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 | Interview/ Focus Groups | Data | Report |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Administration and Finance | Completed | Completed | Completed | Completed |
| IT | Completed | Completed | Completed | In Progress |
| Research and Engagement | Completed | Completed | Completed | Completed |
| Human Resources | Completed | In Progress | In Progress | In Progress |
Academic Units
| Units | Kickoff Meeting | Interviews/ Focus Groups | Data | Report |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| College of Education | Completed | Completed | Completed | Draft Report Received |
| Riccio College of Engineering | Completed | Completed | Completed | Draft Report Received |
| College of Humanities and Fine Arts | Completed | Completed | Completed | Draft report Received |
| College of Information of Computer Science | Completed | Completed | Completed | Draft Report Received |
| Elaine Marieb College of Nursing | Completed | Completed | Completed | Draft Report Received |
| College of Social and Behavioral Science | Completed | Completed | Completed | Draft Report Received |
| Commonwealth Honors College | Completed | Completed | Completed | Draft Report Received |
| Grad and Interdisciplinary Study | Completed | Completed | Completed | In Progress |
| Isenberg School of Management | Completed | Completed | Completed | Draft report Received |
| School of Public Health | Completed | Completed | Completed | Draft report Received |
| University Libraries | Completed | In Progress | Completed | Not Started |
Additional Units
| Units | Kickoff Meeting | Interviews/ Focus Groups | Data | Report |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Academic Administration | Completed | Not Started | Not Started | Not Started |
| Centers and Institutes | Not Started | Not Started | Not Started | Not Started |
| Enrollment Management | Completed | Completed | In Progress | In Progress |
| Online Education | Completed | Completed | Completed | In Progress |
| Undergraduate Affairs | Completed | In Progress | In Progress | 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
Fall 2025
Interviews In Progress; Preliminary Reports Delivered
December 2025
Interviews Complete
January 2026
Preliminary Reports Complete
Mid-February 2026