Report for U of M recommends administrative efficiency measures

An independent report on the University of Minnesota's administrative structure finds some departments could be made more efficient by increasing the employee to supervisor ratio.

The report recommends six or more employees be assigned to a supervisor; some departments averaged less than four.

The report was requested by lawmakers this session and is the first step in a wider examination of the cost of administration at the university.

"From this data I would say we look like we're in pretty good shape for the most part, but there are areas which deserve further inquiry," said Kathy Brown, the university's vice president of human resources.

Brown said the data helps the school understand its administrative costs.

"What it does is gives you a pause to go back and look and say 'Is this organizationally the best way to organize my people?' " Brown said.

The University of Minnesota Board of Regents receives the report Friday. It goes to lawmakers next week.

The university has faced scrutiny over its costs since a December article in the Wall Street Journal said the school had a large number of well-paid administrators

A more in-depth report on what the school spends on administration will be released in May.

Read the report

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