Date of Submission
5-28-2021
Document Type
OIP
Degree
Doctor of Education
Department
Education
Keywords
process organization studies, sensemaking, community of practice, portfolio admissions, adaptive leadership, change process model
Abstract
Low enrollment is a significant problem in small Christian liberal arts colleges. It is my position that addressing the adaptive challenge of organizational identity will create an inclusive, accessible, and relevant faith-based college community which appeals to applicants and thereby grow enrollment. Drawing on process organization theory, situated learning theory, and adaptive leadership theory, I propose in this organizational improvement plan a change process enacted by a community of practice to foster sensemaking about organizational identity through college admissions work. This plan identifies portfolio-based admissions and critical policy analysis as ways to invite applicants to demonstrate their strengths; the approaches honour individual faith practice and foster a sense of belonging during the admissions process. The community of practice advances continuous improvement and innovation in the change implementation plan and creates space for varying degrees of stakeholder change readiness in the process.
Recommended Citation
Burbee, C. C. (2021). Frozen in Time? Exploring Faith-based Admission Standards in Christian Higher Education. The Organizational Improvement Plan at Western University, 187. Retrieved from https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/oip/187