A Spirited Approach for
Discussing Important
Topics in Higher
Education
Kate Harger, Dr. Loreen Keller, and
Dr. Flecia Thomas
March 22, 2016 - Innovations Conference
Process Overview
Vice President’s Academic Council
(VPAC)
Monthly Meetings
Current Event Topics
Process Overview
Informal Teams
Cross-Campus Representation
Sufficient Timeframe
Debate “Sides” Chosen by Coin Flip
Process Overview
Fall 2016
Team “Pro-Placement”
Team “No-Placement”
Judges Panel
Process Overview
 Meetings
 Research
 Rehearsals
Process Overview
Placement Debate Audience
Members
The Event
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
Framing Our Lessons Learned
 Reframing Academic Leadership
by Bolman & Gallos provides
a framework (4 frames/lenses)
though which to view situations
1. Structural
2. Political
3. Human Resources
4. Symbolic
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
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
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
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
Questions?