Budget Model Principles

To gain a better understanding of Temple's readiness to transition to a decentralized budget model, interviews were conducted with deans, faculty and staff who participate directly in budget activities or have an interest in its management. This "listening tour" included individual and group interviews with faculty and staff. Common themes emerged including:

1) a desire to create an environment of improved financial planning;

2) a budget system that is transparent, easy to understand and well communicated;

3) financial resources supporting academic priorities, where revenue generation is not the lead or sole factor in the decision making process;

4) units (“revenue centers”) responsible for generating the revenue should be able to keep the revenue generated;

5) access to reliable data and standard reports;

6) the importance of periodic review to ensure the budget model is continuing to meet the needs of the university community and is responsive to the broader macro environment; and

7) promoting shared governance to ensure broad understanding of, and participation in fiscal matters among faculty and staff.

Based on these themes and the thoughtful consideration of the steering committee a set of guiding principles [PDF] has been developed to help us frame the process. These principles will guide the process throughout its life in all circumstances irrespective of changes in its goals, strategies or leaders.

Check out the presentation on Temple University's move toward a new budget model [PDF]