Changes could save University of Wisconsin-Madison up to $8.5 million, report finds - Deborah Ziff, Wisconsin State Journal

UW-Madison uses more than 72 e-mail systems and buys more than 250 types of black pens. A new report found that the university could save money - up to $8.5 million - by centralizing and standardizing some of these administrative functions. (And yes, the report found that UW-Madison could be more fiscally responsible with black pens.) The suggestions are the initial results of an external review by Huron Consulting Group, hired by the university to look for areas of efficiency. Huron estimated that the first phase of the study would take about 20 weeks and cost $1.5 million, although UW-Madison administrators say it could cost less. A document outlining five key areas of savings will be presented at a campus forum today.