Drexel recently began a comprehensive project to assess the effectiveness and cost-efficiency of the University’s administrative structure and services, to ensure that Drexel stewards its resources carefully and wisely and can invest in the implementation of its Strategic Plan. On Monday, December 3, members of Huron Consulting Services’ higher education practice began Phase 1 of an engagement to assist in this effort.
The Strategic Transformation of Administrative Resources (STAR) steering committee, chaired by CFO Helen Bowman, has charged Huron with examining management and operations of all non-academic administrative functions, including but not limited to finance, technology, procurement, facilities, human resources, student services, fundraising, enrollment management and financial aid. This project stands alongside the Program Alignment and Review (PAR) process, led by Provost Mark Greenberg.
The Huron team will collect data about Drexel's organizational structure, policies, procedures, budgeting and staffing, and interview University leaders and key administrators. Using this information, they will work with the steering committee to identify and assess opportunities to better align the University's resources with its strategic initiatives. Phase 1 will result in a series of detailed recommendations for service improvements and expense reductions, and an implementation plan ready to be carried out in Phase 2.
Huron has served more than 4,000 clients in its 10-year existence, from Fortune 500 companies to government agencies to 90 of the nation’s top 100 research universities. Huron’s experienced team brings knowledge of best practices in higher education and the commercial sector, and they will benchmark Drexel’s performance against universities and a relevant set of for-profit industries.
Drexel faculty and staff are encouraged to support this critical University-wide effort by participating fully and candidly if contacted by a consultant. Huron has created a confidential online survey to gather input; the survey link is also available from the President’s Office website. Huron may share suggestions with members of the steering committee, but they will not share a participant’s identity.
Drexel and Huron will continue to provide updates on this project.
Click here to take the survey.