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SMU Statement Regarding Media Reports

Every organization should review its costs and operations on a regular basis. SMU is in the lead as a university in undertaking an operational review to be accountable to its constituents, including donors who provide generous support and students who pay tuition. SMU announced such a review process in March and has communicated in various ways with the campus, through the web, interviews and meetings. SMU is enjoying tremendous success with its major gifts campaign for restricted, high-priority purposes such as scholarships, faculty support and facilities. However, we must reduce our operational and administrative costs to direct as many resources as possible to our core, academic mission.

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Contract Administration Initiative Completes Diagnostic Phase and Begins Design Work

After conducting a thorough diagnostic analysis that included campus interviews and focus groups, conversations with contract administrators at other universities and an in-depth look at data provided by the Office of Legal Affairs, the Contract Administration Initiative committee found opportunities for improvement in the following areas:

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Faculty and Staff Input Needed on Travel Management Company Selection

The OE2C Travel initiative is exploring travel management companies (TMCs) to ensure that SMU realizes the maximum amount of savings and efficiency possible in the travel booking process. The new travel software solution, Concur, requires integration with a TMC, which will be the company responsible for issuing tickets on behalf of the airlines, hotels and rental car companies booked through Concur; providing live assistance for travel booking; and assisting with changes to itineraries. The Travel committee plans to recommend a TMC to the OE2C Executive Committee before the winter break.

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Procurement Initiative Begins Work to Save SMU Millions in Annual Spending

Procurementgraph_newNRIn fiscal year 2013, SMU spent $150 million on recurring goods and services such as business services, food and office supplies. To help the University maximize savings in major spending categories identified in the OE2C diagnostic phase, the Procurement initiative began its work on November 6. The Procurement initiative team aims to help the University realize $11-15 million in annual savings by both delivering quick savings in a few specific spending categories and designing a high performing purchasing organization. Savings identified in this initiative will not just be deducted from the bottom line, but will combine with funds saved through other OE2C initiatives to be invested in new academic projects that support our core mission.

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News OE2C

Julie Wiksten Named Associate Vice President for Operational Excellence

wiksten1Julie Wiksten, associate vice president for campus services, has been appointed to the new position of associate vice president for operational excellence in the recently established OE2C office, effective immediately. In her new role, Wiksten will ensure that the OE2C project remains on track by overseeing the initiative committees and managing continuous improvement opportunities.