Executive Vice Chancellor Underscores Importance of Empowering People

Executive Vice Chancellor Eugene Washington recently shared his goals for the future, stressing the importance of empowering people to achieve their utmost potential. See the full article at UCSF Today.

October 2003
A message from the SWE Ad Hoc Committee Co-Chairs

Who are the "we" you may ask. That depends upon the point in time. At the beginning a small steering body crafted the language of the Initiative which was then forwarded to the Chancellor for consideration. Michael Adams, Randy Lopez, Alma Sisco-Smith, and former employees Bill Neff and Colleen Nickles, had fire in our bellies that was fanned by the belief that we could make a difference. The goals of the Initiative were to:

•  support the initiative of employees
•  support diversity of people and ideas
•  solicit and listen to their opinions
•  instruct employees in the culture, ethics, and history of the institution
•  welcome change
•  value and reward employee contributions
•  encourage employees' professional development
•  treat employees fairly and equitably
•  provide a safe, healthy, and comfortable work environment; and
•  provide employees with the basic tools to perform their jobs adequately

Next, the Initiative was taken to focus groups that consisted of a wide body of staff managers and postdocs for their input and validation.

When the proposal was endorsed by the Chancellor's Cabinet for implementation, "we" then became the SWE Ad Hoc Committee consisting of faculty, staff, and administrators. The Ad Hoc Committee met to determine priority areas for working groups that would take on planning and implementation. In the year 2000, approximately 65 faculty and staff enthusiastically agreed to work on one or more of the several work groups. The excitement and work continues.

As co-chairs, we are thankful for the steadfast support of the Ad Hoc Committee members, past and present, and for the diligent work of staff and faculty who volunteered numerous hours to implement policy and to pilot programs for long-term consideration or implementation. UCSF was among the first two campuses to establish a specific initiative on supportive work environment and work/life. Along with UC Davis, we became a model consulted by others.

And now, as the final SWE priorities are being realized, we channel our efforts into strengthening the broad-based work/life movement. It is our hope that the foundation established through the various SWE committees will be carried on or through various campus units and/or organizations.

UCSF's environment is one where excellence is continuously sought and achieved. In the area of work/life, we continue to seek and achieve excellence. Our UCSF leaders care about the quality of work/life for the different segments of our campus. While there is more to be done, we urge more of you to continue the journey with us.