Cost Reduction and Efficiency Task Force

J. Bernard Machen, President

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.