Digital Accessibility and Your Purchases: What to Know

What to know!

At UVA, the technologies we choose shape how our community learns, works, and connects. Ensuring those tools are accessible by everyone is a shared responsibility. UVA’s ADA Coordinator team is guiding a university-wide effort to ensure that digital tools and content meet accessibility standards and support an inclusive experience for all in our community.

Starting April 24, 2026, updated federal requirements under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) will further formalize these expectations for public institutions, including UVA.

As a result, digital accessibility is being integrated into standard purchasing and review processes.

For those involved in purchasing, this will feel familiar. Just as technology purchases today go through Information Security and contract review, accessibility will now be part of that same process. Procurement is here to support you as these requirements are incorporated into day-to-day operations.

When your purchase includes a digital tool

If your purchase includes a digital component, such as software, a website, a platform, or a service with a portal or dashboard, accessibility will now be part of the purchasing process.

In practice, it may include:

• Requesting accessibility documentation from suppliers (such as a VPAT or ACR)
• Engaging the ADA Coordinator team for guidance or review
• Building in time for accessibility review if requirements have not yet been met

Not every purchase will require the same level of review. In general, tools used by students, employees, patients, or the public are more likely to be in scope.

What to expect along the way

Digital Accessibility is now part of UVA’s broader purchasing and review framework.

• Departments help set expectations early by engaging suppliers and requesting accessibility information
• ADA Coordinator Team provides guidance, reviews tools, and partners with departments to assess risk and usability
• Procurement helps ensure required steps are completed before contracts are finalized or purchase orders are issued

As with other reviews, completing accessibility requirements early helps avoid delays later in the process.

Getting started

If you’re planning a purchase with a digital component, the best first step is simply to start early.

The ADA Coordinator Team can help you understand what applies, what documentation may be needed, and how to engage suppliers effectively. Procurement is also available to help you navigate the process.

More detailed guidance, including how to determine when a review is required and what steps to take, will be shared soon. In the meantime, building accessibility into your planning timeline will help keep your purchase moving smoothly.

Learn More and Get Support

You don’t have to navigate digital accessibility on your own.

UVA’s ADA Coordinator Team provides guidance and resources to help you understand complexities of this process. To learn more, visit the Digital Accessibility website or reach out to the team for support.

Visit the Digital Accessibility Website Contact the ADA Coordinator Team

Stay Well This April with Hoos Well

Stay Well This Spring with Hoos Well

Spring is a great time to reset, refocus, and take small steps toward your well-being. Whether you are looking to build healthier habits, manage your finances, or simply spend more time outdoors, Hoos Well has a range of opportunities to support you.

Upcoming Classes

Take advantage of these upcoming sessions focused on financial and emotional well-being. These classes are eligible for a $25 Hoos Well reward for participants enrolled in a UVA Health Care Plan.

Take Control of Your Financial Life: Five Steps to Save Money and Manage Debt

• April 13 at 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.
• Presented by TIAA
• Register here

Maximize Social Security in Your Retirement Strategy

• April 15 at 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
• Presented by Fidelity
• Register here

Supporting Neurodiversity in the Workplace

• April 15 at 12:00 p.m.
• Presented by FEAP
• Register here

Save the Dates

• The annual 1% Mindfulness Challenge begins May 4. Spend just 14 minutes a day building more calm and clarity into your routine.
• On May 6, join FEAP and partners across the University for the third annual Well-Being Walk in recognition of Mental Health Month.

More details for both events will be shared soon.

Join a Free Fitness Class

There is still time to join free fitness classes and group training programs through Hoos Well and UVA Rec. Classes run through the first week of May. Some programs require registration, and spots are still open. Check the full schedule and sign up to get started, click HERE.

Options: Barre, Total Body Strength, Yoga, Deep Water Fitness, Pilates, Zumba, and Cycle, Strength and Core.

Group programs such as Basic Stretch, Judo, Karate, Weight Training, Pickleball, and Yoga are also available. 

Move Your Health Goals Forward

If you are looking for a more personalized approach, consider scheduling a Next Steps Consult. In a quick 15 minute call, a health guide will learn about your goals, interests, and daily challenges. From there, they will help you build a simple plan that fits your lifestyle.

Sign into the Hoos Well Portal to get started HERE.

