THREE PART HARMONY-GOVERNANCE, COLLABORATION AND COMMUNICATION

Session Speaker: Judi Anderson

The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) Information Management and Technology combines the three essential components of governance, collaboration and planning to successfully and melodically forecast, manage, control, and acquire the college`s technology needed to enforce the mission statement of the College. This combination has allowed the college to be ranked as an institution recognized for its advance technology. This composition was orchestrated by creating clear internal policies with regard to technology procurement, having open discussions to discuss the needs of the schools, departments, and individuals, the forecasting of replacement equipment on a regular cycle through consistent and thorough inventory tracking, and evaluating future expenditures based on the individual requests and their relationship to the industry and curriculum. Similar to a great musical, this technical composition requires practice, open critique and cooperation to achieve a harmonious chord that is pleasing to all, earns high accolades, and stays within budget. Understanding and acceptance that the college is a "community" made up of individuals and a focus on "what`s good for the community" can actually benefit the individual, without restricting their individual freedom to explore their areas of education. We don`t say no - we merely put a price tag on "yes" and explain possible outcomes.