Conference Services to up annual income by $500,000
Cornell's Conference Services could boost its revenue by $500,000 annually by fiscal year 2014, an initiative manager said at a Nov. 16 streamlining discussion. (Nov. 30, 2011)

CALS plans reorganization of plant sciences departments
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is beginning a yearlong planning process to develop a new organizational structure for one of its oldest and most respected areas of expertise - plants. (Nov. 16, 2011)

Benefits are emerging from finance consolidation
Despite some challenges, the benefits of consolidating more than 30 business service centers range from a sharing of best practices to improved compliance, directors said Nov. 4. (Nov. 9, 2011)

Initiative enhances communications depth, breadth
A streamlining initiative is enhancing the depth and breadth of university communications and is on track to meet a 2015 savings goal of $500,000 nearly three years early. (Nov. 3, 2011)

Cornell announces new sustainability plan
The new Cornell Sustainability Plan, announced Oct. 21 during Trustee-Council Weekend, helps guide green groups and initiatives across research, campus, education and outreach areas. (Nov. 2, 2011)

Human resources forum focuses on Workday software
Workday, a new and easy-to-use human resource management/payroll system targeted to launch in July 2012, was the focus of a human resources streamlining forum Oct. 14. (Oct. 19, 2011)

Managers: Collaboration is key to IT streamlining
Collaboration among those with a stake in Cornell's information technology is going to be the key to streamlining it successfully, said project managers speaking at an Oct. 6 forum. (Oct. 11, 2011)

Energy savings, zones focus of facilities dialogue
Up to $5 million in annual energy conservation savings will be realized by 2017, and nearly $10 million annually for savings in Facilities Services by 2012, said staff from Facilities Services. (Sept. 30, 2011)

SAS aims to meet $2 million streamlining goal by 2015
The Division of Student and Academic Services plans to pare university contributions by nearly $2 million by 2015, Vice President for Student and Academic Services Susan Murphy said Sept. 21. (Sept. 27, 2011)

Procurement savings ramp up to $9 million
The university is on track to save $30 million to $40 million by June 2014 by changing the way it buys everything from key chains to copiers, according to managers of a procurement initiative. (Sept. 14, 2011)

Streamlining update sessions to begin Sept. 12
The Administrative Streamlining Program is hosting a series of informal brown-bag lunches, starting Sept. 12, to update the campus community on progress in the various initiatives. (Sept. 7, 2011)

Structural deficit to be nearly erased in 2012, VP says
Vice President for Planning and Budget Elmira Mangum explains how years of rolling deficits are being eliminated. (June 2, 2011)

New facilities system promises better service
The Division of Facilities Services has launched Zone 1, the first of what will be four zones in a new, coordinated management system. (May 5, 2011)

CIT on track to save $2 million this year
At a forum April 22 on IT administrative streamlining, Chief Information Officer Ted Dodds outlined key areas for IT budget savings but said they must not come at the expense of service. (April 28, 2011)

Faculty Senate given wide-ranging report from provost
At its monthly meeting April 13, the Faculty Senate was given a progress report by Provost Kent Fuchs on a range of campus issues, from reaccreditation to strategic plan initiatives. (April 14, 2011)

CU investments making 'impressive' rebound, says CIO
During a discussion in NYC between a leading hedge fund managers and a New York Times financial columnist, CIO Michael Abbott announced that Cornell's net gain this fiscal year is more than 15 percent so far. (April 14, 2011)

Cornell leaps final hurdle toward accreditation
A team of regional educational evaluators has given Cornell its highest praise in recommending that the university be reaccredited for a further 10 years. (March 31, 2011)

Cutbacks today poise CALS for long-term gains
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences' short-term challenges will be offset by the long-term positioning the college will have to meet agricultural changes, said Dean Kathryn Boor. (March 17, 2011)

Cornell heats up, cools down and conserves energy
Cornell plans to invest up to to $46 million in energy conservation. The goal? Reducing energy use by as much as 20 percent and taking a big step toward a zero-carbon footprint. (March 10, 2011)

