Frequently Asked Questions
Overview
- Why is GW undertaking a budget model redesign process?
GW is updating its budget model to better meet the university's needs and priorities. The new model aims to support GW's educational and research mission, improve planning and investment and encourage collaboration.
- What is a budget model?
A budget model is a framework for managing the allocation of the university’s resources and prioritizing investments towards university goals.
- Are other universities making these types of changes?
Universities nationwide are evaluating their current budget models and adjusting their resource allocation strategies to better align financial decisions with strategic priorities and increase predictability.
- Who is involved in decision making throughout this process?
University leaders, including the President, Provost and Chief Financial Officer, are leading the development of an enhanced budget model for GW with input from Deans, Faculty, Administrative Leaders and Staff.
- What is the purpose of guiding principles?
Guiding principles are core values that guide the university's budgeting practices.
- How were the guiding principles decided on?
The guiding principles were developed with input from university stakeholders to reflect GW’s values. For more information on the guiding principles, please see them here.
- What does “One GW” mean and how will the redesigned budget model incorporate a “One GW” approach?
"One GW" means making decisions that align with the university’s mission and emphasize intentional, strategic collaboration.
- What are the key outcomes the new budget model aims to achieve?
The new budget model is designed to boost transparency and predictability in university finances while developing incentives aligned with the University Strategic Framework and goals.
- Which GW stakeholders have been engaged throughout this process?
University leaders, including deans, faculty, division leaders, and staff, have been engaged. Throughout the Spring 2026 semester there will be opportunities for faculty and staff to provide feedback and learn more about the budget redesign, including community conversations and updates to the website.
- When does this go into effect?
The new budget model processes and procedures will be implemented for the FY2027 budgeting cycle.
- How does the Foundational Excellence Initiative relate to the budget redesign?
The Foundational Excellence Initiative and the budget model redesign are separate but connected efforts to strengthen GW’s long‑term sustainability. The Foundational Excellence Initiative will address ways GW can generate new revenue and control costs, which the budget model does not do. However, insights from this initiative will help inform implementation of the redesigned budget model and transparency around budgeting decisions.
Campus Engagement
- How can I track what is going on with the budget redesign?
Please continue monitoring the budget model website and look out for announcements about community conversations.
- How can I contribute or get involved to assist the university with this effort?
The budget model website features a feedback form where you can share your thoughts. Faculty, staff, and administrators are encouraged to provide input. We will actively monitor submissions and incorporate applicable feedback into the redesign process as important themes emerge. We will also host community conversations in April to engage campus community members.
- How will stakeholders be kept informed through the Spring 2026 semester?
Regular updates via the website, community conversations, and email communications will keep all stakeholders informed and engaged.
Changes to Current Model
- How will the new budget model incentivize collaboration and interdisciplinary studies?
The new budget model aligns financial incentives with collaborative efforts to benefit schools offering interdisciplinary courses and programs.
- How will the new budget model affect faculty and staff benefits?
It will not directly impact benefits. The model focuses on financial improvements while maintaining and enhancing the current level of support for faculty and staff.
- What does this mean for the FY27 budget model process?
In FY2027, the university will run both the current- and future-state budget models in parallel to monitor performance and gather insights that will inform further implementation in FY2028.
- Will the university’s current Open/Closed Schools model continue under the new budget model?
No. The new budget model will evolve beyond the current Open/Closed Schools framework to establish a more standardized model across all schools.
- Will there be training to better understand the new budget model once it is developed?
Yes, training will be developed to help faculty, staff, and administrators understand the new budget model. These materials will be designed to ensure that faculty, staff, and administrators are well-equipped to navigate the updated framework.
- How will this impact my unit’s budget?
The new model introduces a new allocation of tuition revenue by recognizing both the school of enrollment and the teaching school to more closely reflect where instruction, advising, and academic support is taking place.
- What is different about the new model?
The redesigned budget model increases transparency and incentivizes collaboration across schools and departments while reducing the complexity that has diminished the usability of the current model.
- Does this impact other unit revenues such as gifts and endowments?
No, the new budget model does not affect other sources of unit revenue such as gifts and endowments.
- How will the new approach promote standardized treatment of schools and divisions?
The new budget model will standardize treatment of schools and divisions through common planning guidelines, aligned incentives, and clear governance procedures.
- What role will technology and data play in shaping financial planning?
We are selecting a new financial planning & analysis (FP&A) tool to enable data-driven forecasting, informed decisions, and streamlined collaboration.