KU Launches “People First” Initiative to Transform Human Resources
In December, we announced that the University of Kansas has embarked on a new initiative to transform human resources at KU. The group leading this project has named the initiative “KU People First.” The project will identify the HR practices, organizational structure and resources needed to best support faculty, staff and student employees.
“Everything we do at KU — our discoveries and creative activities, our educational programs, our service to the state of Kansas and beyond — emanates from our people,” Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Barbara A. Bichelmeyer said. “We develop talent and we improve lives. In order to be an exceptional learning community that lifts each member and advances society, we must have a well-structured and well-resourced HR organization. The KU People First initiative will advance the important work that’s been done by our staff in the Shared Service Centers and Human Resource Management to create a best-in-class organization that serves and supports all KU employees.”
Provost Bichelmeyer is the executive sponsor of the KU People First initiative. A steering committee of cross-functional leaders is providing strategic guidance and serving as advocates for transformational change. In addition to the steering committee, a diverse working group of faculty, staff and administrators is managing the project and has been tasked with designing a plan and making recommendations to the Provost and KU People First steering committee for elevating HR practices and services at KU’s Lawrence and Edwards Campuses and aligning them with industry best practices.
The Provost, the steering committee and the working group are emphasizing the importance of input from the KU community throughout the project. Faculty and staff will have a number of opportunities to directly share ideas and feedback, including through focus groups, town halls and an online comment form.
The working group, led by co-chairs Angie Loving, Assistant Vice Provost of Strategic Planning, Talent, Total Rewards & Operations, and Jody Milford Human Resources Shared Service Center Director, is taking a phased approach to the project:
- Phase I — Develop a future model for the delivery of HR services at KU
- Phase II — Enhance the competencies, skills and capabilities of staff providing HR services
- Phase III — Redesign and improve processes and technology/systems
- Phase IV — Transform the campuswide culture and HR service model, practices and structure
“We have a solid foundation at KU with committed, service-minded HR staff. The People First project will build on that foundation and help ensure HR staff have the structure, support and resources to provide an exceptional employee experience through services and programs that meet the needs of faculty, staff and student employees,” Provost Bichelmeyer said.
To learn more about the project and timeline, provide feedback, and stay up to date on progress, check the KU People First website. In addition to posting on the website, the working group will share project updates through email and in KU Today.