University Communications streamlines its operations
Tommy Bruce, vice president for university communications, discussed his division's role in the university's Administrative Streamlining Program. He discussed progress in five areas. (Feb. 24, 2011)

Kuali Day introduces new financial system to campus
When Cornell launches the Kuali Financial System July 1, it can expect a system tailored to fits a research university's needs at a small price, said speakers at Kuali Day Jan. 13. (Jan. 14, 2011)

Campus managers to partner with units, colleges
Each unit and college on campus now has a campus manager who will act as its liaison with the Division of Facilities Services. (Jan. 13, 2011)

Key vacancies filled in planning and budget division
Davina Desnoes has been named budget director and John Adams is now assistant vice president for planning and budget, both in the Division of Planning and Budget. (Dec. 16, 2010)

Africana Studies students, faculty rally at Day Hall
About 60 people rallied Dec. 3 to oppose the decision to have Africana Studies report to the College of Arts and Sciences, and letters of protest were delivered to the president and provost. (Dec. 3, 2010)

IT initiative looks to streamline computer support
While Cornell will never standardize all of its information technology, it must narrow down some of its IT options, said Steve Schuster, interim executive director of CIT, at an open forum Nov. 10. (Nov. 18, 2010)

Initiatives in procurement, finance to save $32M
Two initiatives to streamline Cornell's purchasing and financial transactions should save at least $31.8 million annually by 2015, says VP Joanne DeStefano at a public forum. (Nov. 9, 2010)

Facilities streamlining focuses on energy savings
Energy conservation and a new organizational structure will boost both savings and efficiency in the Division of Facilities Services, says VP Kyu-Jung Whang in a public forum. (Nov. 9, 2010)

Start now to replace retiring faculty, deans say
Over the next decade, Cornell will lose an unprecedented number of its distinguished senior scholars to retirement, and must begin 'prehiring' replacements, two deans said at an Oct. 29 forum. (Nov. 2, 2010)

Skorton: Renew faculty, support humanities nationally
Cornell must hire more faculty, especially in the humanities, and bolster those disciplines in the national arena, President David Skorton said in his 2010 State of the University Address. (Oct. 29, 2010)

Efficiencies ramp up in HR and support
A program to streamline administrative support has saved nearly 90 percent of its $17 million target, Vice President for Human Resources Mary Opperman reported Oct. 26. (Oct. 28, 2010)

CALS to close education department over next two years
The decision was made after considering an extensive review of options, in the context of the college's strategic planning objectives. Faculty and staff will be transferred to other departments within CALS. (Oct. 26, 2010)

Streamlining office takes next steps toward efficiency
Cornell is taking the next steps in its streamlining process to rethink its administrative services. A new website and upcoming forums will provide updates on progress. (Oct. 21, 2010)

Four CALS departments merge with Geneva's
Four departments in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences on the Ithaca campus merged with their Geneva-based sister departments as of July 1. (Sept. 27, 2010)

CU launches $100 million fund to recruit faculty
A $100 million Cornell Faculty Renewal Fund will enable the university to significantly accelerate hiring of faculty over the next five years. (Sept. 2, 2010)

Work begins on the mechanics of new budget model
Upcoming decisions about how to retool Cornell's budget model will reverberate throughout Cornell for years to come. (Sept. 2, 2010)

Operations efficiency office is now fully staffed
The Initiatives Coordination Office is now fully staffed to manage several administrative cost-cutting and efficiency initiatives. (Aug. 19, 2010)

Theatre, Film and Dance re-envisions its curriculum
Faced with a large budget cut, the department did what it does so well: got creative. The 'Performance and Media Model' will guide the reshaping of the department, giving students 'focus and flexibility.' (Aug. 19, 2010)

Three library print collections to consolidate
Print collections at the Hotel School and Johnson School libraries will move to ILR's library, which will continue to enhance on-site services in each school, including subject-specific research help. (Aug. 12, 2010)

Cornell to save at least $75 million annually by 2015
President David Skorton and Provost Kent Fuchs have accepted the proposed actions in each area from the Initiatives Coordination Office, which was established as part of a strategy to 'reimagine Cornell.' (July 8, 2010)

