Cost Management
We have already been working to implement significant cost mitigation strategies, with more under consideration. To address the budget deficit, each division is evaluating and implementing changes related to workforce and operations. This includes:
- Reduced travel: We have cancelled many in-person, off-site conferences and professional development trainings, resulting in reduced travel budgets. This has allowed divisions to ensure resources are used for travel that is core to our University and positional functions.
- Software improvements: The Division of IT has been evaluating all campus software applications. Our campus has been on the forefront of many large-scale software implementations, allowing for process improvements at Chico State and leading by example.
- Streamlining services: We continue to find opportunities to embrace the benefits of being in a larger system to share services and implement improvements, and have led the way for many of the other campuses.
- Many years ago, our financial staff led the initiative to be a part of the Concur Travel & Expense (CTE) single-instance implementation, along with the Chancellor’s Office and other campuses. As of January 2025, 18 CSU campuses are on Concur and the rest are being asked to implement by December.
- In October 2023, Chico State and Fresno State were the first campuses to go live on CSUBuy (a procure-to-pay system). Our two campuses implemented, tested, and laid the foundation for the rest of the CSU. As of January 2025, 8 campuses are live and the rest are being asked to implement by December.
- In March 2025, Chico State went live on Common Human Resources System (CHRS), which is a Chancellor’s Office-led initiative. CHRS will transform HR processes across the CSU, enhancing efficiency, standardizing data, and expanding services for both academic personnel and HR reporting.
- In August 2023, the CSU established the Multi-University Collaboration Initiative (Multi-U) to strategically address cost structures by optimizing resources and still meeting individual university needs. The initiative will enable the CSU and its campuses to save or avoid costs, streamline and simplify processes, enhance the quality and efficiency of customer service and increase economies of scale. Chico State was an early adopter, through the CSUBuy implementation. Learn more about Multi-U.
- Reducing hours: We achieved one-time savings from a reduction in hours at locations such as the Library and the Financial Aid office, working strategically to minimize impacts on students and keep services available when needed most.
- Flexible budget sourcing: All divisions have been asked to use auxiliary organizations (Chico State Enterprises and University Foundation) or non-State funds for travel, contracts, supplies, and other miscellaneous costs, reducing further deficit spending of stateside funds.
As we continue to look for opportunities to reduce costs, many of the best ideas will come from within our campus community. All considerations and suggestions are welcome.