Operational Excellence at UNLV

UNLV is dedicated to advancing organizational efficiency and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Explore the strategic initiatives, collaborative teams, and transformative projects that define our commitment to operational excellence.

Operational Excellence Council

The Operational Excellence Council (OEC) is dedicated to supporting UNLV’s mission by enhancing operational efficiency, elevating service quality, and nurturing a culture of continuous improvement. By promoting innovative problem-solving, guiding the development of efficient tools and processes, and fostering collaborative teams, the Council facilitates sustainable progress toward operational excellence at UNLV.

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What is Operational Excellence?

Operational excellence at UNLV involves striving for the highest standards of performance and effectiveness across all operational areas in order to enhance the productivity, reputation, and overall impact of the institution. It is defined as the efficient management and continuous enhancement of university operations to fulfill its core mission, including:

  • Establishment of a culture of collaboration that removes organizational silos and synchronizes processes, policies, and systems across colleges, departments, and units. 
  • Stewardship of all university resources, including people, equipment, technology, materials, and information, to eliminate redundancies and prevent inefficiencies.
  • Delivery of outstanding, cost-effective services and products to campus constituents, including students, faculty, and staff.
  • Creation of a data-driven environment that encourages decision-making and continuous assessment based on empirical data.

"Operational excellence is about doing things right, from academics to administration, because that's how we make a real impact and build a lasting reputation for quality."

Chris L. Heavey, Executive Vice President and Provost

Role of the OEC

Implement best practices
Lead operational initiatives
Create & refine policies
Collaborate with unit committees
Leverage technology & data
Advance training opportunities

Subcommittees of the OEC

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Learn about the operational excellence working groups within the OEC. Tailored to meet the needs of specific units, these working groups and committees strategically guide unit operations to align with and support the goals of the OEC.

Process Improvement Projects

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Explore the projects that are reshaping the way we collaborate, operate, and engage with our campus community. From online systems that enhance the student experience to streamlined processing of administrative tasks, these projects are both success stories and a glimpse into where UNLV is headed in the future.