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.

____________________________________________________________

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.

Don’t Travel Without It: UVA’s Auto Accident Card for Car Rentals

Be sure you have the UVA Auto Accident
Card with you during your next car rental!

When driving for University business, it’s recommended to rent a car rather than seek mileage reimbursement. Renting a car through TravelUVA is often less expensive, saves wear and tear on your car, and provides University insurance coverage.

University employees should print and carry the Auto Accident Info Card with them when renting a car for University business travel. This card provides instructions on what to do in case of an accident and includes insurance information that can be provided to the other driver.

For more information about claims, please contact the Risk Management department.

Welcoming Michael W. Phillips, UVAFinance’s New Assistant Vice President and University Controller

The Phillips Family

UVAFinance is pleased to welcome Michael W. Phillips as our new Assistant Vice President and University Controller. Phillips brings to the role nearly two decades of experience at UVA, as well as leadership across higher education, corporate, and professional accounting organizations. Most recently, he served as Associate Vice Provost for Budgeting and Financial Planning in the Provost’s Office, following earlier roles with the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service. He has also chaired the Virginia Society of CPAs Accounting & Auditing Advisory Committee, and earlier in his career served as Assistant Controller for a division of a publicly traded company in Charlottesville. 

A Non-Traditional Path into Accounting 

Phillips did not originally major in accounting or take the typical big-firm route into the profession. Instead, he started in finance as Director of Financial Operations for Kappa Sigma Fraternity. There, he quickly realized that while his finance skills were strong, he wanted to deepen his accounting expertise. He returned to the classroom through UVA’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies, earning a Certificate in Accounting before sitting for the CPA exam. That credential helped him transition to Alere, a publicly traded company (now part of Abbott), where he served as Assistant Controller and solidified his passion for accounting. 

Returning to His Accounting Roots 

After years of budgeting and planning roles, Phillips welcomed the opportunity to return to a more accounting-focused position. “Budgeting is fun, but I missed doing debits and credits,” he shares.  

“Moving into this role means stepping back toward the actuals side of the coin: ensuring financial statements are complete, audited, and compliant. It’s a different side of the same coin.” 

Since beginning his new role on September 22, Phillips has been impressed by the warm welcome from the UVAFinance team.  

“Everyone has been friendly and open, willing to share and help me learn the processes,” he notes.  

Looking Ahead 

Phillips is eager to dig into the work of preparing UVA’s financial statements and understanding the flow of dollars through Workday. “I want to understand how a dollar moves through the system, from when it goes in to when it comes out, and every step along the way,” he says 

Outside of work, Phillips and his wife, Jessica, are raising their son Matthew, who just turned 13 and is busy with baseball. Weekends often find the family at the ballfield, while Phillips also enjoys playing golf, especially his annual weeklong trip with old friends, now in its tenth year. Jessica, an attorney specializing in criminal defense, also serves as a substitute judge in Albemarle County. 

With his technical expertise, collaborative approach, and deep ties to the UVA community, Phillips is well-positioned to lead in his new role as University Controller. Please join us in welcoming him to UVAFinance! 

Welcoming Bryon Gilstrap, UVA Finance’s New Sourcing Director

The Gilstraps

UVAFinance is excited to welcome Bryon Gilstrap to the Procurement Team as our new Sourcing Director. An Illinois native, Gilstrap comes to us most recently from Columbia College Chicago and brings more than 20 years of procurement and supply chain leadership spanning higher education, healthcare, and global organizations. 

His career began in healthcare at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, where an entry-level buyer role sparked his passion for using data to streamline processes and improve business outcomes. His later career saw the expansion of his leadership roles in both healthcare and higher education.

Gilstrap has broadened his career with an Executive MBA from the University of Illinois and even international work on a major procurement project in Saudi Arabia. 

A Journey to Charlottesville

Gilstrap’s first connection to Charlottesville came decades ago, during his time in the Navy. On a mountain biking trip with friends, he camped in the Shenandoah Valley and was struck by the area’s beauty. 

When he and his wife, Denise, began planning their move from Illinois, the East Coast was a natural choice for its proximity to family.  Once Gilstrap visited Grounds for his interview, he was convinced UVA was the right decision. 

“People here seemed to care about their work, and leadership was moving in the right direction. My only worry was whether my wife and daughter would love the mountains, but once we came house-hunting, they loved it as well,” he says.

