Human Resources Redesign

To: UT Knoxville Faculty and Staff
From: Chancellor Jimmy G. Cheek
Date: August 17, 2009

I want to share some thoughts with faculty and staff about the redesign of Human Resources (HR). I've had input in the process from the beginning and am confident the changes will improve your access to HR benefits and services.

Your work for the university is critical to fulfilling our core mission. You depend on the administration to provide you with strong benefits and support. I believe this change will lead us toward that goal.

By unifying many of the common HR transactions, we can also ensure the campus' needs are well represented in strategic improvements for UT's workforce planning, compensation, recruiting and employee wellness.

Along with access to the regional service center in Knoxville, employees will continue working closely with our Human Resource Officer and those who support core functions. These include but are not limited to shared governance through employee relations committees, policy and process support for supervisors and employee recognition and communication.

As all campuses and institutes face significant economic challenges over the next several years, we must think creatively and strategically about improving services and the way we do business.

I look forward to sharing more information about the redesign as it evolves. As we move closer to the January 4, 2010 launch date, I will share more detail about the changes and how they will impact you.

In the meantime, please feel free to share suggestions or concerns with me by e-mail to chancellor@utk.edu, so that your thoughts can be considered in this next phase of the HR redesign effort.

Thank you for all you do for the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Posted August 17, 2009