|
|
|
Academic Business Officer Group
1968-Present
The Academic Business Officer Group (ABOG) was originally organized
by Laboratory Business Officers (LBOs) Ken Faunce at UCB, Tom
Rolinson at UCSF, and Rodney Rose, Physics Department, UCI.
They decided it would be useful to meet and talk about common
challenges and solutions. They met annually, at first
alternating between UC Conference Facilities at Arrowhead and
Asilomar, and the group grew. At these meetings, they invited
administrators from the campuses and UCOP to talk with them
and work together on common topics, challenges and goals.
For many years the group remained stable at 100 participants.
At that time, everyone was a top administrator with laboratory
responsibilities in a scientific department. Over the years
other department administrators from other disciplines joined
and conferences held in the past 5 years have hosted 150-200
participants. Through the years ABOG has increased its
visibility and credibility with UCOP and the networking of
members from the various campuses has been a valuable feature
of the annual conference.
ABOG was initially organized to provide a forum for academic
department managers to develop more effective systemwide
communication, share knowledge and expertise among campuses,
and to provide essential networking opportunities. The
intent has been to develop and maintain a collegial and
professional relationship with all levels of university
administration. This is the only formal (although rather
informal) organization of these managers who serve pivotal
roles in the administrative, personnel, financial and often
public relations activities of the University.
The annual meeting provides opportunities to discuss emerging
issues, exchange information on policies and practices that are
working, and provide informed feedback to higher levels of
administration. Touring the host campus each year has served
to broaden managers' appreciation for the diversity of the
university's 9-campus system. Reportedly, UC San Diego was the
first to include a campus tour as an integrated part of the
conference schedule in 1988. These tours typically have a
reception that is hosted by the Chancellor or Vice Chancellor
of Academic Affairs.
|
|