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Western Washington University is one of six colleges and universities nationwide recognized by University Business magazine’s "Models of Efficiency" program, which is sponsored by Higher One, a company that assists in college technology and payment services operations. The Models of Efficiency program recognizes innovative approaches for streamlining higher education operations through technology or business process improvements.

“Efficient business operations translate into better experiences for students and administrators alike, and the Models of Efficiency program aims to encourage schools to prioritize service,” said Tim Goral, editor-in-chief of University Business. “Western Washington University stands out for developing a very effective solution to a challenging situation.”

After years of being swamped with paperwork, Western Washington University transferred more than 200 of the school’s printed forms to online versions.

When the university used hard copy requisition forms, the results were wasted paper, extra work, and lost forms. But the university’s Administrative Computing Services solved the problem by creating electronic Esign forms that support online data entry. The online forms have reduced processing times from more than two weeks under the paper-based system to less than a day.

The online forms are also vastly easier to keep track of, said Bob Schneider, director of the school’s Administrative Computing Services. “We do not lose any forms,’’ he said. “There’s a complete audit trail at the bottom of every form. At any time, you can see whose desk it’s on.’’

In addition to Western Washington University, “Models of Efficiency’’ summer honorees include: Fresno Pacific University, Temple University, Oakland University, State University of New York at Cobleskill, and University of Wisconsin-Stout.

Models of Efficiency is an ongoing recognition program. Schools can participate in upcoming rounds by visiting .

The program is sponsored by Higher One, a leading company focused on helping college business offices manage operations and provide enhanced service to students. Through a full array of services from refunds to payments, electronic billing, payment plans, and more, Higher One works closely with colleges and universities to ensure students receive financial aid refunds quickly, pay tuition and bills online, make on-campus and community purchases, and learn the basics of financial management.

“It’s a very rewarding experience to partner with University Business in recognizing operations efficiencies on campuses across the country,” said Dean Hatton, CEO of Higher One, the program’s sponsor. “The creativity, tenacity, and determination demonstrated by “Models of Efficiency” winners are inspiring to us in the private sector as we continue to strive to support the streamlining of operations and services in higher education business offices.”