1. A Spirited Approach for Discussing Important Topics in Higher Education
Kate Harger, Dr. Loreen Keller, and
Dr. Flecia Thomas
March 22, Innovations Conference

2. Vice President’s Academic Council (VPAC)
Process Overview
Vice President’s Academic Council (VPAC)
Monthly Meetings
Current Event Topics

3. Process Overview
Informal Teams Cross-Campus Representation Sufficient Timeframe Debate “Sides” Chosen by Coin Flip

4. Team “Pro-Placement” Team “No-Placement” Judges Panel Process Overview
Fall 2016
Team “Pro-Placement”
Team “No-Placement”
Judges Panel

5. Process Overview
Meetings
Research
Rehearsals

6. Placement Debate Audience Members The Event
Process Overview
Placement Debate Audience Members The Event

7. Activity
What are some of the current issues being discussed on your campus?
What are some policies/procedures that are impacting your campus?
Who are the key players affected by the issues?
What are some of the state, regional or global issues in higher education that can impact your campus?
Try to perform a 360-degree scan while exploring the key players on your campus for the questions above:
Faculty
Administration
Staff
Current Students
Alumni
Community Members
Employers

8. Framing Our Lessons Learned
Reframing Academic Leadership
by Bolman & Gallos provides
a framework (4 frames/lenses)
though which to view situations
Structural
Political
Human Resources
Symbolic

9. Framing Our Lessons Learned
Structural frame –rules, roles, policies, and procedures are important
Lessons Learned:
Include participants in the process of establishing rules and procedures for the debate
Communicate the purpose of the debate clearly… and frequently
People may be hesitant to participate based on the “side” of the issue they’re arguing so consider letting participants self-select their teams

10. Framing Our Lessons Learned
Political frame – conflict is inevitable, be mindful of power struggles and work to defuse problems
Lessons Learned:
Some participants will view the debate as fun, some will not
It can be challenging to get team members to participate
It may be uncomfortable for colleagues to serve as debate judges so consider other methods of determining the winning team

11. Framing Our Lessons Learned
Human resources frame – the organization as extended family of individuals with varying needs and preferences
Lessons Learned:
The debate is a notable, shared experience – people will remember it
Participants may have varying comfort levels and skill levels with regard to the debate format
Be mindful of when you hold the debate, especially for cross-functional teams, as team members may have varying peaks of activity in their work year

12. Framing Our Lessons Learned
Symbolic frame– emphasizes the meaning, purpose, and values of the organization
Lessons Learned:
The debate was a meaning-making activity
The debate format is just one way in which organizations can emphasize meaning, purpose, and value through rituals, ceremonies, and similar traditions – you may be able to identify others that work well for your campus

13. Questions?