The document outlines a communication plan for Georgia Tech to implement an online Master's degree program in Computing. The plan involves four phases: preapproval, developing need for change, midstream change and confirmation of change. It recommends influencing key stakeholders, providing rationale for changes, addressing employee concerns through training, obtaining feedback, celebrating successes and identifying areas for improvement. Metrics like student outcomes, surveys and reviews will evaluate the program's effectiveness. The goal is to provide more opportunities for students while maintaining engagement and reducing costs.

1. Charles Watkins
AET/560
November 9, 2015
Natasha Spellman

2. Founded in 1855
Recently collaborated with AT&T
Seeking to implement an online Master’s
degree program in Computing

4. Phase One: Preapproval Phase
 Influence members of power in the Georgia
Tech community that the change is needed
 Suggest changes in small portions
 Provide clear rationale behind the change
towards online degree programs
 Suggest how changes will benefit Georgia
Tech as a university
(Cawsey, Deszca, & Ingols, 2012,
Chapter 2)

5.  Communicate the steps in the change
process to other employees
 Provide clarification on future plans
 Assure employees regarding how the
transition to online degree programs will affect
their jobs
 Provide computer technology training where
necessary

6.  Obtain feedback regarding employee
attitudes towards the changes being made
 Challenge misconceptions
 Maintain a positive working environment
through possible opposition
 Change the universities websites, blogs and
social media sites to promote the online
Masters programs

7. Celebrate the success of the online
Masters program
Strengthen any weak areas of transition
Prepare and discuss future changes that
may strengthen the program
Cawsey, Deszca, & Ingols, 2012, Chapter 2)

8.  Personal computer
 Reliable internet access
 Active private e-mail
account
 Changes to university
websites, blogs and social
media sites
 Media reiteration

9. Measure success through the analysis of
student learning outcomes
Compare program accomplishments
Collect statistical data to compare and
contrast programs
Provide surveys prior to and after faculty
training
(Bailey, 2010)

10. Online surveys
• Both before and after the completion of the
program
Faculty performance reviews
Contingency planning
University stakeholder analysis

11. View opposition as an opportunity to
actively change misconceptions
Focus on the outcome while focusing also
on the process
Understand and balance the tension
Keep Ga Tech employees engaged in the
process and decision making

12. An effective Georgia Tech communication plan will:
• Provide more opportunity for student success
• Reduce the cost for a Master’s degree
• Identify the strengths and possible weaknesses of
employees
• Increase employee communication and
engagement
• Provide framework for future online degree
programs

13.  Bailey, T. (2010). Effectiveness of fully online courses for college students:
response to a department of education meta-analysis. Retrieved from
http://ccrc.tc.columbia.edu/media/k2/attachments/effectivenessonline
response-meta-analysis.pdf
 Casey, T. F., Descartes, G., Ingots, C., (2012). Organizational change : an
action-oriented toolkit, (2nd ed.). Sage Publications