Application period for Tilburg University Card successfully shortened
All new students and staff at Tilburg University need to have a Tilburg University Card. However, both students and staff were confronted with long waiting times, of up to 6-8 weeks. This feedback was collected as part of the Untangling & Unburdening program, aimed to significantly reduce the burden of rules and regulations and to optimize complex procedures. The efforts to improve the application process have been successful: the application period has been almost halved.
Waiting time almost halved
A team consisting of Academic Services (AS) and Library & Information Services (LIS) worked together intensively on the project, evaluating the application process. A data analysis showed that waiting times in January to October averaged 16 working days. Thanks to more efficient working practices, our colleagues have managed to reduce the overall lead time to an average of 6.8 days. This is an impressive 47% reduction compared to January and February 2023.
Adjustment to lead time
Another important change in the application process is that it is now permitted for new employees to apply for their Card before their first working day, so they can pick it op on their first day at work. The lead time continues to be affected by the number of applications. Obviously applications peak around the start of the academic year because new students need a Card. A distinction is therefore made between target lead times in peak and in low season: six working days in low season and nine working days during peak season.
Untangling & Unburdening
The efforts to optimize the application procedure are part of the broader initiative of Untangling and Unburdening, the program aimed to reduce the burden of rules and improve the experience of students and staff at the university. By addressing inefficiencies and streamlining processes, Tilburg University strives to be an attractive organization where time and energy are spent on the things that really matter, without frustration and red tape.
Questions
If you have any questions or need more information on this subject, please contact project manager Lea Nockemann at strategy2027@tilburguniversity.edu or take a look at the Untangling and Unburdening program webpage.