University employees to submit ideas
identifying potential cost savings and efficiency opportunities in centrally-provided administrative and financial services such as finance, human resources, IT or facilities management. Savings will be redistributed to support the core academic functions.
- What gets in the way of doing your work every day?
- What processes or approvals are you required to obtain that on the surface seem to not add value or slow you down; or are necessary but take too long?
- Has collaboration or handoffs between groups become too complicated and slow down the process?
- How can we save costs and use resources more effectively?
All ideas are welcome, however, these are the central administrative and financial areas of focus for this initiative: athletics, budget office, development, emergency preparedness, facilities, finance, human resources, ITS, police department, procurement, research, and student affairs.
Submission Guidelines
To submit your suggestion, please follow the instructions outlined below:
- Submit your entry between the dates of January 18 and April 15.
- Answer all of the questions listed below. The more thorough and detailed your answers, the better your chance of winning.
- For questions regarding this program, please email Lee Baszczewski or call 434-243-1963 in the Office of Process Simplification.
Acceptance Criteria
- Clarity of the problem and solution for the improvement being submitted.
- Impact of the resulting improvement.
- Potential cost savings the solution would generate.
- Estimated costs, resources, and complexity for implementing the solution versus the potential benefits achieved.
Process for Review and Acceptance of Submissions
- Your submission will be reviewed and prioritized by the Process Simplification Advisory Committee.
- Committee may follow up with Submitters if more information is required or to verify information regarding the submission.
- Departments who will be involved in the cost savings initiative will need to help provide assistance in assessing potential cost savings.
- You will be notified if you are selected as a finalist and/or winner or if you win any of the prizes for idea submission.
- Winners and their submissions will be publically announced to the University by the end of this program.
Features:
Since my arrival at the University last fall, I have been constantly impressed by the caliber of our employees. Many of you have been at the University for a long time, and all of you are experts in your field who know best what you need to work effectively. Because of your efforts, this institution has become more efficient every year. That is exactly why I am initiating a new cost savings initiative to seek your ideas in identifying untapped efficiencies, improvements and cost-saving opportunities at U.Va.
While I am especially interested in processes in central administrative and financial areas, I welcome suggestions related to all units or departments. Group submissions and proposals that address collaborations across functions are encouraged, as are opportunities to improve hand-offs or to eliminate redundancy between groups.
Here are some questions designed to get you started:
- What gets in the way of doing your work?
- What processes or approvals are you required to obtain that on the surface seem to not add value or slow you down; or are necessary but take too long?
- Where does collaboration or handoffs between groups slow down the process or have become too complicated?
The goal of this effort is to identify savings that we can pump back into strategic priorities to advance the University's goals of teaching, research, and service. Submissions will be open until April 15th. Prizes, including iPads, e-readers, and gift cards will be awarded throughout the program and to the winning proposals.
There are always ways to improve our processes, and our employees are the most likely to know what they are. Whether you collaborate with a group on this challenge or approach it independently, I hope you will send forward your most innovative ideas for how we can do business better.
Pat Hogan
Executive vice president & chief operating officer
In the News
- The University Wants Your Great Cost-Saving Ideas
UVA Today | Jan. 21, 2013