The task force included students, faculty and other administrators. Its goal was to make recommendations regarding principles and guidelines for basic-services contracts and the procedures for implementing them.

After a review of the task force's findings and several discussions of the issues with the leadership of the University, principles and guidelines regarding basic services contracts have been implemented.

"Washington University aspires to advance its quality and impact as a research university," Wrighton said. "As in the past, we will continue to use contractors to provide desired services to the University when it is concluded that it is in the interest of the University to do so."

To read the Principles and Guidelines for Basic Contract Services Contracts, go online to contracts.wustl.edu.