Solix is Live!

Solix went live in October

We’re pleased to share that UVA’s historical Oracle data has officially moved to its new home: Solix. The transition, completed in late October, was smooth and successful thanks to the collaboration of our partners across ITS, OSP, UVAHR, and UVAFinance.

This secure and structured archive marks another milestone in improving how we protect and manage University data. As shared earlier, only a small group of central users will retain direct access to Solix, but if you need historical financial information that once lived in Oracle, we’re here to help.

• Financial data: Contact askfinance@virginia.edu
• HR data: Contact askhr@virginia.edu
• Grants-related data: Contact osp-postaward@virginia.edu

Our teams continue to work together to ensure you have access to the historical data you need, securely and efficiently.

For more information, visit https://in.virginia.edu/sda

Professional Development Corner: November 2025

Every day development?  It's possible!

contributed by Patty Marbury, Director of Training & Development

Building Development into Everyday Work

Professional development doesn’t have to be a separate event on your calendar. Some of the most meaningful growth happens in small moments: the choices we make, the habits we build, and the ways we approach our everyday work.

Building development into daily routines starts with awareness. When you learn something new in a workshop, from a colleague, or simply through experience, look for a way to apply it right away. It might be trying out a different approach in a meeting, using a new tool or technique on a task, organizing your work in a different way, or using a new communication technique with a teammate. These small, practical steps make learning feel natural and help it stick.

Sharing your learning with others also strengthens the culture around you. Sharing quick tips or new ideas you’ve learned, or even presenting at a UVAFinance Lunch and Learn, can turn individual growth into shared progress. When development becomes part of everyday experience, it becomes easier for everyone to learn from one another.

Finally, weave development into the work you’re already doing. Align new skills with your goals, and look at challenges as opportunities to grow even further. When learning is connected to real work, it feels purposeful, not extra.

Building development into everyday work doesn’t require more time; it requires intention. By making small, thoughtful adjustments throughout your day, you create steady, meaningful growth for yourself and those around you.

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.

Professional Development Opportunities

We’re pleased to share information about 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, many do not require 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, 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, with no travel costs. (Remember, if you are requesting departmental funds, make sure you have approval before you register for or enroll in any offering.)

• *NEW*:  University of South Florida is offering a free (through February 2026) course on how to craft good AI prompts: AI Whisperer: A Microcourse in Crafting Prompts

• EDUCAUSE Events:  What is EDUCAUSE?  From their website: “EDUCAUSE is a nonprofit association whose mission is to lead the way, advancing the strategic use of technology and data to further the promise of higher education. We connect and empower our member community through insights, advocacy, resources, and learning opportunities to anticipate trends and strengthen professional practice.”
• NACUBO*
• Washington Updates and 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.
• Conferences and Forums
• Save the date! NACUBO 2026 Annual Meeting – July 18-21, 2026 in Anaheim, CA
• 2026 Intermediate Accounting and Reporting – Jan 28-30, 2026 online ($300)
• Self-Paced Courses and Microlearning
• Strategic Higher Education Finance and Planning ($595)
• F&A Short Form ($150)
• Essentials of College and University Accounting ($125)
• Facilities Management ($49)
• New to Higher Education ($49)
• 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.

• SACUBO
• 2025 December 10 Webinar:  Hot Topics in Accounting & Tax
• 2026 Leadership Forum – February 25-27, Destin, FL
• 2026 Annual Convention – April 19-21, Dallas, TX
• 2026 Fall Conference – November 11-13,  Myrtle Beach, SC (save the date!)
• EACUBO
• Higher Education Leadership Program – August 10-13, 2026, at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY ($2,999)

The Chronicle of Higher Education

• Professional Development Programs, including:
•  Leadership Transformation Collaborative - starts January 2026
• Women Leading Change Program - 2026 dates coming soon
• Administrative Leadership Institute – 2026 dates coming soon
• Higher Education Mental Health Forum – 2026 dates coming soon
• Virtual Events (many are on-demand)

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. Subscribe to OE’s newsletter
•  Affinity Dialogue: Accessing and Using Data at UVA:  December 16, 2025, 11:00-12:00 (online)
•  Skillful Change and Transitions: January 29, 2026, 12:00-1:45 (in person: Holloway Hall-Room 116, Bavaro Hall)
• 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 Managers. This is about a year-long commitment and requires completion of an online form. (A track for Experience Managers is in development.)

