Excellence and Efficiency

Pursue ongoing operational improvements for superior service

Streamlining operations, maximizing our resources, and delivering robust services to our stakeholders is a constant focus. Each year we seek to create and implement strategies that empower teamwork, facilitate continuous improvement, and support our long-term growth as the central figure in the Institute’s Commitment to Lifetime Education.

Financials Transformation

Georgia Tech adopted Workday Financials to transform the Institute's financial systems with leading cloud-based technology. Our accounting team dedicated several months to the transition, which went live July 1. While the team continues to facilitate adoption, the shift will help to streamline and standardize processes. Robin Finey, Tamar Grimes, Johnnie Hamil, Pat Kelsey, Sheree Posey, Greg Rountree, and Korega Zachery serve as our Workday Peers to provide extra support across the organization.

Real-Time Collaboration

Technology Services launched a new and improved intranet to help bring together conversations, emails, and file sharing in one convenient location. With the launch, we now have access to use Microsoft Teams and SharePoint. Additionally, a training and information session was held to equip the department with the skills for DocuSign, Georgia Tech’s official e-signature application. All three applications accelerated business and decision making, while reducing paper and man-hour waste.

Process Improvements

As our online programs continue to grow, we implemented several new process improvements to improve our services. Highlights include a three-month onboarding process for degrees-at-scale and professional master's programs to ensure academic success; the hiring of 150 teaching assistants to improve the student migration of our Summer Online Undergraduate Program (SOUP) inquiry management process to Salesforce to efficiently address all student questions.

Cross-Functional Efficiencies

Each year, the Georgia Tech Global Learning Center (GLC) hosts 8,900 visitors as part of close to 200 meetings, conferences, and classes. To optimize the customer experience in the facility, an Areas of Excellence initiative was launched to focus on driving cross-team efficiencies and collaboration in support of GLC Events. The first phase wrapped up in July.

Organizational Growth

Revisions to key teams this year allowed for the organization to operate more effectively, predict future needs based on current trends, and develop educational experiences and offerings that met both learner and employer objectives while aligning to Georgia Tech’s strategic plan. In addition to the establishment of a Digital Strategy team, new positions were added in the areas of business intelligence, business process development, academic programs, human resources, and new program development.

Facility Upgrades

The Global Learning Center underwent several upgrades to increase A/V functionality, energy efficiency, and aesthetics. Renovations were initiated for the Garden Level, including a brand-new workspace for GTPE staff and additional conference room, and several of our meeting spaces were upgraded. Additionally, we were among the first spaces on campus to initiate new digital signage, laying the groundwork for more functional wayfinding and messaging.

GTPE by the Numbers

More than 42,000 learners turned to us in 2019 to sharpen their skills, acquire new knowledge, and earn high-demand credentials to advance their careers.