In Medias Res
Article by: Maryrose Eannace, PhD
Former Interim Provost/Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, Continuing Education and Workforce Development
Frederick Community College
Former Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs
SUNY Jefferson Community College
As academics, we are all quite familiar with the rhythm of the Academic Year. The exhilaration of the Fall start, the welcome break between semesters (or quarters), and the celebration of graduation—followed by the summer months to tidy up the year and plan for the next. Many of us with The Registry are also familiar with new Administrative roles beginning in early July, which afford us time to acclimate to the new campus, ‘learn the ropes and identify the trip wires,’ and prepare for the Fall start.
First, I want to say that I LOVE the college at which I’m serving (Frederick Community College) at the moment! Wonderful people, powerful and positive initiatives and in a great location to boot! But, additionally, my current assignment offered a new perspective with its own set of challenges and learnings.
The difference in this assignment is that it is for six months, rather than for a full academic year—and it began in medias res in January. Frankly, the idea of a six-month assignment seemed ideal for multiple reasons. What I had not anticipated were the ‘new learnings’ that came with arriving ‘out of rhythm’ with the full academic year calendar cycle.
So what are the differences I have experienced in this Spring semester assignment? The first is the lack of the ‘learning time’ that a July start affords. Typically, starting in July means that the Academic Calendar for the year has been established; there are at least six weeks during which the interim administrator gets to learn the multiple operations personnel and nuances of the institution; and, there are months and months to ramp up for the end of the academic year graduation and new beginnings. Not so, with a January start for the six-month assignment.
I hasten to add that as experienced administrators, we Registry Interims are practiced and quick learners. And a six-month assignment is a sweet opportunity for many of us. But should I have the opportunity to do another January start, I will be aware of a necessarily different ‘running order’ for the work.
So here are a few of my takeaways—and I hope others who have experience with this type of assignment will share their learnings as well:
- Ask for a comprehensive organizational chart in advance of arriving. There is an abbreviated ‘get to know each other’ period.
- Also for top priorities at the earliest possible time after arrival (or even before your start date!)
- Huddle with your office support colleagues immediately and frequently to learn their take on the critical regular order of reports, meetings and other schedule—and personal insights. Office support people often have the most profound insights!
- Also ask your office support folks the preferred methods of communicating on campus.
- Ask your direct supervisor who the ‘need to know’ folks are—not only among your direct reports—but also college-wide. For example, ask who will provide the most accurate and critical data and who are your counterpoints in other parts of the college.
- Ask in advance, if you can, for the annual budget and current balances. Then be prepared to start working on the following year’s budget early in your appointment.
- As busy as you will be in getting up to speed in the middle of the year, make time to get out into the community. Not only will this be your home for the next six months, but our students and our supporters are part of the college community and you will want to know their take on how the college is serving their needs.
- Check with your supervisor, but generally speaking, don’t be afraid to introduce new ideas that you feel will move the institution ahead. Sometimes we are brought on board to keep things in an orderly ‘holding pattern’ until the permanent administrator is in place—but that doesn’t necessarily mean that an introduction of a useful new idea would not be appreciated!
- You may be asked to lead or assist with the search for the new administrator. Start early with whatever the process is so that you can prepare for a smooth transition for the incoming permanent candidate.
I suspect others of us who have done shorter-term assignments will have much to add to the above list. I want to conclude by saying that my current assignment for six months is not only a joy, but a great learning experience that will make in medias res future assignments easier and more fruitful.
In Medias Res
Article by: Maryrose Eannace, PhD
Former Interim Provost/Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, Continuing Education and Workforce Development
Frederick Community College
Former Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs
SUNY Jefferson Community College
As academics, we are all quite familiar with the rhythm of the Academic Year. The exhilaration of the Fall start, the welcome break between semesters (or quarters), and the celebration of graduation—followed by the summer months to tidy up the year and plan for the next. Many of us with The Registry are also familiar with new Administrative roles beginning in early July, which afford us time to acclimate to the new campus, ‘learn the ropes and identify the trip wires,’ and prepare for the Fall start.
First, I want to say that I LOVE the college at which I’m serving (Frederick Community College) at the moment! Wonderful people, powerful and positive initiatives and in a great location to boot! But, additionally, my current assignment offered a new perspective with its own set of challenges and learnings.
The difference in this assignment is that it is for six months, rather than for a full academic year—and it began in medias res in January. Frankly, the idea of a six-month assignment seemed ideal for multiple reasons. What I had not anticipated were the ‘new learnings’ that came with arriving ‘out of rhythm’ with the full academic year calendar cycle.
So what are the differences I have experienced in this Spring semester assignment? The first is the lack of the ‘learning time’ that a July start affords. Typically, starting in July means that the Academic Calendar for the year has been established; there are at least six weeks during which the interim administrator gets to learn the multiple operations personnel and nuances of the institution; and, there are months and months to ramp up for the end of the academic year graduation and new beginnings. Not so, with a January start for the six-month assignment.
I hasten to add that as experienced administrators, we Registry Interims are practiced and quick learners. And a six-month assignment is a sweet opportunity for many of us. But should I have the opportunity to do another January start, I will be aware of a necessarily different ‘running order’ for the work.
So here are a few of my takeaways—and I hope others who have experience with this type of assignment will share their learnings as well:
- Ask for a comprehensive organizational chart in advance of arriving. There is an abbreviated ‘get to know each other’ period.
- Also for top priorities at the earliest possible time after arrival (or even before your start date!)
- Huddle with your office support colleagues immediately and frequently to learn their take on the critical regular order of reports, meetings and other schedule—and personal insights. Office support people often have the most profound insights!
- Also ask your office support folks the preferred methods of communicating on campus.
- Ask your direct supervisor who the ‘need to know’ folks are—not only among your direct reports—but also college-wide. For example, ask who will provide the most accurate and critical data and who are your counterpoints in other parts of the college.
- Ask in advance, if you can, for the annual budget and current balances. Then be prepared to start working on the following year’s budget early in your appointment.
- As busy as you will be in getting up to speed in the middle of the year, make time to get out into the community. Not only will this be your home for the next six months, but our students and our supporters are part of the college community and you will want to know their take on how the college is serving their needs.
- Check with your supervisor, but generally speaking, don’t be afraid to introduce new ideas that you feel will move the institution ahead. Sometimes we are brought on board to keep things in an orderly ‘holding pattern’ until the permanent administrator is in place—but that doesn’t necessarily mean that an introduction of a useful new idea would not be appreciated!
- You may be asked to lead or assist with the search for the new administrator. Start early with whatever the process is so that you can prepare for a smooth transition for the incoming permanent candidate.
I suspect others of us who have done shorter-term assignments will have much to add to the above list. I want to conclude by saying that my current assignment for six months is not only a joy, but a great learning experience that will make in medias res future assignments easier and more fruitful.
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