ORGANIZATIONAL NEEDS ASSESSMENT
Background
Over the past several months, Segal completed an organizational assessment of business and administrative support and marketing and communications functions. The assessment identified strengths, challenges, and opportunities to improve how we support the university community.
The university is now beginning the next phase of this initiative: exploring and designing options for how human resources and marketing and communications functions are delivered across the university. This webpage will be updated throughout the process with materials, engagement opportunities, key milestones, governance details, and ways to share feedback.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why did the University conduct this organizational assessment?
The assessment was conducted to strengthen operational efficiencies, foster a culture of continuous improvement, improve service delivery, and reduce administrative burden on staff and faculty. - What were the key themes Segal identified in the assessment?
Segal identified four overarching themes: (1) decentralization is creating inefficiencies and limiting economies of scale; (2) burdensome processes and disconnected systems are increasing administrative burden; (3) uncertainty is negatively affecting morale, including concerns about transparency and communication; and (4) there is a need for clearer strategic direction and stronger alignment of organizational priorities. - What changes did Segal recommend, and has the University selected a model?
At a high level, Segal recommends designing new models within the assessed business and administrative areas, which may include shared services or hybrid models that combine embedded and shared functions. At this time, no decisions have been made, and no models have been selected; the design will be collaborative, and staff and faculty input will be critical. - Will this assessment lead to position eliminations or staff reductions?
Segal did not recommend eliminating positions or reducing the size of the workforce. - What happens next, and how can I participate?
The university is beginning the next phase of this initiative, with initial engagement opportunities following the campus-wide presentation. Faculty and staff are encouraged to join Feedback and Q&A sessions to ask questions and share input on the findings, recommendations, and next steps. - What is the purpose of the next phase?
The next phase of this work builds on Segal’s organizational assessment and focuses on exploring and designing options for how human resources and marketing and communications functions are delivered across the university, with the goal of improving support for the university community. - How can I share questions, comments, or feedback outside of sessions?
Members of the university community are encouraged to share feedback throughout the next phase of the initiative by emailing HR Communications. - How will feedback be used and where will updates be posted?
Feedback will be reviewed and considered as part of ongoing planning and may inform future updates, FAQs, and engagement opportunities. This webpage will serve as the primary hub for updates and will be refreshed as key milestones occur, including new materials, engagement opportunities, common themes, decisions, and next steps.
Project Timeline
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| Assessment (Fall 2025) | Interviews, listening sessions, and analysis informed the final assessment findings. |
| Results (Spring 2026) | Findings and recommendations were presented to the university community. |
| Initial Engagement Opportunities (April and May 2026) | Staff and faculty are invited to participate in upcoming Feedback and Q&A sessions. |
Questions, Comments, and Feedback
We encourage members of the university community to share questions, comments, and feedback throughout the next phase of this initiative. Feedback will be reviewed and considered as part of ongoing planning and may also inform future updates, FAQs, and engagement opportunities. While we may not be able to respond individually to every message, we will share common questions and key themes through future updates and information sessions when possible.
Recorded Livestream Presentation
Watch the recording of the livestream presentation, which used five slides to support Segal’s remarks as they walked through their findings and recommendations.
Full Organizational Assessment Report (PDF)
The presentation summarized the key themes, opportunities, and recommendations identified through the assessment process. Members of the community are encouraged to review the presentation materials.
Opportunities for Engagement
Faculty and staff are encouraged to participate in one of the upcoming Feedback and Q&A sessions to provide input and ask questions regarding the findings, recommendations, and next steps.
How We Will Continue to Share Updates
We are committed to keeping the university community informed and engaged as this work continues. This webpage will be the primary hub for updates and will be refreshed as key milestones occur.
Updates may include:
- New materials and project milestones
- Engagement opportunities (e.g., Informational or Feedback and Q&A sessions)
- Common questions and themes we are hearing
- Decisions and next steps
Not every update will include a final decision. Some updates may reflect work in progress or options under consideration. Our goal is to communicate regularly and transparently so staff and faculty can stay connected to the work along the way.
Check back here for the latest information and ways to stay engaged.