Processes (P)

8P6 Accounting for Appropriate Resource Needs

Western reviews and uses staff, space, and equipment to best match strategic planning needs and priorities (8P1). In addition to aligning resources, the institution designates $500,000 each year in the Strategic Planning Implementation Fund (SPIF) to assist in promoting Strategic Plan objectives (8P2).

The process which determines the best use of funds begins with the implementation groups of the seven strategic opportunity areas (more than 300 people) determining which three areas will be identified and associated with AQIP Action Projects and funded for $100,000 for each year the Project remains active. When the Project is formally retired from AQIP, Western sustains it by putting funding in the base and identifying it as an accreditation priority.

Other opportunity areas may be funding through a Request for Proposals. Grants and private funding also provide additional resources to achieve objectives. As other resources become available, other Action Projects will be funded.

Institutional budget planning processes follow a schedule based on the fiscal year, July-June that begins with department/unit requests that the University directors and deans review and recommend to the appropriate vice presidents. Western's Board of Governors regularly receives reports an Educational and General Services Budget and Activity Report.The President's Cabinet reviews and recommends the overall operating budget for approval by the Board of Governors.