Be Part of UA’s Process Improvement Initiative – Training Now Open

August 8, 2025

The University of èßäÉçÇø¹ÙÍø is continuing its commitment to operational excellence through a systemwide Process Improvement Initiative, in partnership with Professional Growth Systems. This effort is designed to improve service delivery, streamline operations, and empower staff to lead meaningful change across the èßäÉçÇø¹ÙÍø system.

We’re now inviting staff to become Process Advantage facilitators—leaders who will guide teams through structured improvement efforts. Facilitators will receive comprehensive training and hands-on experience through the following sessions (offered virtually):

Training Overview
  • Universal Training (Sept 11, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM)
    This short overview event provides a broad understanding of process improvement principles and the benefits they bring to our daily operations. It also helps establish a shared language that will be used throughout all projects.
  • Introductory Training (Sept 17, 9:30 AM–12:30 PM)
    Builds on Universal Training and introduces the Process Advantage system. You’ll learn how to prep and facilitate sessions, understand system flow, and explore the Design Conference’s role in process improvement.
  • Design Conference Training (Sept 23–24 & 30, 9:00 AM–1:00 PM)
    Observe a live Design Conference facilitated by PGS staff. Take notes, join debriefs, and ask questions. If ready, you may co-facilitate—gaining hands-on experience and confidence.
  • Implementation Planning Training (Oct 10, 9:00 AM–11:00 AM)
    Turn ideas into action. Learn to guide teams using Vision Navigation® and Lucid tools. Assign ownership, set timelines, and define results to ensure success.
Real-World Application

Once trained, facilitators will:

  • Co-lead a vetted Design Conference (20 hours annually)
  • Create and support implementation plans (10+ hours)
  • Participate in follow-up meetings to ensure lasting impact
Process Advantage Facilitator Training

This specialized training is intended for selected participants from all three universities and the system office. Facilitators will receive in-depth instruction on using the Process Advantage® methodology to lead organizational change and drive process improvement across the system.

Why Join?

This is a unique opportunity to:

  • Grow your leadership skills
  • Drive real, visible change
  • Enhance your professional toolkit
  • Collaborate with colleagues across the UA system

We’re already receiving strong interest, and finalists will be selected by August 25. We’re inviting 2–4 participants per èßäÉçÇø¹ÙÍø to join this exciting effort. If you’re ready to make a difference and help shape the future of UA, we’d love to hear from you.

Interested? Check out the ! Or email Kara Axx at kaaxx@alaska.edu or Cathy Ewing at clewing@alaska.edu to learn more or sign up.

Let’s improve how UA works—one process at a time.