More Hoos Well Opportunities

There are many ongoing ways to support your well-being:

• Create a Hoos Well Portal account and earn up to $500 in rewards while building healthier habits. Watch this short video or more detailed video on how to get the most from the portal.
• Join WW(WeightWatchers) through UVA at no monthly cost if enrolled in a UVA health plan, or at a discounted rate if not.
• Access one complimentary nutrition counseling session through the UVA Nutrition Counseling Center.
• Meet with a Live Health Coach for personalized guidance and support
• Join free drop in exercise classes such as Yoga, Cycling, or Body Pump
• Explore Healthy Minds at Work, a guided program designed to support mental well-being

Virtual Resources

If you prefer flexible options, there are several virtual resources available:

• Hoos Well Virtual Resources offer a variety of tools to support physical, financial, and emotional health
• UVA Rec Personal Training includes virtual training sessions
• FEAP Virtual Resources provide support for mental and emotional wellness
• WW offers online support and membership options
• eM Life is an online mindfulness platform focused on stress management and self care

You can also explore UVA’s interactive walking paths across Grounds for an in person option.

Let’s Go for a Walk

UVA Walking Paths: Interactive walking paths throughout the university. Use the interactive map on your smart phone or print a PDF.

With warmer weather here, it is the perfect time to get outside. Whether it is a short walk between meetings or a longer hike on the weekend, spending time outdoors can benefit both your physical and mental health. From neighborhood strolls to trails in local parks, there are countless ways to stay active. Many locations also offer accessible paths, making it easier for everyone to participate.

Yours in health,

UVAFinance Hoos Well Champion

Join UVA Sustainability for an Employee Garden Workday

UVA students working in the Community Garden

Step away from your day and join UVA Sustainability in the Student and Community Garden from Tuesday April 21, 3:30 to 5:00 p.m.

This Employee Garden Workday is a chance to slow down, spend time outdoors, and connect with colleagues across Grounds while caring for a shared space. Whether you are new to gardening or have years of experience, all are welcome. To keep the experience small and personal, registration is limited.

The garden is equipped with tools, and you are welcome to bring your own gloves or anything you prefer to use. In the event of inclement weather, the workday will be canceled.

When: Tuesday April 21, 3:30 - 5:00pm

Where:  UVA Student & Community Garden (corner of Alderman & McCormick Road, across from O-Hill Dining Hall)

Get more information about the event and  Sign up now

What to bring:

• Comfortable clothing and closed toe shoes

• Refillable water bottle

• Sunscreen

Anaplan UAT: A Collaborative Step Toward What’s Next

Thank you to all who are testing!

We are excited to continue sharing updates on the Anaplan implementation for the UVA Academic Division. This work has been underway for several months, and along the way, we’ve had the opportunity to engage both key stakeholder groups and the broader Budget Community through Budget Office Hours.  

As we now move through User Acceptance Testing (UAT), we want to take a moment to recognize and thank the many school and unit partners who are actively participating in this phase. Your time and thoughtful feedback are helping to shape a system that reflects how budgeting works across Grounds.  Your partnership in this co-creative process is essential to getting things right.   

UAT in Action 

• Testing is taking place across all functional areas, including: 
• Data entry and calculations  
• Workflows and approvals  
• Reporting outputs  
• Security and role-based access  

This phase is designed to be collaborative and iterative. Feedback is being incorporated in real time, helping to refine the system and ensure it is ready to support the University’s needs at go-live. As we move through the coming weeks, we will continue to close out testing, validate results, and prepare for the next stage of the implementation. 

Building on What Works—And Improving Where It Matters 

Our approach to Anaplan focuses on preserving what works well today, while introducing targeted enhancements in key areas. These improvements are designed to provide greater visibility, streamline processes, and support more informed decision-making. 

Looking Ahead 

We are now approximately six months out from the FY28 Budget Kickoff and the final transition from Adaptive to Anaplan.  

Between now and then, UAT plays a critical role in ensuring we deliver a system that is functional and useful. We are grateful to our partners across schools and units who are helping us test and refine this work every step of the way. 

Introducing the Reimagined RAD App: A New, Streamlined Experience for Research Administrators

The RAD App just got an upgrade!

