Morgan Consulting LC

Charlie Caciano leads the Central Association of College and University Business Officers' 39th Annual Professional Development Workshop to a quick start with a benchmarking quick poll.  Participants engaged in a live survey on topics ranging from endowment spending rates to investment portfolio returns and annual tuition rates.  The session highlighted the complexity of managing a university encompassing topics including the shifting needs and desires of today's student housing preferences to donor relationship management.  Mr. Caciano discussed trends that are impacting nearly every college and university in the United States and identified strategic initiatives that effective university managers and governing boards are implementing to stay competitive.

Speaking to the participants at the conference, Mr. Caciano noted, "Today, balance sheets and revenues are constrained.  Forward-looking demographic trends indicate that student populations will generally be flat to slightly declining throughout the Midwest.  Thankfully, the rebound in the equity stock market during the last couple of years has provided some short-term relief.  However, it will take continued vigilance, resolve and discipline for universities to compete and maintain a thriving campus community.  Gone are the days when tuition increases alone will be enough to stay competitive and attract the best and brightest students.  The university teams that develop excellent communication tools and drive decision-making processes based upon objectively measured benchmarks will have a sustainable competitive advantage."

To review a copy of Mr. Caciano's presentation - click here - for the PowerPoint.

Or, click here - for a PDF copy of the presentation.

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