UVAFinance

Tuesday, July 1, 2025

Wellness Resources: July 2025

It’s time to SAIL

Would you like to boost your strength, balance, and overall well-being? There’s a new wellness class that can help you do just that. It’s called SAIL: Stay Active & Independent for Life.

SAIL is a FREE strength, balance, and fitness class that blends gentle movement, mindfulness, and strength-building exercises to support your physical and emotional health.

The class starts on July 7 and meets for 6 weeks
Sessions are Mondays & Wednesdays from 7:30 – 8:15 AM

Click HERE for more information.

Divorce Wellness Group

If you’re navigating the challenges of a divorce and its impact, you don’t have to do it alone. The Divorce Wellness Group offers a supportive and transformative 6-week virtual course for healing.

The group runs from July 9 – Aug 13
Sessions are on Wednesdays from 12:00 – 1:00 PM

For more information and how to register, click HERE.

Try a Free Fitness Class

Hoos Well, in partnership with UVA Rec, is offering free fitness classes through Aug 8th. If you’ve not tried a class yet, now’s your chance!

Classes include Body Pump, Barre, Yoga, Aqua Jogging, Pilates, Zumba®, and Cycle, Strength & Core.

View the class schedule HERE.

UBI Finance 2.0: Summer Office Hours Kick Off July 15

Join us for Office Hours!

This summer marks a major milestone for UVA’s managerial reporting system: the launch of UBI Finance 2.0, a streamlined, user-focused evolution of our University Business Intelligence tools.

With over 150 million journal line records currently in UBI, it's no surprise that users have told us the volume and complexity can be overwhelming. UBI Finance 2.0 is our response: a cleaner, more intuitive experience designed to reduce clutter without sacrificing access. Rest assured, you won’t lose access to any of the data you rely on today.

To help you get comfortable with the new system, we're offering weekly UBI Office Hours, beginning Tuesday, July 15 at 10:00 a.m., and recurring every Tuesday throughout the summer. These sessions will focus on orientation and navigation of the new UBI Finance 2.0 apps, which will be generally released the week of July 7.

In addition to office hours, we’ll also host open Q&A sessions (watch out for more information on these soon) to support the migration of personal and community sheets. These sessions will be a great opportunity to ask questions, get hands-on help, and learn from others.

These sessions aren’t just about support, they’re about listening to our users. Your feedback is an essential part of our commitment to continuous improvement.

Everyone is welcome. Join us using the link below:
UBI 2.0 Office Hours Meeting Link

We look forward to seeing you there and helping you make the most of UBI Finance 2.0!

UVAFinance in Action: June 26, 2025

Thank you John!
John Gerding Attends NAEP Conference

This May, John Gerding, Procurement Commodity Manager, attended the NAEP Educational Procurement Innovation Conference in New Orleans, LA, presenting valuable prospectus information for EPIC and NAEP. This conference brought together leaders, innovators, and professionals in the field of educational procurement, providing a collaborative platform to attendees to explore and share strategies that drive progress and efficiency in Procurement. Thank you John for your dedication to UVAFinance's Procurement team and efforts!

Minh Nguyen Nominated for the 2025 Cornerstone Program
Congrats, Minh!

Recently, Minh Nguyen was selected as UVAFinance's nominee for the 2025 Cornerstone Program. The Cornerstone Program focuses on mentoring, exposure to executive leadership, and individualized learning programs, among many other benefits. Nguyen was chosen from a strong pool of candidates for her outstanding contributions and broad expertise in financial operations, specifically in cost accounting. Her recent leadership on the successful F&A Proposal exemplifies the strategic impact she brings to our organization. Congratulations Minh on this well-deserved recognition!

Tracy in Budapest

Tracy Pavone recently joined the UVA Finance team as an Executive Assistant to Olga Weider, bringing with her decades of experience in coordination and management, along with several years of service in the UVA Health System. With a strong background in support roles and an affinity for caring for others, Pavone is excited to grow her skills in Workday and contribute to a collaborative team environment.

“I’m thrilled to be joining a great team and being exposed to new things,” she shares.

Originally from Connecticut, Pavone discovered Charlottesville during a visit to a friend and quickly fell in love with the area. That visit turned into a fresh start when she relocated to Virginia and began her journey at UVA.

Pavone earned her associate’s degree in Math and Science from Housatonic Community College and began her career in support roles in the medical field before joining UVA Health as a Patient Access Associate.

Within UVA Health, Pavone held a variety of roles before making the leap to the academic side of the University. Now in UVA Finance, she’s excited to expand her Workday knowledge, particularly in areas such as travel and expense, and to make a positive impact in her new department.

“The Finance team has been wonderful, and learning new things is definitely keeping me engaged and interested,” she says.

Outside of work, Pavone enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with friends at local wineries and live music venues. She’s especially fond of smaller, regional acts; for instance, bands like Delta Rae from the Carolinas. She’s currently reading the third book in a fantasy trilogy by Tracey Deonn, enjoying the genre as a bit of welcome escape.

