Significant results have emerged from the simplification initiative launched during the 2024-2025 academic year. They range from empowering schools to make timely, high-quality decisions to creating more efficient processes across research and administrative functions, all aimed at fostering a more agile and responsive university environment.
“When I was appointed to this role just over a year ago, and started to talk to people across the university, I was surprised that in nearly every discussion, I heard stories about how cumbersome it had become to ‘get things done’ at Stanford,” President Jonathan Levin said at the university’s 2025 Academic Council meeting.
He and Provost Jenny Martinez created the Simplify Stanford team – former President Richard Saller, former Provost John Etchemendy, and Vice President for University Affairs Megan Pierson – to address the frustration and coordinate solutions.
Work on simplification, one of the top three priorities for Levin and Martinez, has corralled best practices and feedback from those closest to the work.
Here’s a look at some of the achievements to date.
Setting the tone on simplification
In February, Saller and Etchemendy, who had begun exploring ways to simplify Stanford during Saller’s presidency, outlined their work, noted some initial successes, and provided updates as the effort progressed.
Introducing more efficient ways to fly
User feedback informed easier ways to arrange and pay for travel that is crucial for research and teaching.
Creating a more efficient engine of innovation
Stanford is streamlining research administration, with a focus on improving research support services, ensuring that compliance with regulatory requirements is both efficient and effective.
Easing and speeding faculty appointment and promotion decisions
Appointing, reappointing, and promoting faculty has grown overly cumbersome. A plan to reduce paperwork and decisions aims to ease the process, all while maintaining high standards.
Doing a better job of buying and paying
The way Stanford procures everything from lab equipment to construction services is getting simpler, while upholding stringent compliance and reporting standards.
Author
Chris Peacock
