HR undertakes self-evaluation

Princeton NJ -- The University's Office of Human Resources has a goal to become the best human resources department in higher education.

Over the next several weeks, human resources staff members will take a hard look at everything they do as well as what leaders in higher education and business are doing and will develop a plan for becoming "best in class."

"We have a very good department, but there's always room for improvement," said Dan Scheiner, acting vice president for human resources.

Scheiner said that President Tilghman asked him to spearhead the self-evaluation when she approached him about heading the office following the retirement of Joan Doig in December. Formerly the director of compensation, benefits, systems and operations in the office, he has been a member of the human resources staff since 1988.

"As many of you know, academic departments routinely conduct self-assessments as part of their academic reviews," Tilghman wrote in an e-mail message to the University community in December. "Unlike other administrative reviews conducted in the past that were designed to improve efficiency and cut costs, this evaluation will focus on determining what services Princeton's Office of Human Resources should provide, and how to do so at the highest level of performance."

The office is re-examining its mission, goals and objectives. It is in the process of gathering and analyzing a variety of data from both internal and external sources. The office has hired an external consultant, Princeton Consulting Resources Inc., to lead focus groups to gather candid feedback from employees on their human resources needs and experiences. Twelve focus groups comprising 120 staff, faculty, supervisors, managers and office heads will have met by the end of February. A second round of focus groups may be scheduled as specific issues are identified. In addition, staff members have set up many one-on-one interviews with cabinet officers, managers, department chairs and other key University personnel.

Benchmarking studies

At the same time, human resources department heads have been contacting their counterparts at nine universities and seven corporations. The information they gather through phone interviews will be used to prepare benchmarking studies in areas such as employment, human resources information systems, compensation, training and staff development, labor relations and employee relations.

"We're asking universities and corporations questions to learn about their human resources services and programs, their financial, human and physical resources allocated to human resource services and programs, and the changes they anticipate in this field," Scheiner said. Princeton's human resources staff concurrently is gathering its own data, so that the information can be compared to and aligned with the information collected externally.

The data from the external sources also will be used to compile a list of institutions or companies who employ "best practices" in the field, he said, after which Princeton may want to model its human resources operations.

"We're trying to understand what our customers need," Scheiner said. "I expect we'll get a lot of feedback on our service. As partners with staff and managers, we strive to deliver quality service, transact business as efficiently as possible, and comply with laws, policies and regulations."

Scheiner said the final report, due to be submitted to Tilghman by the end of March, will present findings and recommendations that will help to develop a strategic plan for the Office of Human Resources outlining what needs to be done, how it needs to be done and what resources are needed as well as laying out short-term and long-term priorities.

A group within the Office of Human Resources has been responsible for planning the self-evaluation. Members, in addition to Scheiner, are Fred Clarke, Vikki Ridge and Claire Jacobs Elson. An advisory committee is providing guidance during the process. Its members are: Tilghman; Paul Breitman, director of the Frist Campus Center; Maureen Hickey, department manager in mechanical and aerospace engineering; Betty Leydon, vice president for information technology; Chris McCrudden, treasurer; and Mike McKay, general manager for plant and services.

Those who are interested in providing feedback but have not been asked to participate in a focus group or interview can contact Scheiner at <scheiner@princeton. edu> or 258-5921; Clarke at <fredc@princeton.edu> or 258-5663; Elson at <celson@princeton.edu> or 258-4131; or Ridge at <vjridge@ princeton.edu> or 258-3299.