What in the world are you thinking? Haven't you learned a thing from me over the past few semesters? The university isn't going to support this. Sure, the Dean says she will, but at the end of the day if this program doesn't bring in money how in the heck will she support it?
Where's the business plan? Show me the money! I vehemently disagree with this mission and program. I am really looking out for your best interest. I don't want you to end up like Dadson or Reese.
How do you respond?
Active listening time
You: You really believe that the university won't support this mission? You want to protect me from going down the same path as Jamie and Michael?
I see your concern, but this mission is aligned with all aspects of the university and there's a strong focus on research in this program. Our program will have scholarly products and funding.
I am not as concerned, but I appreciate your feedback.
Now what?
Dr. Abigail's rant
Dr. Abigail: I put a motion on the floor to vote on this mission because I don't think it should pass.
Dr. Dadson: I second the motion. I want to get this meeting done!
Meeting with the Dean
You: Dr. Abigail is really concerned with my mission and is on a rant in the conference room. What do I do?
Dr. Whalen: As I told you before, just ignore him. He likes to hear himself talk and he likes to create trouble. See if you can get a vote out of your committee to approve the mission.
You motion to vote on the mission statement, and Dr. Dadson seconds your motion.
