Functional Integration

Functional Integration is the thoughtful and methodical process that aligns and integrates the structures, roles, processes, and cultures of two or more merging organizations.

Functional Integration creates the institutional foundation needed to operate seamlessly across all campuses. It enables:

  • A unified operating model​
  • Consistent service delivery for faculty, staff, students and partners​
  • Clear roles and responsibilities across teams and leaders​
  • Aligned policies, systems, and workflows​
  • Stronger compliance, efficiency and collaboration​
  • A workforce model that evolves with needs

Building on this foundation, the following units and functional areas have begun active participation in the Functional Integration effort—working collaboratively to align operations, streamline workflows, and advance a consistent, institution-wide operating model.

Advancement

  • Updates
Business Affairs & Operations

  • Updates
Global Initiatives and International Services

  • Updates
Governmental Relations

  • Updates
Internal Audit

  • Updates
Legal Affairs

  • Updates
Marketing, Communications & Media

  • Updates
Office of the President

  • Updates
Research & Innovation

  • Updates

FIT Updates

Current updates from the active Functional Integration Divisions.

  • Government Relations Strategy – Completed aspirant peer data collection to inform benchmarking and strategic positioning.
  • Government Relations Operations – Established bi-monthly cabinet updates to ensure consistent alignment and communication.
  • Government Relations Integration – Developed a comprehensive work plan to unify academic and health campus Government Relations teams and coordinated closely with the Office of Research and Innovation to align federal relations efforts.
  • Community Engagement Transition – Partnered with the Office of Research and Innovation to successfully transition the Westside Community Center to a new reporting unit.
March 2026
  • Strategic Research Initiatives Working Group – Developed and advanced recommendations to establish a streamlined limited submission process.
  • Research Administration & Operations Working Group – Achieved 53% completion of HOP/IHOP alignment and finalized a comprehensive inventory of research administration information management system.
  • Innovation & Strategic Partnerships Working Group – Completed implementation of a project and workflow management system to enhance coordination and efficiency.
  • Communications & Marketing Working Group – Strengthened leadership capacity with the hiring of Wesley Elliot as director of communications.
March 2026
  • Functional Integration Team (FIT) launched, members include Claudia Delgado, Siobhan Fleming and Anthony Francis.
  • Three working groups have been established to focus on key priorities:
    • Strategic Research Initiatives: identify and align research programs across both campuses. This effort is designed to strengthen collaboration.
    • Research Administration & Operations: assess, align, and integrate administrative and operational functions that support research activities across both campuses. This initiative aims to build cohesive and efficient service models, optimize the use of institutional resources, and ensure consistent delivery of high-quality support to faculty and research staff.
    • Innovation & Strategic Partnerships: enhance and unify efforts that advance research commercialization, industry collaboration, and strategic alliances across both campuses. This initiative focuses on fostering a cohesive innovation ecosystem that accelerates technology translation, expands partnership opportunities, and amplifies the economic and societal impact of institutional research. Through this effort, we will align programs, leverage shared resources, and strengthen the infrastructure that supports a dynamic and collaborative innovation enterprise.
Nov 2025
  • Functional Integration Team (FIT) has launched, members include Carlos Martinez, Gilbert Loredo, Jaymie Mangelsdorf, Jason Hassay, Albert Carrisalez, Pete Arguello, Hilda Lopez and Cynthia Rocha.
  • Five working groups have been established to focus on key priorities:
    • Administrative Operations: develop and implement administrative processes and practices in the office that are efficient, comply with institutional policies, and ensure oversight, accountability, and sustainable over the long-term.
    • Advocacy & Relationship Building: develop a strategic plan to guide and strengthen UT San Antonio’s advocacy efforts at the local, state, and federal levels, and key campus stakeholders. The purpose is to design an approach that cultivates and maintains strategic relationships to advance the university’s mission, priorities, and reputation before elected officials, staff, and key government offices. The working group shall include an approach that establishes OGR as the trusted resource to the campus community on emerging issues, legislation, and regulations. Recommend roles, workflows, and tools needed to support the plan. The resulting plan will align with the UT San Antonio’s strategic plan, mission and values.
    • Early Knowledge & Communications: develop an Early Knowledge System to monitor, gather intelligence, and analyze local, state, and federal governmental activities and policy shifts that have the potential to impact the university’s strategic goals.  Recommend roles, workflows, and tools needed to sustain the system and ensure leadership receives timely, forward-looking intelligence for proactive decision-making.
    • The Future of Westside Community Center: review the future of the Westside Community Center and, in collaboration with the Office of Research and Innovation and appropriate academic units, develop a plan to determine the best approach to advance the university’s priorities.
    • Metrics & Key Performance Indicators (KPI): design a comprehensive performance framework for the Office of Government Relations (OGR) that defines key outcomes, benchmarks best practices, and develop balanced metrics. Recommend data collection methods and establish reporting processes to provide leadership with regular, actionable insights for accountability and continuous improvement.
Nov 2025

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