UAT profiles: meet Anna Schwandt

In this new series, get to know some of the people who have taken on new roles as part of the university's operating model.

Anna Schwandt

• Current position: Shared Services Advisor, Staff Service Centre, Shared Services
• Time with the university: For almost 19 years
• Former position: Research Assistance (Department of Medicine) 2011 – 2021. I have worked in various positions on campus since 2003 including working with Standardized Patient Program, Islet Transplants, and Electrical Engineering.

What do you like most about your current position?

With my new position in Shared Services, I have the opportunity to provide direction and guidance to other university staff, sharing what I have learned over the years at the University of Alberta. I also love being part of a great team that works well together. Customer focus has always been my number one direction, regardless of where I have worked now and in the past. Currently working in Shared Services as an Advisor has given me perspective and taught me how to assist with such a variety of questions.

How was the transition into your new position?

My transition from the Department of Medicine to the Staff Service Centre went smoothly. The new team welcomed me in and shared the processes and training so I would succeed in my new position.

Has your unit experienced any successes or progress as part of the UAT initiative?

I would like to think I have been able to share my knowledge of working on campus as a financial administrator. As a unit, I hope we have been able to provide smooth guidance to other staff transitioning their processes to the new U of A for Tomorrow changes.

What aspect of UAT has been more challenging than you expected?

Many processes have changed, but some have not. The challenge is knowing if they have, and if so, how I can help others know who to contact with these changes.

When you think of the U of A of Tomorrow, what are you most looking forward to?

I see an even flow of work and processes—one direction for who to contact. I see one central unit, made up of human resources and financial services and specialists in these groups who will be able to assist faster and better with questions or requests.

The Shared Services unit is a key component of the new operating model focused on centralizing high-volume administrative services from across the university to achieve cost savings and greater process efficiencies over time. Consisting of the Staff Service Centre, the service teams (divided by function), and the Service Innovation Team, Shared Services delivers cross-functional, high-volume services. It leverages technology, systems, and processes to collaborate, exchange knowledge, and identify solutions for faculty and staff.

If you'd like to be featured in the UAT profile series, or would like to nominate someone, please contact uat@ualberta.ca.