UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- In a University Town Hall meeting July 28 geared specifically to employees of the Office of Physical Plant, Provost Nick Jones and Senior Vice President David Gray addressed a wide range of topics including health care, child care, employee recruitment and job sourcing, challenges facing OPP employees and where OPP fits in the big picture as the University moves forward.
“We want to make sure we have an opportunity on a regular basis to talk to people around the University, give you an opportunity to hear from us and to have an open dialogue with us about things that are of concern to you,” Jones said. “The fact that you’re all here means that you care about this institution as we do. We want to figure out how to move it forward in an effective manner, and we want to hear your voice in that process.”
The town hall meeting, which took place in 100 Thomas Building, was streamed live online for employees who could not attend.
Missed it? Watch the meeting now: http://bit.ly/1Dqjyz0
Change, a topic that can make many uneasy, was one of several addressed by Gray and Jones early in the town hall. “We’re not talking about change merely for the sake of change,” Gray said. “We’re talking about driving change that will help Penn State be a better institution and navigate a turbulent economic environment effectively.” For Gray, this means finding ways to provide better services, improving the University’s financial stability and ensuring that students continue to see a vibrant institution year after year.
Prior to the question and answer session, Gray and Jones also spent time updating OPP employees on a variety of topics including a multi-year initiative to make human resources more streamlined and cost effective; Project LionPath, which is an update to the student information system; cyber security challenges; and the Information Technology Services transformation.
While several questions were broad in scope, many focused on OPP and its place in the University. In response to a question about the possibility of outsourcing jobs, Gray said that would not be a first choice path but that there may be instances where services currently outsourced are brought back in house. “Outsourcing is not the only way or most desirable way to save money,” Gray said. “There are more effective and efficient ways to operate the services we do.” Jones added that Penn State’s large size frequently makes it more efficient to handle processes internally.
In regards to challenges facing those who work in OPP, Gray cited the challenge that really affects everyone in higher education, which is dealing with the uncertainty in attempting to find financial stability in an environment where state appropriations are stretched, and students and families are stretched to fund their higher education goals. “Continue to do your jobs to the utmost of your ability,” Gray said. “When I see the obvious pride with which our facilities and grounds are maintained, it’s the people in this room that make that happen. We need you to continue to put forth that great effort.”
Other questions fielded by Gray and Jones touched how to handle challenges that come with dealing with outside contractors, the potential for improved health and wellness opportunities, improvements to the YOU@PSU program, the State Employee Retirement System (SERS) and challenges OPP faces in filling technical service positions.
The meeting can be viewed online. A third Town Hall will be held in September, with details to be announced.