Methodology
There are four core components to the ASR Framework. These include:
- Data Collection and Comparison: The ASR operational team is using robust quantitative and qualitative data from various sources including, but not limited to, the USask Employee Engagement Survey, the UniForum Benchmarking Project, and institutional systems, to shine a light on the current administrative environment at USask. Ensuring each functional review is data-informed and supported by contextual and strategic conversations with deans, executive directors, and unit leaders is imperative as we identify opportunities for service delivery alignment. Learn more.
- Expansion of Services Model: Using a defined infrastructure which includes centres of expertise, business partners, and transactional/service supports, the ASR operational team is exploring and helping define the roles and responsibilities of each within the context of a specific functional area. Learn more about shared services. Learn more.
- Internal Analysis and Review: The ASR operational team is gaining insight into specific functional areas by learning more about what work is being done, where, and by whom, and identifying how work can be shifted and enhanced to support a desired state. From an institutional lens, and in collaboration with local units, this work will help identify what policy, process, and management structure, human capital and training and development, technology and supports, and data and reporting currently exist and are needed to align and integrate work across campus and create optimal conditions for success.
- Co-Design of Future Structures: Through a series of consultations and workshops, specific project teams will be connecting with academic and central leaders and functional experts from across campus to determine how services can be aligned and integrated across campus. By actively engaging leadership teams and administrative professionals as equal collaborators, the ASR operational team can ensure that recommendations on future administrative structures are sustainable, people-focused, and innovative. Learn more.
The review and co-design process will inform a series of recommendations that go to the executive sponsors, and ultimately the President's Executive Council, on how USask can enhance the delivery of administrative services across the institution.
Consultation and Engagement
The ASR Initiative is guided by principles that are people-focused. We want to leverage local knowledge and apply learnings within a pan-institutional approach, while remaining transparent and adaptable within our consultation and engagement process.
With each of the ASR projects progressing, the respective projects teams are consulting and engaging with senior leaders and administrative professionals from within colleges, schools, and vice-presidential portfolios. These consultations are fundamental as we co-design recommendations on future operational structures for the administrative support, and communications and marketing workstreams.
Other engagement opportunities, such as union lunch and learns, faculty-specific meetings, targeted workshops, and further discussions with the Senior Leadership Forum and President's Executive Council are also being considered.
Milestones
The ASR Initiative is using the following milestones to track its progress:
