As a senior/cabinet level officer of your institution, the expectation from your president and your board is that while representing your particular division, you are also able to effectively contribute in all other institutional areas, as well as articulate the challenges and goals facing your institution and the larger academic market.
Below is a broad overview of important institutional metrics in Administration and Finance. As a senior/cabinet level officer, it is key to be familiar with:
- Your institution’s overall budget—revenue and expenses
- Your institutional endowment
- Your bond rating
- The significant capital projects under consideration or in process
- Total number of staff employed by the institution
- The economic impact of the institution on the surrounding community
- Top areas under review by risk management
- Key areas/programs that are receiving funding in your current fiscal year
- The proportion of your institutional budget that comes from state appropriations
- The general discussion, debate, conversation on the state level about next year’s appropriations
- The key technology upgrades that are in process or that are being planned for the campus