Seminar 16A - Telling Your Story: A Key to IT Success
PLEASE NOTE: Separate registration and fee are required to attend this seminar.

Session Details

Speaker(s)

• Jeffrey L. Overholtzer, Director of Strategic Planning and Communication, Washington and Lee University
• Lisa V. Trubitt, Assistant CIO for Policy & Communications, University at Albany, SUNY

Abstract

IT departments in higher education often lose the good will of their customers due to inadequate communication. Although IT organizations successfully deliver state-of-the-art tools and services, they are not always as effective in explaining changes or introducing new services in ways that customers easily understand. Increasingly, executive leadership has recognized the strategic importance of successful communication and the need to convey information in ways that leverage the strategic value technology brings to the institution.

The presenters, who represent a large state university and a small liberal arts institution, will discuss case studies of communications plans from their institutions and others. Participants will be guided in the creation of a detailed communication plan for a major IT initiative on their campuses. The seminar leaders will critique the plans and assist participants in refining them for implementation. In addition, participants will be coached in creating written messages tailored for particular audiences and the media.