At home, Pavone shares her space with three cats (a mother and her kittens, named Delia, Anya, and Willow) who keep her company and entertained.

Welcome, Tracy! We’re so glad to have you on the team.

UVAFinance Welcomes George Fu as Senior Accountant

Joining UVAFinance as a Senior Accountant, George Fu brings with him a wide range of experience in internal auditing, financial analysis, and stewardship, making him an excellent addition to the UVAFinance team. With years of experience in internal audit and financial management, George is no stranger to understanding complex organizational structures and navigating the flow of financial processes.

Prior to UVA, George served as the Finance Team Lead at a local non-denominational church, where he managed finances across multiple campuses and a staff of around 50. During his time there, he placed a strong emphasis on maintaining financial integrity and stewardship, values that now continue to guide his work in higher education. Before his financial work with his local church, George spent several years in the banking industry where he honed his data analytics skills, which will translate cohesively towards UVAFinance's own work with large volumes of financial data and analytics.

George and his wife, with his sister-in-law
who lives in Charlottesville.

Originally from Taiwan, George earned his Bachelor of Arts in Finance and Taxation there, a program that blended accounting, public finance, and governmental finance. After fulfilling his two-year mandatory military service, he moved to the United States to pursue his MBA in Finance and Accounting at the University of Rochester in New York. He later became a Certified Public Accountant and began his professional journey in public accounting before transitioning to internal auditing.

George's path to Charlottesville and UVA was both personal and serendipitous. After spending many years in Buffalo, NY (and finally adjusting to the winters), an opportunity to relocate closer to family in Charlottesville presented itself. As his sister-in-law needed more hands-on aid, a position at the University opened up unexpectedly, "an olive branch," as he puts it. Now, a little over a month into his new role and preparing for his move from NY to VA, George is already engrossed in year-end close processes and preparing financial statements. A fast--but effective--way to get a feel for the pulse of UVA.

As a Senior Accountant, George is focused on building relationships across the organization and diving into the financial systems and processes that support UVA's mission. "It's complex, but that's the exciting part," he says. "There are a lot of moving parts, and now I have a network of knowledgeable people I can learn from and collaborate with."

Outside of work, George enjoys spending time with his wife, especially tending to their garden, a hobby they both find therapeutic and rewarding. He's also deeply committed to working in his local community, volunteering with local shelters and thrift stores, and at his church. He's also anticipating some house projects in the near future, especially with the process of moving to Charlottesville!

Welcome George! We're glad you're here!

Welcome, Matty!

Earlier this month, Matty Cash joined the UVAFinance team as an Executive Assistant to Julie Richardson and Katie Walker, bringing a strong background in nonprofit and healthcare work, as well as a clear passion for helping others. With a creative approach to her role and a drive to support those around her, Cash is looking forward to the opportunities ahead.

“I am ready to help people in a new capacity and put myself to the test,” she says.

A native of Virginia, Cash earned her Bachelor’s degree in Communications with a focus in Public Relations from the University of Lynchburg. After graduating, she held a variety of support roles in Loudoun County, VA, from customer service to marketing and communications, before joining UVA Health as an Administrative Specialist.

Now at UVA Finance, Cash is eager to bring together her analytical strengths and creativity, and she's enjoying the collaborative spirit of her new team.

“I find the behind-the-scenes things very interesting,” she shares, adding that she's looking forward to learning more about the University and how its finance office operates.

Outside the office, Cash enjoys spending time with friends, especially at local wineries and breweries, and has a creative streak she expresses through painting, drawing, scrapbooking, and journaling. After two years of reading nothing but nonfiction, she’s currently enjoying an Elin Hilderbrand murder mystery for a change of pace.

With a minor in English and a prize-winning published poem under her belt, Cash also loves to write. She recently fostered some kittens but doesn't have pets at the moment. Fortunately, she spends plenty of time with her family: her older sister lives nearby, and her father is just down the road in Southern Virginia.

Welcome, Matty! We’re glad you’re here!

Haven’t Joined the UVA Amazon Business Account Yet? Now’s the Time!

The Amazon Business Punchout
is waiting for you!

Make Sure You’re Using the Centralized UVA Amazon Business Account

In April, UVA launched a centralized Amazon Business account through the Amazon Punchout in UVA Marketplace. Many users have already joined, but some may still be using older, school-specific, or standalone Amazon Business accounts without realizing it.

With a September 1 deadline approaching, now is the time to double-check your account and make sure you’re set up correctly.

How to Know You’re in the Right Account

Whether you access Amazon through UVA Marketplace or directly at Amazon.com, your account should display:

“Account for the University of Virginia” in the upper right-hand corner of the Amazon Business page.

If you see your school or department name instead, you're still using an older or departmental account and will need to migrate.

Going through the Punchout in UVA Marketplace is the easiest way to ensure you're in the centralized account.

However, if you’ve already migrated, you can log in at Amazon.com — just make sure your account says “University of Virginia.”