Skorton optimistic for a bright future as 'One Cornell'
While acknowledging the tragedies and challenges of the past year, the 'intergenerational community' of Cornell has much to celebrate, President David Skorton said in his State of the University address. (June 12, 2010)

Managing resources requires collaboration, provost says
The Cornell administration will collaborate more closely with operating units as the university strives to run more effectively while saving money. (May 27, 2010)

Public discussion on the Initiatives Coordination Office
Paul Streeter, associate vice president for planning and budget, gave a status report May 10 on the Initiatives Coordination Office's progress. (May 13, 2010)

Marin Clarkberg to direct research and planning office
In her new role, Clarkberg will lead the Office of Institutional Research and Planning in its effort to support institutional decision-making at the executive level with academic planning information. (May 11, 2010)

Fiscal '11 operating budget to be cut by 4.5 percent
Elmira Mangum, Cornell's vice president for planning and budget, shares some thoughts on the numbers for the new fiscal year beginning July 1. (April 29, 2010)

Faculty are consulted on their administrative needs
Throughout April, more than 120 faculty members from across campus will be asked what administrative help they need to do their jobs. (April 20, 2010)

Recommendations to change administrative work
The Chronicle sits down with Associate Vice President for Budget and Planning Paul Streeter for an update on the Initiatives Coordination Office. (April 15, 2010)

CU maintains bond ratings, announces financing plans
Cornell has announced that it will fund a new medical college facility as an investment in biomedical research, and it is taking advantage of historically near-low interest rates to rebalance its debt portfolio. (April 12, 2010)

Cornell to emphasize faculty renewal and research
Cornell aims to become one of the world's top 10 research universities, according to the latest draft of the university's strategic plan. (April 5, 2010)

V.P. Opperman urges optimism, perspective
Cornell's plans to address its financial difficulty are taking shape, said Vice President for Human Resources Mary Opperman at a March 25 brown-bag lunch. (March 29, 2010)

Elmira Mangum brings experience to top budget post
A seasoned administrator with more than 25 years of experience in executive higher education financial and resource management, Elmira Mangum is the new vice president for budget and planning. (March 18, 2010)

Input sought on latest draft of the strategic plan
The university is seeking input on the newest version of an outline for its strategic plan. The Strategic Planning Advisory Council aims to complete a final draft of the plan by May. (March 17, 2010)

Mary Opperman to staff: 'Stick with Cornell'
The Cornell of tomorrow is why staff should stick with Cornell today. That was the message Vice President for Human Resources Mary Opperman delivered at a March 4 brown-bag lunch on managing change. (March 4, 2010)

'Evolving' strategic plan to emphasize Cornell's whole
Encapsulating Cornell's goals for the next five years into a single document means taking a broad look at its most pressing priorities, said top administrators at a March 3 brown-bag lunch. (March 3, 2010)

GPSA holds a town hall meeting on strategic plan
The Graduate and Professional Student Assembly held a meeting March 1 to identify ways to improve the quality of life for Cornell's 6,000 graduate and professional students over the next five years. (March 2, 2010)

Kenney counts on faculty to help move library forward
Cornell University Librarian Anne Kenney discusses the challenges facing the library and how she will rely on faculty to move forward in economically trying times. (Feb. 25, 2010)

Provost: Focus, decide how to do less with fewer resources
In the next five years, Cornell must pare down its breadth while strengthening its depth, Provost Kent Fuchs said at a Feb. 25 public discussion on a draft of the strategic plan. (Feb. 25, 2010)

Why people aren't using e-SHOP, and why they should
Faculty and staff members could save Cornell $10 million every year just by using e-SHOP, Cornell's online purchasing tool. (Feb. 15, 2010)

Faculty, staff query administrators on budget model
Many of the faculty and staff members who attended a Feb. 11 public discussion were anxious to see what resources the new budget model would provide for their unit. (Feb. 12, 2010)

Review of IT practices aims to cut costs
A review of Cornell's campuswide information technology infrastructure has been launched to find ways to improve IT services and reduce budget deficits. (Feb. 11, 2010)

