Cost Reduction Task Force Preliminary Report

December 2008

Background

• Operating Activity - $63.0 Million (excludes student assistance)
• Ancillary Activity - $66.6 Million (excludes interest on long-term debt)
• Research Activity - $97.4 Million (externally contracted services may contain compensation)

In order to better understand University purchasing practices and to gather suggestions for cost saving opportunities, the task force has received presentations from:

• Central Financial Services;
• Strategic Procurement;
• Physical Plant Services;
• IT Services;
• Residence and Event Services; and
• Human Resources.

As well, a number of emails and letters have been received from the Queen's community.

Further detailed financial information is also being accumulated on a number of specific expense items.

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Recommendations

The Committee believes there are areas of cost savings opportunities across the University that have the potential to be realized with additional collaboration and communication. The committee will be recommending processes that will facilitate and support collaboration between units to take advantage of University purchasing power.

Issues Considered

The Committee has discussed the following areas of potential savings opportunity:

• Travel;
• Computer hardware and software;
• Office supplies;
• Copy and reproduction;
• Leasing programs and lease financing;
• Energy efficiency;
• Public sector buying groups;
• Shared services;
• Fleet vehicles & management;
• Benchmarking against peers;
• Sustainability;
• Recycling;
• Benefits management;
• Residences; and
• Event services.

Next Steps

• The Committee continues to evaluate areas of the University's operations that provide potential for cost savings.
• Additional work is being undertaken to quantify savings potential in the areas identified to date.
• The Committee invites feedback from other members of the community who would like to voice their suggestions.