Click on the image for a larger view

Why This Matters

Beginning September 1, purchases made outside the centralized UVA Amazon Business account:

Will not be eligible for reimbursement
Should not be made with the T&E Card, unless specific exceptions apply (e.g., shipping to non-UVA addresses outside of Charlottesville)

Not Sure? We’ll Reach Out.

If you're unsure about your status, don't worry — we’re here to help.

Between now and August 31, UVA Finance will be contacting anyone who has not yet migrated to the centralized account to offer support and guidance.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Why make the switch?

The Punchout streamlines the buying process and provides:

Business Prime preferred pricing
Tax exemption on eligible purchases
Improved tracking and shipping visibility
Centralized purchasing aligned with UVA policy

Need Help Joining?

Check out the Registration Guide for step-by-step instructions.
Still stuck? Call (844) 428-3060 to speak with the dedicated Amazon support team for UVA.

Need Help with an Order?

Amazon Business order or account issue? Call (866) 486-2360
Policy or UVA-specific question? Email askfinance@virginia.edu

Let’s make sure everyone is set up for success — thank you for helping us complete the transition!

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What a great event!

The 2025 Small Business Expo brought together University departments, community partners, and a vibrant mix of local and small businesses for a day of networking, discovery, and collaboration.

This year’s event featured:

35 Small and/or Local Businesses Exhibiting
5 Sponsors, including our top-tier Rotunda Sponsor, Re Replacement Parts — a small business proudly continuing the tradition of SWaM (Small, Women- and Minority-owned) representation at the highest sponsorship level for the second year in a row
217 attendees from across the University and beyond, representing 176 departments and community organizations

This year's turnout and engagement underscore the University’s ongoing commitment to supporting supplier diversity and strengthening connections between small businesses and institutional buyers.

We’re grateful to everyone who participated, and we’re already looking forward to what next year will bring!

See more pictures from the event on our Flickr album.

Upcoming FEAP Offerings

Workplace Wellbeing

Summer is the perfect opportunity to focus on your well-being. With longer days and a natural shift in pace, it's an ideal time to check in with yourself, both mentally and physically. Whether it's taking a mindful stroll in the sun, enjoying fresh seasonal foods, or simply slowing down to recharge, small steps can make a big difference.

To support you on that journey, FEAP is offering a number of summer well-being sessions and webinars, designed to help you feel more balanced and energized.

Upcoming Webinars

Rested & Ready: Enhancing Your Sleep, Restoring Your Energy, and Replenishing Your Resilience

July 23, 12:00pm - 1:00pm | Register HERE

Explore how to gauge your sleep patterns, identify barriers to quality rest, and understand how good sleep supports recovery from daily stress and enhances overall mental wellness. Learn practical strategies to address both surface-level and deeper causes of sleep difficulties, helping you restore your energy more effectively and consistently.

Group Events

Rest, Reset, and Restore

July 1, 4:00pm - 5:30pm (In-Person) | Register HERE

The Human Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) manages stress and recovery. Modern life often disrupts this balance, causing Nervous System Dysregulation (NSD) linked to chronic disease, anxiety, and depression. Learn to activate your Restore Branch at our R-3 drop-in sessions. Co-sponsored by FEAP and Population Health.

Caregiver Connection: Early Detection, Brain Health, and Community Support

July 26, 12:00pm - 1:15pm | Register HERE

This comprehensive session explores Alzheimer’s disease and empowers participants with vital knowledge and proactive strategies. Attendees will learn to recognize the 10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s, understand its effects on the brain, and explore risk factors, detection methods, and treatment options.

Kultivate Konnection

Monthly, 60-minute drop-in session - July 3, 11:30am

Join us on the first Thursday of each month for a 60-minute emotional wellness break, a welcoming space to connect, share experiences, and explore strategies for life’s challenges in a community that understands. Facilitated by FEAP Consultant Pamela Hamilton, this session offers culturally responsive support and meaningful resources to uplift and empower you.

Learn more about Kultivate Konnection.

Reminder: Workday Downtime for Year-End Processing

Available on July 1

As we wrap up FY25, please note that Workday will be unavailable from June 28 through June 30 to support year-end balancing and close activities.

The system will become available again on July 1, with the exception of Payroll Accounting Adjustments, which will be accessible starting July 3.

Thank you for your patience as we work to close out the fiscal year smoothly!

Microsoft Workshop Opportunity!

Interested in the innerworkings of Microsoft's Copilot Chat? UVA ITS invites our LSPs to a 90-minute, interactive Microsoft Copilot Chat AI Workshop on Thursday, June 26 & Friday, June 27, in Thornton Hall. These hands-on sessions hosted by ITS in partnership with Microsoft will explore how Copilot Chat can streamline your daily work and help you support your business area. Whether you're drafting emails, summarizing documents, or organizing information, Copilot Chat can help you work smarter, not harder.

Register here: Eventbrite

Dates:

Thursday, June 26:

8:30-10 a.m. | Technical
10:30-noon | Finance
2:30-4 p.m. | General

Friday, June 27:

8:30-10 a.m. | HR
10:30-noon | General
2:30-4 p.m. | Communications

Location: Thornton A120

Parking: Free parking for this event is available in the E3 lot between Scott Stadium and Thornton Hall.

