University of Sheffield, CILASS CETL
| Contact Details: | Dr Philippa Levy, CILASS Academic Director, p.levy@sheffield.ac.uk Nicola Reilly, Programme Manager, n.reilly@sheffield.ac.uk |
| Type of Project: | Initial stage was a refurbishment. Second stage was part of a larger new build project. |
| Start/End Date: | First stage opened in Autumn 2006. Second stage project opened Spring 2007. |
What Are Your Top Tips..
...For a successful new build? For embedding IT? For installing technology?
- People with experience have valuable input - use these people and their experience - get them on board!
- Never underestimate the power of a good chocolate biscuit - a great bargaining tool! Levity aside valuing excellence of colleagues and experts is key.
- It's about a strategic approach - taking people with you and working together.
- Don't lose anybody - value everyone's input.
- Get the views of the students - they often have the best ideas.
- We often speak different languages - in order to convert people it is important to find some common understanding.
- Have an open door policy to the project - a 'come over now' policy to addressing issues - use regular communication - strike while the iron's hot and grab the momentum!
- You need proactive people.
- Get Senior Management support - this is very important - the Pro Vice Chancellor for Learning and Teaching at the University of Sheffield gives valuable support - he also books out the space for his own teaching.
- If you get the opportunity to 'test-drive' a space and experiment with equipment and furniture then take it - it helps to identify issues before any roll out on a larger scale.
