Vol. 5, No. 1

The Quality Improvement Department at the California State University system is pleased to announce our new QI E-newsletter.

Our goal is to keep you up to date on systemwide improvement initiatives in the CSU, share the results of innovative projects at our campuses, and provide information on special QI events, training and more. We hope that you'll find the e-newsletter informative and helpful as you look for ways to make your institutions better places to learn.

By clicking on the "QI: Making a Difference for the CSU" link above, you can find up to date information about ongoing QI activities, such as the current Performance Measurement effort, as well as the array of information and tools offered by the CSU QI Programs.

As always, we welcome your feedback and contributions. Comments, suggestions and article submissions can be directed to John Sanders, QI Programs Manager at jsanders@calstate.edu.

In This Issue:

• Solar Project at CSUN Provides Parking Shade and Energy Savings

 

• Process Improvement is "New and Improved" at CSU San Marcos

by Katy Rees

 

• Save Travel Dollars Using Virtual Meetings by Mat Kaplan

 

• BOOK REVIEW: Leading Change by John P. Kotter

Solar Project at CSUN Provides Parking Shade and Energy Savings

	The QI Newsletter often takes the opportunity to share the various ways that campuses search for and implement programs that result in cost savings and enhanced efficiencies. The following article highlights how Cal State Northridge addressed the need to mitigate the high cost of energy.

Process Improvement is "New and Improved" at San Marcos
by Katy Rees
Quality Improvement Facilitator, CSU San Marcos

	Many innovators within the CSU have been trained on the Process Mapping / Improvement Methodology in recent years. This article describes how the team at Cal State San Marcos made some modifications to the methodology to enhance results in the Finance and Administrative Services Division.

Save Travel Dollars Using Virtual Meetings
by Mat Kaplan
CSU Long Beach, University College and Extension Services

See how the Quality Improvement Programs are addressing reduced travel budgets by providing valuable support and training using a new service available from one of our own CSU campuses.

Despite our natural resistance to change, it is as unavoidable as death and taxes. Whether it is forced on us (such as being required to adapt to a shrinking budget), or we are driving it ourselves with efforts to improve services, change takes us out of our comfort zones and can be unnerving. If we are to optimize the outcome of change, it is critical that we understand how to lead change and avoid the potential obstacles in our path. Dr. John Kotter, in his book Leading Change, offers an analysis of the problems inherent in driving improvement efforts, as well as strategies for overcoming barriers to progress.