Doing Much More with Much Less

Concurrent Session 4
Leadership

Session Materials

Brief Abstract

In the last year and a half, the Office of Instructional Resources has decreased in size about 33% while the training and support demands have increased about 80% due to COVID. This session explores what we are doing to support instructors, and how we are doing it without more money.

Presenters

Lead Presenter: Carolyn Speer, Wichita State University

Carolyn has been involved in all aspects of higher education in her 25-year career. In her current role she has been able to synthesize her work as a faculty member, administrator, student, and university staff to help create an office that is faculty-friendly and student-focused. She earned a Ph.D. in Adult and Continuing Education from Kansas State and in the years since has continued her education by attending culinary school and working on a second master's degree. In addition, she teaches online research and quantitative methods to both undergraduates and graduate students. These experiences help to keep her tied to the classroom in a practical way.

Extended Abstract

In the last year and a half, the Office of Instructional Resources at Wichita State has decreased in size by about 33% while the training and support demands have increased by about 80% due to the rapid move to remote, hybrid, and online instruction at the university. This sudden change has required the office to improve upon several existing processes and develop new ways to reach and support instructors with vital training and technical assistance, all without a budget impact. This session will discuss what we are doing and how it is working as we seek to, "reduce [increase!], reuse, and recycle" our support efforts. We are prepared to discuss how our thrice-yearly online conference works together with our monthly newsletter, our weekly labs, and our social media to provide training and support when and where it is needed.