Brown-bag lunch on budget task force's recommendations
Whether campus finances would become more or less centralized was the main point of debate Feb. 5 at a brown-bag lunch on the proposed budget model, which will take effect in July 2012. (Feb. 8, 2010)

Skorton issues update on planning efforts
In a letter to the Cornell community today, President David Skorton gave a progress report on the university's financial situation and strategic planning efforts that are under way. (Feb. 04, 2010)

Theatre, Film and Dance asked to cut $1M-$2M a year
The deans of the College of Arts and Sciences have asked the Department of Theatre, Film and Dance to propose plans to cut its annual non-professorial budget by $1 million to $2 million. (Feb. 4, 2010)

Proposed budget model would clarify university finances
Pool tuition and create a fund for universitywide priorities, recommends a task force on the budget model, part of the Reimagining Cornell strategic planning process. (Feb. 1, 2010)

Strategic plan to take Cornell to 2015 and beyond
Edward Lawler, chair of the Strategic Planning Advisory Council, sits down with the Cornell Chronicle to talk about what the council is up to, and what its activities mean for Cornell. (Jan. 28, 2010)

Office to restructure operations rigorously, humanely
Associate Vice President Paul Streeter is working to balance the university's budget by making Cornell more efficient. (Jan. 19, 2010)

New office to oversee administrative cost savings
Provost Kent Fuchs issued a statement Dec. 16 announcing the formation of the Program Management Office to coordinate, track and monitor the implementation of at least $90 million in administrative cost savings. (Dec. 16, 2009)

Library system will see changes, administrators say
There is potential for preserving and even enhancing the library's resources in the age of budget trimming, said University Librarian Anne Kenney at a lunch Dec. 9 in Sage Hall. (Dec. 15, 2009)

Life sciences task force report discussed at forum
The forum was the fifth of six public discussions about task force reports that address ways to to strengthen the university while addressing the budget deficit. (Dec. 10, 2009)

Faculty consider life sciences task force report
A handful of faculty attended the informal Dec. 3 brown-bag lunch hosted by Provost Kent Fuchs to discuss the findings of the life sciences task force. (Dec. 4, 2009)

Management sciences task force focuses on the long term
In the fourth of six public discussions, Provost Kent Fuchs and task force chair Ron Seeber noted that the focus of the management sciences report is largely conceptual. (Dec. 4, 2009)

Some social science units should merge, report says
Social science departments are too diffuse for the university to excel in the discipline and should strategically merges some units, according to task force findings discussed Dec. 1. (Dec. 3, 2009)

Faculty call for more say on library decisions
About 225 people attended a public discussion Nov. 24 on strategic planning for Cornell University Libraries. Many faculty who attended called for more say in library-related decisions. (Nov. 25, 2009)

A conversation on options for management sciences
A task force on the management sciences finds that the Cornell's many highly ranked, specialized business education programs may have the potential for collaboration. (Nov. 23, 2009)

Task force: More students would put 'strain' on Cornell
The university should maintain its student population at current levels, says a strategic planning task force report. On Nov. 18, Provost Kent Fuchs moderated a public discussion on the recommendations. (Nov. 19, 2009)

Informal lunch focuses on planning task force reports
What actions did the task force on student enrollment recommend to Cornell? Key administrators reviewed the findings at a brown-bag lunch Nov. 12. (Nov. 16, 2009)

Fuchs to host talks on task force recommendations
Six public discussions and a series of informal brown-bag lunches will offer the Cornell community a chance to comment on task force recommendations that affect the university as a whole. (Nov. 11, 2009)

Provost releases strategic planning task force reports
On Nov. 6 Provost Kent Fuchs announced that the reports of the 20 strategic planning task forces are available and that public discussions on six of the reports will be held in the coming weeks. (Nov. 6, 2009)

Skorton recognizes Cornellians for 'playing your parts'
In 'Setting the Pace: 1865-2015' in Bailey Hall Oct. 23, President David Skorton honored trustees, students, faculty, volunteers and benefactors for their work in keeping the university strong. (Oct. 29, 2009)

