Taking Care of Business

If you’re one of 2,000 people across campus to receive a survey invitation from consulting company ScottMadden, please take the time to respond.

Time, in fact, is what the survey’s all about—specifically what’s called a work activity inventory.

The goal is to gather information about the kinds of transactions employees perform—including financial, human resources, accounting, procurement, and grants and contracts work—and how much time they spend on each type of transaction.

Results will help shape the university’s new business operations centers. The realignment, which begins in July 2012, will create regional  centers, with most serving more than one college or unit.

“I can’t emphasize enough how important this work activity inventory is in helping us getting as accurate a snapshot as we can,” said Don Patty, interim director of business operations and chair of the Business Operations Realignment Steering Team (BORST).

“We have to have accurate information to ensure that we have the right mix of people in the business operations centers and people remaining in local units to provide support.”

Time for Questions

If you’re invited to take part in the survey, which opens the week of Nov. 7 and concludes Nov. 23, you may want to attend one of three information sessions next week.

The online format allows you to save what you have done and then log back in to complete the survey. A computer lab in Avent Ferry Technology Center will be available if assistance is needed. See the email for details.

Survey Information Sessions:

• Monday, Nov. 7, 10 a.m., Carmichael Recreation Center PlayZone
• Tuesday, Nov. 8, 12:30 p.m., Carmichael Recreation Center PlayZone
• Wednesday, Nov. 9, 3 p.m., Carmichael Recreation Center PlayZone

In addition, weekly BORST town hall meetings will be held starting Thursday, Nov. 10. They’re scheduled through December on Thursdays from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Talley Student Center, Room 3118.

Other sessions will be scheduled as needed. For the most up-to-date information, check the BORST website.