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Updated June 2016

The recommendations made by the TEAM working groups led to the implementation of several projects designed to improve administrative efficiencies in key areas. We now have structures in place to support efficient, effective administrative management across the university.

TEAM Projects at-a-Glance

Administrative Process Integration (API)

Simplify common administrative tasks so they require less time, are easier to track, and better serve the Tufts community.

  • Introduced a simplified process for labor distribution changes with an online personnel action form (PAF)

The Budget Center

Facilitate a uniform and strategic budgeting process across Tufts.

  • Launched August 2015
  • Introduced Axiom as system of record for budgeting at Tufts
  • Developed three-year operating budget for the university
  • Established relationships with program managers in schools and departments
  • Supporting quarterly forecasts and crafting budgets in Axiom

Communications and Marketing Effectiveness

Address increased pressure on the university to generate revenue with communications and marketing efforts that inspire action.

  • Completed reorganization of communications and marketing teams
  • Established a central digital services team in partnership with TSS to provide web strategy, design, development and hosting services
  • Developed university-wide marketing plan
  • Developed university-wide messaging
  • Established Marketing Advisory Council

Strategic Sourcing

Introduce rigorous procurement standards, maximize Tufts’ purchasing power and secure the best pricing. Spend less yet remain responsive to the need for equipment and services.

  • Collaborated with schools in Greater Boston to negotiate $400K in annual savings in office supply purchases
  • Negotiated favorable contract with potential savings of more than $350K a year on lab consumables and equipment
  • Saved approximately 25% a year in testing services for the Veterinary School
  • Negotiated new pricing on dental materials for more than $100K annual savings
  • Sourced and negotiated $95K annual savings ion lab apparel and linen services for the Dental and Veterinary Schools
  • Renegotiated contract with official university credit card company to double rebate
  • Identified 20% in building supplies, maintenance and repair costs

Tufts Support Services

Provide a simple, service-oriented approach to conducting many administrative human resource and finance tasks.

  • Launched December 2014
  • Introduced case management model of handling human resource and finance tasks
  • Handled 100,000 cases in its first year and a half of operation
  • Consistently exceeds Service Level Agreements originally established in 2014
  • Actively involved in the community through case surveys, an advisory committee and other broad-based outreach

Tufts Technology Services

Align IT services with the needs of the Tufts community. Support academic and administrative needs by improving processes and introducing technologies that enable ubiquitous access, anytime support, responsive service and productive partnerships.

  • Completed the integration of 15 separate IT units to form Tufts’ first comprehensive IT service organization
  • Implemented a new 24/7 IT Service Desk, providing, anytime, anywhere IT support across all campuses
  • Created the IT Service Partner Program and IT planning framework to collaborate with schools and divisions on their evolving technology needs
  • Consolidated many local applications onto Tufts’ enterprise platform and secure data centers in order to better protect critical data and minimize service disruptions.
  • Provided access to a wider range of educational and research software tools