Simplifying Work at Stanford

A streamlined research administration support team in the School of Humanities and Sciences is helping faculty obtain and manage research grants more efficiently.

ArcLight, developed by Stanford University Libraries, is an open-source software tool that simplifies online research and viewing of archival materials.

FMS has undertaken a simplification initiative identifying three key lessons that inform the unit’s ongoing work – and aims to make work easier for colleagues across the campus community.

Simplification at Stanford is targeting red tape and creating a more agile work environment. Some significant changes are in place, but the effort to fix cumbersome processes and frustrating policies continues.

New changes aim to cut unnecessary paperwork and empower schools to make timely, high-quality decisions.

A multi-year, university-wide effort aims to streamline research administration, with the goal of creating a more efficient engine of innovation.

New processes and tools are making tasks like booking and reimbursement easier for Stanford travelers. Feedback from users drove many of the changes.

Former President Richard Saller and former Provost John Etchemendy discuss how the effort to fix cumbersome processes and frustrating policies at Stanford is taking shape – including some initial successes.