UConn President Hogan forms cost-cutting task force

In response to a reduction of almost $12 million in the university’s state appropriation, the CORE Task Force is charged with finding annual cost savings of 3 to 5 percent of the state appropriation and increased revenues of 2 to 3 percent.

University of Connecticut President Michael J. Hogan announced Monday the formation of a Costs, Operations & Revenue Efficiencies (CORE) Task Force to identify ways of cutting costs, spending available dollars more efficiently, and bringing in more revenue outher than raising tuition or fees.

In response to a reduction of almost $12 million in the university’s state appropriation, the CORE Task Force is charged with finding annual cost savings of 3 to 5 percent of the state appropriation and increased revenues of 2 to 3 percent.

Hogan said, “UConn should anticipate and preparte for potentially substantial, permanent rescissions on its state appropriation over at least the next two budget cycles.”

CORE will examine all programs and activities that receive funding through the state appropriation and assess whethr alternative funding sources are available and/or the relation of the program or activity to core programming and UConn’s strategic priorities.

CORE will look at budgeting, utilities, productivity, administrative procedures, purchasing and procurement, and information technology systems. The group is expected to deliver its first report in spring 2009.

Some of the steps UConn has already taken to cut costs include placing strict limits on out-of-state travel, a hiring freeze (with the exception of critical positions), and reducing energy costs through conservation and construction of a cogeneration plant.

Hogan noted, “Significant savings have been implemented without impacting the quality of our academic program…. UConn must continue to provide the quality educational experience that is attracting record numbers of high-achieving students. In these challenging economic times, it is more critical than ever that the state’s only public research university step up its efforts to foster innovation, develop new technologies and create jobs that will spark long-term economic growth for our state.”

The CORE Task Force will include faculty, staff and administrators, and be co-chaired by Executive Vice President and Provost Peter Nicholls, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Richard Gray, and Vice President and Chief Operations Officer Barry Feldman.

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