STAFF SPOTLIGHT
Staff Spotlight with Elisa Chohan
In each issue, the FOCUS Newsletter spotlights an ABA staff member whose work deserves mention. Recently, our spotlight has asked how their work contributes to student success, and how their efforts align with the President's "Finish in Four" campaign. In addition, staff professionals share their careers experiences while working in ABA.
How long have you been with Sac State? I have been with Sac State for 7 weeks. However, I was a student here several years ago, earning my single subject teaching credential and my Master of Arts in Education, Language and Literacy.
What is your job title? I am the Director of Strategic Planning and Quality Improvement. SPQI for short.
What are your major responsibilities/duties? As the office title suggests we are responsible for guiding the ABA families through their strategic planning process and development as well as championing division process improvements. More than that, I see SPQI becoming the organizational development champions for the division, assisting in initiatives to engage and develop employees and strengthen pride in ABA and Sac State.
Who are your primary customers? All ABA staff members are my customers. I see each family as my client and I am here to support your organizational needs. It might take on multiple formats, from facilitating a focus group or conducting a survey for you, but my intent is to be a resource for you to strengthen your teams from a personnel and processes perspective.
What are some of your new ideas? Some of you might have heard of START Committee. Well, we are re-launching START in January as a workgroup and the first project they will be working on is revamping the Staff Recognition Program. I also foresee the START workgroup developing and deploying an ABA-wide mentorship program as well as other staff-driven initiatives that increase workplace engagement.
The SPQI Office will also be facilitating more process improvement initiatives throughout ABA. We will be recruiting some champions in each department who are interested in learning the LEAN process improvement methodology. So keep a lookout for more information if you are interested.
When the President announced his commitment to focus on student success, diversity in the workplace/classroom, and graduation rates, how do you feel those initiatives apply to your position and/or office? I think that SPQI has a unique place in meeting the President’s call for student success. Many of us in ABA do not work directly with students, however, everything we do touches the student experience. As a supporting cast, we all can help in making the experience of students more successful, whether it is having safe and clean classrooms, available rooms to learn, or the budget allocated for additional resources. SPQI is here to help ABA staff be more efficient in their processes and plan strategically so they can focus on the big picture progress. If ABA departments and staff are more successful, so are students.
What is your favorite aspect of working on campus? I love the energy of being on a university campus. There is so much going on each day and the buzz of students is invigorating. I also love the beautiful fall trees. The colors are spectacular. I can’t help but take pictures when I am out and about on campus.
Why and how would someone contact you? You can contact my office with any questions regarding ABA communications, like the FOCUS Newsletter, the Annual Report, strategic planning, team building, or staff recognition.
You can find me at:
Sacramento Hall, 267
Extension 8-7460
chohan@csus.edu
