Improvement (I)

5I1 Improving Current Processes and Systems for Leading and Communicating

Western improves processes for leading and communicating by using data on outcomes to assess performance and to identify areas for improvement. These include assessment of annual goals, progress reports on annual goals, and annual evaluations. Western publishes an Annual Progress Report on the Strategic Plan and an annual Points of Pride outlining the accomplishments of its students, faculty and staff.

As an example of a process improvement, Western reviewed and revised a classification and compensation system for staff in 2004. A market study was conducted, using an outside consultant and peer groups, and on the basis of information gathered, new job descriptions were drafted, and a new classification structure was developed. Western has implemented a performance-based pay evaluation process (Category 4).

Other examples of process improvement include the use of advisory councils and open forums to gather information and establish collaborative processes.