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

August 8, 2025

The University of Alaska 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 university 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 university 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 webpage! 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.