Outside analysis shows University of Minnesota competitive on administrative spending

An external review of the University of Minnesota's administrative costs showed the University to be around the median of its peers in almost all measures, and in some cases among the leaders in a wide variety of categories related to investment in mission-focused activities and staff. During its Thursday meeting, the Board of Regents Finance and Operations Committee reviewed the results of the review conducted by Huron Consulting. The analysis compared University data to that of more than 30 peers in the Big Ten and across the country. "We welcome expert outside perspective on our administrative spending and headcount to help us honor our commitment to prudently steward our resources. We're encouraged to see where we are in line with peer universities, where we are emerging as a leader, and where we can improve. We can and will do more work to reduce our administrative spending, but our systemwide commitment to invest in our mission has clearly made a difference," said University President Joan Gabel. "I want to express my deep appreciation for our people, because one thing these data show is that our people are being asked to do a lot, and they're getting that work done in many different ways, in every function of what we do. We can't serve our students and our state without them." Huron's report showed the proportion of University employees directly supporting its mission compared favorably to other leading research institutions.