What to bring: Please bring your laptop, your curiosity, and lots of questions!

Celebrating our Graduates!

At UVAFinance, we're proud to recognize and celebrate the achievements of graduates across our community. From students earning their degrees, to team members completing professional development programs, graduates' hard work, perseverance, and commitment to growth inspire us all.

Below are several finance employee graduates whose dedication to learning and inspiring accomplishments deserves recognition. We can't wait to see what's next for you all!

Joey Carls - Master of Science in Customer Experience Management, University of Michigan

Congrats, Joey!

Amanda Meares - Master of Business Administration, Penn State University

Congratulations, Amanda!

Brittany Coleman-Newton - Master of Business Administration, James Madison University

Congrats Brittany!

JJ Sullivan - Master of Business Administration, James Madison University

Congratulations, JJ!

Matt Phillippi - Master of Public Administration, James Madison University

Matt also received the In-Service Student Excellence Award

Congrats, Matt!

Angie Michael - Completed the Adult Degree Program at James Madison University (Bonus graduation excitement in Angie's family: her daughter is also a grad this year. Check out our family grads on the blog)

Way to go, Angie!

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If you or someone in your family is a recent graduate, reach out to bv8h@virginia.edu with graduate details to be featured in the next installment of UVAFinance friends and family grads!

Contributed by Patty Marbury, Director of Training & Development

Note: Remember to discuss all professional development opportunities with your manager prior to applying for any funds. See below for more information on the Education Benefit.

Why is professional development important?

Professional development offers a valuable opportunity to stay engaged and navigate the constantly changing landscape of Higher Education—and beyond. Whether you’re looking to learn new skills, sharpen existing ones, enhance your leadership abilities, explore new interests, stay on top of emerging trends, or simply connect with colleagues, there’s something for everyone.

Check out this article from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, How Professional Development Can Boost Employee Engagement on how participating in learning activities benefits all.

More on adopting a growth mindset

In March, I shared an article on why cultivating a growth mindset is important when considering professional development and lifelong learning - Growth Mindset and Professional Development: Do you Have a Growth Mindset or a Fixed Mindset? Then in April I shared some tips on moving from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset, and in May I focused on maintaining a growth mindset during challenging times, which can help you build greater resiliency.

Why might people with a growth mindset be more resilient in the face of difficulties?

They view challenges as opportunities to learn and grow, rather than as threats or signs of failure, helping them stay motivated and engaged during challenging times.
They tend to see failure as part of the learning process, reducing fear of mistakes and increasing their ability to keep moving forward.
They believe abilities can be developed through effort and are open to trying new strategies when something doesn’t work, which encourages persistence, problem-solving, and adaptability when things get tough.
They’re more likely to seek feedback and use it constructively, which helps them improve and recover more effectively after setbacks.
They tend to focus on what they can control instead of feeling helpless in the face of difficulty.
They build confidence over time, as they see effort leading to progress, which reinforces their belief that they can handle future challenges.

Professional Development Opportunities

We’re pleased to offer a variety of workshops, courses, and resources to support your ongoing growth—wherever your journey leads. While some opportunities are free and others may have a fee, most do not require travel, aside from a few UVA programs that may involve local travel. Please feel free to share other opportunities you come across and I’ll include them in future communications!

Coursera

Remember that we have access to Coursera, and an online learning platform that offers a wide range of courses, specializations, certifications, and degree programs from universities and institutions around the world. UVA has a university-wide subscription for Coursera. Check it out and start learning!

Upcoming Offerings

Listed below are links to offerings that may be of interest – as we have done for the past couple of months, we’ll again focus on opportunities for which you can use your centrally-funded education benefit and are offered virtually, or in a few cases, locally, so there are no travel costs! (Remember, if you are requesting departmental funds, make sure it you have approval before you register for or enroll in any offering.)

NACUBO*

Washington Updates:

*New* Navigating Federal Funding, Tax Reform, and Regulatory Shifts (recorded on 5/20/25)
Funding Outlook, Legislative Priorities, and Regulatory Developments (recorded on 4/9/25)
What’s Next for Higher Education Policy: Navigating a New Congress and Administration – recorded on 2/11/25
2024 Post-Election Analysis- Recorded on 11/19/24

Recordings:

Navigating (Un)certainty in Higher Education: Proactive Strategies to Drive Institutional Agility (recorded on 4/29/25)
Demystifying AI: Opportunities for Using AI in Higher Ed Business and Operations
Other recordings
Other Live Online Events - unless indicated, the session is free to NACUBO members, which we are, although you need an individual account.* Some also offer CPE credits.

NACUBO 2025 Annual Meeting Online ($350) – July 27-29, 2025
2025 Planning, Budgeting, and Analytics Forum – Online (fee TBA) – This is a “save the date” announcement. The online conference will be held Sept 29-30.

