Why is there a Capital Council?
The Capital Council, with representation from across U-M, drives impact assessment of capital projects by leveraging qualitative and quantitative metrics to ensure key impact areas and university commitments are embedded in the delivery of all major capital projects. This unified approach and standardized evaluation of the capital portfolio will inform and drive additional clarity into longer-term capital planning at U-M. Through this process, the university ensures long-term investments are directed toward the highest-priority needs, furthering what it means to be U-M. The Capital Council strategy approach is continuously refined based on stakeholder feedback and will evolve as needed to fully align with the Strategic Visioning and Master Planning processes. Read more→
Who is on the Capital Council?
The Capital Council consists of 14 formal members with the option to invite additional participants on an as-needed basis (e.g., vice president for student life for major Student Life projects). The voting members of the council are the president, executive vice president and chief financial officer (EVPCFO), provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, and executive vice president for medical affairs.
When was the Capital Council implemented?
Capital Council proper was implemented in June 2023; however, rigorous capital planning has been a university practice for many years.
How often does the Capital Council meet?
The Capital Council is scheduled to meet monthly. During these regular meetings, members review the long-term capital plan, evaluate and endorse projects for Regent consideration, and establish university capital planning priorities.
Who should follow the Capital Council process?
All university units engaged in the planning and execution of capital projects should follow Capital Council processes.
When does a project go to the Capital Council for review?
Two months prior to scheduled Regent approval date. View timeline→
Do all capital projects have to be scored by the Capital Council to begin construction?
Scoring only applies to projects requiring Regent approval. Projects with estimated budgets under the $5M Regent approval threshold do not need to be scored by the Capital Council. In addition, projects with estimated budgets over the $5M Regent approval threshold and that meet the scoring exemption criteria do not need to be scored by the Capital Council.
What criteria does the Capital Council use to approve projects?
See the Scorecard and rubric.
How can I track where my project is in the Capital Council process?
The Capital Planning team also maintains unit-level capital dashboards. Please contact us for access to your dashboards and information about project status.
Will I be notified that my project has been endorsed?
Once a project has been officially endorsed by Capital Council, the unit will receive a project endorsement form from the Capital Council Working Group outlining the approval details.
If my project is not endorsed, will I have a chance to bring it back to the Capital Council for another review?
Yes! As part of the Capital Council endorsement form, any project not endorsed by the Capital Council will indicate the reason why and provide ways to improve the project for future consideration.
Who do I contact if I have any questions?
If you have questions regarding the new capital council governance approach, feel free to reach out to the Capital Council Working Group at [email protected].