·         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.

 

Share Your Financial Know-How and Strengthen Your Community

There's a nonprofit that would just love you!

Local nonprofits thrive when their boards include members who understand finances, from budgeting and reporting to strategic resource management. Whether you’re a finance professional, a budget manager, or simply the person who keeps your household books in order, your skills can make a real difference.

Academic Outreach and UVAFinance invite you to join So You Want to Be a Treasurer, an engaging 2½-hour training designed to help you confidently step into a finance role with a nonprofit organization. Led by Melody Bianchetto, who retired from UVA in 2023 after 35 years in financial management, this session explores what effective financial leadership looks like in the nonprofit world, including planning and reporting, as well as stewardship, oversight, and compliance.

You’ll learn how finance committees strengthen long-term sustainability, how to manage budgets and audits, and how to prepare for smooth leadership transitions. After the session, participants can connect with local nonprofits through the Center for Nonprofit Excellence’s BoardBuild platform, matching their financial expertise with community needs.

• When: Thursday, December 4, 1:00 – 3:30 p.m. 
• Where: In-person at Carruthers Hall (Carr-1 & Carr-2) or Virtual (via Zoom) 
• How: 
• Register for the In-Person Session 
• Register for the Virtual Session

Register for only one session. Seats are limited (40 per format), so sign up soon! If your plans change, please drop your enrollment so someone else can attend.

Continuing the Good Work with Amazon Purchasing

Check out the Amazon Purchasing Guide!

UVA’s Amazon Business Punchout in Marketplace continues to streamline purchasing, making it faster and more consistent with University practices. Thanks to your efforts, reimbursement requests for Amazon purchases have declined by 50%.  Great job, everyone!

To help you stay on track, check out the Amazon Purchasing Guide on the UVAFinance website. 

Your commitment to using the centralized Amazon Business account or Amazon Business Punchout (and avoiding reimbursements for purchases made through personal accounts) helps strengthen UVA’s purchasing practices and saves valuable time across Grounds.

Keep up the great work;  your partnership is making a real difference!

Steady Progress in Procurement Transformation

Stay up to date

The Procurement Transformation project continues to move forward, reimagining how UVA sources, contracts, and partners with suppliers to create a simpler, more transparent, and mission-aligned process.

We’re taking a deliberate, steady approach to ensure each step supports the needs of our schools and units, our suppliers, and the University as a whole.

Recent milestones include:

• Expanded Infrequent Payee Pilot: Following successful early testing, more schools and units are now participating in the pilot of the new Workday module that simplifies payments to individuals with short-term or infrequent relationships with the University.
• Workday Strategic Sourcing Pilot: A small pilot group is gearing up to begin testing this new tool, which will streamline supplier engagement and improve sourcing transparency.

To stay up to date on project progress, visit the Procurement Transformation website for updates, resources, and demo recordings.

This transformation is a multi-year effort, and your feedback, partnership, and patience are helping us build a procurement experience that’s modern, consistent, and designed for long-term success.

Back to Charlottesville: A Homecoming for Donald Cook

The Cooks (Donald on the far right)

For Donald Cook, returning to UVA is not just a career move; it is a homecoming tied to his strong personal and professional connection to the University.

Last year, Cook had the opportunity to work with UVA through a project with the UVA Health team. The project focused on treasury transformation, and for Cook, it was also a chance to reconnect with the University in a meaningful way. The moment he learned the work involved UVA, he knew he wanted to be part of it. That experience reminded him of what makes the University so special and strengthened his desire to return full-time.

