By D. Lyn Hunter, Public Affairs
Posted January 20, 1999

Outgoing Director of Human Resources Alice Gregory

A comprehensive external review and a national search for a new director promise a time of transition at Berkeley's office of Human Resources.

The external review of the unit Jan. 19 to 21, is being conducted by a team of human resource experts from UC Santa Cruz, Stanford University and Hewlett Packard.

As requested by Horace Mitchell, vice chancellor-business and administrative services, the three-member review team will take a comprehensive look at the ability of Human Resources to provide state-of-the-art services to campus.

Mitchell asked the review team to consider such issues as organization, philosophy, culture and effectiveness in meeting the needs of campus clients.

"Recognizing our rapidly changing internal and external environment, I was concerned that our Human Resource department was not positioned to provide the cutting-edge services our campus needs as we move toward the 21st century," said Mitchell. "The review will help us to answer critical questions as we rethink and, as necessary, recreate Human Resources."

As part of the review, the committee will meet with various members of the campus community, including Human Resources staff and administrators, selected deans, the Chancellor's cabinet, human resource administrators for campus control units, and representatives from the Council of Staff Organizations, Berkeley Staff Assembly and the Chancellor's Staff Advisory Committee.

Mitchell's office sent letters Jan. 13 to all campus staff inviting comments and suggestions on ways to improve Human Resources. Comments received by 5 p.m. Jan. 20 will be considered by the review committee. Comments will also be accepted after the deadline, although they will not be incorporated in the teams' findings.

According to Mitchell, the review team will issue a prompt report which will be discussed by the Chancellor's cabinet and then more broadly across campus.

Meanwhile, Human Resources will conduct a national search to replace its director, Alice Gregory, who has announced her resignation for medical reasons. Debra Harrington, manager of labor relations, will serve as acting director until a new leader is appointed. Gregory has worked for Human Resources for 14 years and was appointed its director in 1993.

Comments and suggestions on Human Resources can be sent by email to hrreview@uclink4.berkeley.edu and by letter to Human Resources Review Team, c/o Office of the Vice Chancellor ‚ Business and Administrative Services, 200 California Hall, MC 1500.

January 20 - 26, 1999 (Volume 27, Number 19)
Copyright 1999, The Regents of the University of California.
Produced and maintained by the Office of Public Affairs at UC Berkeley.
Comments? E-mail berkeleyan@pa.urel.berkeley.edu.