Skorton: CU will realize its future by way of its past
Cornell will return to a 'healthy pace' of faculty hiring by 2015, said President David Skorton in the State of the University address Oct. 23. He also emphasized that the path to Cornell's future leads out of its past. (Oct. 23, 2009)

Skorton, Fuchs announce reorganization of administration
The new structure of central university administration will streamline management and establish a more integrated team, with a projected savings of more than $2 million a year. (Oct. 20, 2009)

Provost taps eight key faculty to draft strategic plan
The newly formed Strategic Plan Advisory Council will synthesize recommendations gathered from the Cornell community into a draft strategic plan. Town meetings will be held in January and February, and a draft issued in March. (Oct. 15, 2009)

Skorton urges optimism, perspective in employee address
President David Skorton thanked employees for 'staying the course' and continuing to accomplish goals despite a smaller workforce in his annual talk sponsored by the Employee Assembly. (Oct. 13, 2009)

Purchasing reform could yield savings of up to $40M
President David Skorton has committed to developing sweeping changes in the way Cornell buys goods and services. Vice President Joanne DeStefano will lead the effort, which will save up to $40 million a year. (Oct. 8, 2009)

CU to save $90M by streamlining administrative costs
Cornell expects to save at least $90 million in annual administrative costs over the next four years, making a significant dent in its projected deficit, Provost Kent Fuchs reported Oct. 1. (Oct. 1, 2009)

President, provost seek student input on strategic plan
Students have a critical role to play in shaping Cornell's strategic plan, said President David Skorton during an open forum Sept. 18. (Sept. 18, 2009)

Skorton: Strategic plan will give faculty flexibility
More than 200 faculty members gathered Sept. 16 to talk with President David Skorton and Provost Kent Fuchs about the university's strategic planning process. (Sept. 17, 2009)

Strategic planning forums set to discuss CU's future
What should the Cornell of the future look like? Faculty, staff and students will discuss their views with President Skorton and Provost Fuchs in a series of public forums, the first of which is Sept. 4. (Aug. 27, 2009)

Staff update on strategic planning is Sept. 4
As part of the strategic planning process President David Skorton and Provost Kent Fuchs will hold an open staff forum Sept. 4 from noon to 1 p.m. in G10 Biotechnology Building. (Aug. 19, 2009)

Most alumni ever participate in President Skorton webcast
In his third interactive webcast with Cornell alumni and friends, President David Skorton addressed the university's research goals, state funding and fiscal challenges. (July 30, 2009)

Provost Kent Fuchs to streamline Cornell's administration
Turnover in four key administrative positions is giving Cornell University Provost Kent Fuchs the opportunity to reassess responsibilities in his division. (July 24, 2009)

Administrators give update on 'Reimagining Cornell'
The first phases of the strategic-planning process are well under way, but 'the solutions are in their infancy,' said Bill Fry, dean of the university faculty, at a special meeting of the Faculty Senate July 22. (July 23, 2009)

Provost leads charge to 'reimagine' Cornell
Unveiling details of the strategic planning process, dubbed 'Reimagining Cornell,' Provost Kent Fuchs said the two-phase plan will first look at how to downsize and reorganize the university and, second, envision its future. (June 30, 2009)

12 small, but key, construction projects get OK
President David J. Skorton approved several critical capital projects May 21. The 12 small-scale will initiatives keep the university running smoothly while maintaining fiscal equilibrium. (May 22, 2009)

Mary Opperman salutes 432 new retirees
Vice President for Human Resources Mary Opperman does not want the business of retirement to overshadow the contributions of staff members who are retiring, and the value of those who remain. (April 16, 2009)

Campus construction now tracked on new Web site
Which campus construction projects are moving forward during the construction pause? A Web site that went live April 15 has the answers. (April 15, 2009)

CU's $500 million bond issue sells out in 30 minutes
With an Aa1 credit rating (out of Aaa) reaffirmed by Moody's Investors Service only the day before, Cornell's $500 million in taxable bonds were snapped up by investors March 26 in less than 30 minutes. (March 30, 2009)

