Improvement (I)

2I1 Improving Systems and Processes

In Student Engagement, continuous improvement is being made across the Division of Academic and Student Affairs. With the assistance of Noel-Levitz, a recruitment plan has been developed with realistic, achievable goals. A retention plan is now being developed with realistic, achievable targets. These have enabled Western to achieve several student engagement and enrollment results. The plan undergoes continuous review.

Western used the feedback received from campus constituents in the Communicating Quality project to modify implementation plans for communicating quality in the second and third years. Reviewing the process and outcome measures for communicating quality on an annual basis has helped Western to set targets for improvement.

In 2005, for example, Public Relations completed surveys and focus groups with prospective and orientation students. As a result of the focus group findings, the institution increased advertising on television, radio, and high school newspapers. Key stakeholders discussed and tested advertising and publications impact.

For Banner Gold, data conversion issues continue to be identified and corrected within the Banner modules. Report programs must be written to replicate most of the reports generated from the old legacy computer system. A decentralized purchase requisition/order process and the Human Resources module have been completed. The Content Management System has been implemented, and the Luminis Data Interface, completed. Western will implement the Degree Audit feature in Fall 2006. Improvement issues will continue to be identified and resolved at the Implementation Team and Project Managers Team levels.