The Human Side of Technology Change – Collective Gathering

Software Implementation and Change Management in Higher Education

Many higher education technology projects meet technical requirements but fall short of achieving meaningful adoption and organizational change. This discussion will explore how institutions can improve implementation outcomes through stakeholder engagement, communication, training, leadership involvement, and cross-functional collaboration. Participants will share lessons learned, examine common barriers to adoption, and discuss strategies for helping employees and students successfully navigate change.

You must be logged in and an AACRAO member to register for this event. Please login or learn more about joining AACRAO. If you have any questions or experience any issues logging in, please reach out to us at membership@aacrao.org.

Discussion Questions

• What causes software implementations in higher education to fail: the technology itself, the implementation process, or the institution’s ability to manage change?
• How can institutions create stakeholder ownership and buy-in early enough to support successful adoption rather than simple compliance?
• Are we automating effective processes, or are we using new technology to reinforce existing inefficiencies?
• What role should leaders play before, during, and after implementation to reinforce adoption and sustain change?
• How do we balance operational efficiency, compliance requirements, and the student experience during major technology transitions.

Resources

• Seven Principles for Effective Change Management
• Changing Higher Ed, Higher Education Change Management and Digital Transformation

About AACRAO Collective Gatherings

Open to all AACRAO members, this regularly held Zoom is an opportunity to connect, exchange, and commune. A member moderator will help to foster an open space for AACRAO members to discuss whatever is on their minds as it relates to that month’s discussion topic.

The September meeting will take place from 3:00 PM ET – 4:00 PM ET on September 24, 2026. On this page you can see September’s member moderator as well as the discussion topic and registration link. Once registered, you should receive a Zoom invitation via your roster-listed email address.

Please note, Collective Gatherings are discussion based. They are not recorded to promote attendee engagement.

AACRAO is committed to providing a safe, productive, and welcoming environment for all involved in the Collective Gatherings. Please visit the AACRAO Discrimination and Misconduct Policy page for full details on the AACRAO Discrimination and Misconduct Policy. If you are subjected to unacceptable behavior by another participant, notice that someone else is being subjected to unacceptable behavior, or have any other concerns, please notify AACRAO staff as soon as possible. All reports will remain confidential. 

Participants who engage in inappropriate behavior may be removed immediately from the Collective Gathering.