We’re excited to announce the launch of the reimagined Workday RAD App, a major update designed to make navigating and using the app more intuitive, efficient, and aligned with the needs of our Research Administrator community. This release represents months of collaboration, feedback, and thoughtful redesign. Below are the key enhancements included in this new release.

A Fresh, User-Friendly Navigation Experience

One of the most visible updates is a completely reimagined navigation layout, created in partnership with our RAD Reimagination Working Group. Upon logging into the RAD app, users will now be greeted with a curated set of five newly created public sheets. These sheets were specifically selected to address the most common questions and needs of Research Administrators, making it easier than ever to find essential information. 

To support a smooth transition, prior public sheets remain available for three months to give users time to update their saved links and review their bookmarks at their own pace. After the transition period, the remaining legacy public sheets will move to Community Sheets, preserving access without cluttering the main public view.

A Streamlined and More Accurate Data Model

Introducing improvements to ensure data accuracy:

• Corrected F&A Obligations for Grants: F&A Obligations are now correctly reflected for Grants with MTDC basis type and properly displayed as Indirect Cost for all Grants.
• New Data Elements Now Available: Several valuable reporting dimensions have been added, including fields such as Internal Service Provider and Cost Share Total
• Alignment with UBI 2.0 Payroll Apps: With the rollout of the new UBI 2.0 Payroll Apps, the Reimagined RAD app has been optimized to reflect the new reporting landscape: Detailed costing and payroll data elements (including Salary Over the Cap reporting) have been removed from the Workday RAD app and public sheets containing detailed payroll reports have also been retired from RAD. But not to worry – these insights remain available in the dedicated UBI 2.0 Payroll Apps. To help users easily navigate between tools, new cross-app navigation buttons allow seamless movement acrossall three apps. And if you’re unsure which app or report to use, our crosswalk (included below) will guide you to the right place.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Finance BI Team by submitting an AskFinance ticket.

Non-PO Contract Request: Updated Look (No Action Needed)

Check it out!

Quick Highlight: Non-PO Contract Request QRG

Starting March 30, 2026, the Non-PO Contract form in the UVAMarketplace will have an updated look and feel. 

No additional action is required from departments. Continue using the Non-PO Contract Request as you normally do when a Purchase Order is not required (e.g., T&E Card payments, NDAs, BAAs).

If anything looks unfamiliar, the updated How to Submit a Non-PO Contract Request QRG can help you find your way! If you've used this process before, this will help you to quickly reorient. If you're new, it's the easiest way to get it right the first time. 

Resources

• How to Submit a Non-PO Request QRG
• UVAFinance Workday Training Page

UBI Analytics (Qlik Sense) Upgrade + Support

UBI Analytics Update

Don't forget to check out the update!

UBI Analytics is being upgraded. Starting April 13th, you'll see some changes to the user interface when you log in. Most of these upgrades are navigational and involve changes to the location of certain buttons. 

We've developed a Quick Reference Guide to walk you through the upgrades that will be permanently located within the Resources channel in the Data and Analytics Community on Microsoft Teams. Make sure to look for the pdf labeled "UBI Upgrade Notice_April 2026" to find this QRG.

A few of the changes you'll notice

Additional Support 

UBI Webinar:

Join us April 16th from 11am-12pm for a webinar session about the new navigation and functionality of UVA Analytics apps that will be affected by the upgrade. There will also be plenty of time for you to ask your UBI questions to our UBI Team. Save the meeting information below in your calendar, and share with any colleagues who may also be interested in the demonstration and a chance to ask the UBI Team some questions!

📊UBI Upgrade Webinar

Date: 4/16/2026

Time: 11:00am - 12:00pm

Zoom Link: https://virginia.zoom.us/j/8429243384?omn=98393662200

UBI Email:

As always, if you have any questions about UBI or getting access to data, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us at ubi@virginia.edu.

UBI Office Hours:

Get additional support with navigation, functionality, or a specific reporting need by connecting with our UBI Training Team in a brief 30 minute one-on-one session. Sign up for the next session on April 14th starting at 10am.

AI & Agreements at UVA

Procurement Guidance

AI and Agreements at UVA

What This Means for Your Purchases

AI Features have an impact on procurement processes

If you’re purchasing software and the supplier mentions Artificial Intelligence (AI), you may notice something new in the process: agreements may need extra review before Procurement can move forward.

