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Cost Containment Measures

Northwestern University has implemented immediate cost containment measures in response to evolving financial challenges, including constrained tuition and endowment revenues, rising labor and benefit costs, and federal policy changes impacting research funding. These steps are essential to preserving the University's long-term financial stability and ensuring continued excellence in teaching and research.

Key Cost Containment Initiatives
  1. Personnel Expense Oversight
  2. Non-Personnel Expense Reduction
  3. Pre-Approval for Expenditures Over $250,000*

Faculty and staff are encouraged to exercise financial prudence given the current economic climate.

*Note threshold change effective September 28, 2026

Cost Containment Processes

Each process is designed to evaluate necessity, ensure budget and strategic alignment, and uphold financial responsibility across all schools and units. Please review the detailed guidelines below to determine the appropriate steps for submitting requests.
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Personnel Expenses/Hiring and Compensation Process

Visit the Everyday Workflow for Budgeted Staff Roster webpage  for information. (NetID authentication required.)

Pre-Approval for Expenditures over $250,000 Process

Visit the Pre-Approval for Expenditures webpage for information. (NetID authentication required.)