[vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Building a Stronger Financial Foundation for CSU’s Future” css=””][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]

The Colorado State University System is launching a comprehensive assessment of our enterprise financial systems to ensure they are modern, scalable, and capable of supporting future administrative and academic needs. This evaluation will help us understand how our current tools support daily operations across CSU–Fort Collins, CSU–Pueblo, and the System Office, and where opportunities exist to streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and improve data-driven decision-making.

In partnership with The Tambellini Group, a trusted higher education advisory firm, CSU will conduct a detailed review of current systems, identify gaps, and develop clear options for the future.

This work aligns with the multi-year budget redesign, the WorkSTATE project, and Accenture’s HR and Finance Alignment efforts, creating a unified approach that reduces duplication and strengthens systemwide coordination.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_tta_tabs][vc_tta_section title=”About the Assessment” tab_id=”1765192996233-2d93990f-8ff0″][vc_column_text css=””]This assessment provides a comprehensive review of CSU’s financial systems to better understand how they support daily operations across our campuses. The work focuses on identifying strengths, uncovering gaps, and outlining options that can improve efficiency, accuracy, and long-term sustainability. Through this process, we will gain a clearer picture of how our current tools align with evolving campus needs. The findings will guide future decisions that strengthen CSU’s administrative and financial foundation.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Why This Matters” tab_id=”1765192996239-c7943464-4e5d”][vc_column_text css=””]

Modernizing CSU’s financial systems is essential to supporting effective planning, budgeting, and day-to-day operations across our campuses. As the university evolves, our systems must be flexible, efficient, and equipped to deliver reliable data that informs decision-making. This assessment helps ensure that CSU’s financial infrastructure can meet current needs and support long-term institutional goals.

This work matters because it will help CSU:

• Improve the accuracy, consistency, and accessibility of financial date
• Streamline processes that impact departments, faculty, and staff
• Reduce administrative burden and clarify workflows
• Strengthen transparency and support responsible stewardship of resources
• Enhance CSU’s ability to plan, forecast, and make timely, informed decisions
• Align financial tools with broader operational improvements across the system

[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Partnering With The Tambellini Group” tab_id=”1765193229471-7cbaa757-6aa4″][vc_column_text css=””]The CSU System has partnered with The Tambellini Group, an independent advisory firm that specializes in higher education technology and operations. Their expertise helps ensure that the assessment is objective, evidence-based, and informed by best practices across the industry. Tambellini will lead interviews, analyze system performance, and develop a comprehensive report that outlines improvement opportunities. Working alongside campus subject matter experts, they will help CSU chart a clear and informed path forward.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Project Leadership” tab_id=”1765193331169-f0ecf247-8344″][vc_column_text css=””]

A dedicated group of project leaders is steering this assessment with a focus on collaboration, transparency, and thoughtful analysis. Their experience across CSU’s financial and administrative landscape positions them to guide conversations, surface insights, and support informed decision-making throughout the process.

Co-Leads

• Emily Claffey — Deputy Director, WorkSTATE Project

• Angie Nielsen — Director, Office of Budgets

• Dave Ryan — Executive Director, Business & Financial Services / Controller

Executive Sponsors

• Brandon Bernier — Vice President for Information Technology and System CIO

• Brendan Hanlon — Vice President for University Operations and System CFO

• Garrison Ortiz — Vice President for University Operations and CFO, CSU–Pueblo

[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_tabs][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator css=””][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Timeline & What to Expect” css=””][vc_column_text css=””]The assessment will move through several structured phases to ensure a thorough and collaborative review. While each stage includes detailed work behind the scenes, the overall timeline provides a clear picture of how the project will progress. Below is a high-level overview of what to expect in the months ahead.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_tta_accordion][vc_tta_section title=”Phase 1: Project Launch (October 2025)” tab_id=”1765194131463-27703b9c-4bb9″][vc_column_text css=””]The project begins with planning, preparation, and the exchange of foundational materials. This includes establishing timelines, confirming stakeholders, and delivering start-up resources needed to begin the assessment.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Phase 2: Campus Engagement and Discovery (November 2025)” tab_id=”1765194131472-88542871-3de4″][vc_column_text css=””]Project leaders and The Tambellini Group will conduct kickoff meetings and begin stakeholder interviews across the campuses. These conversations help identify current challenges, system gaps, and opportunities. Early section report drafts are produced and reviewed during this phase.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Phase 3: Analysis and Report Development (December 2025)” tab_id=”1765194203918-721b247a-1446″][vc_column_text css=””]Work continues with additional interviews, the development of a market overview, and ongoing drafting of the final assessment report. CSU leadership will review early report content and provide feedback to refine recommendations.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Phase 4: Final Review and Presentation (January 2026)” tab_id=”1765194231582-562da540-b07b”][vc_column_text css=””]The project culminates in the delivery of the full draft report and final presentation materials. Feedback is incorporated before the final presentation is shared with executive sponsors and prepared for broader leadership audiences.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_accordion][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_section][/vc_section][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator css=””][/vc_column][/vc_row]