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Much Ado About Nothing? An Analysis of Prioritization at Six Canadian Universities

This research investigates organizational change in six Canadian universities framed as “prioritization,” which is a ranking method using predefined metrics for the comprehensive review and evaluation of academic and administrative programs. Our research found the following: (a) no prioritization process reached the implementation stage; (b) financial performance was not significantly impacted; (c) differences in pace, … Continue reading "Much Ado About Nothing? An Analysis of Prioritization at Six Canadian Universities"

Tags: Financial Management, Governance, Prioritization, Strategic Planning

May 9, 2019

2017–18 budget document (GFOA)

Our 2017–18 budget plan meets the 27 criteria of the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), and we received the GFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation Award. To receive this designation, the document must simultaneously meet the quality criteria for general policy documents, for activity guides and for strategic and budget planning publications. The budget process thereby becomes … Continue reading "2017–18 budget document (GFOA)"

January 26, 2018

Distinguished Budget Presentation Award

For the third consecutive year, Université de Sherbrooke has received a Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). This highly prestigious designation recognizes the university’s budget and financial approach, which draws on the best practices inventoried and implemented in over 1,612 Canadian and US public organizations. This third yearly recognition shores … Continue reading "Distinguished Budget Presentation Award"

January 26, 2018

Classroom Technology Modernization Program

The University of Victoria provides approximately 185 general-purpose teaching and learning spaces, including large lecture theatres.  All of these spaces are equipped with audio-visual technologies that enhance teaching and learning.  As technologies continue to evolve, our classrooms must be updated to meet the expectation of a modern teaching and learning environment, empower instructors to focus … Continue reading "Classroom Technology Modernization Program"

January 22, 2018

Mobilizing Collaborative Leadership in Response to Modern Challenges in Higher Education: Carleton Leader

Universities are facing numerous emergent challenges in the higher education landscape that require us to challenge our thinking of traditional constructs and notions of leadership.  The establishment of Carleton Leader five years ago demonstrates the university’s intention in setting an innovative course in developing its leadership capacity, and in so doing, a commitment to a … Continue reading "Mobilizing Collaborative Leadership in Response to Modern Challenges in Higher Education: Carleton Leader"

January 19, 2018

Boosting Student Registration Rates at Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (UQAC)

Using the Lean 6 Sigma continuous improvement approach to boost new UQAC student registration rates. Defining the issue: Due to delays in issuing official admission decisions (acceptance/rejection letters) and in taking follow-up action aimed at converting acceptances into registrations, UQAC was losing students to other universities. Not all accepted applicants go on to register. This … Continue reading "Boosting Student Registration Rates at Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (UQAC)"

February 1, 2017

Incorporating Sustainability into University Governance: Sustainability Strategy 2016-2018

The University of Manitoba’s Sustainability Policy outlines a commitment to excellence and leadership based on a strategy of broad engagement and integrated planning across the entire University community. In response to the Policy, the Sustainability Committee and the Office of Sustainability undertook broad engagement to identify priorities for the University. Based on the results, the … Continue reading "Incorporating Sustainability into University Governance: Sustainability Strategy 2016-2018"

January 25, 2017

Managing campus expansion in an era of climate change

Through ten years of comprehensive climate action, the University of Winnipeg has made quantitative reductions in its greenhouse gas emissions while showing strong leadership and innovation in GHG emission tracking, policy development, management, and reporting.  Between 1990 and 2015, absolute campus wide emissions decreased by approximately 32% despite the fact that 38% of currently owned … Continue reading "Managing campus expansion in an era of climate change"

January 25, 2017

Transforming operations through better communications

UBC’s Building Operations department integrated a new focus on communications to drive operational change and the results were exciting. We know that reliable indicators of engagement and morale are demonstrated in the following: Days Absence per FTE are down from 12 days in 2016 to 11.2 days. This represents $125K of salary per year that … Continue reading "Transforming operations through better communications"

January 20, 2017

Utility Reduction Revolving Fund (URRF) – U of T’s Unique Approach to Implementing a Green Revolving Fund

The Utility Reduction Revolving Fund (URRF) is a unique approach to implementing a green revolving fund. It provides comprehensive funding to facilitate projects that result in reducing the University’s environmental footprint and utilities consumption. The URRF, established in 2012, has been very effective in reducing utilities usage and expenditures. The fund provides comprehensive funding for … Continue reading "Utility Reduction Revolving Fund (URRF) – U of T’s Unique Approach to Implementing a Green Revolving Fund"

January 12, 2017