Provost Task Forces on Cost Reduction and Revenue Enhancement
To continue the momentum of U-M's cost containment efforts, five task forces of faculty and staff were appointed to explore areas where we can further reduce costs or enhance revenue. The U-M continues to face unprecedented uncertainty around the state appropriation, and this effort is part of our ongoing strategy to prepare our institution in these times of economic distress.
Since 2002, we have been engaged in a disciplined program of strategic cost containment initatives. These initiatives have been highly successful and have so far helped us avoid the devastating cuts occurring at many other universities. We continue to improve our efficiency through consolidation of our major information technology units, central scheduling of classrooms, and revised travel and hosting guidelines, which will be rolled out in the coming months. We can and must do more.
The topics that were explored by the task forces emerged from the deliberations of the Prudence Panel, convened by the Provost's Office, and were further refined at a special deans' retreat in June, 2009. The task forces are:
Best Practices for Centers and Institutes
Creative Staffing and Shared Services
Expansion of Spring/Summer Instruction
Marketing U-M to Non-resident Undergraduate Applicants
Non-traditional Education Programs at U-M
Please email provostcrre@umich.edu with comments, questions or ideas for any of the Provost task forces on Cost Reduction and Revenue Enhancement.
Related Links
Task force recommends increased visibility for continuing education
University Record, May 21, 2010
Lucy Ann Lance Business Insider Interview with Phil Hanlon
Lucy Ann Lance Business Insider Podcast, August 26, 2009
University of Michigan organizes task forces to explore savings, revenue
AnnArbor.com, August 24, 2009
Five task forces to focus on ways to reduce costs, enhance revenue
The University Record, August 17, 2009
Provost names panel to address cost cutting
The University Record, March 9, 2009
Financial Strategy & Cost Control