Administrative Working Groups Recommend Changes

The three Administrative Working Groups established by President James Wright last spring have issued their recommendations on a range of administrative topics.

The working groups were set up as part of a longer-term effort by the president to enhance the administration, which included bringing McKinsey & Co., a management consulting firm, to Dartmouth. The McKinsey team reviewed the College's nonacademic operations and found that the Dartmouth administration is very strong, and that growth has been both prudent and reasonable. McKinsey did recommend, however, that the College review hiring, communications, and the annual budget and planning process.

The working groups issued reports covering these areas. Among the prominent recommendations:

• A new mission statement and core values
• An annual planning and budgeting process that is transparent and emphasizes program and priorities
• More responsibility for managers and greater accountability
• A streamlined hiring process
• The creation of an Ombuds Office
• A review of committee structure and organization
• More support for professional development for all employees
  

A downloadable version of all four reports (556kb PDF) plus an introductory letter from President Wright, is available online.  Watch for expanded coverage of the Administrative Working Groups reports in upcoming issues of Vox of Dartmouth.

By RICK ADAMS

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