Collaborative Services Benchmark Study Summary Statement
The Collaborative Services Benchmark Study is a 51吃瓜网 initiative designed to identify where
institutions can achieve stronger outcomes by working together rather than separately. Through leadership and institutional input,
the study examines opportunities to improve service quality, reduce duplication, address staffing challenges, and expand effective shared
or collaborative services while respecting the distinct missions and needs of each USM institution. Findings from the study will help inform future priorities,
focus group discussions, business case development, and practical recommendations for collaboration across the system.
Phase 1: Institutional Leader Update
The Phase 1 Institutional Leader Update provides a detailed overview of the benchmark study's initial findings, methodology, and next steps.
Review the full report below or watch the accompanying video series for a walkthrough of the key themes.
Phase 1 Video Series
This three-part video series walks through the highlights of the Phase 1 update, covering findings, institutional input, and opportunities identified through the study.
Frequently Asked Questions: USM Collaborative Services Analysis & Leadership Engagement
This initiative is intended to better understand how administrative and support services are currently operating across the System, including what is working well and where there may be opportunities to strengthen collaboration, coordination, consistency, responsiveness, and overall service experience.
No. This effort is focused on systems, processes, and service experiences, not evaluating individual employees, departments, or institutional performance.
Input from leadership is essential to understanding day-to-day operational realities across institutions. These perspectives will help ensure that any future considerations are informed by practical experience and institutional needs.
No. This phase of the initiative is focused on listening, understanding, and gathering input. No decisions have been made regarding future service delivery models or organizational changes.
Participants may be invited to take part in interviews, surveys, focus groups, or related engagement activities. These conversations are intended to be collaborative and informal, and no advance preparation is required. Honest and practical input is encouraged and appreciated.
Focus group sessions will begin the week of August 3rd and continue throughout the month. These sessions are voluntary, and multiple dates and times will be provided from each functional area for you to choose from. The survey will be open from July 27 to August 7th.