Now back on Grounds as Managing Director for Treasury, Cook says his work carries a renewed sense of purpose. After years in the corporate world, he finds it rewarding to serve a mission-driven institution where every project supports something larger, from students and research to patient care. His passion for treasury work lies in balancing long-term planning with daily management, always aiming to build trust and show how each part connects to the whole.

Cook’s connection to UVA runs deep. His return is not only professional but also personal, marked by his academic journey and family ties. He earned his master’s degree from the McIntire School of Commerce, an experience that shaped both his career and his appreciation for the University’s community. Years later, his son graduated from the University of Virginia in 2023. During those visits to Grounds, Cook was reminded of how special the University is. Now that he and his wife are preparing to move from North Carolina, he calls it a new beginning for them. His wife, who has never lived outside North Carolina, is excited to experience everything Charlottesville has to offer.

Outside of work, Cook enjoys golf, traveling, and trying new foods. He says going out to eat is one of his favorite ways to unwind, and Asian food, especially Thai and sushi, is his top choice. He has traveled often for both work and leisure, but Europe remains a favorite destination, with Switzerland standing out for its calm and beauty.

For Cook, joining UVA again feels like returning to a familiar story. It is a place where his past and present meet, and where he continues to find meaning in his work. As he settles into this new chapter, he says he feels grateful to be part of a community that continues to inspire him every day.

UBI Finance 2.0: Thanks for Coming Along for the Ride!

We did it!

Contributed by Mark Anderson, Director of Business Intelligence

After months of planning, testing, and refining, the new UBI Finance 2.0 platform is officially up and running, and UBI 1.0 has been retired. A huge thank you to all of you for your patience, feedback, and curiosity throughout this journey. We know change can be a bit bumpy, and we appreciate you sticking with us. We did it - together! 

We hope you’re starting to feel at home in the new interface and finding the updated reports more intuitive and useful. Whether you joined us for office hours, booked a one-on-one training, or explored on your own, we’re glad you’re here. If you missed any of those resources, you can still check them out on our website.

Your questions and suggestions have been incredibly valuable. Thanks to your input, we’ve made numerous improvements and additions and have addressed the issues you raised. Keep the feedback coming via askfinance@virginia.edu.  We're listening!

A Big Shoutout to the Dream Team

This transformation wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible efforts of our colleagues:

• From our BI Team: Kudos to Brad Kurtz for his innovative work on the modular scripting that forms the backbone of our new architecture, and to Krisztina Kiss for her thorough testing and insightful design feedback.
• From the IRA/UBI Team: A huge thanks to Kevin Mawn and Natalia Startseva for their support throughout development, testing, and transition.
• We all appreciated Amanda Meares’ thorough and engaging office hours presentations.  
• Brandi Van Ormer kept us all informed and in the loop.
• Thank you to Linda Leshowitz for delivering top-notch training sessions and materials.

I feel lucky to work beside such a talented and dedicated team, driving this work forward!

What’s Next?

We’re currently working on new Payroll Costing apps and a full redesign of RAD (Research Administration Dashboard). A special shoutout to the grant administrators who are helping shape the new RAD experience; your insights will make a big difference.

Thanks again for being part of this transformation. We’re excited about what’s ahead and grateful to have you with us!

Transformational Federal Work-Study: A Win-Win for Departments and Students

Help our students and help your department!

A new collaboration among the Provost’s Office, the Career Center, and Enrollment is creating more meaningful experiential learning opportunities for UVA’s Federal Work-Study (FWS) students, and it’s an opportunity departments won’t want to miss. 

Through the Transformational Federal Work-Study (TFWS) Internship Program, departments can elevate student employment by incorporating structured internship components that help students build professional skills and deepen their connection to their work. 

