HR

Project Summary

 

Video interview

Video interview with UA President Jim Johnsen and Chief Human Resources Officer Keli Hite McGee. Total running time is 19 minutes. 

Use the timeline guide below to jump to the areas of most interest to you:

  • 0:42 - Overview of the HR functional organization
  • 2:38 - PPAs/CCCs and embedded HR staff
  • 4:37 - Key stakeholder meetings - human resources staff reactions
  • 8:00 - Implementation phase - HR staff applications and interviews
  • 8:38 - Why layoff?
  • 10:52 - Next steps
  • 12:40 - Who will I go to for HR information? - HR business partners
  • 13:26 - Are you looking at doing this in other areas?
  • 15:49 - Redesign utilized previous studies and data
  • 16:33 - More information: alaska.edu/hr - HR transition website links
  • 17:25 - Campus town halls

On May 6, CHRO Keli McGee, with the support of President Johnsen, and valuable feedback from the three chancellors and General Counsel, announced a system-wide redesign of human resources functions into a unified office organized by areas of functional expertise.

This restructuring is far more than a merger - it is a complete reorganization into a function-based reporting and operating structure. Instead of maintaining three separate campus organizations and a Statewide office, a wholly new single human resources organization will provide high-quality service throughout the UA system.

As a necessary first step in that process, all main campus and Statewide human resources employees were given official layoff notice on May 6, effective September 14, 2019. Early notification ensures employees have enough time to consider their options, review and apply for positions in the new organizational structure, and allows for the maximum utilization of benefits, resources and support during the transition period.

Current, affected HR employees have the opportunity to apply for positions in the new HR organization beginning May 13, 2019.

We are one employer - by creating a single human resources organization with a unified presence on all campuses we can benefit from the shared scope of services as well as utilize the knowledge on the local campuses to provide a higher level of service overall.

 

Project Documents

Project Milestones 

  • Application site available for submissions went live May 13, 2019
  • CHRO Direct Reports
    • Applications due May 28, 2019
    • Successful candidates announced June 4, 2019
    • Most positions will start September 15, 2019
  • HR Staff Positions (Updated Timeline)
    • Applications due June 11, 2019, 11:59 p.m.
    • Successful candidates notified June 26, 2019
    • Most positions will start September 15, 2019
  • Training will commence prior to September 15, 2019
    • To enhance the transition, employees will participate in development work sessions

FAQs 

HR REDESIGN FAQS

Updated May 6, 2019: Information on the restructuring, project timelines, motivations and the benefits of a functional organization structure.

HR EMPLOYEE FAQS

Updated June 19, 2019: Information for human resources employees on the layoff notices, application process, impacts, and opportunities.

ASK A QUESTION

 

Employee Support

We understand that this announcement may be difficult to process and we are prepared to support employees through this transition. If you have questions or feedback on the change, please use the feedback form on this site. We aim to be responsive to your questions and to provide as much information as possible to address employee concerns.

We also encourage employees to take advantage of our Employee Assistance Program, Deer Oaks, who provides a variety of resources on managing change, financial and career planning, as well as counseling and support services. You can call Deer Oaks any time at 1-888-993-7650 and have your call answered by a licensed clinician or go to the website at www.deeroakseap.com, using the username UofA and password UofA, to access their online tools and resources.