| Spending time on campus during the summer is like being back stage at a theater. Pull back the curtain of the academic year and you see the work that goes on to make the production seem effortless to the audience.
Over the summer, a campus is physically transformed as the temporary departures of most students and faculty create an opening for less disruptive facilities renovation and building projects. Like the buildings that are being renewed around them, those who are left on campus have a different purpose during the summer. Administrators use the time to focus on the projects and tools that need to be in place for the upcoming year. They gather information at professional conferences, close the fiscal year, evaluate results, plan for the years ahead and organize resources to attain goals.
Summer is a time to renew and experience school life at a different pace. Summer also makes us appreciate the pace of the academic year. We are ready to get back to the rhythms of a campus buzzing with students, faculty, events and energy.
This issue of In the Know celebrates the rejuvenation that takes place during the summer and the opportunities that are presented by the upcoming year.
Sincerely,
Tracy
Filosa
New fiscal year and academic year opportunities abound:
Fresh Financial Data
Financial statements present consistent historical and current financial data to help us take stock in the year(s) that have passed. The annual financial report is an opportunity for reflection and innovation based on actual results. It also provides a framework for goals and expectations going forward. It can be an outstanding communication tool for stewards, faculty, staff, donors, and students. It can motivate and unite the community toward a shared institutional mission.
Fresh Thinking
Perhaps this summer the flow of meetings slowed enough for you to catch up with colleagues at a conference and to read some of those interesting articles you had been hoping to get through. Surely you learned a least one great idea that could benefit your school. Before your enthusiasm gets pushed aside by the immediacy of tasks in your inbox, you should share what you have learned with colleagues. Fresh thinking could save time and money and energize other stakeholders on campus.
Fresh Perspectives and Goals
In between fiscal year closings, and information system upgrades staffers have most likely had a chance to take some time off from work. Whether they traveled, spent time with their family and/or read a good book, they have had a chance to step away from the daily demands of their jobs. This is a great opportunity for managers and their staff to take stock of tasks and set goals. Responsibilities and career goals can be aligned with institutional priorities, so employees are contributing to the mission and satisfied with their individual growth.
Whether the summer on your campus was quiet or packed with projects, September provides a clean slate. Tap in to the enthusiasm of returning students and faculty and reconnect to institutional goals. Congratulate yourself on the improvements that they will surely notice in their facilities, even if your role was merely watching the construction that happened while they were away. Reflect on financial results and the actions you can implement to positively affect next year's results. Be proud of your participation back stage which enables the show to go on in September.
TAF
CONSULTING works with administrative leaders
at colleges, universities and independent schools
to deliver essential business analysis and training
to stakeholders.
TAF participates in a range of business projects
at schools including: organizational planning,
issues briefings to chief executives and trustees,
financial and management reporting, administrative
system implementations, policy and procedure
documentation and faculty and staff training.
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