November 2, 2023 – Laurentian University is pleased to be moving forward with its operational transformation program following its recent approval by the Laurentian University Board of Governors. The Plan now awaits approval by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities.
“We believe this Transformation Plan, along with the upcoming Strategic Plan, will lay the foundation for a sustainable future where Laurentian University fosters growth and opportunity for all” says Dr. Sheila Embleton, Interim President and Vice-Chancellor. “While there is still a lot of hard work ahead, we emerge confident that we have the right plan for a vibrant future.”
After months of consultation and engagement sessions with faculty, staff and the community, Deloitte, working closely with the University, drafted detailed road maps for the operational transformation of four key areas: Information Technology (IT), Finance, Human Resources (HR) as well as Registrar Services and Student Affairs (RSSA). This Transformation Plan is informed by earlier recommendations from the NOUS Group and the Auditor General’s report on Laurentian University.
The University would like to acknowledge those who served on the Transformation Consulting Group (TCG) and the more than 120 people who participated (faculty, staff, students, alumni) in engagement sessions over the spring and summer. This plan would not have been possible without their tireless effort throughout this planning process and their continued support will be paramount during the implementation process.
Next steps are already in motion as the Transformation Plan Implementation Office (TPIO) is in the process of building its team, which will be made up of members from each of the four workstreams, along with supporting resources. As required by the University's Plan of Arrangement, the TPIO will be supported by a third-party through Plan Implementation. Deloitte has been retained until October 2024 to fulfill this obligation at a cost not to exceed $972,920. Together, they will be responsible for prioritizing tasks outlined in the plan and overseeing the delivery of each milestone within established timelines. As we progress through implementation we look forward to continuing to work with our labour partners as key stakeholders.
The University has already begun its review of the current Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system which began in September, and will continue through December. Data collected through this process will be used to determine whether it will continue with its current software or seek out an alternative integrated system to best serve our institution’s needs.
Highlights
The phased, implementation-ready plan addresses four administrative areas of the university: human resources, finance, registration services and student affairs (RSSA), and information technology. Key features include:
- Human resources: Establishing foundational standards, streamlining and stabilizing operations and increasing efficiency. Includes requirements for talent recruitment, and work plans for case management and human resources information (HRIS) systems.
- Finance: Modernizing the finance function with deep integration with the university’s enterprise resource planning (ERP) strategy and enhancing current systems and processes.
- RSSA: Clarifying content and services for staff, faculty and students, to support research, teaching, and the graduation of students – including a supportive and intentional approach to student life.
- Information technology: Defining roles and responsibilities, driving accountability, and improving decision-making and transparency through technology-related governance and frameworks. Includes implementing a Service Catalogue to capture and communicate service level targets to better set expectations with users around timeframes.
A website will be developed in the coming weeks which will serve as a hub for all information and communication pertaining to the Transformation Program and its progress, tracking the work being done according to the timeline provided.