Advisory Committee meeting re-cap

The Franklin Works Advisory Committee met on January 25, 2022 for a re-cap of progress during the Business Services Phase 1, since July 1. 

A summary of these activities include:

• Onboarding 60 team members    
• All Franklin College units receiving business services from the college    
• Provided technology equipment to support mobile workforce in the FBSO  
• Conducted extensive technical and soft skills training to FBSO team members  
• Established a North and South Campus office for the FBSO    
• Initiated a rotational work schedule for FBSO team members    
• Formalized operational processes; continuing to refine them    
• Collaborated with HR to implement career ladders for FAST and REST; expect P&P and BSC ladders will be implemented by March 2022

The Committee also discussed some of the key benefits resulting from the process so far, including service improvements, a more collaborative work environment, and operational efficiencies that resulted in better use of staff time, high productivity in managing accounts and research projects that saved money for the college.

The project team shared testimonials of meaningful success stories and opportunities for continual improvement from Franklin College units

"I just want to state how happy I am with the high level of service that myself and my lab have been receiving this year. It’s as good and in most ways superior to previous support. I feel lucky that I get to work with so many people that are so skilled at their jobs" – Bob Schmidt, department of genetics

On the subject of timeliness, Nancy Manley, of the department of genetics, added, "We have gotten excellent attention form our FW staff."

The committee received an update on phases are currently in-process and expected to be completed by July 1, 2022.

Phase II: Departmental Administrative Support (expected July 2022)

Phase III: Facilities Support (March 2022)

The project team outlined next steps on behalf of dean Dorsey that will conclude the Franklin Works initiative, in which ultimately the Advisory Committee is charged with conducting a final report consolidating feedback from departments in preparation for FY23.

To the end, the advisory committee is in the process of crafting a survey to go out to all Franklin College faculty, staff, and graduate TAs/RAs, focusing on the services and support offerings of the Franklin Business Services Office. The results of the survey will be used by the advisory committee to develop a final report for the Dean and Steph Rosso in preparation of FY23.

Image: The arch from Hunter Holmes Academic Building.