Responsibility Center Management (RCM)
Institutions of public higher education have felt economic strains in recent years, and Temple University is no exception. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania was once a major underwriter of public higher education, but significant financial pressures in the state have resulted in declining support. The decline in public dollars has put increasing pressure on tuition. At the same time, our board has resolved to make affordable access Temple's highest priority.
Temple University's decision to implement a decentralized budget model was influenced by the model's ability to
- allow for changes in response to concerns as they are recognized;
- decentralize responsibility and involve more faculty in budget and planning decisions;
- emphasize transparency and access to information that can lead to significant efficiencies and streamlining;
- encourage multiyear strategic planning, aligning resources with top priorities; and
- incentivize schools and departments to strive for excellence in teaching and research.
Based on these themes and the thoughtful consideration of the Steering Committee, Temple developed a set of guiding principles to help us frame RCM and provide the guardrails for decision making. These principles will guide the process throughout its life in all circumstances irrespective of changes in its goals, strategies or leaders.
