Presentation: Elevating Student Success through Academic Advising Enterprise Enhancement
Abstract: Executing large-scale organizational changes is difficult, especially in public higher education institutions where many stakeholders often need to arrive at consensus to effect change. California State University, Fullerton (Cal State Fullerton) analyzed different resources that could meet the goals outlined in the CSU system’s GI2025 Initiative, an ambitious plan to increase graduation rates, eliminate equity gaps in degree completion, and meet California’s workforce needs. Through a collaborative process with team members at all levels within the university, it was evident that revitalizing the university’s academic advising enterprise would be the a key catalyst of change.
The Cal State Fullerton academic advising project team sought to architect this transformative endeavor leveraging best practices in change and project management. Through a collaborative, iterative process, the project team designed a new academic advising organizational structure to increase student retention, close equity gaps, address staff training inconsistencies, foster advancement opportunities for staff, and create a consistent student experience across seven colleges. Through cross-division collaboration, the academic advising project team partnered with members of the university community to share the importance enterprise level change project to garner interest and support.
Throughout the change management process, the Cal State Fullerton academic advising project team had several touchpoints which influenced the project plan and success of this project. Presentation attendees will discover how the project team identified resources to meet strategic, system level objectives, created a project plan to foster organizational change, and discuss lessons learned should they wish to conduct a similar exercise at their organization.
PMI Talent Triangle: Strategic and Business Management (Business Acumen)
Biography: Mr. Mike Steele came to Cal State Fullerton in the fall of 2021 as the Chief of Operations for the Office of the Provost. He is in charge of project management for the provost, serves as the division liaison to Human Resources, and oversees all day-to-day administrative functions for the provost’s office. Prior to working at CSUF, Mr. Steele has held multiple positions within various divisions of academic affairs at The George Washington University, including the Office of the Registrar and the School of Medicine and Health Sciences. Mr. Steele earned his B.A. in Integrative Studies from George Mason University. He also holds a M.S. in Engineering Management, an MBA, and graduate certificates in Marketing and Brand Management and Walkable Urban Real Estate Development from the George Washington University. Mr. Steele is a certified Project Management Professional and is a member of the Project Management Institute.
