APPENDIX 147 • Identify the modalities to be used to communicate information about the proposed merger. Modalities may include: websites, town hall discussions, e-mail, informal and formal gatherings, retreats, etc. • Communicate the identified benefits of the proposed merger to groups critical to the success of the units (advisory boards, professional associations, donors, faculty, students, staff, alumni, etc.) and discuss merger plans with next-level administration • Develop an action plan to handle communication around unexpected events. Draft Proposal • Leadership team should meet with committee chairs to analyze all committee reports • Discussion and resolution of important issues with staff, students, faculty, and upper administration • Draft the proposal for the merger Secure Final Approval in all Merging Units • Receive support from the next level of administration • Informal support from faculty, staff, students and other groups (outside professional groups, alumni, donors, etc.) • Formal faculty vote PHASE 2 – IMPLEMENTATION Choose Leadership for the Implementation Phase and/or the New Merged Unit The Proposal Phase leadership may continue to lead the Implementation or new leaders may be needed to guide this phase. These leaders may or may not be the final leaders of the new unit. • Determine the method to identify the leader in consultation with your next level administrator. • Determine situations that may require merger assistance from central administration Create a Timeline for Completion of Implementation Leadership, in consultation with the merging units, will need to decide which elements can be merged immediately and which areas need to be modified gradually over time-with an agreed upon end date (i.e. new fiscal year, midyear, end of semester, etc.). Leaders need to be sensitive to the issues of continuing day-to-day business while com- pleting merging functions. Flexibility when dealing with changing workloads, retraining, centralizing functions, moving personnel, etc. will be helpful. • The timeline for this phase includes due dates for all the functional areas listed here – (definition of mapping for this process and details are listed below) – mapping current functions and activities,