S1 - E51 - Strategy for breaking down silos across campus (Culture)

In this episode we share our formula for breaking down silos on campus.One of the key aspects of changing a culture on campus is breaking down the existing silos and getting people to work together rather than working independently. Campuses must become more concerned about the success and persistence of every student than their own departments.Silos and territorialism on campus are created by individuals and departments being more concerned about their own welfare, workload, and receiving credit than they are about the welfare of the individual students. We have found that the following mantra serves as a constant reminder to all our staff and breaks down the silos of working independently. WE MAKE DECISIONS BASED ON:First, what is best for students,Second, what is best for the university,Third, what is best for our department/unit, andFourth, what is best for me individually.Unfortunately, we find that many in higher education MAKE DECISIONS BASED ON:First, what is best for me (and my resume, my career, my workload, etc.),Second, what is best for my department (what is easiest, etc.),Third, what is best for the university, andFourth, if it happens to work out, what is best for students.When individuals and departments make decisions based on what is in their best interest or what is easiest for their department, it immediately builds up walls and silos. When we become territorial, the students lose. If campuses want to be successful at retaining more students, they must move to a culture that puts students and their success first, above our own self-interest.

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