Alumni Affairs division forges strategic plan to strengthen front-line
As Cornell embarks upon strategic planning to take it to 2012 and beyond, Alumni Affairs and Development, the division responsible for the university's $4 billion capital campaign, is transforming the way it does business. (March 23, 2009)

Skorton gives staff budget update
President David J. Skorton addressed more than 400 staff members March 16, answering their questions about Cornell's $215 million budget deficit. (March 18, 2009)

Jobs will be lost but also won, faculty told at forum
About 450 faculty members attended a special meeting March 9 to listen to - and ask questions of - President David Skorton, who discussed the university's financial situation. (March 11, 2009)

Trustees put into place last two pieces of recovery puzzle
The Cornell Board of Trustees has voted to issue up to $500 million in taxable bonds and to reduce the endowment payout by 15 percent. These actions are aimed at covering a $200 million budget deficit. (March 6, 2009)

An update on the university with Provost Fuchs
Provost Kent Fuchs outlined plans for fewer faculty, more students and a five-year strategic plan that will tie together goals for the institution, academics and the budget. (Feb. 20, 2009)

An update from the cost-cutting committee
Beginning early The Campus Savings and Efficiencies Committee says that improving efficiency in e-SHOP as well as in printing and energy use will be among the university's first cost-saving efforts. (Feb. 16, 2009)

Planning begins on budget cuts for 2011
Beginning early February, Executive Vice President Stephen Golding and Provost Kent Fuchs will begin a strategic planning process with the goal of looking ahead to fiscal year 2010-11. (Jan. 29, 2009)

Despite downturn, endowment is in good shape, says CIO
James Walsh puts Cornell's endowment performance in historical context, saying while it has decreased by 27.3 percent in the past six months, on average it has increased by 6.7 percent each year over the past five years. (Jan. 27, 2009)

An interview with Cornell President David Skorton
President David Skorton talks with Cornell Chronicle editors about how he is leading the university through the economic downturn and why he is optimistic about the university's future. (Dec. 12, 2008)

Nationwide, universities scrimp to cope with recession
As Cornell tries to pare its own operating expenses, peer institutions are also dealing with the recession. (Dec. 8, 2008-Updated Dec. 10)

Cost-cutting forums generate flurry of ideas
The last in a series of cost-cutting forums generated a flurry of ideas on how Cornell can streamline its operations. (Dec. 8, 2008)

Staff offer cost-cutting ideas at three forums
Employees offered suggestions for cost savings at an open forum in the Biotechnology Building. (Dec. 2, 2008)

What's in Skorton's suggestion box?
More than 200 people have offered Cornell President David Skorton ideas on how Cornell could cut costs. The Campus Savings and Efficiencies Committee is assessing the suggestions. (Nov. 20, 2008)

Internal hiring program protects current workers
Staff members across campus are taking to heart President Skorton's recent directive: Protect the university's human capital. In a new initiative, employees now have special access to open jobs at Cornell. (Nov. 13, 2008)

Skorton holds second forum on cost-saving measures
People's jobs are 'the first thing on my mind when I get up in the morning, and the last thing on my mind when I go to bed at night,' President David Skorton said at the Nov. 6 forum. (Nov. 7, 2008)

Skorton holds forum on cost-saving measures
Speaking at the first of two public forums about the university's possible cost-saving measures, President David Skorton pledged to protect the university's 'human capital.' The second forum will be held Nov. 6. (Nov. 6, 2008)

Kent Fuchs describes his priorities as provost
When W. Kent Fuchs becomes Cornell's next provost Jan. 1, among his priorities will be bolstering individual academic departments and encouraging optimism across campus. (Oct. 24, 2008)

Skorton takes on tough questions from alumni
In a question-and-answer period following the State of the University speech, Oct. 17, President David Skorton addressed such issues as financial aid, free speech on campus and faculty courseloads. (Oct. 17, 2008)

Skorton pledges commitment to student aid, despite economy
In his State of the University address, President David Skorton announced an increase of $125 million to the scholarship campaign goal. He also named the new provost and announced a $50 million gift from the Tata trust. (Oct. 17, 2008)