December 7, 2023
A Next-Gen K-State update from President Linton
Dear K-State Community,
As we near the end of the fall 2023 semester and kick off our commencement ceremonies tomorrow, I cannot help but reflect on the work our faculty and staff do every day to lift up this institution and make a difference in the lives of so many. You bring our mission of teaching, research and service to life every day. I want to take this opportunity to thank you for all you have done this semester to advance our vision as a next-generation land-grant university. It is a privilege to serve alongside you.
As you know, one of the key priorities within our Next-Gen K-State strategic plan is building and sustaining our workforce as we charge into the future. You need the recognition, the resources and the support to do your jobs well in order to advance this institution forward, as it all begins with you. And we are making good on that effort through strategic investments and targeted initiatives.
Under the leadership of Shanna Legleiter, chief human resources officer, we are beginning to see key elements of this strategic priority be set in motion:
- Workforce structure and compensation study: One of our most critical measures of success for our workforce is establishing a faculty, staff and graduate student compensation structure that is comparable with our peer institutions. In order to establish a foundation to build upon, we will embark on a comprehensive workforce structure and compensation study that will serve as a baseline for our ongoing measurement of success. You can expect to learn more about this in late spring 2024 as the study is launched.
- Performance management: A two-phase approach for improved staff performance management processes has been developed. Phase one, already underway, endeavors to create a standardized staff evaluation form and performance management toolkit for launch with 2024 calendar year reviews. Phase two will usher in the purchasing and implementation of a new performance and learning management system. You can learn more about these efforts on the administration and finance website.
- Leadership development: Continuing to develop leadership capacities and strengths among our faculty and staff is critical to this university continuing to elevate and stretch toward our goals. Human Resources is leading the charge to develop training and development opportunities for anyone who aspires to lead from where they are, regardless of position and title. You can expect to hear more about these opportunities in spring 2024.
- Ongoing business system and process improvements: As we strive for operational excellence in our business operations, this includes modernizing our processes in human resources as well as the systems that support our work. As shared last September, the Concur travel and expense management tool implementation is already underway, and we also anticipate rolling out a unified time and attendance system in summer 2024.
Under the leadership of the Office of the Provost, 2024 will also usher in the launch of a new University Faculty Scholars program, which will recognize outstanding mid-career faculty. You can expect to learn more about this early on in the spring semester. Additionally, the university faculty responsibilities policy for appointment, reappointment, promotion and tenure, and annual merit evaluations has been adjusted to account for engagement and service, ensuring recognition of your contributions toward the entire tri-part land-grant mission. You can find the updated policy in the University Handbook, Sections C1-C6.
The Next-Gen K-State strategic plan is designed to drive us forward, and with forward momentum often comes change. Communication is critical during this process, which is why I am committing to updating you on key themes within the strategic plan moving forward with monthly letters, ensuring you have a regular window into our institution's progress. Additionally, I have plans to highlight faculty and staff who are advancing our next-gen goals through a new video series we will launch in the spring. This is all part of our effort to keep you informed and show you how much we appreciate what you do for K-State. And, just as a reminder, you can always view updates on the Next-Gen K-State website, including active funding opportunities for K-State faculty and staff and a summary of the strategic projects underway.
Again, I want to take this opportunity to thank you for all you do for this university. As we close out the semester and the calendar year, there is a lot to be proud of. We have moved the needle, set positive change into motion, and have come together to work toward an even brighter future. That is the K-State way, and I can't wait to see where the new year will continue to take us.
Go 'Cats!
Rich Linton
President