Self-Paced Courses and Microlearning

Strategic Higher Education Finance and Planning ($595)
F&A Short Form ($150)
Facilities Management ($49)
New to Higher Education ($49)
Essentials of College and University Accounting (this is currently undergoing regular review cycle and updates.)

Podcasts

Career Conversations
NACUBO in Brief

*Individual NACUBO membership is free through UVA’s institutional membership. To join go to nacubo.org and click on “Login or Join”. From the Login box, click on “Don’t have an account” and fill out the form. In the “Primary Affiliate” field, enter “University of Virginia” and select the appropriate affiliate.

The Chronicle of Higher Education

Professional Development Programs, including:

Leadership Transformation Collaborative (coming August 2025) – cost $495
Women Leading Change Program (coming September 2025) – cost $595-$1495, through 8/22 $100 discount
Administrative Leadership Institute (coming October 2025) – cost $1,195, before 9/5 $995

Virtual Events (many are on-demand)

Free webinar series: Navigating Uncertainty Under Trump

The Chronicle also has many interesting articles.

AGA - AGA is the association that connects and empowers professionals who support government, from financial management to IT, human resources, cybersecurity and more, to advance good government initiatives, grow their expertise and accelerate their careers. (Requires membership.)

LearnBFSI (several interesting for-fee courses - $199 each for live webinar and $159 for recording – note this company is in Australia), including: ChatGPT for CPAs and Finance Professionals, as well as courses in Excel and ChatGPT for PowerPoint.

UVA Organizations

UVA Organizational Excellence has many learning opportunities, resources, and articles.
UVA Miller Center always has interesting programs.
UVA Human Resources offers many free programs and courses.
Learning Tracks | UVA HR – HR has created two new leadership tracks: on for Aspiring Managers and one for New Manager. This is about a year-long commitment and requires completion of an online form. Note UVAFinance Mangers – we are working with HR to have a customized curriculum for managers, so if you’re interested in one of these tracks, please contact Patty Marbury, pam5w@virginia.edu, before you enroll.
LinkedIn Learning - Human Resources also has links to microlearning courses and to LinkedIn Learning. (Participating in these courses does not require submitting a Professional Development Request Form.)
UVA Darden Executive Education – The Collaboration and Influence program is $1,700

Use the discount code UVA50, which provides a 50% discount for the cost of the program. (The prices listed are for the full cost.)
See the Darden Executive Education program schedule for upcoming dates.

UVA’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies (SCPS) offers many Certificate programs.

Other Institutions

Harvard Business School Online offers multi-course credentials and certificate programs – many are less than $2000.
University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business online programs; many are $1,000 or less.
Stanford University Executive Education – the self-paced programs are $1,500.

Education Benefit

Each year you have $2,000 of centrally-funded education benefit for professional development or $5,250 to use for tuition toward a degree-seeking program. See https://hr.virginia.edu/career-development/education-benefits-1 for more information. (To be eligible for this benefit, you must have had six months of service in a benefits-eligible position at UVA by the start date of the class, with the intent to remain on the active payroll during the entire term of the class.)

Professional Development Request Form

UVAFinance team members –please discuss with your manager and use the Professional Development Request Form before you register for any program. Remember, not all professional development opportunities require submission of the form. If an opportunity is less than ½ day AND there is no cost associated with it, then do not submit a form. Many LinkedIn Learning courses and some courses offered by UVA Human Resources or other UVA departments meet these criteria. Otherwise, the form must be submitted. If unsure, feel free to ask!

Articles on Leadership

A Title Does Not a Leader Make (Inside Higher Ed)
The Top 20 Leadership Challenges (Center for Creative Leadership) – this informative article provides many links to other articles and resources.

Please feel free to share other opportunities you come across and I’ll include them in future communications!

Welcome to UVAFinance!

Kent Dickey recently joined the UVAFinance team as a Financial Advisor, bringing with him more than three decades of experience in state government work and a deep commitment to public service. With a strong background in budgeting, financial reporting, and policy, Dickey is already proving to be a valuable asset to the UVAFinance community.

Dickey lives in Richmond, Virginia and attended graduate school there at Virginia Commonwealth University, where he received his Master of Public Administration degree, with a specific interest in public finance. After receiving his MPA, he started work in the State’s education department and continued working there for the majority of his career. Over the years, Dickey held several leadership positions within the State’s Department of Education, including Budget Director, Assistant Superintendent, and eventually, Deputy Superintendent of Budget, Finance, and Operations. During that time, he worked closely with higher education partners, like the University of Virginia, on grants and contracts ranging from economic and demographic research to early education and literacy initiatives.

Now retired from full-time state employment, Dickey was drawn to UVAFinance for the opportunity to continue contributing in a meaningful, part-time capacity towards higher education. He was also drawn to the defined mission and goals UVA outlines in its day-to-day work. Additionally, having worked with several UVA staff in his previous roles, the transition felt natural. “It’s been great to reconnect with former colleagues and step back into a familiar environment, in a new way,” he shares.

