To be honest, we in Higher Ed administration talk about collaboration a lot more than actually collaborate. It happens a lot more successfully on the academic side where faculty collaborate on research projects with their colleagues globally. On the administration side we “consult” a lot and learn a lot from each other, but, at least to me, collaboration means something very different. When you do a Google search for collaboration you get two results:

1. the action of working with someone to produce or create something.
2. traitorous cooperation with an enemy

Of course, I mean the first. The first definition does not include talking and consulting with others!

I have been working in Higher Ed administration since 1986 and I feel that in the 80s and 90s we actually did a lot more collaboration in Higher Ed IT. There are several examples of technology collaborations during those times. It is weird that with such a pervasive use of Internet, where we are a lot more connected, we don’t collaborate as much. There are several reasons why, one of the most important one is the fractured nature of technology. Too many products or customizations of the same product in a way it is very hard for institutions to find commonalities and gain advantage from sharing.

This is why I am extremely proud of, a collaboration around COVID testing with Tufts University.

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When I first heard that the Educational Research and Development Committee (ER&D) has decided to award the Apgar teaching award to Library and Technology Committee (LTS) and Strategic Growth Initiative (SGI), I could not contain my excitement. This to me is an unprecedented move, given the description of the award:

Teaching Awards

Apgar Award

Endowed by Anne Nelson Apgar ’70, the prize is meant to recognize a faculty member who motivates students’ interest, curiosity, and love of learning; proposes and applies new teaching concepts and methods; and serves as a mentor to stimulate students’ intellectual development. Based upon proposals for new and experimental courses, Educational Research and Development Committee ER&D selects a winner, who receives a plaque.

When the College decided to go all remote in March 2020, we needed to quickly turn our attention to how best to support the students and faculty. Thankfully, because of the spring break, we had two weeks to do this. What we did during that short period of time and thereafter was simply remarkable. But most importantly, the strong collaboration and coordination between LTS, PLTC (The Pforzheimer Learning and Teaching Center) and SGI was critical. Above all, the willingness on the part of the faculty to participate actively in workshops and other venues in numbers that we just could not believe was also critical.

Our staff conducted record number of information sessions/workshops (attended by over 250 faculty members), held virtual office hours and responding to tickets as quickly as possible. After some initial issues, things began to come together. Did we have continuing issues? Absolutely, but if they are things related to what we can do, we resolved them quick. But there were other complications totally outside our domain resulting from the weight of the crisis that we could not do much about.

We had a bit more time to help the faculty plan for the Fall and it was equally successful. It was so great to hear from the faculty about lessons learned as well as some of the best practices emerging from the presentations. We heard how this medium is turning out to be more inclusive – that the directed chat between the student and instructor is making some students participate more than in a traditional classroom where they may not be participating the same way.

And finally, we decided to receive the award on behalf of the entire organization because every one of the staff member contributed to the success in one way or the other. PLTC leadership deserves a huge praise because we simply could not have reached out to the faculty as effectively as we did without Professor Oscar Fernandez.

This is just an incredible and generous gesture on the part of the faculty. My staff and I are so thankful for this.

On Nov 15th, 2020 I completed 10 years at Wellesley. I have to say that time has flown by fast! I have been very fortunate to have a team of individuals who are hard working and dedicated to the institution, my boss (Provost Shennan)  and the senior leaders who have provided the support needed for us to succeed.

When I interviewed, I was surprised to find out that the previous organization did not have an advisory committee to work with. I was pleased to hear that the College was forming one, because I am a firm believer in that model. Over the years, the Advisory Committee on Library and Technology Policy has been a great partner in developing policies that were non existent or incomplete and have supported so many new initiatives that have benefitted the College community.

We are fortunate to be able to provide services in a way that is trusted by the community and reliable. We also have an agile organization of individuals who are willing to pitch in where we need them to assist us in. This COVID crisis brought the best of LTS staff and what we did to support the students, faculty and staff has been remarkable. Our support extended beyond instructional support including the technologies used for managing the COVID testing.

I always remember a conversation that I had with one of my staff members shortly after my arrival. I had just moved from Pace University where I had a very short tenure (1 year and 3 months or so) and she told me that all the staff will be watching me carefully to see how long I will stay at Wellesley! Well… it has been ten years and I have enjoyed every moment of it and it has been a very satisfying experience. Looking forward to the future.