“Solidified my confidence”: A Q&A with three Change Champions

Posted on Thursday, July 28th, 2022

When it comes to ensuring that the College community is involved with the R3 Project, we’ve been so fortunate to have 43 Change Champions on board to support that initiative.

Change Champions represent their department and meet monthly with our R3 Project team to give us insight on their department/faculty concerns and questions while also getting some behind-the-scenes updates.

As we’re wrapping up our first six months with our Change Champions, we wanted to do a check-in with them and get their perspective on what they’ve learned so far about the R3 Project, what has surprised them, and what they’re excited about.

We picked up the phone (okay, we had a Teams meeting. Tomato, tomahto) and connected with three of our Change Champions to hear about their experience so far as a Change Champion.

Here’s what they had to say:

Rachel Robichaud
Bursary and Student Awards Officer
Registrar’s Office

1. What has your experience been like as a Change Champion?

I like that there’s a lot of opportunities to see the new SIS. Overall, I’ve really been enjoying seeing the R3 Project evolve. As a Change Champion, I believe that it’s been easier getting to know the other Change Champions from the RO, as well as seeing what’s been effective with other working groups.

2. What are you most excited about for the R3 Project or for the new SIS implementation?

I think the excitement of a new and modern SIS is a shared sentiment throughout the RO. There are great features that come with newer systems. Being able to poke around the new SIS has been a great opportunity.

3. Is there anything else you want us to know?

This experience has helped flesh out my understanding of the Algonquin College Community. Seeing the other Change Champions’ perspectives of the R3 Project and how they’re affected by the new SIS has also been really eye opening.

Steven Wood
Quality Assurance and Academic Operations Manager
International Education Centre

1. What has your experience been like as a Change Champion?

This role has given me the opportunity to see how jobs are impacted by GeneSIS and Thesis SM. The R3 Project has personally solidified my confidence that change is happening, and that the R3 Project team is taking thoughtful measures to prepare staff and colleagues.

2. What are you most excited about for the R3 Project or for the new SIS implementation?

It’s challenging to work with partners who use systems that are more modern and technologically advanced. With Thesis SM, student information will be safer and easier to access. The valuable data that we’ll be able to access in the new SIS will also ensure that learners have a better experience.

3. Is there anything else you want us to know?

GeneSIS has been around for a long time, so it affects a lot of employees. I think it’s safe to say that many of these employees have built their careers off of GeneSIS, so they may or may not be resistant to change. I think it’s important to respect what GeneSIS was and how it served Algonquin College students.

Skye Sullivan
Frontline Services Associate
Algonquin Students’ Association

1. What has your experience been like as a Change Champion?

It’s great to be part of the early learning process and the overall progression of the R3 Project. Since I’m the only Change Champion from my department, hearing feedback from the other Change Champions has been incredibly insightful. Of course, logging onto the demo system to see what the new SIS looks like is a big plus too!

2. What are you most excited about for the R3 Project or for the new SIS implementation?

The new technology is very exciting! As someone from the Algonquin Students’ Association, I’m looking forward to improving the students’ experience. It really seems like the new SIS has been designed for everyone in mind.

3. Is there anything else you want us to know?

As a Change Champion, it’s nice to be informed about the R3 Project and everything related to it. Overall, I’ve had a very positive experience!

*

We love learning more about our Change Champions and their experiences. As the Project progresses, their insight, expertise and commitment will be invaluable to the Project’s success.


Comments

Comments are closed.