Cost-Effective Support for Your Department 

Hiring a Federal Work-Study student is already a cost-effective staffing solution, as federal funds cover  75% of student wages. But the TFWS program makes participation even more rewarding: supervisors who offer at least one internship through the program are eligible to receive stipends of up to $1,000 ($500 per semester). 

That means your department can strengthen its workforce, contribute to student development, and receive financial support for doing so. It’s a true win-win. 

Support Every Step of the Way 

Supervisors participating in TFWS receive comprehensive resources, including training, goal-setting guidance, and structured feedback tools to help ensure a smooth, rewarding experience for both supervisors and students. 

If you missed the recent Lunch & Learn, it’s not too late to get involved. You can still register for an alternate training or schedule an individual meeting to learn how TFWS could enhance your student roles. 

The TFWS program is helping make student employment at UVA a transformational part of the academic journey for both students and the departments that support them. 

Contact tfws@virginia.edu to explore next steps or arrange a one-on-one consultation. 

Understanding the Invoice Lookup Tool

Make the most of this tool

If you’ve used the Invoice Lookup Tool on the UVAFinance website, you know it’s a quick way for suppliers to check the status of invoices submitted to UVA. Recently, a question from a supplier highlighted a few important limitations and tips that can help users make the most of the tool.

What the Tool Shows

• Invoices with an invoice date within the last three months
• Invoices that have a Purchase Order (PO)

If an invoice doesn’t meet these criteria, it won’t appear in the results, but that doesn’t mean it’s missing. For instance, invoices related to certain integrations (such as the Bookstore or Cavalier Computers) won’t display in the lookup tool, even though they’re being processed normally in the system.

If you don’t see your invoice: 

• For UVA Users: Search for the supplier in Workday, then select the “Invoices and Payments” tab on their supplier profile. You can view the most recent invoices and payments, or click Find Invoices to look further back. Payment details appear within each invoice under “Payment Status,” or under the “Payments” subcategory.
• For Suppliers: Remittance details are provided with each payment. Access may vary depending on payment type (check, ACH, or wire). If suppliers can’t locate their remittance information through the payment portal, they should contact askfinance@virginia.edu for assistance.

The Invoice Lookup Tool remains a great first stop for checking payment status.  Just keep these limitations in mind when helping suppliers track down their invoices.

Meet Morgan Paramore: From Madison County to UVA Finance

Welcome, Morgan!

Growing up in Madison County, Morgan Paramore has always been familiar with Charlottesville. After spending time away for school and work, she is glad to return to the area and begin a new chapter at UVA.

Paramore attended the University of Mary Washington, where she earned her degree in mathematics with a minor in cybersecurity. She originally entered as a computer science major but soon realized she was more drawn to the analytical and problem-solving side of math. The small campus setting allowed her to form close connections with her professors, which she considers one of the highlights of her college experience.

After graduation, Paramore moved to Reston, Virginia and began working for the Budget and Planning Administration, contracted to the Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Research and Development. There, she supported budget execution and tracked the life cycles of funds dedicated to research, science, and technology initiatives focused on areas such as water and conservation. She valued being able to see how financial stewardship directly supported projects that advanced environmental and scientific goals.

Now serving as a Treasury Administrator at UVA, Paramore is eager to expand her experience and apply her background in a new setting. She appreciates that finance can take on many different forms and enjoys being in a space where she can continue learning each day. Her time in public service has strengthened her commitment to meaningful, purpose-driven work, and she is excited to contribute to the University’s mission.

Outside of work, Paramore enjoys baking, hiking, and spending time with friends and her two dogs. She also loves trying new recipes, exploring local trails, and discovering new coffee shops around Charlottesville. When she is not outdoors or in the kitchen, she enjoys quiet evenings catching up on shows or planning her next weekend adventure. She is looking forward to everything this next chapter at UVA will bring.