Excitement for the Work Ahead

Since joining on September 22, Gilstrap has been impressed by the strength of the Procurement team and the culture within UVA Finance:

“Usually in transformational roles, there’s a gap in experience, data, or mindset. But here, people are ready to go. The team has strong relationships, a lot of retained knowledge, and great leadership support. Yes, we have the tools and data, but most importantly, we have the people.”

His leadership philosophy centers on three pillars: collaboration, transparency, and integrity. He believes procurement is at its best when teams celebrate wins together, even if recognition from the field is rare.  

“You can’t fake it in procurement,” he comments.  “You either love it or you don’t. What makes it rewarding is the interaction with people, the debates that challenge the status quo, and ultimately making the decisions that bring the most value to the university.

Looking Ahead

With their adult sons (Caleb and Branden) being out of the house, Bryon, Denise, and their daughter Averie are looking forward to settling into Virginia life,  traveling, exploring Charlottesville, and enjoying UVA sporting events.

Gilstrap’s experience, values, and leadership will be invaluable as UVA Finance continues to strengthen procurement. Please join us in welcoming him to the team!

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Related Content:  Procurement Transformation / Celebrating Growth on the Procurement Team

Strengthening Our Accounting Team: Leadership Updates and New Additions

Three cheers for Liz, Yvonne, Victoria, 
and Tammy!

UVA Finance is pleased to share several important updates within our Accounting team, changes that reflect the department’s continued focus on collaboration, expertise, and excellence in financial stewardship. 

Congratulations to Liz Vlahos, who has been promoted to Director of Accounting. Liz has been an integral member of the Accounting team as a manager, bringing strong leadership and a deep commitment to advancing UVA’s financial stewardship. Before joining the University, Liz served as Assistant Director at the Virginia Department of Accounts, where she gained extensive experience in state-level accounting practices—expertise she continues to apply to her work at UVA. We are excited for the energy and insight she brings to this new role. 

We also extend heartfelt thanks to Yvonne Metheny for her outstanding leadership as Director of Accounting. Beginning October 1, Yvonne transitioned into the role of Investment Accounting Program Lead, where she will continue to apply her knowledge and dedication in support of UVA Finance’s mission. 

The team is also pleased to welcome two new colleagues who have joined the Accounting area from Payroll: 

• Victoria Peprah-Asante, Accounting Manager, who will lead efforts around payroll accounting improvements, fiscal stewardship, and reconciliations. 
• Tammy Kolotkin, Senior Financial Analyst, who will support this important work alongside Victoria. 

Please join us in congratulating Liz, Yvonne, Victoria, and Tammy as they begin these new chapters. These transitions strengthen our Accounting team and position UVA Finance well for the work ahead. 

Enhancements in Workday Finance

R2 Enhancements are here!

On September 21, Workday released its latest set of enhancements to the Finance system. Workday follows a biannual release cycle, typically in March and September, with additional weekly updates for fixes and smaller improvements. Each release incorporates customer feedback and delivers new features, enhancements, and AI-powered tools across both the Human Capital Management and Financials modules. The focus is always on streamlining processes and improving the overall user experience. 

This most recent release is all about convenience, adding tools that make routine tasks easier, provide better visibility into transactions, and save you time. None of these changes alter your core workflows, but they do give you more efficient ways to get work done. 

AI Prompt Recommendations for Payroll Accounting 

In the assign costing allocations and create payroll accounting adjustments tasks, you’ll now see a new “Recommended” option in several fields (such as costing company, earning, position restriction, worker, change reason, and employee). Choosing this option provides up to five prompts based on your frequent usage, helping you complete these tasks more quickly and with fewer clicks. 

Current Accounting for Gross-to-Net Pay Result 

You can now view all journal lines affecting a pay result in one place — including adjustments made after the pay period was completed and processed. This consolidated view eliminates the need for multi-step reporting, presenting both the original journal lines and subsequent adjustment lines together. Journal types included are Actuals and Payroll Accounting Adjustments. 

Costing Source for Payroll Accounting Journal Lines 

A new Costing Source column displays on Actuals, Current Accounting, and Forward Accruals journals. This gives you immediate visibility into the costing allocations that generated payroll accounting journal lines, making it easier to trace, audit, and understand complex distributions without running additional reports. 

Customer Accounts Hub 

The new Customer Accounts Hub offers one-stop access to many of the most used customer account tasks and reports. The hub is personalized to you — it only displays the tasks and reports you already have permission to access, so you can navigate faster and more confidently. 

Revenue Hub 

Similarly, Workday now delivers a Revenue Hub, providing a centralized location for Customer Account Contracts tasks and reports. Like the Customer Accounts Hub, this hub adapts to your permissions, showing only what you have access to, and making it simpler to find what you need in one place. 

Looking Ahead: Videos on the Horizon 

These enhancements are designed to give you better visibility and quicker access to information so you can spend less time hunting for details and more time focusing on your work. And there’s more support on the way: the Finance Training team will soon be sharing short videos to walk you through these new features in action. Watch this space for more information! 

 

Introducing Procurement Transformation at UVA

Modernizing our Procurement Function

At UVA, procurement is more than purchasing goods and services; it’s a vital part of advancing our mission in education, research, and healthcare. To better serve that mission, we’ve launched Procurement Transformation, a strategic realignment to create a smarter, more connected procurement ecosystem.

This initiative is about more than just technology. It’s about reducing manual processes, increasing transparency, and creating a seamless experience for both our colleagues across Grounds and suppliers. By modernizing how UVA sources, contracts, and partners with suppliers, we unlock time and resources that can be directed to advancing the University’s mission.

Our Goal

This transformation positions Procurement Services as a trusted partner across Grounds. We aim to deliver a seamless procurement journey, from sourcing to payment. Through updates to our team structure, technology, and end-to-end processes, we’re setting UVA procurement up for long-term success and resiliency.

What’s Happening Now

Procurement Transformation preparatory work has been underway this summer:

• Team updates: Procurement Services has a new structure, with team members stepping into new roles to better support UVA’s buying needs.  Read more about the team changes
• Infrequent Payee Pilot: We’ve launched a pilot process to simplify how occasional or one-time payees are managed. Once complete, we’ll share the results with finance partners across Grounds. 
• Technology improvements: Workday Strategic Sourcing is next on the horizon, with guided buying and supplier onboarding coming soon. The project team is looking forward to continuing to engage with our partners across Grounds as we make progress on this next phase of transformation.  
• Website launch: A new website is underway to provide a one-stop hub for project details, resources, and updates. 

Looking Ahead

We recognize that change can raise questions, especially with many initiatives happening across UVA. The goal of Procurement Transformation is simple: to improve the procurement process from start to finish and leverage UVA’s buying power more effectively. 

This is about creating a procurement experience that is modern, people-centered, and mission-driven. We’ll share updates regularly as the project progresses this fall and winter, and we invite you to join us on this journey toward a smarter, more connected UVA procurement future.

Wrapping Up UBI Finance 2.0 Office Hours

UBI Finance 2.0 resources are available

Since July 15, the UBI Finance 2.0 team has hosted weekly Office Hours every Tuesday, providing a space for Finance users to ask questions, see demonstrations, and get comfortable with the new reporting tools. These sessions have been well attended and highly engaging, with strong participation across the Finance community.

The final Office Hours session was held on September 30, marking the close of this summer’s full schedule.

Resources at Your Fingertips

If you missed a session or just want to revisit the material, you can find all resource documents, presentation slides, and recordings on the Business Intelligence Analytics site. These materials are available anytime to help you continue exploring and using UBI Finance 2.0 with confidence.

Legacy Reports Being Discontinued

As part of the transition to UBI Finance 2.0, the following reports will be discontinued on October 17, 2025:

• WD Journal Lines
• WD Journal Lines Actuals
• WD Journal Lines Inc Statement
• WD Financial Reporting
• WD Budget vs Actuals
• WD Fund Balances
• WD NACUBO Function Analysis

All of this information has already been migrated into the UBI 2.0 Apps, so you’ll continue to have access in a more streamlined and powerful reporting environment.

Thank You

We’re grateful to everyone who joined the UBI Finance 2.0 Office Hours over the past few months. Your questions, feedback, and participation have helped make the sessions valuable for the whole community. As we move forward, we encourage you to continue exploring the UBI 2.0 Apps and take advantage of the resources available on the Business Intelligence Analytics site.

UVAFinance in Action: September 2025

Getting grubby for a good cause!

