The division of Campus Enterprises is pleased to award the first projects submitted under the Good Idea Fund (GIF). The GIF provides resources from the Associate Vice Chancellor’s office to fund proposals for improvements to the division’s operations. To learn more about the GIF or to submit a project proposal of your own, visit go.ncsu.edu/ce-gif.
Three proposals have been submitted to the GIF so far. Two of those proposals have been funded with GIF funds and the third is expected to be implemented using departmental budgets. We are very grateful to all the authors who collaborated on these proposals and shared their good ideas.
Good Idea: Makita Robotic Vacuums
Vacuuming the more than 100,000 square feet of space in Talley Student Union and Witherspoon Student Center takes a significant amount of time for the small facilities enhancement team. By adding robotic vacuums, the team would gain more hours to work on non-routine or additional work that would contribute not only to the cleanliness of the spaces, but also the morale of the team, especially when they are short staffed.
The team selected the Makita vacuum due to its reputation and price point in comparison to other models. Their hope is that it will improve customer service, employee productivity/efficiency and workplace culture.
Two machines were approved for purchase at $2000 each, with future purchase once it has been determined that the project is successful.
Congratulations Erin Ives and co-authors Kenny Dowdy, Patricia Taylor and Breche Nupsia Makosso Mazzi.
Good Idea: Digital Access and Skills Program
Employees need to have access to technology to view MyPack Portal, learn basic word processing and email skills, and other digital functions for their employment and professional growth. To help with this initiative, Digital Access and Skills Program plans to hire student workers that will be mobile and travel to work locations where assistance is needed within the division. This project will provide Campus Enterprises employees with the tools they need to perform their job duties at a higher level and feel more confident in the use of technology.
Increased confidence in digital processes can lead to better employee satisfaction, yielding higher employee retention. Improving the digital competencies of employees can also be a significant productivity enhancer for supervisors. If supervisors have to spend time assisting employees with basic technology tasks like printing pay stubs, completing online training, or applying for benefits, they are taking time away supporting their business operations in other ways. Communication can also be simplified if more employees are regularly checking emails or other online platforms.
Phase one of this project, which has been approved for funding, includes purchasing laptops for the student workers to facilitate the Digital Access and Skills Program. Phase two will fund the student workers themselves. The proposal authors are working on clarification of the phase two plan.
Congratulations Annaka Sikkink, and co-authors Kristie Juda and James Hewitt.
Good Idea: Redesign and furnish Common Grounds seating area
The Common Grounds is the first thing people see when they enter the Hunt Library, a beautiful NCSU showcase on Centennial Campus. Yet, the Cafe’s public seating area doesn’t do the building or its namesake justice. The Cafe’s seating area is underdeveloped, leaving the space underutilized. The tables are too small to eat and/or study, power outlets are inaccessible and each only accommodates 1-2 people. People don’t gather there to eat or study because the space is not functional for them, nor is it particularly attractive or inviting.
We have a huge opportunity to improve our guest experience and better serve our visitors and students with an intentionally designed and welcoming seating area. The proposed new furnishings would include both a high-top bar and larger 4-person tables with power outlets. With new seating added we will be able to increase traffic and sales at Common Grounds, improve the guest experience, increase the number of seats from 13 to 19, and fully utilize the seating area to accommodate small groups and individuals.
Although this idea was well received and thoughtful, the review committee felt that this was a budget item and forwarded to Dining for future implementation.
Thank you to Meghan Shoop and Matthew Sites for the proposal and good idea.
More information about the Good Idea Fund and a link to the proposal form is available go.ncsu.edu/ce-gif.