Wellness Resources: November 2025

Be well this fall

Important Reminder

Last Day to Earn Hoos Well Rewards: November 30, 2025
Complete and log your Hoos Well activities:  preventive visits, flu shots, or Hoos Well Portal Journeys® — by the deadline.  Learn more.

 

Ongoing Hoos Well Opportunities

• Create a Hoos Well Portal account and earn up to $500 in rewards.
• Join WW (WeightWatchers) for free (UVA health plan members) or at a discounted rate.
• Schedule a complimentary nutrition counseling session through the UVA Nutrition Counseling Center.
• Meet with a Live Health Coach to set and achieve your wellness goals.
• Join our free drop-in classes, including yoga, cycling, and BodyPump.
• Access Healthy Minds@Work for mindfulness and stress support.

 
Virtual and On-Ground Resources

• Hoos Well Virtual Hub: Explore a suite of online tools and programs to support your physical, financial, and emotional wellness.
• UVA Rec Personal Training: Meet virtually or in person with certified trainers to stay active on your own schedule.
• FEAP Virtual Resources: Access self-care materials and mental health resources anytime.
• WW (Weight Watchers): Employees and spouses on a UVA health plan can join at no additional monthly fee, with discounted rates available for others.
• eM Life: Use this online mindfulness platform to manage stress and improve focus.
• UVA Walking Paths: Take advantage of interactive routes across Grounds for an easy way to get moving during the day.

UVAFinance in Action: November 2025

Way to Go!

Trina Mallory Certificate Success

Trina Mallory recently completed the Treasury Professional Certificate Program, marking an important milestone in her professional development. 

Her achievement reflects a strong dedication to growth and excellence and serves as a great example of UVA Finance’s commitment to Continuous Improvement.

UVAFinance Wears Pink 💗

This October, the UVAFinance team showed support for those affected by breast cancer by wearing pink and gathering for cupcakes, ribbons, and conversation in Carruthers Hall. It was a simple but meaningful way to come together, raise awareness, and honor the many in our community whose lives have been touched by this cause.

Procurement Staff Bring Halloween Cheer with Creative Costumes 

Procurement Services recently hosted a festive Halloween gathering, bringing plenty of spirit and creativity to the office! Staff showed off their costume flair with characters like Thor, the Three Little Pigs and the Big Bad Wolf, and even a cheerful hot dog. 

The celebration wasn’t just about costumes; it was about connection. The team spread fun throughout Finance, lifting spirits and sharing laughs across departments. 

Creating Transformational Work-Study Experiences at UVA

Meaningful opportunities for UVA's FWS students

A new collaboration among the Provost’s Office, the Career Center, and Enrollment is opening the door to more meaningful experiential learning opportunities for UVA’s Federal Work-Study (FWS) students.

Through the Transformational Federal Work-Study (TFWS) Internship Program, departments can enhance their student employment experience by incorporating structured internship components, helping students build professional skills while deepening their connection to their work.

Support for Supervisors

Supervisors who participate in the TFWS program are eligible to receive stipends of up to $1,000 ($500 per semester) for offering at least one internship through the program. Participants will receive support through training, goal-setting guidance, and structured feedback tools to ensure a smooth and rewarding implementation.

Join the Lunch & Learn

Interested in participating? Join the Career Center for lunch and a conversation about TFWS on November 12, 2025:

• 12:00 – 1:00 PM: Manager Collaboration Session & Lunch

• 1:00 – 2:00 PM: Hands-on V-TOP Module Training

• Location: UVA Career Center

If you can’t make it to the lunch session, you can register for an alternate training or schedule an individual meeting with Career Center staff to discuss how TFWS could enhance your student roles.

For Students

Students participating in TFWS will enroll in a 1-credit UNST course (UNST 3910 or UNST 3920) designed to help them reflect on their experience and connect classroom learning to workplace practice. Courses are offered in both in-person and virtual formats to fit student schedules.

This initiative represents another step toward making student employment at UVA a transformational part of the academic journey—for both students and the departments that support them.

