KU: During my last five positions (prior to my current role at Penn State), I was involved with an LMS selection process. I know that there are many institutions considering evaluation processes right now. Do you have any advice for other institutions and colleagues that are contemplating a new LMS?
RS: Think beyond LMS/CMS - think about the faculty experience and the student experience. Understand your faculty-driven usage requirements and your long-term architecture. Be brutally honest about your own culture, funding, expertise, and processes. Focus on the significant differences, particularly those that will be difficult for you to influence, compensate for, or fix. Be prepared to invest fully in making your decision successful.
KU: What were one or two of the big lessons that you and your team learned during the process?
RS: Ask your faculty to drive the process with usage requirements, then ask your IT experts to describe the implementation of those requirements. Bring in some colleagues from peer institutions to help by asking tough questions and providing a different viewpoint. Give your faculty the information they need to make a sound decision. Make your decision a successful one.
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