New UC policy changes to improve resource management, operations systemwide
September 18, 2017 •
This fall, UC will implement a series of policy changes to strengthen the university’s management of its resources and improve operations.
These changes, which will go into effect beginning Oct. 15, will enable the university to better align its policies and procedures with best practices and to more effectively manage costs. They also align with recommendations in the state audit of the Office of the President that was issued in April.
“These measures, and others we will be taking, will ensure the continued careful management of our resources and transparency in their use across the UC system,” President Napolitano said. “Every organization, including UC, has room for improvement. We’ve made significant progress so far, and we will continue to do so.”
The new policies will:
- Reduce reimbursement for lodging and meals for those traveling on UC business.
- Eliminate prospectively car allowances for newly hired or appointed senior management group level employees, or current senior management level employees transferring to a different position.
- Eliminate prospectively a supplemental retirement contribution for newly hired or appointed senior management group level employees, or current senior management level employees transferring to a different position.
- Eliminate the cash relocation allowance for senior management group and management and senior professional level employees. Under the new practice, the university will reimburse employees for limited, documented eligible transaction costs associated with the sale of a primary residence.
In addition, at the Office of the President, UC-issued cell phones, tablets and mi-fi contracts are being reassessed and will be allowed only if a position requires remote access or before or after work hour access. In addition, the revised cell phone policy also outlines restrictions on phone replacement.
Earlier this year President Napolitano convened a task force chaired by Chief Operating Officer Rachael Nava to implement the state auditor’s recommendations. These new changes are responsive to the state audit recommendations and the result of extensive consultation with internal stakeholder groups, including campus representatives. In addition, UC surveyed the prevailing practices of other universities, and state and federal agencies.
More details about the university’s implementation of the state audit recommendations and the timing of additional policy changes are available on the UCOP Audit Implementation Plan website.