Professional Development Corner: October 2025

Make time for professional development!

Contributed by Patty Marbury

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.

Turning Professional Development into Impact

Turn your growth into results by applying what you learn, sharing it with others, and connecting it to what matters most.

Professional development is most powerful when it creates real-world results. Learning itself is valuable, but the true measure of growth is how it changes outcomes — for your projects, your team, and your organization.

• Start by reflecting on what you’ve learned: How can this skill or insight make a difference in your work? Maybe it’s improving a process, solving a challenge more efficiently, or contributing a fresh idea that benefits the team.
• Sharing knowledge amplifies impact. When you mentor a colleague, demonstrate a new approach, or pass along insights, your growth extends beyond yourself.
• Finally, connect learning to tangible goals. Align development with what matters most to your team or organization, and you’ll see how growth translates directly into meaningful outcomes.

Professional Development Opportunities

We’re pleased to share information about 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, many do not require 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.)

Annual Fall 2025 FOCUS Conference – November 19-20, 2025 at Virginia State University ($50)

National Conference on College Cost Accounting (NACCA) – November 19 and 20, 2025, 12:30-5:00 – virtual. Registration is free. Note that this is on the same dates as Fall FOCUS.

EDUCAUSE Events

What is EDUCAUSE?  From their website: “EDUCAUSE is a nonprofit association whose mission is to lead the way, advancing the strategic use of technology and data to further the promise of higher education. We connect and empower our member community through insights, advocacy, resources, and learning opportunities to anticipate trends and strengthen professional practice.”

NACUBO*

• Washington Updates and 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.
• Conferences and Forums
• Save the date! NACUBO 2026 Annual Meeting – July 18-21, 2026 in Anaheim, CA
• 2026 Intermediate Accounting and Reporting – Jan 28-30, 2026 online ($300)
• Self-Paced Courses and Microlearning
• Strategic Higher Education Finance and Planning ($595)
• F&A Short Form ($150)
• Essentials of College and University Accounting ($125)
• Facilities Management ($49)
• New to Higher Education ($49)
• 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.

SACUBO

• 2026 Leadership Forum – February 25-27, Destin, FL
• 2026 Annual Convention – April 19-21, Dallas, TX
• 2026 Fall Conference – November 11-13,  Myrtle Beach, SC

EACUBO

• 2025 Annual Meeting – October 19-22, Pittsburgh, PA
• Higher Education Leadership Program – August 10-13, 2026, at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY ($2,999)

The Chronicle of Higher Education

Professional Development Programs, including:

• Leadership Transformation Collaborative - starts January 2026
• Women Leading Change Program - 2026 dates coming soon
• Administrative Leadership Institute – 2026 dates coming soon 
• Higher Education Mental Health Forum – 2026 dates coming soon

Virtual Events (many are on-demand)

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. Check out Creating Behaviors for Organization Success, November 5, 2025 12:00-1:00.. Subscribe to OE’s newsletter. 
• See a list of ongoing UVA offerings on our website.

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.) December 5, 2025, is the cutoff date to use your 2025 benefit.

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!

Amazon Business Punchout: Updates and Resources (and a big thank you!)

 

Visit the new Amazon Purchasing Guide

UVA’s Amazon Business Punchout in UVA Marketplace is helping schools and units purchase what they need more efficiently and in alignment with University purchasing practices.  We’re pleased to share that we’ve assembled a new Amazon Purchasing Guide on the UVAFinance website, designed to provide you with the assistance and resources you need. 

Explore the New Amazon Purchasing Guide

Here you’ll find information on:

• Approved methods for purchasing from Amazon
• Helpful guidelines for schools and units
• Resources to simplify ordering and ensure compliance

We’ll continue expanding this site with new tools and updates, so check back often for the latest resources to help your team transition to UVA’s centralized Amazon Business account and Amazon Business Punchout in Marketplace.

