About Administrative Unit Reviews
Administrative unit reviews are highly structured, comprehensive approaches to organizational assessment that should occur every five years, per UC Davis policy (PPM 200-30). Because of their close alignment with the goals and purpose of the Organizational Excellence initiative, Chancellor Katehi has determined that OE should guide the implementation of administrative unit reviews.
The administrative unit review process provides a framework for in depth evaluation of a unit's mission and goals, planning process, resource management, service delivery, communication, workplace climate, policies and business practices. It involves close, structured consultation between the unit and its consumers -- always including representatives of the faculty. Ideally, it is also informed by University peers and non-University experts in providing administrative services, including the specific kinds of services under review.
Each administrative unit review is conducted by a committee charged by the vice chancellor responsible for the service unit. When the review includes the whole of a vice chancellor's operation, the committee is charged by the chancellor. It enables unit leaders to better understand the root causes of issues and develop solutions. It also holds units accountable for action.
The Review Process
Each administrative review focuses on one or more of the following areas:
- Increasing the alignment between administrative services and the strategic priorities of the University or customer needs (mission assessment).
- Making processes more efficient and effective in order to lower operating costs and/or improve customer service.
- Identifying areas that may yield considerable savings through the modification of services, elimination of services, organizational realignments, and similar major changes in service delivery.
OE's specific work associated with administrative unit reviews includes
- Establishing the scope of the review based on discussions with campus stakeholders, unit management and service providers.
- Assembling a diverse review team that includes representative stakeholders as well as external subject matter experts.
- Conducting research and analysis to support the review process.
- Coordinating the review process
- Providing guidance and support throughout the process.
- Assisting review committees in developing recommendations.
- Assisting administrative units in implementing recommendations.
- Working with the review committee, campus stakeholders and service providers to develop objective measures to evaluate outcomes over time.
Specific Goals
A long term goal of the Organization Excellence initiative -- through revision of the administrative unit review process and PPM 200-30 -- will be to reinstate the administrative unit review as a regular and positive part of the campus culture of continuous administrative improvement.