As a Financial Advisor, Dickey will be focused on supporting the Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) team, led by Brian Logwood. Dickey’s work will involve enhancing key reporting processes, assisting with UVA’s Six-Year Plan, submission to SCHEV and the annual budget development process, and further develop use of funds processes and policies. He will also serve as a reviewer for data and reporting deliverables, helping to ensure accuracy and provide an experienced perspective. Dickey will also lend support during peak reporting periods, times when his expertise and additional capacity will make a significant impact. He sees his role as both collaborative and technical, noting that much of finance involves independent work that is later brought back to the team for refinement and implementation.

Outside of work, Dickey stays busy with his family and a variety of hobbies. He and his wife, who recently retired from the state community college system, also enjoy spending time with their dog and cat, whom he calls the “best workday destressors.” They’ve had much to celebrate in the past couple of years, with their son receiving his MBA from Villanova in 2024, and their daughter graduating from UVA’s School of Architecture this May and joining an architecture firm in NYC in August after completing some summer projects in the A-School. When Dickey’s not supporting UVAFinance, you may find him on the golf course, in the garden, or doing some home renovations. He and his wife enjoy traveling and recently returned from an adventure in Italy, where they toured various cities and historic sites.

UVAFinance in Action: June 12, 2025

Celebrating Wanda Breeden's Remarkable Career!

Wanda Breeden

After more than 39 years of dedicated service to UVA, Wanda Breeden will be retiring July 3. A longtime member of UVAFinance, Wanda has made an incredible impact through her work managing the UVIMCO Long Term Pool investments, performing key reconciliations, endowment distribution, and collaborating with colleagues across Grounds on gift and endowment activity. Many in our community have had the pleasure of working with Breeden over the years, and her deep knowledge, steady presence, and commitment to accuracy will be greatly missed. Beginning July 4, Yvonne Metheny will take on Breeden's responsibilities. Please join us in thanking Wanda for her exceptional service and wishing her all the best in retirement!

Meredith Dixon

Meredith Dixon: Empowering Procurement and Communications

Meredith Dixon helped support the launch of a new Salesforce dashboard to track punchout supplier-related inquiries. This tool provides valuable insights into inquiry trends and supports stronger supplier relationship management. Additionally, a recent enhancement now enables the Ask Finance team to better evaluate the reach and effectiveness of Finance communications, further advancing data-informed decision making across UVAFinance. Thank you for all your hard work on this initiative, Meredith!

Minh Nguyen

Minh Nguyen: Securing UVA's F&A Rates

Minh Nguyen played a key role in UVA's successful Facilities & Administration rate proposal by organizing and producing numerous critical reports in response to a data request. Thanks to Minh's expertise and effort, UVA reaffirmed its F&A rates, an important outcome that supports research funding and financial planning across the University. Thank you for your support and planning on this proposal, Minh!

Local Economy Working Group - Quarter One 2025 Updates

The Local Economy Working Group remains committed to growing local business capacity and university collaboration. In early 2025, the group participated in Chamber Day at the Capitol, hosted workshops with regional partners, and presented Procurement recommendations to several UVA departments. Ongoing efforts focus on reducing barriers for small businesses, improving category-specific engagement, and promoting supplier diversity. Some of the Group's Q1 2025 Updates include:

Co-hosted "How to Do Business with UVA" workshop
Advocated for local economic interests at Chamber Day in Richmond
Presented small/local spending reviews to key UVA units
Continued outreach via category-specific business workshops
Planning SWaM Fest 2025 and UVA-Wise supplier diversity event
Second Annual Small Business Expo on June 11

Ajoni Wynn-Floyd: Charlottesville 2025 Entrepreneur Workshop

Recently, Ajoni Wynn-Floyd attended the 2025 Entrepreneur Workshop, answering questions with regards to all things UVA Procurement and supplier diversity, eVa, and SWaM certification. She shared vital licensing, zoning, and UVA supplier information to entrepreneurs in and around Charlottesville. Thank you for your contribution and valuable insight Ajoni!

Moving Forward with Paymode: What You Need to Know About Phase 2

Supplier outreach has already begun!

In Phase 1 of our e-payments transition, we moved existing suppliers with active Paymode accounts over to electronic payments. Now we’re kicking off Phase 2, and we want to make sure you know what’s happening, why, and how it affects you and your suppliers.

What’s Happening in Phase 2

Phase 2 is all about outreach. We’re partnering with Bank of America to run an active campaign encouraging current suppliers to sign up for one of our preferred electronic payment methods: ePayables or Paymode. The campaign launched in early June and will run through September, with a second Paymode-specific campaign planned from September through November.

Why now?

Because by December 2025, we will sunset ACH payments through PaymentWorks, our current default electronic method. Suppliers who don’t enroll in either Paymode or ePayables by then will be paid by check, which will be net 45 and much slower.

We want to give suppliers plenty of time to make the switch—and that’s why we’re starting early.

