2021 UAT updates
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U of A for Tomorrow Updates: December 16, 2021
U of A for Tomorrow updates for the week of December 16, 2021
Introducing the new process redesign methodology
While the SET process redesign team has been diligently working to redesign and streamline processes across the university's administrative functions, the team has also been working to revise and improve their methodology following several lessons learned during work completed so far.
University pilots simplified employee appointment process
When the university hires a new employee, the process for selecting a candidate, generating an offer letter and adding them to our employee database is called employee appointment. As part of the HR discovery work in the Service Excellence Transformation (SET) program, this process was identified as a high priority area for improvement. In November, Shared Services and SET piloted a redesigned employee appointment process that will roll out to the university in January.
U of A for Tomorrow Updates: December 9, 2021
U of A for Tomorrow updates for the week of December 9, 2021
New event management software solution available in January 2022
With the completion of the Event Management Task Force at the beginning of November, approval has been given to proceed with implementation of the software solution, Groupize, beginning in January 2022.
HR completes several process improvements
Over the past 16 months, the HR workstream and several teams within the Human Resources, Health, Safety and Environment unit have collaborated to reorganize HR services.
A New Direction for Procurement & Contract Management
The university is proceeding with five critical process changes to increase cost savings.
U of A for Tomorrow Updates: December 2, 2021
U of A for Tomorrow updates for the week of December 2, 2021
Finance services transition
As part of the Service Excellence Transformation (SET) program, some financial services are moving from Finance, Procurement and Planning to Shared Services, and contact information is changing. Learn more about how to access finance support, forms and information.
Establishing a vision for the future of student services
Steven Dew, Provost and Vice-President (Academic), shares the new vision for the future of student services at the University of Alberta that will drive improved student experience.
Redesigning the Vice-President Research and Innovation portfolio
Aminah Robinson Fayek, Vice-President (Research and Innovation) introduces a redesigned portfolio structure which integrates strategic research and innovation support, streamlines research administration, and offers expanded services delivered via four Centres of Expertise.
Ask SET Anything: All Staff Edition Recap
To ensure staff continue to have an opportunity to learn more and share feedback during this time of transition, we hosted another Ask SET Anything event on November 5, and opened the floor to questions.
U of A for Tomorrow Updates: November 25, 2021
U of A for Tomorrow updates for the week of November 25, 2021
Hiring announcement: Partners, Communications and Marketing
Communications and Marketing Partners are integral to the new model in External Relations to ensure the success of integrated and aligned support for the University of Alberta. External Relations and the Service Excellence Transformation (SET) external engagement workstream are pleased to announce the appointments of the Communications and Marketing Partners.
U of A for Tomorrow Updates: November 18, 2021
U of A for Tomorrow updates for the week of November 18, 2021
U of A for Tomorrow Updates: November 10, 2021
U of A for Tomorrow updates for the week of November 10, 2021
Pulse survey: fall update
Since August 2020, the U of A for Tomorrow (UAT) team has sent monthly pulse surveys to a representative, randomly selected sample of 700 employees across the institution to ask about restructuring and strategic transformation. Since the last pulse survey update in July, discover how faculty and staff are feeling about change being undertaken to achieve the goals of the UAT initiative.
U of A for Tomorrow Updates: November 4, 2021
U of A for Tomorrow updates for the week of November 4, 2021
HR Services available through the Staff Service Centre
In July, Shared Services launched the Staff Service Centre, and phase one of HR Services available to you. As the transfer of HR activities from the Human Resources, Health, Safety and Environment unit to Shared Services concludes, you may be wondering what HR services are offered by the Shared Services unit through the Staff Service Centre. Here’s where to go for what you need and our most common inquiries.
Embracing self-service technologies
Technology is a critical component to administrative transformation, and leveraging the capability of technology to help us work more efficiently and effectively is integral. As we implement the new operating model to promote consistency, avoid duplication, and support a university-wide service culture, there is even more opportunity to modernize as well as further develop and embrace these technologies.
Release of Academic Leaders Task Group Report
Under the leadership of Provost Steven Dew, the Academic Leaders Task Group has been reviewing academic leadership roles in the context of the U of A’s new academic structure and operating model. Their aim has been to advise on how to best deploy one of the university’s most critical resources: our professors. Today, Provost Dew shares the ALTG Report.
U of A for Tomorrow Updates: October 28, 2021
U of A for Tomorrow updates for the week of October 28, 2021
Looking ahead at supporting and sustaining activities
This is the final article in our series highlighting the upcoming activities and milestones for key initiatives of the SET program. This week, we look at the initiatives that have been identified as critical to sustaining the operating model beyond the SET program
U of A for Tomorrow Updates: October 21, 2021
U of A for Tomorrow updates for the week of October 21, 2021
Looking ahead at the non-labour streams
This is the third in a series of four articles highlighting the upcoming activities and milestones for key initiatives of the SET program. This week, we look at what to expect with the non-labour streams, such as procurement, space and facilities, and more.
U of A for Tomorrow Updates: October 14, 2021
U of A for Tomorrow updates for the week of October 14, 2021
Looking ahead at the central support services
This is the second in a series of four articles highlighting the upcoming activities and milestones for key initiatives of the SET program. This week, we focus on what to expect with central support services, including Shared Services, the Student Service Centre, and more.
Recap of Social Sciences and Humanities Town Hall
Joseph Doucet, Interim College Dean, recaps the first town hall held in the College of Social Sciences and Humanities.
Recap of Natural and Applied Sciences Town Hall
Matina Kalcounis-Rueppell, Interim College Dean, recaps the first town hall held in the College of Natural and Applied Sciences.
Ask SET Anything: Procurement Edition recap
Last Monday, the SET team hosted another edition of our Ask SET Anything event series. This edition focused on procurement and staff were invited to learn more about projects in this space, ask questions, raise concerns, and share feedback.
Hiring announcement: Finance Partners
Finance, Procurement and Planning and the SET finance workstream are pleased to announce the appointments of 27 of the Finance Partners
Hiring announcement: Senior Partners, Communications & Marketing
External Relations and the SET external engagement workstream are pleased to announce the appointments of the five Senior Partners, Communications & Marketing.
Finance services have moved to Shared Services
A number of finance services and team members have moved from Finance, Procurement and Planning to Shared Services. Meet the team! New travel and expense and credit card reconciliation processes launch Monday, October 18; please direct inquiries to the Staff Service Centre.
Looking ahead at the administrative functional streams
In this four-part weekly series, Vice-President (University Services and Finance), Todd Gilchrist, provides an overview of the upcoming activities and milestones for key initiatives of the SET program as well as case studies to demonstrate recent successes. This first article in this series takes a look at what's ahead for each of the university’s administrative functional areas.
U of A for Tomorrow Updates: October 7, 2021
U of A for Tomorrow updates for the week of October 7, 2021
Recap of Health Sciences Town Hall
Greta Cummings, interim college dean, recaps the first town hall for the College of Health Sciences, which was held earlier this week on October 4.
U of A for Tomorrow Updates: September 29, 2021
U of A for Tomorrow updates for the week of September 29, 2021
U of A for Tomorrow Updates: September 23, 2021
U of A for Tomorrow updates for the week of September 23, 2021
Ask SET Anything: Student Services Edition recap
Last Friday, the SET team hosted another edition of our Ask SET Anything event series specifically for student services. Staff in this area were invited to learn more about the Student Service Centre and student services in the new operating model, raise questions, concerns, and share feedback.
U of A for Tomorrow Updates: September 16, 2021
U of A for Tomorrow updates for the week of September 16, 2021
Immigration and relocation support moves to Shared Services unit
As part of the Service Excellence Transformation (SET) program, immigration and relocation services have moved from Human Resources, Health, Safety and Environment (HRHSE) to the Shared Services unit. Learn more about services available to you and foreign nationals, and how to access them.
U of A for Tomorrow Updates: September 9, 2021
U of A for Tomorrow updates for the week of September 9, 2021
New Purchasing Card and Travel & Expense reconciliation processes to launch in October
As part of the University of Alberta for Tomorrow (UAT) initiative, the Procurement team has performed a review and redesign of both the expense reimbursement process and the credit card reconciliation process. The process redesign is currently in the final stages and is planned for implementation this coming October.
U of A for Tomorrow Updates: September 2, 2021
U of A for Tomorrow updates for the week of September 2, 2021
In case you missed it: UAT summer roundup
As we start a new fall academic term, we wanted to summarize all that’s happened with the University of Alberta for Tomorrow initiative over the past three months to keep you up to date and informed of anything you may have missed.
Fall update: Applying to position opportunities
As the fall term begins, processes for applying to positions that were implemented over the summer months will be changing. As of September 1, positions may now be posted to the Careers site for a minimum of 5 business days; please regularly check the Position Opportunities page (POP) and the Careers site for the latest updates. In addition, the option to submit your resume in advance by proxy is no longer available; all applicants will be responsible for submitting their resume and cover letter through normal routes, via the Careers site, and by the specified competition deadline.
Ask SET Anything: External Engagement Edition recap
Last Wednesday, the SET team hosted another edition of our Ask SET Anything event series. This edition focused on external engagement, and staff were invited to learn more about the new External Relations structure, raise questions, concerns, and share feedback.
U of A for Tomorrow Updates: August 26, 2021
U of A for Tomorrow updates for the week of August 26, 2021
Looking for HR support? The Staff Service Centre is here to help!
Visit the Staff Service Centre to view articles about common HR inquiries, submit a form or request support. Learn more about the services available to you.
Hiring announcement: IT Partners
Information, Services & Technology and the SET IT workstream are pleased to announce the appointments of the IT Service Partners.
U of A for Tomorrow Updates: August 19, 2021
U of A for Tomorrow updates for the week of August 19, 2021
First IT services transitioned across the university
With work beginning in early spring 2021, the IT stream is on track to complete the transition of the first university-wide IT services: networks, data centres, and cyber security, by early October.
Discovery update: External Engagement
The external engagement workstream has concluded its discovery phase, engaging with functional experts and leaders to gain a better understanding of the current state of external engagement-related activities across the university.
U of A for Tomorrow Updates: August 12, 2021
U of A for Tomorrow updates for the week of August 12, 2021
Deciding to apply for new roles in the U of A’s New Structure
Over the past few weeks, we've heard questions related to the positions that are coming available as a result of the new operating model, and which positions may no longer exist. Staff are seeking guidance about the timing of roles, when to apply, and the application process. Here are some answers to the latest questions we've been hearing.
New Student Service Centre opens Monday
August 16, 2021 marks the official launch of the Student Service Centre located on the main floor of the Administration Building on North Campus (utilizing the previous Student Connect space and infrastructure).
U of A for Tomorrow Updates: July 29, 2021
U of A for Tomorrow updates for the week of July 29, 2021
Pulse survey: spring's results
Since August, the U of A for Tomorrow (UAT) team has sent out monthly pulse surveys to 7,000 employees across the institution to gain a sense of how the university community is feeling about both academic and administrative transformation. This survey is an opportunity to take the pulse of our community on a few key questions relating to the UAT initiative. Read on to learn some of the latest findings from the survey.
Get to know the new Staff Service Centre
Shared Services launched phase one of its services this week: HR Services and the new Staff Service Centre. The Staff Service Centre will be the entryway for faculty and staff to access centralized support.
U of A for Tomorrow Updates: July 22, 2021
U of A for Tomorrow updates for the week of July 22, 2021
Ask SET Anything: Shared Services Edition recap
Last Thursday, the SET team hosted another edition of our Ask SET Anything event series specifically for staff to learn more about Shared Services and the Staff Service Centre ahead of the July 26 launch.
Transforming the External Relations structure
Elan MacDonald, VP External Relations, shares the new External Relations organizational structure.
Shared services launches July 26
Over the past two and a half months, the Shared Services unit has been busy hiring and planning for the phase one launch of its services.
U of A for Tomorrow Updates: July 15, 2021
U of A for Tomorrow updates for the week of July 15, 2021
Get to know the new Student Service Centre
The new Student Service Centre, a navigation hub for students—and for staff who support students—will be a one-stop-shop for all enquiries, helping students throughout their university journey.
U of A for Tomorrow Updates: July 8, 2021
U of A for Tomorrow updates for the week of July 8, 2021
Update on the Academic Leaders Task Group
Provost Steven Dew shares an update on the Academic Leaders Task Group (ALTG), charged with undertaking a review of the roles of academic leaders in the context of our new academic structure.
Year one UAT retrospective
Over the last year, the University of Alberta has launched and put into action an ambitious plan for transformation. We've been focused on the future university—one that is relevant, responsive, and nimble. Look back on UAT’s year one milestones as we work towards becoming a university that can grow and adapt to changing demographics and student needs.
U of A for Tomorrow Updates: June 24, 2021
U of A for Tomorrow updates for the week of June 24, 2021
Applying to position opportunities over the summer
As the university continues transitioning to the UAT operating model, many new positions are being created and will be posted throughout the summer months. With many taking vacation time, we’ve prepared some information and steps you can take to ensure you don’t miss out on future job opportunities.
Hiring announcement: Senior Finance Partners
Finance, Procurement and Planning and the SET finance workstream are pleased to announce the appointments of the Senior Finance Partners.
U of A for Tomorrow Updates: June 17, 2021
U of A for Tomorrow updates for the week of June 17, 2021
SET update: Upcoming milestones and staff transitions
As a follow-up to this week’s Town Hall, VP (USF) Todd Gilchrist provides a recap on the SET information shared at the event, including details on progress, upcoming milestones, and staff transitions.
Discovery update: Research administration
The research administration workstream has concluded its discovery phase, engaging with functional experts and leaders to gain a better understanding of the current state of research administration processes across the university. Watch as Walter Dixon, executive co-sponsor for the stream and Interim Vice-President, Research and Innovation, presents the stream’s preliminary findings.
Recap of June 15 town hall
More than 1500 people joined President Bill Flanagan, Provost Steven Dew, VP (USF) Todd Gilchrist, and the three interim college deans, Greta Cummings (College of Health Sciences), Joe Doucet (College of the Social Sciences and Humanities), and Matina Kalcounis-Rueppell (College of Natural and Applied Sciences) for a town hall focused on the university’s new colleges and operating model. This recap includes answers to audience questions and access to the recording of the event.
President Flanagan Introduces U of A's New Operating Model
With the establishment of colleges, it is critical to clarify the changing roles and responsibilities relating to academic and administrative services for faculties, departments, and central portfolios.
U of A for Tomorrow Updates: June 3, 2021
U of A for Tomorrow updates for the week of June 3, 2021
Hiring Announcement: Senior HR Service Partners
Human Resources, Health, Safety and Environment (HRHSE) and the SET HR functional workstream are pleased to announce the appointment of the Senior HR Service Partners (Sr. HRSPs).
U of A for Tomorrow Updates: May 27, 2021
U of A for Tomorrow updates for the week of May 27, 2021
Pulse surveys: measuring staff sentiment
Since August, the U of A for Tomorrow (UAT) team has sent out monthly pulse surveys to employees across the institution to gain a better sense of how the university community is feeling about both academic and administrative transformation. Learn more about the findings over the months.
College development discussions continue
President Bill Flanagan and Provost Steven Dew provide an update on the principles and focus of discussions on the establishment of the colleges’ roles and responsibilities.
A powerful vision for the new Shared Services team
The new Associate Vice-President of Shared Services, Ria Ames, shares what it means to join the new team, what faculty and staff can expect, her take on some of your burning questions, and what’s coming next.
U of A for Tomorrow Updates: May 20, 2021
U of A for Tomorrow updates for the week of May 20, 2021
SET Change Network sets out to inform and energize U of A community
The Service Excellence Transformation (SET) team has set up a group of on-the-ground faculty and staff who are dedicated to leading lasting change for the university.
U of A for Tomorrow Updates: May 13, 2021
U of A for Tomorrow updates for the week of May 13, 2021
U of A for Tomorrow Updates: May 6, 2021
U of A for Tomorrow updates for the week of May 6, 2021
Clarifying the scope of IT transition
Under the SET program, administrative services—including IT—will transition into a new operating model consisting of Centres of Expertise, Service Partners, a Transaction Processing Hub, and more.
Developing College Structure
President Flanagan and Provost Dew provide an update on clarifying the roles, responsibilities and structure of the three colleges.
U of A for Tomorrow Updates: April 29, 2021
U of A for Tomorrow updates for the week of April 29, 2021
Recap of Ask SET Anything: Research Administration Edition
Last Friday, the SET team hosted another edition of our Ask SET Anything event series specifically for research administration staff and researchers to raise questions, concerns, and share feedback with regard to administrative restructuring and transitioning.
U of A for Tomorrow Updates: April 22, 2021
U of A for Tomorrow updates for the week of April 22, 2021
Process redesign: optimizing for the new model
A large portion of the work that is conducted before transitioning staff and services to the new administrative operating model is known as process redesign.
U of A for Tomorrow Updates: April 15, 2021
U of A for Tomorrow updates for the week of April 15, 2021
Appointment of College General Managers
Three college general managers have been appointed to provide operational leadership and administrative services to the new academic colleges.
U of A for Tomorrow Updates: April 8, 2021
U of A for Tomorrow updates for the week of April 8, 2021
U of A for Tomorrow Updates: April 1, 2021
U of A for Tomorrow updates for the week of April 1, 2021
You can help the U of A save up to $30,000 on vehicle rentals per year
Working with the university’s preferred rental vehicle provider, the Procurement team has negotiated and secured better rates and discounts on vehicle rentals and insurance.
Joint Summit Recap
President Flanagan provides an update following the joint summit of the three key governance bodies—and invites you to add to the conversation.
Prepare phase update
The SET team outlines the processes and milestones for the second phase of the functional review: the prepare phase.
Introducing the service catalogues
The SET team has coordinated the development of the service catalogues in consultation with subject matter experts and leaders in faculties and central units to allocate processes to the appropriate service delivery area.
U of A for Tomorrow Updates: March 25, 2021
U of A for Tomorrow updates for the week of March 25, 2021
Procurement tasked with finding $29 million in savings
With administrative restructuring well underway, our next step in achieving financial stability is to review and redesign the expenditure strategy for goods and services across the university through procurement.
U of A for Tomorrow Updates: March 18, 2021
U of A for Tomorrow updates for the week of March 18, 2021
Recap of Ask SET Anything: Shared Services Edition
The SET team hosted another edition of our Ask SET Anything event series specifically for staff to learn more about shared services and how it will fit into the university’s new administrative operating model.
UAT Update: Board Approves Revised 2021-22 Budget
President Flanagan provides a financial update on UAT and the university’s 2021-22 budget.
U of A for Tomorrow Updates: March 11, 2021
U of A for Tomorrow updates for the week of March 11, 2021
Transforming the University Services and Finance structure to meet our budget, service and quality goals
University Services and Finance (USF) Vice-President Todd Gilchrist announces the new structure of the USF portfolio.
U of A for Tomorrow Updates: March 4, 2021
U of A for Tomorrow updates for the week of March 4, 2021
IT Stream: The Transition Phase
With the IT discovery complete and priorities identified, the IT stream is quickly moving into the transition phase.
Recap of Ask SET Anything: IT Edition
VP (University Services and Finance) Todd Gilchrist recaps the Ask Set Anything: IT Edition event from Friday, February 19, 2021.
U of A for Tomorrow Updates: February 25, 2021
U of A for Tomorrow updates for the week of February 25, 2021
Launching the shared services web page
To keep you informed about ongoing changes and updates within the Shared Service Centre, a dedicated web page has been created to provide you with regular updates.
U of A for Tomorrow Updates: February 18, 2021
U of A for Tomorrow updates for the week of February 18, 2021
College Deans speak to the opportunities ahead
College deans Greta Cummings, Joe Doucet, and Matina Kalcounis-Rueppell provide brief introductions to the U of A’s three new colleges.
New position opportunities webpage
The SET team has created an online resource which lists upcoming positions that are planned as part of the administrative operating model.
Discovery Update: IT & HR Streams
As we continue down the path of transitioning into the new administrative operating model, we want to outline the processes and milestones for the first phase of the functional review: the discovery phase.
U of A for Tomorrow Updates: February 11, 2021
U of A for Tomorrow updates for the week of February 11, 2021
Towards a stronger bi-cameral governance system
The work that we need to do together over the next many months will be challenging. However, I do not doubt that this plan will position the university for success.
UAT: Moving Forward
The university will now start the implementation of UAT in earnest—President Flanagan shares an overview of the next six months.
The Marathon Effect
Considering William Bridges' concepts of the "transition curve" and "marathon effect" can help us understand how the U of A community is experiencing change.
U of A for Tomorrow Updates: February 4, 2021
U of A for Tomorrow updates for the week of February 4, 2021
Recap of Ask SET Anything: Finance Edition
VP (University Services and Finance) Todd Gilchrist recaps the Ask Set Anything: Finance Edition event from Monday, February 1, 2021.
SET Update
VP (University Services and Finance) Todd Gilchrist provides an update on SET progress to date, the project timeline for the next six months, and the new administrative model being implemented.
U of A for Tomorrow Updates: January 28, 2021
U of A for Tomorrow updates for the week of January 28, 2021
U of A for Tomorrow Updates: January 21, 2021
U of A for Tomorrow for the week of January 21, 2021
UAT Update: Next Steps
Provost Steven Dew shares plans for the next six months, as the U of A prepares to launch three new colleges on July 1.
Recap of Ask SET Anything: HR Edition
A recap of the January 19 event, including the questions asked and answered, further discussion on transitioning and career opportunities, as well as details on the upcoming HR workstream web page.
U of A for Tomorrow Updates: January 14, 2021
U of A for Tomorrow for the week of January 14, 2021
Launching IT Stream webpage
The SET team has launched a new webpage to keep you informed about ongoing changes within the IT stream of administrative reorganizations.
UAT Update: Three New Colleges
President Flanagan provides an update U of A for Tomorrow, including the establishment of three new colleges, their management structure, the Board decision on this, and the appointment of college deans.