Automation

As we get into a new school year, and a new semester for our Technical Communications program, we have the inevitable flurry of administrative details that occupy both faculty and students during the first few days of classes.

Seneca is better at this than most colleges -- some I could name are abysmal at handling student processing on many levels. But as an entrepeneur, you always wonder how these systems could be more automated to reduce the stress on the individual.

As Dan Sullivan has said, there are three things that cannot be automated:
1. Creativity
2. Leadership
3. Relationship

Institutions that realize they are building relationships with their target market attempt to minimize the pain involved in dealing with the institution. Leadership provides good role models for how departments and institutions handle day to day tasks and the inevitable crises. Creativity allows for unique and different solutions that still meet the goals of the institution while serving the needs of the customer.

Changing an institution like a college is akin to turning an aircraft carrier on a dime. Seneca at least has a firm grip on its direction; getting there is part of the challenge. In the meantime, great people who care about what they're doing help students negotiate the maze that is college intake. It makes all the difference.