The cIcu Collaborative
The cIcu Collaborative initiative consolidates the purchasing power of the 100+ private, not-for-profit campuses in New York State to provide cIcu members the option of purchasing select products at a discount. To defray administrative costs, cIcu in some cases, may receive a modest amount under agreements made with the companies below.
cIcu offers optional group purchasing opportunities in a number of areas: technology hardware, software, student health insurance, telephone services, telecommunications auditing, rental car discounts and access to New York State contract pricing.
For further information and updates, visit this page regularly or contact Christopher Nolin (518-436-4781 or chris@cicu.org).
- Fall 2008 cIcu Collaborative Meeting
- Campus Benchmarking and Analysis
- Campus Operating and Capital Analysis
- Equipment Leasing (NEW)
- Rental Car Discounts
- Student Health Insurance
- Technology
- Access to New York State Contract Pricing
Fall 2008 cIcu Collaborative Meeting
Realizing that many colleges face increased pressure to "hold the line" on spending while continuing to provide campus services, cIcu hosted a November Collaborative conference in New York City. Over fifteen campuses attended the meeting to hear presentations about the considerations of equipment leasing, student health and sports insurance, campus emergency notification systems, utilizing the State contract and the Office of General Services, leveraging purchasing in the higher education and hospital not-for-profit sectors. In addition, collaborative partner, Perfect Financial Management, Inc. lead a panel discussion on the financial turbulence and the impact it has had on colleges and universities. Copies of the presentations may be found below.
Equipment Leasing Presentation
Institutional Financial Management Presentation
Leveraging Purchasing Power Presentation
Purchasing through the State and the Office of General Services (OGS)
Campus Benchmarking and Analysis
Sightlines LLC and the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities offer Sightlines’ campus benchmarking and analysis services at a 15 percent discount to cIcu’s members. This initiative will use Sightlines’ benchmarking indicators and a patent pending process called Return on Physical Assets (ROPASM) to improve campus operations through increased energy efficiency, operating savings and capital optimization. CICU member campuses will have full access to Sightlines nationwide database of more than 140 campuses in 28 states on campus facilities to support ongoing measurement and performance of facility assets. Campuses may contact Jim Kadamus at 518-690-0688 or e-mail jkadamus@sightlinesllc.com for additional information.
Campus Operating and Capital Analysis
Working with the PFM Group, cIcu members are offered a 15% discount on PFM Future Perfect, a Microsoft Excel based model offering campuses the ability to analyze the strategic ramifications of operating and capital initiatives using the Future Perfect program. The model establishes relationships between interdependent operating and financial variables including, student revenue, personnel, investments, debt, and facilities, among others. A graphical interface allows users to change variables and the base architecture allows users to add initiatives or projects, such as physical building projects, gift campaigns, academic programs, changes to benefits programs, or staffing changes.
With its national headquarters in Rochester (NY), First American Equipment Finance offers cIcu members competitive equipment leasing, equipment financing and asset management through the First American Equipment Finance Program. First American specializes in analyzing schools’ financial needs, equipment obsolescence strategies and developing lease programs that meet today’s modern needs. Under this program, cIcu members will receive preferred pricing, terms and conditions as well as various complementary services, such as online asset tracking.
First American Equipment Finance
The Hertz program offers independent colleges and universities discounts of 10-15% on vehicle rentals. Contact cIcu for a supply of cards with the appropriate discount code.
Currently serving 100+ colleges and universities nationwide, Gallagher Koster (formerly Koster Insurance Agency) has established itself in the student insurance industry since its incorporation in 1994. Joining forces with the Arthur J. Gallagher Higher Education Practice niche in 2007, this team of specialists is devoted exclusively to developing innovative insurance and risk management solutions for the educational community. Gallagher Koster offer an extensive portfolio of insurance products and related services provides clients with features to keep their student insurance program attractive and competitive.
Consortium Purchasing Advantages: Reduced Insurance Retention and Administration Costs, Underwriting protection through group purchasing, No additional on-campus administrative cost, Expanded account management services, and Flexibility of customized plan design options. In addition, available Products for Colleges & University Consortium Clients Include: Student Medical Insurance, Sports Accident Insurance, Student Accident Insurance, Short Term Medical Insurance, International & Study Abroad Insurance, Camps, Clinics & Special Event Insurance, Student Property Insurance, Discount Dental, and Vision & Wellness Programs. For more information, contact Teresa Koster at Teresa_Koster@ajg.com, 800-457-5599, or visit www.gallagherkoster.com.
Access to New York State Contract Pricing
The Office of General Services (OGS) website provides information on the over 2000 contracts for purchasing of supplies, materials, equipment, services, and technology products.
