The CHASS Strategic Staffing Task Force has completed its review of the staffing in the College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences. Our final report, along with recommendations, is now available for review.

Download the Task Force Report

We invite you to join us for a town hall meeting on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM in INTS 1113. The Task Force will present the report and our recommendations during the meeting, followed by a Q&A session. Coffee and breakfast pastries will be provided, and we look forward to your participation.

RSVP for the Town Hall

For a quick overview of our recommendations, please refer to the tables below:

Summary of Recommendations and Phases

NOTES

Staff Equity Advisor

• If possible, provide a stipend to a current staff member
• The position would provide support similar to faculty equity advisors
• Possible 2-3 year appointment

Contract & Grant writer

• Contract positions to be filled after C&G re-orge is complete
• Given the specialty areas, this recruitment could take more than one year

Graduate Advising

• Phase 2: Create a work group to determine if the Grad Advising structure needs to be restructured.
• Positions are placeholders until more information and needs are known.

CHASS Strategic Staffing Task Force Charge

The CHASS Strategic Staffing Task Force will comprehensively identify and assess the staffing needs of the college for the next five years, with a focus on identifying and correcting gaps and opportunities that will support the organization’s growth and success. 

The CHASS Strategic Staffing Task Force includes internal CHASS staff and faculty as well as campus partners outside of CHASS. The approach and mission of the task force is outlined below.

• Strengths-Based Approach

  Ensure that any initiatives or changes recognize and build upon the existing strengths and accomplishments of staff.

  Encourage a positive and empowering work environment that focuses on future possibilities and opportunities rather than dwelling on operational shortcomings and financial constraints.

• Alignment with College Mission

  Keep the College's mission and CHASS Strategic Plan (https://strategicplan.ucr.edu/chass) at the forefront of decision-making and planning. All efforts should aim to advance educational attainment and world-class research in Inland Southern California.

• AAU Membership and MSI Status

  Leverage the College's rare status as both a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU) member institution and a Minority-Serving Institution (MSI) to drive initiatives that align with the specific needs and opportunities that arise from this dual identity.

• Global College Thinking

  Ensure that all decisions and actions take into account the broader perspective of the entire College. Consider how each action impacts various departments, programs, and stakeholders within the College.

• Use of Qualitative and Quantitative Measures

  Make data-driven recommendations by using both qualitative and quantitative measures to assess the strengths, needs, and opportunities of staffing. Engage members in determining these measures to ensure they reflect the College's goals.

• Long-Term Focus

  Emphasize a strategic, forward-looking approach that addresses staffing needs over one-, three-, and five-plus year horizons. Immediate operational needs should continue to be managed through existing processes.

• Specific asks of the Dean of the College
  • Identify how we strengthen staffing and improve services the college provides in our core responsibilities of undergraduate student success (e.g., admissions, retention, high-impact opportunities, graduation)
  • Promote a culture of professional development and succession planning.
  • Determine how to better structure core functions (e.g. graduate student affairs), looking closely at the other colleges (e.g. CNAS Graduate Student Affairs Center) and the new requirements of collective bargaining agreements 
  • Develop a specific and benchmarked plan to identify needs for staffing and training to advance the CHASS research enterprise
  • Assess and enhance staff contributions to democratic dialogue, inclusion, and decision-making in CHASS
  • Establish Staff Equity Advisor roles, responsibilities, term length, and selection process from among current CHASS staff to ensure an ongoing emphasis on equity beyond the conclusion of this committee
  • Propose an organizational chart that maps the titling, structure and portfolio of senior staff in the College to senior staff leadership on campus and systemwide
  • Create a culture that supports participation in campus committees, mentoring programs,  professional development, and community building
• CHASS Strategic Staffing Task Force Deliverables
  1. A comprehensive report outlining the findings of the workforce analysis, including identified staffing gaps, needs, and opportunities.
  2. Recommendations for addressing staffing gaps, including strategies for recruitment, training, and development.
  3. Succession planning strategies to ensure leadership continuity and talent development.
  4. Proposed revisions to budget allocations or resource management to address staffing-related financial concerns.
  5. A roadmap for monitoring and adjusting staffing plans over the next five years.
  6. Recommendation for Staff Equity Advisor responsibilities and scope of work.
• Timeline

  The task force is expected to complete its work and present its findings and recommendations to the organization's leadership by April, at the State of College.

  • October: charge and logistics
  • November/December/January: internal work
  • February: preliminary report-out to CHASS senior leadership and designated advisors and report-outs and feedback sessions 
  • March: final recommendations to the Dean of the College
  • April: action plans announced at the State of the College
• Resources
  • Website: Explore our online resources to stay informed and connected. https://chass.ucr.edu/strategic-staffing-task-force
  • Staff Support: For personalized assistance, reach out to Alisha French, dedicated staff support.
  • Engagement Survey: In collaboration with Central HR, we provide the opportunity to participate in a Gallup engagement survey to gather valuable insights from our current staff.
  • Designated Advisors: Receive guidance and support from the following key advisors:
    • Associate Vice Chancellor & Chief Human Resources Officer
    • CHASS Faculty Equity Advisors
    • CHASS Faculty Executive Committee
    • Campus Employee Affinity Group Leadership