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Dec. 3, 2021
Dear UAF staff and faculty,Ìý
In December 2019, UAF’s Governance Coordinating Committee requested formation of an
expedited administrative review (EAR) to occur in parallel with the expedited academic
review that was ongoing at the time. That review occurred throughout 2020. In its
report, the committee recommended that shared services be more broadly adopted at
UAF. As a result, a number of shared service initiatives were implemented.
In late 2020, again in parallel with expedited academic review, UAF governance requested
another round of expedited administrative reviews for the purpose of providing me
with recommendations on possible savings in administration. As such, a small committee
was formed to look specifically at UAF’s administrative positions. On March 29, 2021,
the committee submitted its final list of recommendations to me for consideration.Ìý
On April 22, 2021, I released a message that outlined a series of steps that I, along with the provost and vice chancellors,
would take towards some of the committee’s recommendations. Early this fall I asked
UAF’s leadership team to review the recommendations and provide me with any additional
updates as a matter of closure. I am happy to share these updates with you. Included
below are only those actions or recommendations that have changed since my April 22
communication.
- Now that we have completed our strategic plan, I have established a group to reflect
on our mission statement and establish a vision statement for UAF to accompany the
strategic plan.Ìý
- UAF successfully launched the Travel Customer Service Office (TCSO) on April 1, 2021. In addition, UAF also created a warehouse and procurement shared services option to leverage procurement expertise for campus customers.
The TCSO has an available to help communicate traveler needs directly to Amanda Lash, the TCSO travel
manager. In addition, Vice Chancellor Julie Queen and Associate Vice Chancellor Amanda
Wall are working to establish a UAF Shared Business Services Advisory Group regarding
a post-travel transition review, and to review service efficiency and customer service.
VC Queen is also working with the System Office and the vice chancellors for administrative
services at UAA and UAS to create an advisory structure to contribute feedback on
UA HR and UA procurement functions, also recently transitioned to UA.ÌýÌý
- Vice Chancellor Charlene Stern is in the process of strategic planning for the College
of Rural and Community Development and the Community and Technical College. She has
retained a strategic planning consultant to assist with organizational planning. The
consultant is aware of the expedited administrative management review and recommendations
therein. The strategic planning efforts are expected to extend through the academic
year and will guide decisions related to structure and operations.ÌýÌý
- We are concluding the search for a vice chancellor for research (VCR). The position
description reflects the committee’s sentiment with respect to support for research
and scholarly activity. The permanent VCR will be asked to consider committee recommendations.
The public presentations by the finalists for vice chancellor for research are now available. A feedback form is available for each candidate on the executive search webpage. The deadline to submit feedback is 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 17.
- We have made a request to UA HR to consider additional guidance for establishing or
evaluating EX positions. When UA HR makes progress on this, UAF will update our campus
community, as appropriate.
- On outreach and extension, in the spring semester I plan to revisit the next steps
for the important work of coordination and sharing services in outreach.Ìý
Additional comments within VC units — In addition to the six items outlined above, I asked each vice chancellor to review
and comment on recommendations in their area.Ìý
Vice chancellor for research (VCR) — Review of committee recommendations for the VCRÌý will be considered when our search
is concluded and a VCR is appointed.Ìý
Vice chancellor for student affairs (VCSA) — The permanent vice chancellor for student affairs (VCSA) position has been vacant
since May 2021. The recruitment for the vice chancellor position for student affairs
and enrollment management is underway and now includes an emphasis on enrollment management
in its title. The position of associate vice chancellor for enrollment management
has been eliminated.
The committee recommended support of the dean of students position.ÌýWhile we do not have a dean of students position, investments have been made in the
Center for Student Rights and Responsibilities (CSRR), which serves the same purpose.
We have added two CARE and outreach coordinators, and one Clery compliance officer.
The UAF CARE team is housed in the CSRR. In addition to being part of the CARE team,
these case managers provide outreach and support to students in crisis and those impacted
by a crisis, death, significant illness, etc.Ìý
The committee suggested considering | 