Firm to research U. cost cutting policies

University President Judith Rodin announced yesterday that she is employing an outside firm to research the University's methods of administrative management and cost containment. In a letter printed in today's Almanac, Rodin said her ultimate goal is to develop an "action plan with practical recommendations that can be implemented on a realistic timetable." In doing so, she will increase efforts begun by her predecessor, former Interim President Claire Fagin, who first retained Coopers & Lybrand, a professional services firm, on a smaller scale. By early November, the new firm will submit a detailed report to be considered and discussed by the University community, Rodin said. "This will not be just 'another study'," she said. "This process will have an aggressive timetable for review, decision-making and implementation." Rodin said that Coopers & Lybrand will spend the fall considering "all of [the University's] business and administrative processes in a broad range of functions and activities." The Cost Containment Oversight Committee, which includes Provost Stanley Chodorow and interim Executive Vice President Jack Freeman as co-chairpersons, will work directly with the services firm. The committee is made up of 14 people, including deans from the School of Engineering and Applied Science, the Wharton School, the School of Nursing and the School of Dental Medicine. Fagin said last night she was "pleased" with Rodin's decision. "It is very rewarding," she said. "I think it's terrific because they will use their expertise and knowledge for the University's benefit." Rodin said Coopers & Lybrand will base their recommendations on a central idea of "reallocating money from administrative functions to academic pursuits."