The UMass Operational Excellence Initiative is reviewing the administrative structures, strategies, services, practices, processes, roles, and culture for the executive area of Academic Affairs (with the exception of the College of Natural Sciences) and the units within Information Technology, Human Resources, Administration & Finance, and Research & Engagement that interface with Academic Affairs.
Overview
- The project is a collaborative and transparent effort and does not have preconceived outcomes identified.
- The project is objectively reviewing and identifying future needs of the units engaging in the process. Reducing staff is not a goal of this initiative.
- The project strives to improve the quality of the working environment for faculty and staff.
- The project is identifying new and existing ways of adapting the university‘s organizational structures to strengthen our foundations and ensure we are future ready.
- The project aims to enhance opportunities for staff to succeed and progress in their careers.
Involvement
- A Steering Committee of leaders and stakeholders will be guiding and leading the UMass Operational Excellence Initiative.
- The UMass Operational Excellence Initiative will be supported by Segal, an external partner that will provide expertise and guidance throughout the effort.
- The phase of the project will serve as a way to gather information and inform UMass’s future plans.
Goal
The goal of this assessment is to ensure our administrative structures and practices are optimally aligned to meet future needs, and to advance our strategic priorities, leverage the diverse talents of our community, and support the success of each member of the University.
Status Updates
Administrative Units
| Units | Kickoff Meeting | Information Gathering | Interview/Focus Groups |
|---|---|---|---|
| Administration and Finance | Completed | Completed | Completed |
| Human Resources | Completed | In Progress | In Progress |
| IT | Completed | Completed | In Progress |
| Research and Engagement | Completed | Completed | Completed |
Academic Units
| Units | Kickoff Meeting | Information Gathering | Interviews/Focus Groups |
|---|---|---|---|
| College of Education | Completed | Completed | Completed |
| College of Engineering | Completed | Not Started | In Progress |
| College of Humanities and Fine Arts | Completed | In Progress | In Progress |
| College of Information of Computer Science | Completed | Completed | In Progress |
| College of Nursing | Completed | Completed | Completed |
| College of Social and Behavioral Science | Completed | Completed | Completed |
| Commonwealth Honors College | Completed | In Progress | In Progress |
| Grad and Interdisciplinary Study | In Progress | Not Started | Not Started |
| Isenberg School of Management | Completed | In Progress | In Progress |
| School of Public Health | Completed | Completed | In Progress |
| University Libraries | Completed | In Progress | In Progress |
Additional Units
| Units | Kickoff Meeting | Information Gathering | Interviews/Focus Groups |
|---|---|---|---|
| Academic Administration | Not Started | Not Started | Not Started |
| Centers and Institutes | Not Started | Not Started | Not Started |
| Enrollment Management | Not Started | Not Started | Not Started |
| Online Education | Not Started | Not Started | Not Started |
| Undergraduate Affairs | Not Started | Not Started | Not Started |
Initiative Milestones
*Timeline is subject to change based on University needs and schedules
November 2024
Website launch
December 18th, 2024
Academic unit kick offs begin
January, 2025
Interviews Started
Summer, 2025
Interviews Completed
Early Fall, 2025
Preliminary Findings
Late Fall, 2025