What Suppliers Will Hear

Suppliers are already receiving communications from both UVA and Bank of America. Here's what we’re telling them:

ACH via PaymentWorks is ending in December 2025.
UVA is moving to Bank of America payment solutions: ePayables or Paymode.
Electronic payments are more secure, efficient, and reliable.
We’re here to help—and so is Bank of America.

We’re doing everything we can to make sure suppliers know this campaign is legitimate, helpful, and necessary. That includes building a website for verification and offering support through AskFinance.

Remember: We're not asking departments to take any action!

About the Payment Options

ePayables (Virtual Card) This is UVA’s preferred method of payment. Not every supplier will be offered this option, but we were thoughtful and deliberate in selecting those we believe are a good fit.

Payment Terms: Immediate upon receipt of a correct invoice What makes an invoice “correct”?

Contains all necessary info (PO number, invoice number/date, etc.)
Matches the purchase order (price, quantity, items)
Is undisputed by the department

If any of these aren’t true, we’ll pay as soon as they are resolved.

Paymode (ACH via Bank of America) This is a strong second option, especially for suppliers who opt out of ePayables. Bank of America offers free and premium versions of Paymode; the supplier chooses what works best.

Payment Terms: Net 30 (unless otherwise negotiated) Cost: Free basic version available

Check (Default if no action is taken) Check is still an option—but we’re strongly discouraging it.

Payment Terms: Net 45 Not negotiable, except in special cases

What You Can Do to Help

Build Your Purchase Orders Carefully: Match your PO to the supplier’s quote, line for line. This helps avoid match exceptions down the road.
Approve Invoices Promptly: If an invoice over $10,000 lands in your inbox for approval, don’t delay. That step is crucial for us to pay promptly.
Communicate Early: If something looks off or needs clarification, contact Procurement or AskFinance right away. The faster we can resolve the issue, the faster the supplier gets paid.

Support Is Just a Click Away

If you or your supplier has questions, AskFinance is your go-to. You don’t have to be an expert in payment methods—that’s what we’re here for.

We also have resources on our website for both you and your suppliers (including enrollment instructions!).

The Key Takeaways

ACH via PaymentWorks is ending in December 2025.
We want suppliers to transition to ePayables or Paymode now.
ePayables = Immediate pay for correct invoices
Paymode = Net 30
Check = Net 45 (and not preferred)
You don’t have to troubleshoot alone—AskFinance is here to help.

We’re excited about this change. It’s good for suppliers, good for UVA, and part of building a stronger, more reliable purchasing process. Thanks for helping us make it happen!

_____________________________________

We’re cleaning up the clutter,
not cutting off your access.

If you've ever opened UBI and felt overwhelmed by the number of reports, you're not alone. Over 150 million journal line records currently live in UBI, a volume that isn’t sustainable for efficient reporting. The early days of Workday prompted a fast and expansive rollout of reporting tools. While that approach met urgent needs at the time, it also created some clutter and confusion.

That’s why we’re launching UBI Finance 2.0, a streamlining initiative focused on giving you a cleaner, more intuitive reporting experience. This effort is not about taking anything away. It’s about improving what already exists and aligning it with what you’ve told us you need most.

We'll be With You All the Way!

The Business Intelligence Team will be offering office hours and other training sessions throughout the summer to make sure you’re getting exactly what you need, without the clutter. We’ll help you review what you need and rebuild what matters — together. Watch this space for updates on those office hours!

Questions or concerns?

Remember, you will not lose access to the reporting or data you need. This is all about making it easier, not harder. Reach out anytime to AskFinance@virginia.edu or join one of our upcoming office hours sessions.

Click the image
for a larger view

During the April Fiscal Administrators’ meeting, we heard our finance partners' feedback loud and clear regarding the planned shift in how Amazon purchases should be made at UVA. Based on that input, we’ve updated our approach to better support your needs while continuing to uphold purchasing and compliance standards.

Effective September 1, 2025, all Amazon purchases made using a T&E card must be for non-local shipments; that is, shipments to addresses outside of Charlottesville or off-Grounds UVA locations. This change helps us better accommodate departments that ship to remote employees, off-site labs, or other non-local destinations.

What This Means for You

Local Shipments (UVA/Charlottesville Addresses):
All purchases shipping to UVA or Charlottesville addresses must be made using the Amazon punchout in UVA’s Marketplace. T&E cards should not be used for these transactions.

Having trouble with Amazon delivery to your UVA address?
Please reach out to AskFinance@virginia.edu with the delivery address and specific instructions so we can help reduce mis-deliveries.
Non-Local Shipments (Outside Charlottesville/UVA):
If you're purchasing items to be delivered to non-local addresses, you may continue to use your T&E card through UVA’s Amazon Business website.
Reimbursements:
Beginning September 1, 2025, Amazon purchases will no longer be eligible for reimbursement.

Timeline

May 1 – August 31, 2025: Grace Period
Use this time to transition to the Amazon punchout for local deliveries.
• Reminder emails will be sent to cardholders and reimbursed employees during this time.
• No formal violations will be issued during the grace period.
September 1, 2025: New Guidelines Go into Effect
• T&E card purchases shipped to local addresses, as well as Amazon reimbursements, will be tracked under the T&E Misuse Monitoring program.
• Non-compliant purchases will be followed up with appropriate action and support.

