MADISON, Wis. – A national leader in efficient administrative functions, the University of Wisconsin System is renewing its commitment to streamline and centralize its administrative operations throughout the state, including human resources, information technology, purchasing and budgeting operations.
On June 10, at its meetings at UW-Milwaukee, the UW System Board of Regents will hear details about the newly named Commitment to Operational Reform and Effectiveness (CORE) Project. UW System Vice President for Administration David Miller will lead Regents through updates on the initiative, launched by President Ray Cross at the time of his appointment in 2014.
“We take our commitment to affordability for students and their families seriously. That means we must concentrate on lean principles and we must regularly and consistently examine ways to standardize and centralize the operations at our institutions, including outside of classrooms,” said UW System President Ray Cross.
In FY 2014, administrative costs in the UW System represented 6.2 percent of its budget, compared to the 8.8 percent national average for higher education institutions. “Our reputation and search for greater efficiency and savings benefitting both students and taxpayers have always been hallmarks of the UW System, and the CORE Project will only enhance our standing,” Cross said.
The CORE Project focuses on several functional areas: human resources, the budgeting system, information technology and procurement. Streamlining in these four significant administrative operations serves a dual purpose—gaining efficiency and increasing operational capabilities.
Miller’s June 10 presentation will describe the goals, tasks, and outcomes for each area. The central objective is to reduce actual expenditures and time spent on administrative tasks.