Behind the Curtain: How Corporate Partners Really Work with Graduate & Professional Schools

Please provide a one-paragraph overview of what this panel will cover, addressing its relevance/currency and illustrating what issue(s) attendees can expect to learn about from the panelists. (200 words or less): This session offers a comprehensive exploration of essential considerations when collaborating with GEM partners. Join our expert panel, comprised of members of NAGAP’s Strategic Partnership Council (SPC), as they delve into the key aspects of this process, including recognizing when external support is necessary, initiating the search for the ideal partner, uncovering the most crucial questions to pose during vendor discussions, and ultimately discerning when you've discovered the perfect match. Whether you're new to the world of GEM third-party partnerships or seeking to refine your vendor selection strategies, this session provides a wealth of insights to empower higher education professionals in making informed and effective decisions.

Please suggest 3-5 questions that might be appropriate for the team leader to propose to the panel, and how you might answer them as a member of the panel. (300 words or less): How do you know if your school or department is in need of outside help?
- Answers will vary.
- Examples: discussion of human resource shortages, having to “do more with less” in GEM, great resignation, leveraging the broad knowledge base of most vendors.

How should a GEM administrator begin the search for the right partner?
- Answers will vary.
- Examples: Discuss the RFP process, when that’s necessary vs. when it’s not, soliciting advice from the collective (NAGAP The Exchange, other conferences), using conferences to ask questions

What are the best questions to ask during any vendor discussion?
- Answers will vary.
- Examples: the makeup of the company, backgrounds of their employees, longevity of their tools, existing partner institutions, case studies, proven track record, pricing discussions.

How do I know if I’ve found the right fit for a vendor partner?
- Answers will vary greatly.
- Examples: Open communication tips, assessment recommendations.

Please discuss your familiarity, background, expertise and/or interest in the selected topic. (200 words or less): My own background is similar to many of the others that have joined the Strategic Partnership Council. We are all interested in helping to further the research and support of graduate enrollment management and believe we each do so from our own technology support of the discipline. I spent 12 years working in graduate enrollment management at The Ohio State University and used many different tools over the years. I have seen great partnerships and also lackluster ones, helping me to be able to speak to the great work of all those on the SPC and their commitment to improving the lives of the NAGAP members who attend. We’re excited to share some of our best practices and answer many questions beyond those included here, so as to help those working on college campuses do better work with more limited resources moving forward.

If the primary presenter is not the team leader, please provide the Team Leader’s name and contact information here.: