Updates
Recent Posts
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 May 27, 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.
U of A for Tomorrow Updates: December 17, 2020
U of A for Tomorrow for the week of December 17, 2020.
SET’s top 5 most frequently asked questions
Find answers to some of your most commonly asked questions about Service Excellence Transformation.
Update from Dec. 11 Board of Governors
Today, the Board of Governors approved the establishment of three new colleges, consisting of 13 faculties and organized by disciplinary alignment with shared administrative services. This decision comes after many months of hard work and consultation.
Board of Governors approves academic restructuring plans
Updates on academic restructuring following the December 11 Board of Governors meeting.
U of A for Tomorrow Updates: December 10, 2020
U of A for Tomorrow for the week of December 10, 2020.
Release of SET Transition Plan & FAQs
To provide answers to some of our community's questions surrounding SET, we have prepared a transition plan, which outlines the planning, approach, and timeline for moving to the new administrative operating model.
Outcome of GFC Special Meeting on Academic Restructuring
At a special meeting of the General Faculties Council yesterday (Monday, December 7), GFC reached an important milestone in the academic restructuring process.
New administrative homes for Athletics and Campus & Community Recreation
Athletics and Campus & Community Recreation (CCR) are each moving from the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation (KSR) to the administrative oversight of the Office of the Dean of Students (DoS) and Facilities and Operations (F&O), respectively.
U of A for Tomorrow Updates: December 3, 2020
U of A for Tomorrow for the week of December 3, 2020.
Academic Restructuring — Some Thoughts at the Crossroads
Provost Steven Dew shares his perspective on the way forward for the university.
U of A for Tomorrow Updates: November 26, 2020
U of A for Tomorrow for the week of November 26, 2020.
New administrative home for Glen Sather Sports Medicine Clinic
The Glen Sather Sports Medicine Clinic will move from the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine to Campus Services department in Facilities and Operations.
Release of SET Interim Report
The report includes a review of the work that has been done to date on the SET program and provides the data, analysis, and rationale that informed the decisions for the new operating model.
Academic Restructuring Update: November 25
This has been an important week in the academic restructuring process, including both General Faculties Council and Academic Planning Committee meetings to discuss the Revised Proposals of the Academic Restructuring Working Group.
U of A for Tomorrow Updates: November 19, 2020
U of A for Tomorrow for the week of November 19, 2020.
October Pulse Survey Results
Every month, the UAT team sends out a short set of questions to a random selection of 700 U of A employees. This survey is an opportunity to take the pulse of our community on a few key questions relating to UAT.
Academic Restructuring Working Group Releases Revised Proposals
President Bill Flanagan and Provost Steven Dew present the Revised Proposals of the Academic Restructuring Working Group.
U of A for Tomorrow Updates: November 12, 2020
U of A for Tomorrow for the week of November 12, 2020.
Next Steps on Academic Restructuring
President Bill Flanagan and Provost Steven Dew provide an update on the academic restructuring process, including the upcoming release of revised proposals.
Announcement of Vice-Presidential Portfolio Reorganization
President Bill Flanagan announces organizational changes in the vice-presidential portfolios.
Academic Restructuring Update
Provost and Vice-President (Academic) Steven Dew provides an update on the academic restructuring process and feedback received from the university community.
U of A for Tomorrow Updates: October 29, 2020
U of A for Tomorrow for the week of October 29, 2020.
What We're Hearing: Alternative Academic Restructuring Scenarios
Provost and Vice-President (Academic) Steven Dew responds to feedback about academic restructuring, including alternative scenarios and requests for detailed financial information.
Board of Governors approves new administrative operating model
On October 16, the U of A Board of Governors approved the new administrative operating model as proposed by the Service Excellence Steering Committee (SESC), the university’s administrative restructuring working group.
U of A for Tomorrow Updates: October 22, 2020
U of A for Tomorrow for the week of October 22, 2020.
Consultation update
President and Vice-Chancellor Bill Flanagan provides an update on ongoing U of A for Tomorrow consultations.
U of A for Tomorrow Updates: October 15, 2020
U of A for Tomorrow for the week of October 15, 2020.
UAT roundtables: Five questions answered
Over the last two weeks, President Bill Flanagan, Provost Steven Dew and SET Executive Lead Robert Munro have been meeting with faculty, staff and students in faculties across the university, engaging in a robust dialogue on plans for U of A for Tomorrow.
The role of UniForum in U of A for Tomorrow
UniForum data collected over the last two years is now more relevant than ever and is proving an important tool in developing U of A for Tomorrow and the SET toolkit.
U of A for Tomorrow Updates: October 8, 2020
U of A for Tomorrow for the week of October 8, 2020.
Recap of October 6 Town Hall on SET
President Bill Flanagan, Provost Steven Dew, and SET Executive Lead Rob Munro recap this week's consultations on administrative restructuring at the October 6 Town Hall.
Video: Town Hall on Service Excellence Transformation (SET)
On October 6 at 11 a.m., President Bill Flanagan, Provost Steven Dew and Executive Lead Rob Munro hosted a town hall on Service Excellence Transformation (SET).
Clarification on job losses
As was clear from Wednesday’s town hall, there is understandably a high level of concern about job losses at the University of Alberta. It is important that we provide as much clarity as possible about what we know and can anticipate will happen over the coming two years.
U of A for Tomorrow Updates: October 1, 2020
U of A for Tomorrow for the week of October 1, 2020.
Academic Restructuring Follow-up: Town Hall & GFC
President Flanagan and Provost Dew recap this week's consultations on Academic Restructuring at General Faculties Council and the September 30 town hall.
Video: Town Hall on Academic Restructuring
On September 30 at 1 p.m., President Bill Flanagan and Provost Steven Dew hosted a town hall on academic restructuring.
U of A for Tomorrow Updates: September 24, 2020
U of A for Tomorrow for the week of September 24, 2020.
I've Received a Pulse Survey: Now What?
In the coming months, you might see a pulse survey from our Service Excellence Transformation (SET) team hit your inbox.
A Message to U of A Students About Academic Restructuring
President Bill Flanagan and Provost Steven Dew answer some questions about the ARWP interim report and what it could mean for students.
Release of the ARWG Interim Report
President Bill Flanagan and Provost Steven Dew release the Interim Report of the ARWG, which presents three scenarios for academic restructuring for consideration.
U of A for Tomorrow Updates: September 17, 2020
U of A for Tomorrow for the week of September 17, 2020.
Staff Advisory Team Announcement
Announcing the Staff Advisory Team, which will provide critical insight as U of A moves through academic and administrative restructuring.
University of Alberta for Tomorrow Update
President Flanagan provides an update on the work being done and plans for the rest of September 2020.
Video: Town Hall for Equity-Seeking Groups on University of Alberta for Tomorrow
On August 27 at 11 am, President Bill Flanagan, Provost Steven Dew and Vice-President (Finance and Administration) Gitta Kulczycki hosted a town hall on Zoom to hear from equity-seeking groups about University of Alberta for Tomorrow.
Town Hall for Equity Seeking Groups on University of Alberta for Tomorrow
President Bill Flanagan, Provost Steven Dew, and Vice-President Gitta Kulczycki will be hosting a town hall to hear from equity-seeking groups about academic and administrative restructuring.
Call for Expressions of Interest: UAT Staff Advisory Team
We are seeking non-academic administrative and support staff members for a Staff Advisory Team to provide important feedback as we move through development and implementation of proposals on both academic and administrative restructuring.
Update on Academic Restructuring
Provost and Vice-President (Academic) Steven Dew provides an update from the first phase of academic restructuring.
From the President’s Desk: Changes to Senior Leadership Structure of U of A
Administrative restructuring includes all aspects of administrative services on campus, including leadership positions in the President’s Office.
Reflections on Service Excellence Transformation
President Bill Flanagan and Vice President (Finance and Administration) Gitta Kulczycki reflect on the Service Excellence Transformation (SET) town hall and the thoughtful conversation developing around it.
Reflections on Academic Restructuring Feedback
Bill Flanagan and Steven Dew reflect on some of the major themes that emerged from conversations on academic restructuring.
Video: Service Excellence Transformation town hall
Watch President Bill Flanagan, Vice-president (Finance and Administration) Gitta Kulczycki, and SET Executive Lead Rob Munro's town hall on Service Excellence Transformation (SET).
Recap of July 8 town hall on academic restructuring
President Bill Flanagan and Provost Steven Dew's recap the July 8 town hall on academic restructuring and share current and upcoming opportunities for engagement.
Video: Academic restructuring town hall
Watch President Bill Flanagan and Provost Steven Dew's town hall on academic restructuring.
Introducing Thoughtexchange at the July 8 Town Hall
Please join President Bill Flanagan and Provost Steven Dew for a town hall on academic restructuring. We will be introducing and using Thoughtexchange to gather questions and responses from the audience.
Introducing SET & the Academic Restructuring Working Group
It is critical that we engage the entire university community in a meaningful discussion about the two major objectives in UAT: academic and administrative restructuring.
Follow-up to June 2 Town Hall
President-elect Bill Flanagan provides an update after the June 2nd town hall in which 2,500 people tuned into the livestream of the town hall and an additional 6,800 have viewed it online since.
Presentation: U of A for Tomorrow with President-elect Bill Flanagan
Watch President-elect Bill Flanagan present his proposal for the U of A's future from the virtual town hall on June 2nd, 2020.
Please join us for a discussion of the future of the U of A
As we move towards the future, the U of A Tomorrow is our opportunity to discuss how the University will look in the coming years.