University Department Transition
A university department with a successful track record of teaching and research was undergoing a period of transition.. The new department chair had identified some growth potentials based on changes in the field and with encouragement from the university. This growth opportunity was timely, as several recent faculty members had retired and new faculty were being hired. Bonnie Edelstein was engaged to guide and support the chair and the department in this transition, which included the need for changing some of the programs currently offered, as well as developing new ones.

After a period of analysis through faculty interviews, Bonnie facilitated a faculty retreat which focused on two elements: the collaborative development of a vision for the future of the department, and the opportunity for faculty to share their views and opinions about the changes under consideration. The retreat featured very lively discussions and debates, and decisions were made that set the stage for the coming academic year. Concrete action plans were developed with accompanying timelines.

This cycle was repeated the following year, with faculty interviews leading to a retreat. In describing the value of these retreats, the department chair said, "Retreats enable us to take time away from the hubbub of normal activity, think about what we were doing and why, and have frank discussions with each other. I appreciate the opportunity to do this in a moderated environment that insures that everyone has the opportunity to speak and be heard."

Over a two-year period, the department hired 3 new faculty members and made changes in some of its educational programs. In addition, a new Ph.D. program is under development with the promise of implementation in the near future.