Training

Training schedules are posted on the Project Activity Calendar web page and updated as new information and project plan dates change. The agenda for each training session and the documentation related to the training can also be found at the project website.

Your having been asked to participate in the training and consulting activities is an indication that your input to this process is valuable for the University's successful implementation of Sunguard SCT's Administrative software. To assure that you and the university get maximum benefit from your participation, please abide by the following guidelines:

1. Please be sure you voice your ideas for new approaches to doing business for the University. The session chairs have the responsibility for assuring that new ideas are thoroughly discussed by the Implementation Team and that "best practices" are adopted for using the new software.
2. Once you have been scheduled to attend a training or consulting session, it is expected that you will be present for the entire session each day that has been scheduled. If you cannot be present, please inform Steve Terry (X2194) immediately.
3. During the training or consulting sessions your full attention is needed. Therefore, please do not read newspapers, e-mail, or other non-related materials. Turn your cell phones to vibrate or turn them off.
4. Training agendas and documentation for each training session are made available as soon as U of M receives them from Sunguard SCT. They can be found at g-banner on UMdrive. Please bookmark this location so you can easily return for schedule and documentation updates.
5. Your selection for participation also indicates that you may be expected to train others in the use of the Banner software once the modules we are implementing are production ready. This additional responsibility makes it more imperative that you ask and get answers to all of your questions.

In addition, when deliberating on the issues that are bound to arise, I have found the following to be quite helpful:

Meeting Rules

1. We are all equal.

• Participate, discuss and freely share ideas.
• Forget hierarchy, organization charts, who's the boss and other such stuff.

2. Be non-judgmental.

• Respect everyone.
• Every idea is a good idea until a better one is found.
• Really LISTEN to the ideas of others.
• Respect our differences and appreciate the fact that they make us stronger.
• Leave your gunbelt at the door.

3. Perceptions and realities differ.

• Your perception is your reality.
• My perception is my reality.
• The idea is to find solutions that solve as many problems as possible.

4. Keep to the high road.

• Take a "top-down" approach to presenting ideas.
• Stay away from the grubby details as long as possible.

5. Have one conversation.

• Do not participate in "side-bar" discussions.
• Stay focused on the topic being discussed.

6. It's OK to make a mistake.

• Don't blame yourself or criticize others for making mistakes - that's how we all learn.

7. It's OK to change your mind.

8. Be sure someone has your proxy at all times.

9. Consider our meeting space a sanctuary.

10. Misery is optional.

Thank you for your cooperation and participation. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact John Wasileski (X5650) or Marie Dockter (X4308).