In its proposal, the executive board announces its effort to create `optimal operational management,' to be realized by `combining combinable things,' `standardizing processes,' and `reinforcing a conscious joint responsibility.' Keest van Ast, member of the executive board: `This is clearly a proposal that will be debated inside the UT. It's entirely possible that it will turn out completely differently. Our assumptions and the amount to be cut cannot be changed though.' Public meetings for staff will be held before summer. `Obviously, we hope compulsory redundancies will not be necessary, but - as in the last reorganization rounds of 2002 - we rule nothing out. I realize this will scare some people and create some unrest, especially in IT and education support. But we live in times that sometimes require staff reduction to get certain processes started again.'
Not only the entire service structure, but also the decision-making process is being evaluated, because the executive board sees a lot of work ahead. Van Ast sees scattered policy preparation and development, as well as a lack of a singular and transparent management structure. The job descriptions of top executives like deans and faculty operational managers are far apart. Each faculty has developed its own decision-making culture and organizational structure and that has to change, according to the executive board.
The executive board sees many opportunities, especially in education support (1.5 million euros) and ICT support (2.5 million euros). `Each faculty handles in its own way education administration and all that comes with it, such as registering program data and progress, compiling rosters and providing management information.' The executive board proposes a UT-wide shared service center for education support.
A similar sharing center will be created for ICT support, which the executive board also considers highly fragmented. Creating such a center has staffing consequences, the executive board writes, just as for ITBE, which will cease to exist. The educational part of this service - called CIV didactic center before the merger - will move to ELAN. The position of this `appreciated' institute is being determined.
Other proposed measures are: the formation of a new Bureau of the University, with a strategic staff focused on strategy (education, research, internationalization, and knowledge valorization) and coordination. DiSC will also cease to exist: student counseling and the international office will (probably) move to the new Bureau of the University. The central student administration will move to the previously mentioned service center and the culture and sports departments will move to Facility Department, which will be renamed: Facility Services.
Trans. Jeroen Latour
