What does UK hope to gain by the Administrative Process Improvement project?

The goals of the project are as follows:

• To improve the experience of students, patients, faculty and staff as they interact with the critical processes at the university,
• To enable the university to achieve operating efficiencies and effectiveness across the enterprise,
• To invest the time of our employees, our most valuable asset, in ways that add value to the university process, thus providing enrichment in their time at work,
• To serve as a model for best practices as we review our administrative processes.

Why is this important?

UK's future requires new skills and ways of doing things. The API project supports a way of thinking and taking action that applies to all of UK, including how we manage. Doing things the same way we've always done them won't take us to the breakthroughs that we want to achieve in improved student centeredness, quality programs, better efficiencies, and reduced waste.

Is this just another initiative that will be replaced by something more trendy in the future?

No. The Administration is focused on implementing a strategy to gain efficiencies, curb expenses, and avoid duplication of administrative tasks. To sustain the promise for current and future students given the current state of our economy and limited resources, the university must improve the utilization of the resources we currently possess.

Why are we using lean methodologies - we're not a manufacturer?

With Lean, the power to institute change belongs to those that do the work - front-line employees. Lean tools empower you to make changes in your work to fix problems, eliminate waste, reduce frustration, and break down barriers that we can to our students, faculty, staff and administration. Lean is a way to get involved in improving things for students, constituents, customers, and for one another. It is practical learning that is relevant in being part of the changes that we need to make for the future.

Is this a cost-cutting exercise that will lead to job cuts?

No. The API project will lead to both financial and staff resources being aligned in the areas where they are needed most and bring the most value to serving our students and patients, supporting research and community outreach.

How will this work in my area?

The primary focus of the API project will be on university wide processes. However, specific colleges or departments may request a review of a specific process within their area using the API project request form.

What does this mean for me?

A major goal of the project is to empower employees to become involved in the project by participating on a project team. An overarching goal of the project is to create an environment that enables employees to focus on the functions in their jobs that bring the most value to their department, college, and the university. This can be accomplished by streamlining administrative processes, removing wasted time and effort.

How can I get involved?

The API project will be addressing many administrative processes in the future. If you are interested in participating on a future team, please email api@uky.edu.