President's Report - Wentworth Institute of Technology

5 HUMAN RESOURCES AND FACILITIES
Human Resources
The Department of Human Resources (HR) is contributing
to a safer and more efficient working environment at
Wentworth through the implementation of an updated
applicant tracking and performance management system,
as well as the use of online training programs.
A web-based software system, PeopleAdmin – which has
been in use at the Institute since 2006 – has expedited
the job posting and hiring process. Managers are now
able to create job postings online, and appropriate application
questions are available for selection. Applicants can search for
open postings and upload their application in a few simple
steps. This streamlined process eliminates individuals who do
not meet the position criteria, ensuring that supervisors are
interviewing from a select pool of more qualified candidates.
Due to the success of PeopleAdmin, the software will be
utilized for job descriptions and performance evaluations
beginning in October 2008. The system will enable the
supervisors to create and update accurate job descriptions
as well as help facilitate the performance evaluation process.
All applications, resumes, position descriptions, and
performance evaluations are now being housed in a central
electronic archive as the HR office moves towards being
paperless. Online training programs for the prevention of
sexual harassment and employment discrimination were
introduced in 2007 for all staff and faculty. During the same
year, HR commenced conducting criminal background checks
on all new employees through the company HireRight, who
also, depending on the candidate’s position, carry out DMV
and credit checks.
Susan Morin, HR manager, is chair of the Colleges of the
Fenway diversity recruitment sub-committee. The committee
has just completed a three-year strategy to increase employee
diversity through creating an advertising strategy aimed at
select publications and websites, hosting employment fairs
and networking events, and establishing relationships with
minority professional organizations.
Facilities
Wentworth has been proactive in implementing facility
upgrades that enhance the student learning experience,
improve campus safety, and assist with navigating the campus.
Campus Master Plan
The Institute has embarked on a comprehensive master
planning project to evaluate campus needs and set priorities
for the future direction of the Institute. A kick-off meeting on
March 3, 2008, introduced faculty, staff, and students to the
two design firms that have been helping to conduct the
master planning process: Goody Clancy and Perkins+Will.
With their guidance, Wentworth has been working with
the community to maximize existing capabilities and plan
strategically for future campus development.
Classroom Conversions
The Architecture Studio in Annex North underwent renovations
in 2007 with the rebuilding of junior and senior labs to increase
the number of work stations and make way for master’s degree
studios. The Architecture studio expansion created an increase
in student capacity from 150 to 238 stations. Two rooms,
previously Mac Labs, in Annex Central, were converted to
classrooms, and classroom conversions also occurred in Beatty
Hall and Wentworth Hall.
The Annex wing was reconstructed to provide space for a
conference room and project room for the Department of
Civil, Construction, and Environment (CCEV). The Shawmut
Conference Center was built by Shawmut Design and
Construction, a leading national construction management firm.
Shawmut donated its services to build a multimedia conference
room and reception area as a gesture of reciprocity and partnership
with Wentworth, whose graduates heavily populate the
Shawmut ranks. The new project room was constructed to
increase work stations from 20 to 91 and enable students to
work in teams. Five new offices were also built for CCEV faculty.
The Industrial Design carpenter and sheet metal labs used
for model building were upgraded and a Z-printer 510
was purchased. This particular printer is able to produce
high-definition, full color 3D parts for students’ 3D models.
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