Introducing Cathy Ewing

Business Analyst, UAA Enrollment Services  - I’m generally introduced as the Agent of Change. My role is to help departments make things run more smoothly and more quickly. One of the terms I hear most often is “we have to do more with less,” this actually becomes “we are going to do less with less” until we are doing things smarter. When there is change, people need a little time and a little freedom to think outside the box so amazing things can happen.

My passion is helping people align everything they do, from the policies they follow, to the forms they collect, to the technology that supports their jobs. Think about ATM’s, banking by phone, mobile airline check-in and instant messaging. All of these changes have made processes faster and easier for the customer. The University of Alaska continues working hard to do the same thing for students.

Shaping?
What I work on every day is directly related to the challenges listed in the Shaping Alaska's Future document under Theme 1- Student Achievement and Attainment  Issue B - Like those of many large and complex institutions, UA processes and procedures can be challenging for students to navigate.

Recently, we have been improving the technology used by academic advisors and faculty members when meeting with a student. Rather than spending time flipping from screen to screen to see the student’s record, all of the information is in one place so the advisor can focus on the student, not on the computer screens. When this is complete, they will be able to do 90-95 percent of their tasks right away from that single screen.

We’re also focused on improving the experience for students who are making inquiries, applying for admissions and attending Orientation. Our current technology makes it a challenge to communicate with prospective students and applicants. We’re fixing that. New software, new policies and new processes will make admission and transition to the University more accessible, more efficient and more transparent. This work is being led by UAA and UAF but everyone will benefit. At UAA the goal is to create one of the best admissions experiences in the United States. Check back in about a year and see if we’ve hit the mark.

For me, it’s an exciting time to work at the University of Alaska because everyone is thinking about how large and small changes can revolutionize the experience for students, staff and faculty. I come to work excited about my job every day.

Join the Conversation

More information about the People of UA  project.

The names selected for these profiles are generated by random from the UA People Directory. If you are a UA faculty, staff and/or student please check and update your listing at https://people.alaska.edu/.