Human Resources across the UT system will be undergoing changes effective Jan. 4, 2010. The re-design of human resources is moving to a shared-services model that will make HR services more accessible to employees, simplify processes and increase the effectiveness of HR across the system and state.
The new structure consists of three tiers: Systemwide Administration, Regional Service Centers, and Human Resource Officers (HRO) for each campus and institute. Each campus and Institute will retain its HRO and walk-in offices. Judie Martin will remain the HRO for the Institute for Public Service and will continue to process all hiring paperwork and other related issues for IPS.
As a part of the re-design, starting Jan. 4, 2010, there will be a new toll-free hotline answered by staff during business hours for employee inquiries about HR issues such as benefits, policies, and training and employment opportunities. The toll-free hotline number will be 1-888-444-UTHR. The Regional Service Centers will reduce duplication of work across the system and allow HRO’s to have more interaction with employees. Staff at the centers will respond to questions from the hotline number, maintain records, process transactions and provide training.
The System Administration tier will coordinate HR functions for the four campuses and three institutes including workforce development and planning, talent management, total rewards, and health and safety.
You will become more familiar with these terms as the HR committees begin to define these functions and set priorities for HR.
The shared-services model for human resources is used by many corporations (FedEx), government (ORNL), and other universities (Johns Hopkins, Wake Forest). UT officials believe moving to this structure will help plan for the future and provide improved services to employees. ■
