In an effort to clarify any confusion and uncertainty about Strategic Resource Investment, I thought it would be helpful to state clearly what it is not.  As we discussed at various meetings and as provided on the website, the SRI initiative is to develop a better, more responsive, transparent and flexible way to provide information useful in making resource allocation decisions for the University.  Currently there is a steering committee working to explore the issues learned from other schools and to develop a model for resource allocation that is uniquely defined to fit the University of Memphis.  You can read more about this on the SRI webpage (http://www.memphis.edu/sri/) and associated SRI Forum.

SRI is NOT is responsible for previous budget decisions nor current efforts to deal with budget shortfalls (i.e. the $20 million gap we’ve been addressing).  These are a result of the current financial and higher education environment, enrollment declines, and lack of flexibility and agility in the current budget allocation model and have to be addressed regardless of whether or not we change our budgeting process.  One reasonable expectation of the new SRI model will be to create a process that helps the University and programs grow and be better positioned to deal with a dynamic higher education environment, one characterized by dramatic changes in enrollment and state funding.

SRI is NOT is responsible for current efforts to reorganize the administrative structure of the University.  Reorganization is in response to the previous budget shortfall, and targeted to meet the budget reduction needed, along with creating a more efficient organizational structure.  This is part of a process that can be referred to as “right sizing”.  It is definitely compatible with the principles of SRI in that it moves more responsibility out of the central units to the colleges and schools plus eliminates duplication within our administrative units.  These changes are moving forward regardless of our financial model.

At this point, the final SRI model has not been determined, nor a draft fully developed.  Over the next few months that process should be nearly complete and the next step is to actively seek feedback from all segments of the University.  I hope there will be broad and active participation in these efforts.