A Strategic Priority for the University
One of the university’s top three strategic priorities is to transform service delivery and promote operational excellence. Participants in USC's Improvement Leader Program have an important role in making this priority a reality.
The program is results-focused, with each participant facilitating an improvement effort in their area. This practical approach benefits the unit, its customers, and the university. Participants gain valuable knowledge, skills, and abilities while strengthening their improvement credentials.
See the program information packet [pdf] for an overview, timeline, and details about the learning sessions and project work.
• July 31, 2024 – Application window closed for 2024-25 cohort
• Week of August 5 – Notification to applicants
• By August 9 – 2024-25 Cohort announced
• September 5 – First learning session
• February 5, 2025 – Concluding session
• March 2025 – Project presentations
See the program information packet [pdf] for dates and details of all sessions.
As part of the application process, the applicant identifies three potential improvement projects supported by their department. During the program, each participant selects one of these to work on and fully develop.
This program is for full-time USC staff and faculty. The applicant, and the potential improvement projects submitted as part of the application, are to have the support of their immediate manager and department leadership.
An application process is used to determine participants in the cohort. The application guides applicants in providing three potential improvement projects – to be narrowed to the one they will facilitate during the hands-on learning portion of the program. (The application window for the 2024-25 cohort was open through July 31, 2024.)
Upon completion of the eight learning sessions, participants receive an Improvement Leader Program Certificate. It represents the attainment of a set of practical knowledge, skills, and tools for leading the way on improvement and achieving meaningful results.