UVAFinance Supports Day of Caring

On September 17, members of the UVAFinance Team joined volunteers from across the area for the United Way of Greater Charlottesville’s 34th Annual Day of Caring. Our team members rolled up their sleeves to support projects in local nonprofits, schools, and community organizations: a meaningful reminder of the impact we can make when we step outside our daily routines and give back together.  Thank you to everyone who participated!  See the rest of the pictures on Flickr.

Congrats, Amanda!

Amanda Meares Chosen as NACUBO Emerging Leader

Amanda Meares, Finance Manager in UVAFinance, has been selected as a participant in the 2025–26 NACUBO Emerging Leaders Program!

Meares joined UVAFinance in 2023 as a Senior Financial Reporting Analyst and was soon promoted to Finance Manager. In this role, she has been integral to advancing UVAFinance’s goals and supporting UVA’s mission, working closely with University leadership on priority projects while also collaborating with stakeholder groups like the Finance Advisory Network (FAN). Her work ensures that our financial systems and strategies not only run smoothly but also enable the University to deliver on its mission of education, research, and service.

The NACUBO Emerging Leaders Program, now in its fifth year, equips promising mid-level managers with the skills to strengthen leadership abilities, foster cross-campus collaboration, and expand professional networks. This year’s cohort is the largest yet, with 78 participants representing 69 higher education institutions across 31 states and D.C.

Thank you, Chris!

Peper to be Interim Leader of Financial Planning & Analysis

As Katie Walker, Associate Vice President and Chief Budget Officer, departs UVA to take on her new role as Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration at Indiana University Bloomington, we are pleased to announce that Chris Peper will lead the Office of Financial Planning and Analysis in the interim while a search for Walker’s successor is underway. 

Peper has served as Director of Budgets and Planning since July 2022, guiding the UVA community through the budget development and implementation processes with expertise and dedication. Prior to that role, he was Senior Director of Finance in the School of Education and Human Development, where he built strong partnerships and deep knowledge of UVA’s academic operations. 

UVAFinance appreciates Peper stepping into this interim leadership role and continuing the important work of supporting UVA’s mission through thoughtful planning and analysis. 

Celebrating Growth in the Procurement Team

Congratulations and welcome to the 
new and promoted team members!

UVAFinance is pleased to announce that we have new talent joining Procurement Services and current colleagues stepping into expanded roles.

Bryon Gilstrap has joined the team as Sourcing Director.  Gilstrap brings 20+ years of procurement and supply chain leadership, spanning higher ed, healthcare, and global organizations. His experience leading sourcing transformations and building vendor partnerships will be a major asset as we move forward. 

In addition, following competitive searches, several of our own team members are taking on new roles:

• Kevin Crabtree: Contracts Director
• Krista McDaniel: Contracts Manager
• Heather Hite and Garret Morris: Sourcing Manager
• Devon Stribling: Special Projects Lead
• Anders Coe: Customer Engagement Specialists

These promotions reflect the incredible talent within our team and our shared commitment to growth, collaboration, and service to UVA.

Tech Tips from our LSPs: Data Do’s and Don’ts for AI

Protect UVA's Data when Using AI

When it comes to using AI tools, data safety is non-negotiable. Think of it like this: if you wouldn’t post it on a public website, don’t paste it into an AI prompt.

UVA’s licensed Generative AI tools (Copilot Chat and Copilot for Microsoft 365) include contractual data protection of university information. With appropriately licensed tools, “Sensitive” data may be used in chat prompts. “Highly Sensitive” data, as explicitly defined in the University Data Protection Standards, cannot be included in chat prompts.

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

 Do:

• Use AI with information that is general, public, or non-sensitive
• Share outlines, drafts, or generic text for editing or brainstorming
• Ask AI for help with style, formatting, or idea-generation
• Use Caution with names, numbers, or details ( strip them out or replace them with placeholders if you’re testing an idea).)

Don’t:

• Enter restricted or confidential University data (budgets, salaries, grades, health records, SSNs, etc.).
• Paste in drafts of sensitive reports, agreements, or contracts.
• Upload or copy/paste emails that include private or identifiable details.
• Assume the tool is “private” (many AI systems store prompts for training or troubleshooting).

Treat AI like an external consultant. Share what helps you get useful results, but never what could put UVA Finance’s data or reputation at risk.

