The second step in the strategic alignment initiative for UC San Diego’s Recreation Department took place with the Management Workshop: From Problems to Problem Statements II. Led by Kevin Popovic, Education Manager of The Design Lab, this workshop provided the department’s senior managers with an opportunity to refine, consolidate, and prioritize the 13 problem statements developed during the Leadership Workshop.
Director Rich Mylin opened the session by encouraging management to engage deeply with the task at hand, emphasizing the importance of creating a clear and actionable roadmap to guide the department’s efforts.
A Focus on Clarity and Alignment
The workshop’s primary goals included:
- Iterating for Impact: Refining the 13 problem statements for clarity, conciseness, and actionable potential.
- Adding Fire: Enhancing each problem statement to maximize awareness and increase engagement.
- Prioritizing: Consolidating the 13 problem statements into key areas of focus.
- Aligning with SACL: Ensuring each priority aligns with the pillars of the Student Affairs and Campus Life Strategic Plan (SACLSP).
This collaborative process ensured that the final priorities reflected the department’s needs while supporting the university’s strategic objectives.
The Six Prioritized Problem Statements
By the end of the session, management successfully distilled the original 13 problem statements into six high-priority focus areas:
- Culture and Communication
- How might we help Recreation Staff define and improve culture and communication to enhance employee satisfaction and productivity?
- Resource Allocation
- How might we help Directors and Administrators prioritize funding for programs based on cost, need, and available resources to ensure sustainability and growth?
- Data Integration
- How might we help Rec Units and Management implement integrated systems for better data analysis and consistent tool usage to improve decision-making and efficiency?
- Recognition and Advocacy
- How might we help Recreation Leadership gain increased recognition from campus leadership to secure additional resources and amplify the department’s impact?
- Facilities Expansion
- How might we help students and campus leadership recognize the need for and secure funding for expanded recreational facilities to meet growing campus demands?
- Student Engagement
- How might we help undergraduate students advocate for new spaces and increase participation in recreational activities to foster community, reduce waitlists, and improve satisfaction?
Strategic Alignment with the SACLSP
Each problem statement was carefully aligned with the SACLSP’s four pillars:
- Resourceful Resilience: Ensuring efficient use of resources and addressing barriers to space and access.
- Technological Empowerment: Leveraging data and tools to improve organizational processes.
- Inclusive Belonging: Enhancing student engagement and promoting wellness.
- Communal Responsibility: Building partnerships and increasing recognition of recreation’s role on campus.
Next Steps
With these six priorities in hand, the department is well-positioned to develop a strategic roadmap that will guide their efforts in the 2024-2025 academic year. The next phase will involve creating measurable action plans to bring these priorities to life.
This workshop demonstrated the power of collaboration and design thinking in addressing complex organizational challenges. The Design Lab looks forward to supporting UC San Diego’s Recreation Department as they work to make a lasting impact on campus life. Stay tuned for updates!