Leading into phase two of the Queen’s Renew Program, the University’s professional services face new changes.
The Renew Program, co-chaired by Provost and Vice-Principal (Academic) Matthew Evans and Vice-Principal (Finance and istration) Donna Janiec aim to develop a model that enhances the University’s professional services.
According to the University, the professional services being reviewed “ the academic and research mission of the university, including shared services, istrative work, and work conducted in faculties that underpin teaching and research.” Specific examples include human resources, finance, student and for teaching istration.
Before the initiative launched, Principal Patrick Deane established the Professional Services Working Group this past January to guide the first phase of the program, which was completed in October.
To develop a model that’s effective, flexible, ive of staff, and financially sustainable in the long-term amidst a projected $35.7 million budget deficit for 2024-25, the University has partnered with higher-education NousCubane’s UniForum—a group within the international consultancy firm Nous Groupas part of the UniForum benchmarking program, according to the Gazette.
Nous Group was formerly used by Queen’s in improving alumni engagement. Queen’s contract with Nous Group, effective Feb. 22 to July 12, was $288,000 before taxes. While the UniForum subscription cost wasn’t made public, it’s confirmed to be below $500,000.
The program extends beyond Queen’s. Drawing on benchmarks from universities worldwide in addition to Canadian U15 schools such as the University of Toronto and McMaster University, it evaluates the delivery of professional services at each institution.
READ MORE: Queen’s hires Nous Group to assist with budget cuts
The benchmarking has involved two phases of the UniForum Service Effectiveness Survey that took place in February and April of 2024, collecting data from faculty and staff about the University’s professional services.
In October, the UniForum benchmarking program revealed the University spends above average on professional services. While the Queen’s community generally reports positive experiences, challenges in staff and service delivery persist. Additionally, a larger proportion of services are provided locally, though the multi-functional roles of local staff may hinder some employees’ career progression, according to UniForum survey results.
To put these findings into action, the Renew Program Office aims to collaborate with leaders in specific initiative areas to approach areas of improvement within “advancement, marketing and communications, facilities, finance, and human resources functions” by “streamlining processes, standardizing systems and service delivery.” This will take place within the next year or two while also forming a community consultation plan for advisory on initiatives.
Over the next one to two years, the Renew Program Office will work with leaders in these initiative areas to assess, design, and implement changes aimed at streamlining processes, standardizing systems, and enhancing service delivery—changes that may impact the structure, organizational placement, and size of Queen’s professional services.
Through this partnership, Queen’s aims to “learn from other institutions’ experiences, confirm what we are doing well, and identify opportunities to improve.” This is the first stage of the Renew Program’s collaboration with Nous Group.
UniForum benchmarking surveys will be held annually through the progression of the Queen’s Renew Program, with project plans for specific initiatives following in the coming months
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