Deloitte to release first efficiency study report next month

Sara Agnew, Iowa City Press-Citizen

Bruce Rastetter, president of the Iowa state Board of Regents said Thursday that recommendations from the consulting firm conducting the state-wide efficiency study will be delivered in a series of reports, rather than one large report this fall.

The first of those reports is expected to be shared with each of the state universities in May when representatives from Deloitte Consulting are expected to return to Iowa.

"There won't be any one big report," Rastetter said, who added reports will be shared as "opportunities are realized."

The consultants are conducting the first phase of a $2.45 million review of Iowa's three public universities, which include UI, UNI and Iowa State University in Ames. The Iowa state Board of Regents — which oversees the state's public universities and two specialty schools — hired Deloitte in February to conduct the largest-ever efficiency study.

The regents hope to find $15 million to $24 million in efficiencies at the three institutions, which they say are necessary to continue delivering quality education.

Representatives from Deloitte have now spent a week at all three of the state universities as well as at the regents office. They are expected to return in May.

Rastetter said no decisions will be made in regard to the efficiency study during the summer months while some faculty are not on campus. However, he said data may still be collected.

Examples of how a university system might find efficiencies include simplifying policies and procedures and collaborating more with the other two state universities. For example, the schools might share faculty or make purchases together to cut costs.

Any savings that result from the review will be reinvested into the university where they were found.

Regent Larry McKibbon, who has taken the lead on the efficiency study, said during the regents monthly meeting Thursday that he is pleased with the progress that has been made so far.

"I'm kind of blown away with the positive impact and positive support we have had," he said. "You're never sure what the demeanor might be when you're" talking about change.

McKibbben said he and the rest of the leadership team will be meeting with Deloitte next week before representatives return to the three university campuses.

"I believe we have a great chance of being very successful as we move through this process," he said. "I am cautiously optimistic."