University Business - February 2011 - (Page 6)

EDITOR’S NOTE Efficiency Explained T he judging has begun on the next round of Models of Efficiency entries, the first of three installments for 2011. We continue to be encouraged by the number of entries that are coming in for each round, a sign that colleges and universities are eager to share their stories about how they saved time or money with technology enhancements or business process improvements. But not everyone can be named a Models of Efficiency honoree, so I’d like to take a minute to talk about why some entries fall short of the mark. The Models of Efficiency program, as you know, is about recognizing those campus departments that have found ways to After switching to the new system, the departments were streamline operations to deliver superior service to students in able to cut temporary staff from 12 to six, saving $66,000, as less time and at lower cost than previously possible. well as one full-time position. BU also The quality of the entries demonshowed how they saved money on restrates that there are creative, enterprisThe quality of the entries sources as well. For example, they were ing thinkers out there, and our goal is able to reduce paper use by more than to share their stories with our readers. demonstrates that there 620,000 sheets. Think about that: But our judging panel reports that two are creative, enterprising 620,000 sheets equals 1,240 reams of points are often lacking from entries: paper which, stacked one on another, • Quantifiable results of the effithinkers out there. would reach more than 200 feet high. ciency enhancements And those numbers don’t even include • The ability for other departments related cost savings in toner cartridges, file folders, and labels. to replicate the enhancement. When it comes to replication, well, that’s really what the The best entries not only show us with numbers how they are more efficient, but they also take the extra step to tell us the program is all about. Everyone is looking for solutions to help short- and, ideally, long-term impact the changes have made on do their jobs better and more efficiently. Past honorees have told their departments. That’s just what the combined departments us that they were contacted by other schools that were eager to of Enrollment Services Operations, Admissions, and Informa- make similar improvements. That’s what is most important to tion Systems and Technology at Boston University did when our readers, and that is what we are emphasizing as we head they submitted an entry last fall (see University Business Novem- into the second year of the Models of Efficiency program. We hope you will share your success stories with us. ber/December issue). In the past, when flooded with some 38,000 applications and more than 200,000 supporting credentials, the school would have had to hire extra staff, worked longer hours, and Write to Tim Goral at tgoral@universitybusiness.com. generally taken much longer to review applications. Improving student services? You could be a Model of Efficiency! See page 32. 6 | February 2011 universitybusiness.com http://www.universitybusiness.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of University Business - February 2011

University Business - February 2011
Table of Contents
Editor’s Note
College Index
Company Index
Advisory Board
Behind the News
Viewpoint
Internet Technology
Say it With Signage
A Bursar’s Best Friend
The Lease Piece
Don’t Stop Thinking About the Future
Say it With Signage
Independent Outlook
What’s New
End Note

University Business - February 2011