Great Progress Across Grounds

Thanks to your efforts, reimbursement requests for Amazon purchases are way down compared to this spring. Your commitment to using the approved purchasing methods is making a real difference, streamlining processes and ensuring UVA’s purchasing power is used effectively.

We encourage all schools and units to continue:

• Using the centralized Amazon Business account or Amazon Business Punchout in UVA Marketplace
• Avoiding reimbursements for Amazon purchases made through personal Amazon accounts.

Communication and Support

We’ll resume sending targeted communications this month to department staff, reimbursement recipients, and T&E Card users to help reinforce these purchasing practices.

If your department would like help communicating this initiative, we’re happy to support you. Reach out through your Finance Advisory Network (FAN) representative (find your FAN member on this page) or contact us directly at askfinance@virginia.edu

Procurement Transformation Updates

A new website and more!

At UVA, procurement is more than purchasing goods and services; it’s a vital part of advancing our mission in education, research, and patient care. Through the Procurement Transformation project, we’re reimagining how the University sources, contracts, and partners with suppliers to make the process simpler, more transparent, and better aligned with our shared goals.

What’s going on with the project lately?

New Website Now Live

We’re excited to share the launch of our new Procurement Transformation website.

This site is your source for project updates, timelines, team information, and resources. Bookmark the page to stay current on everything happening within this multi-year initiative.

Infrequent Payee Module: Pilot Progress and Demo Recording

A key part of this transformation is simplifying how we onboard individuals who have short-term or infrequent relationships with the University for payment. To support this, we’ve built a new Infrequent Payee module within Workday.

Last month, we launched a pilot to test the module, and we’re pleased to share that testing has gone smoothly. On Thursday, October 23, at 10 a.m., the project team offered a live demonstration of the tool in action.

If you missed it, you can watch the recording on the new Procurement Transformation site.

A big thank-you to the schools and units who have participated in the pilot and provided valuable feedback. If your area would like to take part in an expanded pilot, please contact us at askfinance@virginia.edu.

Looking Ahead

As the Procurement Transformation continues, we’ll keep sharing updates and resources to support our partners across Grounds. Together, we’re building a procurement experience that’s modern, people-centered, and mission-driven: one that helps the University make the most of every resource in service to our shared goals.

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Related information: Introducing Procurement Transformation at UVA

Finding Help in Workday Finance

Now there are even more ways to find help!

Contributed by Danielle Hancock

As part of their recent releases, Workday has provided some new, helpful tools to help you find the information you need faster!

Meet the Workday Help Hub

You might remember the “Need Help?” button in Workday. That’s been replaced with something even better: the Workday Help Hub.

You can find it by searching for “Help Hub” in Workday’s global search or by scrolling through your menu.

From there, you’ll see resources for Finance and HR, including:

• Quick Reference Guides organized by functional area
• Easy links to the resources you use most often
• A Request Help button that sends your question straight to the right team 

Help, Right Where You Need It

When you’re working on a task, keep an eye out for those little question mark icons; we’re adding them wherever Workday allows. They offer short explanations of what belongs in a field (like Journal Source or Accounting Date) and sometimes include a direct link to the full Quick Reference Guide. 

AI-Powered Suggestions

With the latest Workday update, you’ll also see a “Suggested for You” section in some tasks. It uses your past activity to suggest what you’re most likely to need next.  They may not always be what you're looking for at the time, but on the whole, they should make it easier and quicker to find the task you're looking for.

Customer Accounts Hub & Revenue Hub

These two new hubs, found by using the global search in Workday, bring together everything you need for those tasks based on the roles you have in the system (you'll only see tasks you have permission to do).   

🎥 Watch a short walkthrough video here

Don’t Forget the Training Page

You can always find Quick Reference Guides, training videos, course slides, and one-on-one sign-up links on the Workday Finance Training page.

We're here to help!

These resources are additional help options for you as you work.  You are still encouraged to email askfinance@virginia.edu with your questions; we'll be happy to assist!

