Background and Identified Problems
During the course of evaluating the visa request process a number of inefficiencies were identified as being related to the structure of the International Scholars Office (ISO) and Academic Human Resources (AHR). One outcome of the evaluation was a recommendation to realign these two units in order to ensure a successful implementation of the new visa request process. Some of the identified issues are:
- Mitigate risks resulting from delay of appointments, incorrect appointment titles and terms
- Ensure consistent and timely visa application review.
Goals
- Improve service to Schools, Colleges, Campuses and Departments (“Units”)
- Ensure compliance with federal regulations, and institutional policies and procedures.
Solutions
- Merge ISO and AHR to form a single organization, called Academic Human Resources (AHR), with a combined mission of supporting the appointment process for international scholars, which includes the visa approval analysis, permanent residence process and enhanced compliance for Units.
Results
- Improved communication, internally and externally.
- Increased support for existing business processes through cross-training.
- Improvements in visa request process (See “International Scholars Visa Request Process Improvement”)
Measurable Benefits
- To be determined
Future Steps
- Project completed in January 2012.
Return to Academic Personnel Strategic Plan CAREERS Initiative (2011-2013)