Feedback Requested: Galveston Campus Organizational Review
January 24, 2023
Dear Campus Community:
This morning, President M. Katherine Banks released a report summarizing the organizational review completed by consultants, which outlines findings and proposed recommendations for Texas A&M University at Galveston. The report aims to identify opportunities to connect the College Station and Galveston campuses, capitalize on unique education experiences, support training and industry needs, and align operational functions for effectiveness.
Your voice is crucial in helping determine which recommendations will be accepted, rejected, modified or require further review. A confidential online survey is available for feedback through Friday, March 10th, 2023. One-on-one meetings with the units and departments included in the recommendations will be scheduled for direct input as soon as possible.
Galveston Campus: Organizational Review Report
Galveston Campus: Organizational Review Survey
As we position ourselves as the preeminent provider of marine and maritime education and research, we must identify opportunities to help us achieve this goal. Higher education is evolving, and we must also evolve to meet our mission to educate and serve. However, we also know that you have been navigating perhaps the most extended season of change in recent history. Please take your time reviewing the report and follow up with data-driven and solution-oriented feedback.
Many of the proposed recommendations have already begun. For example, it was no surprise that pay discrepancies between College Station and Galveston employees are among the concerns cited in the report. Fortunately, our budget this year allowed us to move forward this month with an out-of-cycle permanent merit increase effective January 1, 2023, to help offset years past when we could only provide one-time merit. Recommendations within the report include additional opportunities to help address this issue.
Additionally, Student Enrollment Services, Marketing & Communications, Human Resources and Organizational Effectiveness, Technology Services and Finance and Business Services were recently centralized at Texas A&M University’s College Station campus and are undergoing implementation in Galveston. While these changes have not been without challenges, we already see many efficiencies, improved workflows and broader access to resources.
We are committed to being intentional, measured and transparent as we explore and implement final recommendations. After thoroughly reviewing the report and your feedback, President Banks anticipates announcing which recommendations will be accepted, rejected or modified in March. After this announcement, I will work with President Banks to establish an implementation timeline, oversight committee and working groups as needed. You will receive regular progress updates throughout this process.
Information about the organizational review of the Galveston campus is available on this webpage and will be continually updated throughout the process. I appreciate each of you approaching this with an open mind to see the possibilities and to continue moving forward with our mission every day.
Thank you!
Sincerely,
MICHAEL E. FOSSUM