Conference builds change-management skills across campus
Programs and tools from Organizational Excellence help employees lead change.
Last November’s inaugural Change Management Community of Practice mini-conference brought Virginia Tech faculty and staff together to expand their change-management toolkits and connect with colleagues facing similar challenges, from shifting priorities and evolving processes to the ongoing work of supporting people through change.
About Organizational Excellence
Hosted by the Organizational Excellence team in the Office of the Vice President for Strategic Initiatives, the mini-conference embodies the team’s mission to strengthen leadership capacity, improving organizational effectiveness, and help units navigate change intentionally.
Organizational Excellence also offers professional development opportunities throughout the year, including the Taking Charge of Change training and the Prosci Change Practitioner Certification program, which provide practical frameworks and deeper expertise for leading and supporting change across the university.
Employees can learn more about these and other offerings by connecting with Organizational Excellence.
What attendees gained
For Cody Smith, assistant director for employer engagement and recruitment services, the conference aligned with his increasing interest in structured approaches to organizational transitions.
“I’ve developed a growing interest in how structured change-management practices can make everyday organizational transitions smoother and more intentional,” Smith said. “In any team — especially in higher education — natural changes occur all the time, whether it’s shifts in priorities, new processes, evolving expectations, or adjustments in how we collaborate.”
Attendees noted the shared learning format provided practical tools for thoughtful, people-centered change and fostered a sense of community.
“When people regularly come together to discuss challenges they are faced with, many times they come away empowered to implement solutions and change to their particular situation,” said Kim Rhodes, executive assistant in Outreach and International Affairs.
Interactive sessions helped to broaden perspectives on how the same change affects people and teams.
“The role-playing was great, since it gave people a chance to consider different perspectives on what was happening and why,” said Larry Cox, senior instructional designer with Technology-enhanced Learning and Online Strategies. “Often, we can get wrapped up in how the change is impacting us, but we do not give enough thought to how this same change is impacting others.”
Participants also left with ready-to-use tools they could apply immediately to their teams and departments. Christina Mathai, professional and organizational specialist in the Division of Information Technology, pointed to the prevention and action tips for addressing change fatigue that were shared as a comprehensive resource for supporting both people and projects.
Connect and learn
The mini-conference returns on April 15 from 8 a.m. to noon, and features presentations from experienced change leaders, interactive sessions, and opportunities to build connections across the university.
Employees may RSVP through the PageUp LMS or by contacting Lars Schmidt at larsschmidt@vt.edu.
A Prosci Change Practitioner Certification course will be held June 16-18. To sign up, contact Amy Hogan or Tony Mastracci.
