Prasant Mohapatra is conducting a holistic review of UC Davis’ administrative structure — and he wants your input.

Mohapatra

Mohapatra, computer science professor and former department chair, recently completed a year of interim service as chief information officer, and vice provost of Information and Educational Technology. Then Chancellor Linda P.B. Katehi named him an associate chancellor in charge of an initiative called Administrative Reorganization and Transformation.

Her goal: a UC Davis administration for the 21st century — an administration in which Innovation, creativity and quality of service are embraced in the campus culture.

The Administrative Reorganization and Transformation website includes this background: “As the campus grows in size, scope and stature, resource constraints continue to pose challenges. These conflicting realities in higher education warrant us to think harder and deeper to enhance our quality of service and efficiency in the university administration to provide optimal support for our mission.”

And while many administrative units have been successful at curtailing costs, through restructuring and collaboration (24 percent reduction of staff since 2009), “these types of efforts have never been explored holistically with the entire administration in mind, and it is not clear that cost reductions alone have improved efficiency or quality of service.”

“Furthermore, we need to integrate the culture of innovation and creativity into our work place to address future challenges while at the same time providing an exciting environment for the UC Davis community.”

Mohapatra outlined his project: “Through an objective review process, we will work with units to help incorporate best practices and realignments to enhance their quality of service, and introduce an environment of innovation that supports creativity in problem- solving and effectiveness in meeting the overall missions of the university.”

Chancellor Katehi, in announcing Mohapatra’s new assignment, urged the campus community to be involved in this review of the university’s administrative structure.

Mohapatra welcomes the input. “To help illuminate areas of greatest need, please visit our website where you can submit your recommendations and play an active role in helping all of us accomplish the mission of UC Davis.”

The website includes a “Make a Suggestion” form, and, alongside it, a section where outcomes will be posted.

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