AI features are now built into many types of software. You might see them in programs that help write or summarize documents, transcribe meetings, analyze research data, or generate content from prompts.

This means the University needs to understand how software handles University information before agreeing to the contract.

Why AI Software Sometimes Needs a Closer Look

With AI, information entered into the system, such as prompts or datasets, may be stored by the supplier and used to improve or train their AI models.

Before UVA moves forward with an agreement, Procurement needs to understand:

• Does the supplier store information entered into the system?
• Can the information be used to train their AI models?
• How is the data stored and protected?
• Does UVA retain rights to its own data and intellectual property?

Why this matters at UVA

Because UVA works with sensitive information, including student records, research data, financial information, and intellectual property, Procurement may work with the Office of University Counsel and other subject matter experts to make sure these agreements appropriately protect the University.

What This Means for Your Purchases

If you’re considering software that includes AI features, it is helpful to think through a few early questions:

• What type of University data will be entered into the system?
• How will the software use that information?
• Will it interact with sensitive or restricted data?

These answers help determine whether additional review is needed.

Because of these considerations, purchasing AI-enabled software may take longer to move through the contract process. Connecting with Procurement early can help avoid delays later on.

Rule of Thumb

If you’re considering purchasing software with AI features, connect with Procurement early so we can help keep the process moving.

Sustainability Lunch & Learn

Lunch and Learn-Behind the Bins: How Waste Works at UVA

Curious what UVA is doing to reduce waste? Skeptical about where our recycling actually goes?

Join the UVA Office for Sustainability for this Lunch & Learn session to kick off Earth Month! Dana Schroeder, Waste Reduction Outreach & Engagement Manager, will share UVA's waste goals and progress, how our recycling and composting systems work, and resources for reuse and waste prevention. Lunch will be provided for all registrants. Register by March 27. This event may count toward a reward-eligible stamp on your Sustainability Passport.

• When: April 1, 12-1 PM
• Where: Newcomb Hall, South Meeting Room
• Register here by March 27

Earth Month Call for Events

This April, we look forward to celebrating Earth Month with you! You can be a part of the 50+ activities, celebrations, and involvement opportunities in the Charlottesville area, showing care for this beautiful planet that we call home. Please fill out this form if you plan to host a sustainability related event at UVA or in the greater Charlottesville community during the month of April. To be prioritized for placement in our newsletter, website, and social media, please submit events by Tuesday, March 24. We will accept events submitted after that date, but we cannot guarantee inclusion in our special-edition weekly newsletters.

Earth Month Events

Fogg Behavior Design Training at UVA

Bring a world-class behavior change system into your work.

It's not algebra; it's the Fogg Behavior Model!

Do you need to change behavior at a scale? 

If your success depends on changing human behavior, Fogg Behavior Design is a systematic approach that was created, tested in real-world settings, and improved over 20 years by Dr. BJ Fogg, founder of the Behavior Design Lab at Stanford University.

This approach teaches practical, applicable skills you can use right away on your professional projects. Now you have the chance to bring this science-backed approach into your work at UVA. This training teaches you to think clearly and design effectively for behavior change.

See the Fogg Behavior Model and watch it in action: Behaviormodel.org/videos

Workshop Details:

• Presenters: Stephanie Weldy, MEd with BJ Fogg, PhD
• When: April 16–17 and May 8 (1-hour Zoom Session)
• Where: The Graduate Hotel, Piedmont Room
• Cost: $1500 per person UVA discounted price; Eligible for UVA Education Benefits
• Ready to Register? Have Questions? Contact Tim Kelley at orgex@virginia.edu

FEAP: The Start of Spring is a Time for Renewal, Reflection, and Growth

FEAP Monthly Well-Being Update

Spring is a time of renewal

As we move toward the end of March, we are also stepping into a season that naturally brings reflection and reset. For many, this time marks the close of fasting and intentional practices, and on March 20, we welcome spring.

Even if you do not observe these traditions, this time of year tends to shift things. The days get longer, the energy feels different, and it becomes easier to pause and think about what we want to carry forward and what we might be ready to let go of.

You might take a moment to check in with yourself:

• What is something you want to approach differently this season?
• What do you want to carry forward into spring?

