This Resilience, Innovation, Sustainability, and Excellence (RISE) Initiative update shares Illinois State University’s progress in advancing resource allocation and the budget redesign project.

Budgeting Tools Evaluation

Teams are participating in workshops to define what we need from new budgeting tools and how we might use them. The next step involves evaluating tools to identify the best fit for Illinois State. As part of this process, the project team will schedule vendor demonstrations and invite fiscal managers from across campus to attend and share feedback.

Current Budget Analysis and Process Review

In parallel, we are developing the future-state budget model through in-depth analysis of the University’s current financial and operational data. This analysis will form the foundation of the new model.

Additionally, we are creating a future-state budget process and timeline that aligns with institutional priorities and leading industry practices. Teams are examining current process bottlenecks and inefficiencies to uncover opportunities for enhancement. Budget guidelines and procedures are under active review to support a more effective and transparent budgeting process.

Position Control – A Foundational Step

During the spring semester, a comprehensive review of our current processes revealed a need to improve budget data. Establishing accurate and complete budget information is an important step in the preparation for the successful implementation of the new budget model.

One way we are improving budget data to help inform the new budget model is through a best practice known as position control.

What is Position Control?

Position control is the process of managing and tracking each position within the University, ensuring each role is properly authorized, categorized, and documented within the organizational hierarchy.  

This process is aimed at ensuring accurate budgeting, resource allocation, and reporting, with a focus on positions, not individual employees. Under this model, each position—whether filled or vacant—will be identified with an associated budget. This approach enhances financial discipline and supports strategic workforce planning.

Key Advantages of Position Control:

• Transparency into vacancies and associated costs
• Alignment of funding with staffing needs
• Data-driven decision-making and long-term workforce strategy
• Reduced manual effort in tracking position status and budgets

As we continue to move forward, modernizing our systems and processes is essential to enhance flexibility and transparency, support multi-year planning, and enable more agile and responsive decision-making. Implementing position control is a foundational step in creating a more accountable, strategic, and future-ready budgeting and planning environment.

The HR and Budget teams have held initial discussions with division budget managers and will continue to meet with division and university leadership to share information as the project progresses.

Thank you for your continued collaboration and dedication as we work together to position Illinois State for lasting success.