_______________________________________________

Read more:  https://genai.provost.virginia.edu/guidance-for-faculty-students / Safely Using Gen AI at UVA

UVA Employee Bike Social

Whether you’re already biking to work or just curious about giving it a try, come join UVA Sustainability for the UVA Employee Bike Social! 

Enjoy free Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, music, and lawn games while connecting with fellow bike enthusiasts. Explore tables from local bike-related community organizations, try out demo bikes, and take advantage of plenty of bike parking. The event is hosted by UVA Parking & Transportation, UVA Recreation, and the UVA Office for Sustainability. In case of rain, we’ll move the fun inside the AFC.

Details: 

• Wednesday, October 1
• 3-6 pm
• Outside the Aquatic & Fitness Center

• 
  

Launching the UVA Staff Sustainability Leadership Program

Begins in January

October will be an exciting month for Sustainability at UVA. The Office for Sustainability is thrilled to announce the launch of the new UVA Staff Sustainability Leadership Program: a professional development pilot beginning in January 2026. 

 

UVA Staff Sustainability Leadership Program 🌍 🤝
The UVA Staff Sustainability Leadership Program will engage UVA staff in advancing initiatives that conserve resources and reduce waste within their departments. Participants will move through three phases — Learning, Empowering, and Leading — to build sustainability knowledge, strengthen leadership skills, and implement a workplace project that supports UVA’s 2030 sustainability goals.

The program includes:

• Bi-weekly, in-person sessions on Thursday mornings (January–April)
• Monthly project support meetings (May–July)
• Final showcase and reception (August)

Applications are due November 1, 2025. Space is limited to 10–15 participants, and all applicants will be notified of their status by December 1. This program is offered at no cost to UVA staff.

Learn more and apply at sustainability.virginia.edu/uva-staff-sustainability-leadership-program

OE Sponsored Workshop: Leading Resilient Organizations

Learn how to make change approachable

Change can often feel slow and frustrating, especially in large institutions where new ideas are met with hesitation. But innovation does not always mean introducing something entirely new. It can also mean building steady habits and practices that allow teams to move forward with clarity. The goal is to grow with change while continuing to anticipate challenges, adapt to new circumstances, and stay true to core values and purpose.

 
This fall, Organizational Excellence is hosting a two-session workshop with Teibel Education Consulting that will help participants strengthen these skills and approaches.

About the Workshop:

• Leading Resilient Organizations: Adapt, Innovate, and Thrive will offer strategies to:
• Create a culture of innovation that supports meaningful change
• Encourage productive mindsets across the organization
• Build strong networks of commitment through intentional communication

Workshop Details

• Dates: October 28 and  October 30, 2025
• Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
• Location: Online, with link provided upon registration
• Presenters: Howard Teibel and Mary Herbert, Teibel Education Consulting
• Cost: $425

Participation is first-come, first-served. For more information or to register, contact Tim Kelley at orgex@virginia.edu

You're Invited: Hoo Serves Community Fair

 

You're invited!

Drop by the Hoo Serves Community Fair this October 7 to meet representatives from local service organizations that could use your help! 

At the fair, you can explore meaningful opportunities for making a difference in our community that might fit with your passion and expertise - whether it’s hands-on service, ongoing volunteer work, or even stepping into a public service board role.

You'll also have the opportunity to learn from one another!  Ask fellow staff members about their volunteer experiences. Remember that every team member has up to 16 hours of paid school assistance and volunteer service leave time each year, so you can make an impact while on the clock. 

Come explore, connect, and get inspired to make a difference!

 

 

 

UVAFinance In Action: September 11, 2025

From L to R: Syd Dorsey, Ajoni Wynn-Floyd, 
Sara Johnson-Ward

Procurement Team at Convergence 2025

Members of the Procurement Team represented UVA at Convergence 2025, a Supplier Expo & Career Fair hosted by Dominion Energy.  The event was held on September 9 in Richmond, and featured more than 65 exhibitors ready to network with attendees representing small, local, and diverse businesses.  Syd Dorsey, Sarah Johnson-Ward, and Ajoni Wynn-Floyd talked with hundreds of attendees about business opportunities at UVA, and Wynn-Floyd even presented a breakout session on "How to do Business With UVA."  Thank you for your community outreach!

Logan Hobbs

Logan Hobbs Helps International Students Navigate Tax Questions

Starting at a new university can be daunting—especially when it involves navigating a new country’s requirements and systems. At UVA’s International Orientation this fall, nearly 1,000 new international undergraduate and graduate students were welcomed to Grounds. Among the many University resources on hand was UVAFinance’s own Logan Hobbs, Compliance Manager in Financial Operations & Tax.

