The California State University has established the Multi-University Collaboration Initiative to strategically address cost structures by optimizing resources while still meeting individual university needs. The initiative will enable the CSU to save or avoid costs, streamline and simplify processes, enhance the quality and efficiency of customer service and increase economies of scale.
"The Multi-University Collaboration Initiative leverages the CSU's superpower - its 'systemness' - to drive efficiencies and strategically manage costs, allowing us to direct our limited resources more effectively toward advancing our core educational mission. The initiative represents the CSU at its best: innovative, collaborative and student focused. I extend my deepest gratitude and appreciation to the university presidents, the steering committee, working groups and all those involved with this initiative. I have every confidence that this initiative will benefit current and future CSU students for many years to come." - Chancellor Mildred Garcia
Launched in August 2023, the initiative arose from CSU presidents’ desire to explore new ways to collaborate across the system. Key opportunities for increased functional collaboration were initially identified through focus groups, workshops and interviews with representatives across the system. Through continued analysis and discussion led by the initiative’s steering committee—which is composed of presidents and leaders across functional areas and universities—the CSU selected three focus areas for the first wave of design and implementation: benefits administration, information security and procurement.
Benefits Administration
Coordinate on shared benefits administration activities to reduce risk of error, increase consistency in the employee experience, and enhance service quality.
Information Security
Improve the security posture across all universities through a coordinated approach, addressing future information security challenges more effectively. The CSU will implement a systemwide Cyber Fusion Center to enhance coordination and resource utilization across the system.
Procurement
Optimize procurement operations and systemwide spending. By accelerating the implementation of CSUBuy, reviewing procurement processes and organization models, expanding strategic sourcing, and exploring AI integration opportunities, the CSU will drive efficiency and cost savings.
To learn more about the process of arriving to these collaboration opportunities in Phase 1, please reach out to the Multi-University Collaboration Core Project Management Team at
[email protected].
The Multi-University Collaboration Initiative Is a Priority for the CSU
The CSU must find ways to ensure it is a good steward of its limited resources while continuing to support student success and achieve strategic priorities. Now is the time for the CSU to meaningfully unite in shaping its future as one university.
Learn about an Overview of the Multi-University Collaboration, including Guiding Principles and Who Is Involved
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