(Posted 8-9-99)
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
News Service Contact: Steve Gilliam, 336-334-5619

IBM NAMES UNCG'S ENROLLMENT SERVICES AS A
BEST PRACTICE IN STUDENT SERVICES PARTNER

GREENSBORO -- The University of North Carolina at Greensboro has been selected by IBM as a Best Practice in Student Services Partner for its "Organization Development as a Change Agent" project to transform its enrollment services division into a student-centered environment.

Staff members from UNCG's enrollment services division attended and presented at the Innovation in Student Services Forum, IBM's annual gathering of the Best Practice Partners, held Aug. 1-3 at the University of Delaware. UNCG’s enrollment services areas include the offices of adult continuing and evening students (ACES), special support services and student academic services, admissions, financial aid and registrar.

UNCG is among 18 institutions in North America selected as Best Practice Partners. The transformation of UNCG's enrollment services division has led to the highest enrollment in the institution's history, the most diverse student body ever and a dramatic improvement in student satisfaction ratings.

Five years ago, IBM began identifying institutions undertaking innovative projects to improve student services using process redesign, technology and organizational development as change agents. IBM recognizes these institutions as Best Practice in Student Services Partners, and makes information about their projects readily available to other institutions going through transformation efforts. Selection as a Best Practice Partner is also based on the project's alignment with the strategic goals of the institution, executive support for the project, peer recognition and creation of a student-centered environment that reflects IBM's services model and commitment to electronic business.

The Innovation in Student Services Forum is designed to encourage dialogue and sharing among colleagues and Best Practice Partners, giving them an opportunity to present their projects and host discussions on emerging student service areas. The Best Practice Partners have become a great resource for each other as well as other institutions interested in transforming their student services operations to a more student-centered environment.

Session topics at the 1999 Innovation in Student Services Forum included "Designing Student-Centered Web Applications," "Leading Student Service Transformation," "Best Practices," "Higher Education in the 21st Century" and "Managing the Change Process."

Other Best Practice Partner institutions include Babson College, Ball State University, Boston College, Brigham Young University, Carnegie Mellon University, Colorado Electronic Community College, Fordham University, Indiana University-Bloomington, Johnson County Community College, Oregon State University, Seton Hall University, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, University of British Columbia, University of Delaware, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, University of Pennsylvania and the Western Interstate Commission on Higher Education. Information on all the Best Practice Partners and the Innovation in Student Services Forum is available at http://www.hied.ibm.com/students.

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