Presidential transitions are rarely easy. And yet, with effective communication strategies, the transition can actually strengthen a university’s culture and its relationships. How? Overcommunicating minimizes anxiety around “the unknown;” transparency stimulates trust and stronger relationships with key stakeholders; planning and systems simplify the complexities; and additional transition-storytelling opportunities engage curious audiences.

Not Just a No-Show: Understanding Faculty Absence at Graduation
Each spring, university campuses are spruced up: Lawns are mowed and stages assembled, and rows of chairs fill the arena. Graduation is a time-honored tradition, celebrating students’ hard work and


