In order to deliver on the goals of Keene State’s Sustainability and Vitality Plan—Improving recruitment, retention, and achievement of students, faculty, and staff; improving fiscal planning and stewardship; and rethinking our work as a student-centered organization—Keene State has partnered with Huron Consulting Group. Huron, in collaboration with a KSC strategic advisory team and with Cabinet, will take a comprehensive look at the way the College does its work and how we are organized, and will review financials across our administrative and academic areas.
Huron’s final analysis will provide Keene State with opportunities aligned with the College’s strategic priorities and its budget; and will help prioritize institutional changes, formalize commitments, and identify teams for implementation. Ultimately, Keene State will be better positioned to serve students, to be a leader in the region and state, and to be a more nimble, responsive college.
Frequently asked Questions
Why has Keene State hired Huron?
We need a comprehensive assessment to identify opportunities to best serve our students, and to identify savings and return on investment options. This is an important step in planning for our future and achieving the goals of our strategic plan.
Why Huron?
Huron was selected to perform this assessment because of their extensive experience doing similar work at over 100 other colleges and universities, including USNH institutions. Huron’s recent analysis UNH has an estimated savings of around $12 million.
How much will this cost?
USNH is funding this analysis for both Keene State College and Plymouth State University. The overall investment at Keene State will be $300,000.
How does Huron’s assessment relate to current campus initiatives, i.e., the Sustainability and Vitality plan (SVP), Administrative Re-design Project, and Classification Review?
Our engagement with Huron will enable Keene State to deliver the goals of the SVP: Improving recruitment, retention, and achievement of students, faculty, and staff; improving fiscal planning and stewardship; and rethinking our work as a student-centered organization.
Will they look at areas that have already been redesigned?
Yes. Huron, in collaboration with a Keene State strategic advisory team and with Cabinet, will take a comprehensive look at the way the College does its work and how it is organized, and will review financials across our administrative and academic areas.
How much money could the college save?
Based on Huron’s work with other universities, Keene State could realize benefits greater than $2-4 million or approximately 2-4% of our operating budget over the next two years.
Is the state system in trouble?
USNH is reviewing its offerings and financials in a highly-competitive market. This is happening in higher education systems across the country. This review will lead to a stronger, more nimble college and system.
What will be done with any financial recovery?
Savings will bolster initiatives that support the success of our students and will be used to build a stronger financial foundation for the College for years to come.
Will there be a reduction in force?
A reduction in force may be employed in order to align the work of the College with the needs of our students. Strategic investments in key areas and positions are a part of the plan as well.
To submit a question about our engagement with Huron, please use the Huron Feedback Form. As themes arise we address them here, so please check back!