Welcome to PILOT! CSUSB’s Process Improvement and Lean Operations Team
We’re here to help simplify and enhance the way work gets done across campus. Whether you’re looking to improve a process, join a training, or build a culture of innovation in your division, PILOT is your partner in driving smarter, more effective operations.
Our Mission
To ignite a culture of continuous improvement by empowering individuals and teams to reimagine how work is done through Lean Six Sigma, data-driven decision-making, and inclusive collaboration.
FAQ's
Lean Six Sigma is a methodology for continuous improvement. It helps improve how we work, the processes we follow, and the services we provide. It starts with the customer in mind and aims to balance increased efficiency with improved quality, using systematic, data-driven changes.
- “Lean” focuses on eliminating waste and speeding up processes.
- “Six Sigma” emphasizes reducing variation and defects through statistical thinking.
Any unit or team that wants to improve their processes, whether in administrative services, student-facing services, healthcare, facilities, or academic support—and wants to base those improvements on data rather than guesswork.
At CSUSB, our Process Improvement and Lean Operations Team (PILOT) offers year-round continuous improvement workshops designed to help faculty and staff build practical skills, confidence, and a shared language for improvement. Each session is hands-on and focused on providing real-world tools you can immediately apply to make your work more efficient, effective, and impactful.
We’re also proud to announce that our first Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Cohort is underway! Partnering with UC San Diego, participants in this inaugural group are completing comprehensive Yellow Belt certification training, a half-day Kaizen event, and two personalized coaching sessions with Master Black Belt instructors — all designed to deepen learning, accelerate results, and build a network of campus changemakers.
These professional development opportunities foster a growth mindset and equip participants with the skills to become future career-ready leaders. Lean Six Sigma certifications are highly valued by employers across industries for their focus on problem-solving, innovation, and continuous improvement — qualities that make organizations thrive.
The first cohort is now full, but applications for the second Yellow Belt cohort will open in Spring 2026. Don’t miss your chance to join this transformative experience and be part of shaping CSUSB’s continuous improvement journey!
Be part of the movement that’s transforming how we work and serve our campus community! There are many ways to get involved with PILOT and join CSUSB’s continuous improvement journey:
- Participate in Workshops and Events: Attend our year-round workshops and special events to learn practical tools, share ideas, and connect with colleagues who are passionate about making things better.
- Pledge to Improve: Make a personal commitment to the Improvement Promise! Take small, meaningful steps every day toward simplifying, enhancing, and innovating the way we work.
- Become a Change Champion: Encourage your department to identify opportunities for improvement and collaborate with PILOT on process improvement projects that make a real impact.
Together, we can create a campus culture where everyone feels empowered to improve and inspire positive change, one process at a time.