IOWA CITY — The presidents of Iowa’s three public universities called Thursday for more analysis before moving forward with a consultant’s plans to restructure many of the system’s administrative jobs.
The leaders told the Iowa Board of Regents during a meeting in Iowa City that they saw the potential for savings in some of the recommendations released this month by Deloitte Consulting LLP. But they said they also needed more specifics on some of them before determining whether they make sense and are realistic.
Deloitte recommended that the universities restructure their human resources, information technology and finance staffs, saying many of those functions could be performed more efficiently at a college- or university-wide level rather than in individual departments. Some of the changes would require technology upgrades and other upfront costs, and changes in processes.
The company’s report indicated the schools cut could up to 250 jobs through attrition and retirements in coming years by changing the way work is performed, while saving tens of millions of dollars.
Deloitte also recommended cutting the number of desktop computers and printers in favor of cheaper virtual desktops and network printers.
The board hired Deloitte in February to identify areas for potential savings and develop business cases on whether to pursue them. The company has been awarded a contract worth $3.3 million.
The plans were met with concern and criticism during town hall meetings this month on the campuses of the University of Iowa, Iowa State University and the University of Northern Iowa. The regents are expected to vote on whether to move forward next month.
Acting UNI President Michael Licari noted that many employees raised concerns about how Deloitte’s savings were calculated and whether they were overstated.
At the same time, he said, the proposals come at a good time for UNI because a large percentage of its clerical staff is retirement-eligible. The university is already planning for what is expected to be a large turnover in its staff, he said.
ISU President Steven Leath said the school would “dive in and implement” as many of the recommendations as possible. He said the school was already expanding the number of its virtual desktops — called thin client machines — from 1,000 to 2,500 to save money.
But he said the changes suggested to the university’s human resources and finance operations need additional evaluation to determine whether they are “achievable and worthwhile.”
UI President Sally Mason said the university could implement many of the recommendation on its own, but may need help from consultants in some areas. She said her staff would also begin “the additional analysis” needed to develop the specifics.
“We anticipate substantial savings that can be reinvested across our entire campus,” she said.