F&B Strategic Initiatives & Planning

Finance and Business Initiatives

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Cutting the Red Tape

In support of the President's Goals to enhance operational excellence, this initiative was created for F&B employees to identify opportunities to increase overall efficiency across the organization.

Your input drives meaningful change. Submit your ideas and suggestions today to help F&B build a more efficient, responsive and effective Penn State.

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Optimized Service Teams

The Optimized Service Team (OST) initiative at Penn State is a multi-year effort to reimagine shared support and services across the University. In response to the implementation of OSTs at the campuses, an updated list of points of contact for finance and business services at each campus is now available online.

The spreadsheet was updated on 4/18/25

POC Spreadsheet

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Office of Strategy, Planning and Engagement

Strategy, Planning and Engagement for F&B and Commonwealth Campuses

The office supports Finance and Business through training and development, engagement events, special projects, strategic planning, and initiatives. It also provides operational strategy and planning support for Penn State’s twenty Commonwealth Campuses.

Log in with your PSU ID when prompted.

CWC Project Awareness Form

Budget Allocation Approach

In August 2022, President Neeli Bendapudi charged a group of leaders under the direction of Sara Thorndike, senior vice president of Finance & Business/Treasurer, to explore and develop a new budget model that better serves the mission, vision, and values of the University. This effort supports Penn State's multi-pronged approach to reducing costs, identifying efficiencies and enhancing revenues.

Budget Approach Website

F&B Sustainability Initiatives

As a steward of Penn State resources, Finance and Business aims to increase sustainability across the University and has worked to transform units into champions of environmental action. F&B works closely with the Sustainability Institute on a variety of projects that continue to tackle new sustainability challenges with innovative and efficient solutions.

SI Website

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