Office of Continuous Improvement
Established in 2013, the Office of Continuous Improvement has been open for more than a decade helping make work at Berea College easier and faster. We are located on the first floor of Fairchild Hall, room 104. Over the years, we have worked on several projects with individuals and departments to update processes on campus. Some of our project partners include Berea College's Farm Enterprises, Office of Sustainability, Facilities Management, Human Resources, and the Alumni, Communications, and Philanthropy Division.
Our Mission
The Office of Continuous Improvement exists to promote and sustain a campus-wide culture of continuous improvement at Berea College by supporting departments in their efforts to become more effective and efficient in meeting departmental goals and objectives.
Accomplishments since 2013
Our Office in a Snapshot
To help Berea College become more efficient, the Office of Continuous Improvement offers two groups of services: Green Belt Certification and Facilitation and Quick Improvement Solutions. In the links below you can learn more about our office's services.
Quick Improvement Solutions
Partner with our office to improve a process. We will find ways to make your work easier using the LEAN Continuous Improvement method.
Become Green Belt Certified
Learn about LEAN in a week-long training program. After your training, our office will support you as you carry out your own process improvement project.
Our Staff
Click here to learn about the staff that make up the Office of Continuous Improvement.
Student Employment and Summer Internship
Click here if you're a Berea College student and you’re interested in working with us during the school year or having a summer internship.
FAQs
A typical Green Belt project takes between 3 months to a year to complete. The timeline depends on the individual’s availability and how much priority they can give to the project outside of their daily tasks. Since this work is often in addition to regular responsibilities, the duration varies based on time and effort dedicated to it.
Yes, our office provides training for staff, students, and faculty. We offer LABP training on campus in June every year for staff and faculty that request to participate, and as well as OCI student interns. This training is the first step to starting a Green Belt or Yellow Belt project. Additionally, we provide customized training and support based on the needs and requests of offices across campus, such as sessions on completing a 5S, creating standard work, or implementing visual management systems. Often these sessions work well for labor meetings.
For staff, OCI projects help save time by streamlining workflows and reducing inefficiencies, allowing them to focus on high-level work and take necessary breaks. Students benefit from more effective systems that enhance their campus experience. Faculty gain from optimized academic and administrative processes, allowing them to focus more on teaching and research. Overall, OCI projects make Berea College a more effective and supportive environment for everyone.
Before a project is completed, we evaluate changes in touch time, cycle time, and reductions in rework as key measures of success. Long-term, we follow up with previous clients to assess how their new process and countermeasures (standard work, 5S, visual management, etc.) are being sustained in their areas. Many benefits go beyond measurable savings, such as reduced stress about taking breaks, the ability to go on vacation without work interruptions, and peace of mind during holidays knowing tasks are being handled efficiently.
We also see success in how labor students can take more ownership of their work with less reliance on staff support. This allows them to develop valuable skills and gain meaningful experience that prepares them for post-graduation careers. Our projects often create a more independent and impactful labor experience for students.
A common misconception about Lean and continuous improvement is that it focuses on fixing people rather than processes. Our approach is centered on improving workflows and systems, not blaming individuals, who are often just doing the best that they can. Continuous improvement should never come at the expense of the people doing the work; it should make their jobs easier, reduce unnecessary stress, and create a more supportive work environment.
Students learn how to collaborate in teams, communicate effectively, present projects or training sessions, as well as implement practical solutions in a real-world environment.
Here are some online resources you can use to learn about some lean tools:
Blogs
Emily used Lean strategies to streamline the Retiree Life Insurance Process at Berea College, reducing administrative burden, improving communication, and ensuring beneficiaries receive support more efficiently during a difficult time.
Abbie used Lean strategies to transform the Berea College Draft Barn, reducing waste, improving organization, and creating a more efficient, less stressful work environment.
Contact Us
Berea College | Fairchild Room 104 | CPO 2155 | Berea, KY 40404 | CIOffice@berea.edu | 859-985-3286
If you are interested in partnering with our office, please feel free to contact us via email or phone. You can also send your inquiry or request using the form below.