Duke Administrative Reform Team (DART) and the Economy
How You Can Help
President Richard Brodhead described the recent economic downturn as "a time of challenge, not retreat" for Duke. You can help meet this challenge. Share your ideas about how to eliminate unnecessary spending, reduce costs and improve efficiency.
Like other institutions of higher learning, and indeed the nation as a whole, Duke has faced financial challenges and constraints as a result of the precipitous decline of economic markets in late 2008 and subsequent global recession. The decrease in the value of Duke's investment portfolio, which helps fund the operating budget, led to an expected shortfall of about $100 million. Duke established a three-year window to identify ways in which to reduce expenses and create a more sustainable budget in ways that protect and advance its core missions.
This website was established to help keep members of the Duke community informed about the latest developments and solicit idea for how to reduce costs and create greater efficiencies. On this site you will find news and articles about Duke's efforts to close the $100 million dollar budget gap, and information on how the situation is affecting higher education generally. You also can join the conversation by offering your own suggestions about how Duke might improve efficiency and cut costs.
News & Announcements [see all]
Recession Spurs Library to Reinvent Itself - April 25, 2011
Duke University Libraries delivers new, more efficient services in an increasingly digital age
Strategic Thinking on Global Projects - February 17, 2011
President discusses international initiatives, budget, the humanities
Saving on Mobile - February 11, 2011
New program leverages Duke's purchasing power
DART Update: Speaking More, Spending Less - February 09, 2011
Communication expenses cut by $5.5 million
Planning to Reduce the Budget by $100 Million - November 02, 2010
Executive Vice President Tallman Trask III and Provost Peter Lange talked with Working@Duke about some issues and challenges in preparing budgets for the coming year.
Computer Purchasing Program driving significant savings for Duke - November 01, 2010
An analysis of computer purchases during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2010 reveals that Duke is not yet taking full advantage of the savings promised by the Computer Purchasing Program.
Duke Expects to Meet Budget Goals Through Attrition, Non-personnel Cuts - September 24, 2010
Top officials caution faculty that the remaining $40 million in budget cuts will be difficult and will require continued work on part of the Duke community.