Efficiency task force created

August 9, 2007

I am writing to announce the creation of a committee to help identify ways to trim costs and operate more efficiently in an extremely tight budget year and into the future amid predictions of a worsening economy.

As part of a comprehensive approach to addressing our current and future budget situation, the newly established Cost Reduction and Efficiency Task Force is charged with:

* Identifying processes that could be streamlined

* Determining the feasibility of reducing or eliminating some UF functions

* Evaluating strategies to maximize current revenue streams

* Identifying new revenue opportunities

I have selected faculty, staff and students from across the university to serve on the task force. They are:

Frank Bova – professor of neurosurgery and chair-elect of the Council on Academic Planning, Budgeting and Resource Management

Judith Russell – dean of libraries

Tim White – professor and director of the School of Forest Resources and Conservation

William A. McCullough – senior associate dean in the Warrington College of Business

Ryan Moseley – Student Body president

Joe Glover – interim dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Glen Hoffsis – dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine

Jim Ferrer – associate director of finance and planning in the Health Science Center

Ed Poppell – vice president for business affairs

I have asked Kyle Cavanaugh, senior vice president for administration, to chair the task force.

In addition, the task force will be supported by the Huron Consulting Group. Huron is considered a leader in higher education consulting and is now engaged in similar projects at several prominent universities.

Task force members will start their work this month, with the goal of having a report to me later this fall. Please join me in supporting this most important work.

J. Bernard Machen
President
University of Florida