Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Saving in the HPL


Kevin has suggested that the photocopier in the HPL is used only on rare occasions. Recognizing that getting rid of the copier will be a permanent budget cut, he's willing to use the machines upstairs, or print extra copies of what he needs.


The Hawk has learned that our copiers are all leased on state contract. That means we may or may not save money this way, depending on when the contract is up. However, we will have the opportunity to reduce our copiers for the new fiscal year. We will get a notice sometime in April asking us if we want to change the number of copiers we have. If we can save money, then we will direct them then to remove the HPL copier at fiscal year.


Thanks Kevin for suggesting this cost-saving idea!


Saturday, January 24, 2009


A few ideas have trickled in for saving money around the Center.


One idea can be implemented right away:


Center employees could use ceramic coffee mugs and “real” dishes instead of the Center’s paper goods, saving the Center from having to purchase those paper goods.


Other ideas will be investigated for their feasibility and the Hawk will post updates as they occur:


Rent out Center space for ITV events, and charge a fee to cover costs plus some profit


Create a “senior party package” and rent out space for say, Grandma’s 80th birthday party. Charge a fee to cover any costs, and make a profit


We appreciate the brainstorming – every idea will be considered!

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Upcoming Med Center meetings

Two Med Center meetings are scheduled to discuss the current budget situation. The Faculty Assembly will be hosting a Town Hall Meeting for faculty members from noon - 1 p.m. on Jan. 21 in the School of Nursing Auditorium (G013). Another Town Hall Meeting has been planned for faculty, staff, and students from noon - 1 p.m. on Jan. 30 in Battenfeld Auditorium.

Coffee ?




Question: Will the Center continue to provide coffee as it has been doing?




The Frugal Hawk says: Yes we will ! And if you're lucky enough to be middle aged, drinking coffee reduces your risk of Alzheimer's disease. Read the story here:


Wednesday, January 14, 2009

The Frugal Hawk





Welcome to the Frugal Hawk blog.


As you know, there is now a suggestion box in the mailroom where you can offer your ideas on how we can cut costs and save money in the Center. All aspects of the budget are under review.



The Frugal Hawk will monitor the suggestions left in the mailroom suggestion box, and post them here. The Frugal Hawk will also post responses to each suggestion.


Yesterday the Director and the Director's Advisory Group decided on the following cost-saving measures, beginning February 1st:


We will no longer provide food or beverages for any seminar, meeting, or group


We will no longer reimburse for conference travel, registrations, professional dues (unless the costs are to be paid from your grant funds)


We will no longer provide Culligan water service


We will no longer sponsor outside group’s fundraisers (e.g., Stroke Foundation, Center for Practical Ethics) using Center money


We will no longer participate in health fairs that charge a booth fee


Check back here for additional changes as they are implemented.


If you want to comment or leave suggestions here, you will need to have a gmail account. You can create one by going here: https://www.google.com/accounts/NewAccount?service=mail&continue=http%3A%2F%2Fmail.google.com%2Fmail%2Fe-11-1118e1725c75efe82ddbcecdc211d77-5594a4aedcd8cc47e61dae511ef76898e156d1c7&type=2


Thanks, and keep those cards and letters coming !