We’re always looking for new ways to make Workday easier to navigate and help easier to find. I hope you’ll take a few minutes to explore these tools and let us know what you think!

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More information:  Enhancements in Workday Finance

Tech Tips from our LSPs: Privacy & Security with AI

Be mindful of privacy and security when using AI

This Tech Tip is part of a series on Generative AI.  Stay tuned for more tips!

When using AI tools, protecting privacy and maintaining security must always come first. Even seemingly small details can put personal or institutional information at risk if shared in the wrong place.

UVA staff can use an approved, licensed version of Microsoft’s CoPilot. All info about Microsoft CoPilot at UVA and a form to submit a request for a license can be found here

Keep in mind:

• Do not share personal identifiers. Names, Social Security numbers, employee/student IDs, addresses, and financial account numbers should never be entered into AI tools.
• Protect institutional data. Research data, proprietary business information, and anything covered under FERPA, HIPAA, or other regulations is off-limits.
• Assume the tool is public. Even if a platform claims not to store your inputs, treat every interaction as though it could be seen by others.
• Use UVA-approved tools. When available, stick to versions of AI platforms that have been reviewed and approved for University use.

Examples:

• Don’t paste an internal spreadsheet with names and salaries into an AI tool for “help making a chart.”
• Do ask the AI to show you how to build the chart, then apply those steps to your data securely within Excel.

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See our previous tips: Safely Using Gen-AI at UVA / Data Do's and Don'ts for AI

Read more:  https://genai.provost.virginia.edu/guidance-for-faculty-students A

UVAFinance in Action: October 2025

L to R: Chailey Hench, Danae Polemi, 
Mark Cartwright, and Sara Johnson-Ward

A Sneak Peek at the Virginia Guesthouse

Members of the Procurement Services Team recently got a behind-the-scenes look at one of UVA’s construction projects: the Virginia Guesthouse, a new hotel and conference center slated to open in April 2026.

During a hard hat tour of the site, the team explored the future guest rooms, meeting spaces, and gathering areas that will soon welcome visitors from near and far. The project will offer a state-of-the-art venue for University events and conferences, along with comfortable accommodations just steps from Grounds.

It was a fun and inspiring visit for our Procurement colleagues, who play an important role in supporting projects like this one that help the University thrive.

Treasury Team Welcomes Donald Cook

After a national search, the Treasury Team is pleased to welcome Donald Cook to UVAFinance.

Cook joins the University as a strategic treasury and finance leader with more than a decade of experience as Corporate Treasurer for two publicly traded companies. Over the course of his career, he has led global teams responsible for cash and forecasting, working capital management, debt and capital structure, financial risk management, insurance programs, and investment management.

Most recently, he worked closely with the UVA Treasurer’s Office as a consultant, partnering on financial transformation efforts for UVA Health. His work helped strengthen governance and operations, simplify payment programs, and improve liquidity management, important steps in bridging the Academics and Health sides of UVA to create a “One UVA Treasury” culture.

A UVA alumnus with a master’s degree in accounting, Donald says returning to Grounds has been both personally meaningful and professionally rewarding. “I’ve truly enjoyed supporting the mission of the University, working alongside the Treasury team, and helping to drive transformational change,” he shares.

Please join us in welcoming Donald Cook to the UVAFinance Treasury Team!

Giving Back: Ajoni Wynn-Floyd Volunteers with Ronald McDonald House

Ajoni and Chamber colleagues

Earlier this month, Ajoni Wynn-Floyd from the Supplier Engagement Team spent time giving back to the Charlottesville community through service. She joined fellow members of the Young Professionals of the Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce to volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House, where they helped prepare meals for families staying there while their children receive medical care.

The Ronald McDonald House provides comfort, meals, and a supportive place to stay for families traveling to Charlottesville for treatment. Wynn-Floyd's participation reflects UVA's ongoing commitment to community engagement and service beyond Grounds.