The Faculty and Employee Assistance Program (FEAP) is here if you need support. Services are confidential and available at no cost, whether you are looking for guidance, a new perspective, or just a space to talk. Stay connected with FEAP:

• Explore FEAP Services
• Explore FEAP Substack
• Request a Confidential Consultation

What’s Guiding Our Work in 2026

Our areas of focus support UVA's mission

As we move through 2026, many of the updates and initiatives you will see from UVAFinance will be based on our five focus areas for the year. These priorities reflect our commitment to strengthening financial operations, improving systems and processes, and deepening partnerships across the University. 

From Procurement Transformation and general ledger optimization to OneUVA Workday and expanded engagement with teams across Grounds, these efforts help position the University for strong, sustainable operations. 

You can learn more about the 2026 UVAFinance Focus Areas on our website. 

Thank you for your continued partnership as we work together to support UVA’s mission in education, research, and healthcare! 

Professional Development Corner: March 2026

Contributed by Patty Marbury Professional Development Corner Note: Please discuss all professional development opportunities with your manager before applying for any funds. See below for more information on the Education Benefit. Why is professional development important? Professional development offers a valuable opportunity to stay engaged and navigate the constantly changing landscape of higher education—and beyond. Whether you’re looking to learn new skills, sharpen existing ones, enhance your leadership abilities, explore new interests, stay on top of emerging trends, or simply connect with colleagues, there’s something for everyone. Read the Wharton article Setting Professional Development Goals That Actually Work As we develop our goals for the year, it’s a good idea to also think about professional development—what we want to learn, where we want to grow. But even with the best intentions, it’s easy for plans to fade as day-to-day work takes over. A few good reminders: Align your development goals with your annual performance goals. Keep goals specific and achievable—choose one goal that will have meaningful impact on your work. Look for small opportunities to practice and apply what you’re learning. Stay flexible. Professional development plans may shift as your work, priorities, and goals change. Professional Development Opportunities To help with your planning, below is information about a variety of workshops, courses, and resources to support your ongoing growth. 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 they can be included in future communications. Featured Resource: Coursera Remember that UVA has a university-wide subscription to Coursera, an online learning platform offering a wide range of courses, specializations, certifications, and degree programs from universities and institutions around the world. Check it out and start learning. Explore Coursera Upcoming Offerings As in recent months, the opportunities below focus on offerings that may be eligible for the centrally funded education benefit and are offered virtually or locally, helping minimize travel costs. If you are requesting departmental funds, make sure you have approval before registering or enrolling. Spring FOCUS May 19–21, 2026 at VMI in Lexington, VA In-person registration: $350 (closes May 1, 2026) Virtual attendance: $50 (registration opens after May 1) EDUCAUSE Events 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. They connect and empower their member community through insights, advocacy, resources, and learning opportunities to anticipate trends and strengthen professional practice. View EDUCAUSE events NACUBO UVA has institutional membership with NACUBO, and individual membership is free. Highlights: • Award nominations open; deadline is Friday, April 3, 2026 • Washington Update: April 6, 2026, 1–2 p.m. • Other live online events are generally free to NACUBO members and some offer CPE credits • Recordings, conferences, forums, self-paced courses, microlearning, and podcasts are also available Featured Events: • NACUBO 2026 Annual Meeting – July 18–21 in Anaheim, CA • 2026 Higher Education Accounting Forum – April 13–15 in Boston, MA • New: 2026 Actionable Insights for AI Series – May 12–28 online Self-Paced Courses: • Strategic Higher Education Finance and Planning ($595) • F&A Short Form ($150) • Essentials of College and University Accounting ($125) • Facilities Management ($49) • Endowment Fundamentals ($49) • New to Higher Education ($49) Podcasts: • Career Conversations • NACUBO in Brief * To join, go to nacubo.org and click “Login or Join.” From the login box, click “Don’t have an account” and complete the form. In the “Primary Affiliate” field, enter “University of Virginia” and select the appropriate affiliate. Visit NACUBO SACUBO • 2026 Annual Convention – April 19–21, Dallas, TX ($895; early bird registration ended 2/23/26) • 2026 Fall Conference – November 11–13, Myrtle Beach, SC (save the date; more information coming soon) EACUBO • Higher Education Leadership Program – August 10–13, 2026, at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY ($2,999) • 2026 Annual Meeting – October 12–15, 2026, Buffalo, NY (save the date; more information coming soon) Final thought: Professional development does not have to mean travel or a major time commitment. Small, intentional steps can make a meaningful difference over time.

