"How are we performing and progressing with our strategic initiatives and STRIVE plan?"
UCLA Administration developed the Strategic Plan for 2021 – 2023 and Strategic Work Plan, which encompasses the following: Strategic. Thrive. Reimagine. Innovate. Value. Efficient (STRIVE) as various approaches to achieve organizational goals, in October 2020. “Thrive” is focused on UCLA’s greatest strength and most precious resource—its people. We wish to highlight the progress and forthcoming “Thrive” outcomes for a few initiatives and impact projects underway.
Equity Advisors
Administration departments have selected equity advisors to serve on administration’s equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) council. The equity advisors will perform various duties, including:
- Develop strategies and provide feedback to the department head and vice chancellor on how specific departments and administration overall can support and demonstrate the value of a diverse, inclusive and equitable work environment;
- Complete recruitment training and participate in recruitment outreach processes and interview panels;
- Provide feedback to department heads on organizational climate and recommend strategies for improvements;
- Distribute information to employees about programs, training and related activities.
Department managers will provide the equity advisor’s name and contact information to each employee. Additional information on the EDI council and equity advisors will also be available online once the council begins its important work.
Sustainability
UCLA continues to make progress towards its sustainability goals even in the face of extraordinary obstacles. Sustainability Annual Report 2020 – Resilience: From Coronavirus to Climate Change provides a summary of the UC-system resilience demonstrated and advancement made in 2020, including stories on green commuting and sustainability data for UCLA. Our mission to create a culture of sustainability at UCLA is achievable with your help. Here is just one way:
- Plastic-Free by '23! Plastic bags and foodware items at to-go facilities have been replaced. Plastic bottles will be eliminated at all foodservice facilities by Oct. 1, 2021 and from all retail stores and vending machines by September 2023.
Looking for ways to practice sustainability now? UCLA Deputy Chief Sustainability Officer Bonny Bentzin shares some practical ways to go green, including:
- Working with your colleagues and managers to contribute.
- Seeking out efficiency projects and opportunities to have an impact on the various initiatives across UCLA.
- Reviewing the Strategic Plan for 2021 – 2023 to identify focus areas and initiatives for the coming year and jump in!
Reinventing the UCLA Workplace of the Future
Our workplace has seen significant change and remote learning, work-from-home, mobile management and work/life balance present unique challenges and opportunities for UCLA Administration and the campus. To take this on, a seven member Reinventing the UCLA Workplace of the Future work group was created by the UCLA COVID-19 Response and Recovery Task Force. Two members of our UCLA Administration team are part of this group. Lubbe Levin, associate vice chancellor for campus human resources, serves as co-chair and Lucy Avestiyan, associate vice chancellor and CIO for information technology, is a member.
The role of the work group is to:
- Identify the characteristics that will define the workplace needs of the future, including standards for expanding the opportunity to telecommute on a full-time and part-time basis;
- Provide guidance on what managers will need to be successful in leading their teams in the remote work environment;
- Evaluate the impact of workplace changes on the academic and educational mission of the university, since many services provided by staff are of direct importance to faculty, researchers and students; and
- Determine methods for maintaining and encouraging meaningful collaboration and partnerships throughout the campus community.
The work group is engaged in this effort and will be providing periodic announcements and updates in the forthcoming months.
