‘Quick Fix’ solutions
Suggestions poured in — more than 100 in all — when Chancellor Thomas Harden called for “Quick Fix” solutions and small but creative ideas to better the campus. University officials investigated each proposal and adopted roughly two dozen projects for immediate action.
Share Career Services assistance more widely with alumni and the region’s unemployed
| September 2, 2010
Limited resources require a continuing focus on current students and alumni, but some expansion is possible. Major job fairs and career workshops, always open to the general public, will be publicized more aggressively.
Ability to recommend staff promotions throughout the year
| September 2, 2010
University administrators have affirmed longstanding policy that limits requests for promotions, progressions, title changes and base-rate changes to a once-per-year window tied to preparation of the annual operating budget.
Streamline the curriculum approval process
| September 2, 2010
Formerly paperwork-intensive, the process has gone electronic and multiple signatures and copies are no longer required. (In effect, six forms have been condensed into one.)
Phoenix Athletics says ‘thanks’
| September 2, 2010
In a gesture toward co-workers sharing the burden of state-mandated furloughs and salary reductions, Intercollegiate Athletics provided faculty and staff complimentary basketball tickets around two of the University’s furlough days.
Better define conflict-resolution practices on campus
| September 2, 2010
The Secretary of the Faculty and Academic Staff is taking the lead in crafting an official statement of intent and seeking employee and governance-group consensus for subtle changes that would clarify the existing structure and likely encourage more informal management of conflict issues.
Encourage internal applicants for positions
| September 2, 2010
The Chancellor said the University should encourage current employees and also promote opportunities for developing skill sets to apply for and be successful in those new positions. Human Resources is addressing that directive and has added an “internal candidates welcome” statement to every posting.
Clarify policies on academic use of the Weidner Center for the Performing Arts
| September 2, 2010
The University increased a fund underwriting additional use by academic units in order to encourage more student and faculty use, primarily in music and theatre.
Expand handicapped parking near Cofrin Library
| September 2, 2010
Two newly enlarged, handicapped-accessible spaces were created at the Circle Entrance, and a second access ramp was cut through the curb.
Promote possibilities for flexible work hours, and telecommuting
| September 2, 2010
The University finalized new policies and clarified existing practices with regard to employment work hours and telecommuting. The Chancellor encouraged supervisors and managers to explore such options on a case-by-case basis.
Beautify the campus landscape
| September 2, 2010
In response to requests from employees and others, Facilities Management re-prioritized and accelerated plans to trim overgrown areas and, in some cases, to make new plantings. Most noticeable are the gardens near the Circle Entrance and along the lower-level concourses between academic buildings.