Support and Next Steps

Our goal is to make this transition as smooth as possible for everyone. We’ll continue providing updates and guidance through communications and training as we approach the go-live date.

Need help?
Visit AskFinance@virginia.edu with any questions, concerns, or address updates. You can also see our webpage for more information and links to resources.

Thank you for your continued partnership and attention to these updated purchasing procedures. We’re here to help you navigate the changes—and as always, we’re grateful for the work you do.

____________________________________

Related Content: T&E Card Misuse Monitoring Program

Think positions, not people, for Workday Roles

Contributed by Crystal Tapia, Workday Security

This time of year brings a lot of movement across Grounds: promotions, retirements, and role changes are all part of the seasonal cycle. As these transitions occur, it’s important to keep in mind how Workday handles roles and access, and what actions you can take to make sure everything goes smoothly.

A Quick Reminder: Workday Roles Are Tied to Positions, Not People

When someone moves into a new position, even in the same department, their access doesn’t automatically follow them. That’s because Workday assigns roles to the position itself, not to the individual. This means that when you move positions, your access must be reassessed and reassigned.

What to Do Based on the Type of Role Change

1. When You’re Changing Areas or Managers

If your new role includes a move across departments (for example, from Engineering to Arts & Sciences), you’ll need to submit a System Access Request (SAR) on the first day of your new position. Since your area and responsibilities are changing, your previous manager can’t verify your new access needs.

2. When It’s a Promotion or Internal Move

If you’re staying in the same area, with the same manager, and your responsibilities are largely the same (say, a promotion from Analyst to Senior Analyst), an “Ask Finance” case can be submitted ahead of time. This helps ensure your access is uninterrupted when your new position begins. Just be sure to include:

The inbound and outbound positions
Manager’s confirmation

Planning ahead in these cases is highly encouraged, especially if you know your role is changing July 1. Planning ahead means that we can get everything in motion during June.

Key Tips:

Access Requests (SARs): Must be submitted on the first day of the new position.

Ask Finance Salesforce Cases: Can be submitted ahead of time.

A Few More Considerations

Access can’t be granted to empty positions. We know it would be helpful, but current system limitations don’t allow it.
Training matters. Make sure the required training (like Procurement Shopper training) is complete before requesting access tied to those responsibilities.

Need to Check Someone’s Roles?

You’ve got options:

In UBI: Search by person to view assigned roles and organizations.
In Workday: Use the “Role” search in the tasks menu or explore available role reports. (Access may be limited based on your own role, but managers can view role info for their direct reports.)

For more information, check out the Workday Roles website and the Workday FIN Security Roles Quick Reference Guide (QRG). And as always, if you have questions or need help, don’t hesitate to reach out through Ask Finance.

Thanks for your partnership and for helping keep things running smoothly!

Better aligning payroll expenses

Contributed by Financial Planning & Analysis

In the June Fiscal Administrators’ meeting, our team revisited an important change that was initially communicated to Associate Deans in the fall and again during the FY25 Budget Kickoff:

UVA will no longer defer the monthly 6/24/25 payroll to the next fiscal year.

This means that the monthly 6/24/25 payroll, which previously would have landed in FY26, will be pulled back into FY25. The goal is to better align payroll expenses with the fiscal year in which the work was performed.

If this change sounds familiar, that’s great — it means the message is getting through. Most budget directors across the MBUs have already planned for this adjustment. But for those looking to double-check the financial impact at their unit level, we’ve got a quick walkthrough to help.

Finding the Payroll Obligations in UBI

Here’s a simple way to assess the impact of the monthly 6/24/25 payroll on your unit using the Journal Lines report in UBI:

Start with the Obligations Summary Sheet
Open the Journal Lines report and head to the Obligations Summary sheet. From there, go into the Selections pane to begin filtering.
Set Your Filters
- Fiscal Year: Choose FY25
- Exclude June: You’re interested only in obligations excluding those dated for June (i.e., before the end-of-month payroll)
- Budget Date: Set this to 2025-06-24, which is the end date of the monthly payroll period for June.
Narrow to Faculty Salaries
- Use the Line Item filter to focus on Comp Faculty under obligations (not actuals).
- This captures all spend categories that roll up to faculty salary expenses.
Review the Total
Once your filters are applied, the Obligations Summary will display the projected hit. University-wide, that total comes to $31 million.
Dig Deeper with Journal Line Details
If you want to see the breakdown at the MBU, Cost Center, or Worktag level, jump into the Journal Lines Detail sheet. This lets you assess the impact specific to your unit or area.

Helpful Links

Questions or Concerns?

Again, this payroll shift shouldn’t come as a surprise to most units, but we’re committed to making sure you have the tools and transparency you need to navigate it confidently. If you have questions or need assistance walking through the reports, don’t hesitate to reach out via askfinance@virginia.edu