Ongoing studies show change initiatives that utilize intentional, people-centered change management practices are six times more likely to be successful. 

At the request of the Office of the President, the HSU Change Management Initiative (CMI) was developed to support a culture in which HSU employees and stakeholders are proficient in change management practices, and proactively provided with the knowledge and tools to successfully implement them. This will support both the immediate need for change management related to the new five year strategic plan and the potential shift to a polytechnic university, as well as ongoing change initiatives across the campus.

The Prosci ADKAR Model has been selected for this initiative. ADKAR is one of the most widely respected models for change management, utilized across the CSU system. It is based on the common—yet often overlooked— reality that organizational change is far more successful when stakeholders are intentionally supported at the individual level throughout the change process. 

Through the ongoing CMI, HSU managers and supervisors will be equipped with basic tools and training to empower them to implement change management practices with their teams on a consistent basis. All HSU employees will also have access to change management basics workshops.

The CMI was officially launched in April, with pilot projects and continued program refinement over the summer. Change management basics workshops are offered monthly and can be found at training.humboldt.edu. A full rollout, including expanded training and consulting, is expected in Fall 2021. 

Dr. Lisa Bond-Maupin, Deputy Chief of Staff, is representing the President’s office as the program sponsor. The day-to-day implementation of the initiative is being led by Nancy Olson (HR), and Billie Herman (ITS Project Office). A Change Management Resource Team (CMRT), composed of representatives from across campus, has been formed to work closely with the CMI leaders to ensure the initiative is meeting outcomes and implementation standards. Currently serving are:

• Aileen Yoo, Marketing & Communications

• Alicia Persson, Sociology and Criminology & Justice Studies

• Amanda Nelson, Athletics

• Andrea Delgado, English

• Arlene Wynn, Athletics

• Bori Mazzag, Mathematics 

• Bridget Nichols, Center Activities

• Deirdre Clem, Facilities Management

• Eboni Turnbow, Dean of Students

• Janelle Jackson, University Police Department

• Josh Callahan, Information Technology Services

• Matt Brunner, Marketing & Communications

• Morgan McBroom, Financial Aid

• Pat Comella, Facilities Management

• Peggy Metzger, Financial Aid

• Peter Martinez, Admissions

• Sarah Long, Accounting

• Sheila Rocker-Heppe, College of Extended Education & Global Engagement

• Su Karl, Learning Center
  

The CMRT will also provide focused change management consulting and coaching for major change initiatives on campus on an ongoing basis; individual CMRT members will provide support to change management initiatives within their division/department/college. 

According to Bond-Maupin, “Our Change Management Initiative is a model for the CSU and manifests President Jackson’s commitments to the ongoing professional development of campus leaders. It is a vital companion to our future-forward strategic planning and polytechnic self-study. We are grateful to Nancy Olson, Billie Herman and those serving on the Resource Team.”

Should you have any questions about the CMI, please contact Nancy Olson or Billie Herman.