Hobbs set up a table alongside Student Health, the University Police Department, the Lorna Sundberg International Student Center, and the Honor Committee to offer guidance on tax matters. His expertise proved valuable, as he answered questions for 50–60 students during each session, while many others stopped by to pick up flyers and resources to review later.

By providing this kind of one-on-one support, Hobbs demonstrates how UVAFinance plays a vital role in helping students succeed from the very beginning of their UVA journey. 

We’re hiring: Tax Analyst / Senior Tax Analyst

Join the UVAFinance Team!

Are you a tax professional looking to grow your career in a collaborative, mission-driven environment? Do you know someone who might fit that bill?   UVAFinance at the University of Virginia is seeking a Tax Analyst or Senior Tax Analyst (depending on experience) to join our Financial Operations team.

In this role, you’ll:

•  Ensure compliance with tax laws related to the University’s educational and research activities
•  Guide departments and international students on complex tax and immigration-related issues
•  Partner with Payroll to ensure accurate tax withholdings
• Contribute to a range of tax functions, including sales tax, VAT, unrelated business income tax, and more

We’re looking for someone who brings integrity, strong analytical skills, and a customer-service mindset, someone excited to translate complex tax issues into clear guidance for our diverse UVA community.

Feel free to share with your network!  

Harmonizing People and Process: Introducing Holly Bolton

This city girl is rediscovering her roots

As a a student, Holly Bolton dreamed of life on the stage as an opera singer. Though her path shifted, she never lost her voice: it simply took on a different form. Today, she uses it to shape teams, strengthen organizations, and create spaces where people can do their best work. 

That voice has guided her through a Master of Business Administration in Marketing from New Jersey City University and more than 15 years of leadership roles in higher education. Most recently, she served as Chief of Staff to both the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at New York University, where she led cross-functional teams, advised senior leadership, managed operations for more than 1,600 employees, and championed inclusion efforts. 

Now, Bolton brings her experience and energy to UVA as Assistant Vice President and Chief of Staff to the Chief Financial Officer. She’s eager to provide structure and clarity in ways that help others thrive, ensuring that UVAFinance is not only respected as a partner across Grounds but is also a place where colleagues feel included, supported, and empowered to do their best work. 

Just a few weeks into her new role, Bolton is enjoying being on the UVAFinance Team.  “I like the people and their willingness to just jump right in,” she says. “Everyone wants to be of help, and there are no big egos.” 

As Bolton enjoys the collaborative, servant-leader spirit she’s found here, she’s also adjusting to life in Charlottesville and rediscovering her Southern roots (she has two bachelor’s degrees, one from Auburn University and another from the University of Alabama at Birmingham).  One of the biggest transitions, she says, is navigating the transition from city sidewalks to car commutes.  

Outside of work, she loves exploring off-the-beaten-path places and finding hidden gems, getting outdoors on her bike, and immersing herself in the fantastical worlds of sci-fi and Marvel stories.  “My movie interest is that of a teenage boy,” she laughs.  

We’re grateful to have Holly as part of the team and look forward to her using her influence to harmonize people, processes, and possibilities.   

Wellness Resources: September 2025

Fall is here, and with it comes a reminder to slow down, reset, and take care of yourself. This month’s wellness opportunities show how small actions can make a real difference. Maybe it’s a short break to clear your head, a fitness class to get your body moving, or a visit to the Expo to explore helpful resources. However you choose to show up for yourself, these moments all add up to support your well-being.

Micro Health Breaks

• Begin on September 15
• Ten-minute sessions designed to help you step away, stretch, and reset
• A simple way to ease stress and strengthen your body throughout the day
• Check them out on the HR website

Fall Fitness with Hoos Well and UVA Rec

• Free drop-in fitness classes and training are available this fall
• A chance to explore new workouts or simply stay active at no cost
• Visit the Hoos Well site.

Benefits and Well-Being Expo

• Wednesday, October 8 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in Newcomb Hall Ballroom on the third floor
• Meet benefits providers and resource partners
• Presentations offered in person and virtual with the schedule to be released later this month
• Flu vaccines available on site
• Additional Expos at UVA Wise and the UVA Medical Center
• Read more on the HR site