Successful Campus-Wide Software Implementation Using Change Management Theory

Identifying a foundational problem with information flow and management concerning student success data, Paul Smith's College purchased a technological solution to automate information handling. Anticipating the usual barriers and resistance to change, a small implementation team was guided by Kotter's eight-stage process of creating major change to enlist staff and faculty support and overcome these barriers. Implementing the program was highly successful, with approximately 100% utilization of the new technology. Early indications of success include positive word-of-mouth, high satisfaction rates for all groups, and signs of an increased student retention rate. Applicability to other transformation efforts will be discussed.