Worktag Deactivation Now Available for Programs and Activities

Work with your FDM Administrator

Good news for units looking to keep their Financial Data Model (FDM) clean and organized: Program and Activity Worktag deactivation is now available in Workday for all units.

As fiscal year end approaches, now is a great time to review your Program and Activity Worktags and identify any that are no longer needed. Deactivating unused Worktags helps ensure you start the next fiscal year with a streamlined set of FDM values.

Before requesting a deactivation, please review the criteria and process on the UVAFinance website:

https://uvafinance.virginia.edu/workday-financials/fdm-worktags/how-deactivate-activity-and-program-worktags

To request that a Worktag be deactivated, work with the FDM administrator for your school or unit.

Not sure who that is? You can find a complete list of FDM administrators here:
https://uvafinance.virginia.edu/resources/who-mbu-fdm-administrator-my-area

Taking a few minutes now to review and deactivate unused Worktags can help ensure cleaner reporting and smoother financial management in the year ahead.

OneUVA Workday Project Officially Kicks Off

And they're off!

On March 17, colleagues from across UVA’s academic division, community health, and medical center came together to officially kick off the OneUVA Workday project, marking an important milestone in the multi-year effort to transform how we operate as one unified University and academic health system.

OneUVA Workday is more than a technology implementation. It represents a coordinated approach to simplifying how work gets done, improving transparency, strengthening strategic decision-making and financial stewardship, and reinvesting efficiencies back into UVA’s core missions of patient care, research, education, and service.

During the kickoff, attendees heard from University and Medical Center leadership, who shared their enthusiasm for the long-term opportunities this work will create across the institution.

This event also marked the transition from Phase Zero (focused on establishing the project structure and defining future-state ambitions) into Phase One, where teams will begin the active work of designing future processes.

A dedicated project website will launch soon. In the meantime, we encourage you to stay engaged through upcoming communications and updates as this work progresses.

UVAFinance in Action: March 2026

Chris Peper spent time with UVA Student Council

UVAFinance Visits Student Council

This week, Chris Peper, Interim Chief Budget Officer, joined the UVA Student Council at their general body meeting for a thoughtful conversation on financial topics impacting students. From financial aid to tuition, students raised insightful questions and perspectives. Peper shared how impressed he was with their engagement and curiosity. 

We’re grateful to our students for taking an active role in understanding the financial landscape at UVA and to our staff for continuing to prioritize and support the student experience.

Strengthening Connections Through Supplier Engagement

This winter, the UVAFinance Procurement Team continued to build meaningful connections across Grounds and within our broader community through a series of supplier engagement opportunities.

• In February, we participated in the Cville BioHub Device & Tech Expo, where startups, investors, and industry partners came together to showcase emerging health-tech innovation and explore new partnerships. The event highlighted the strength of our regional ecosystem and created valuable opportunities for collaboration between innovators and service providers.
• We also supported sustainability-focused engagement efforts, partnering with UVA’s Office for Sustainability to promote zero-waste event practices. With thousands of events hosted across the University each year, these resources help departments reduce environmental impact while aligning with UVA’s sustainability goals.
• Additional events, including the State of the Community gathering and Women in Construction, provided further opportunities to connect with local leaders, elevate diverse businesses, and strengthen relationships that support UVA’s mission.

Together, these efforts reflect our continued commitment to fostering strong partnerships, supporting a our supplier community, and engaging in ways that create long-term value for the University and the communities we serve.

Growing with the Work: Patrick Woods and Procurement at UVA

Wood and his best friend at a UVA game

If you have been part of the UVA Finance community for a while, there is a good chance you recognize the name Patrick Wood. Now in his tenth year with Finance, Wood’s role has grown and shifted as procurement work has changed.  His newest role finds him taking on the duties of Procurement Contract Specialist.                                                              

Earlier in his career, Wood focused mainly on service- and athletics-related agreements. That included things like events, travel, and athletic needs. Today, his work spans a wider mix. He now supports agreements related to services, athletics, technology, and research needs, often moving between very different types of requests in a single day. Instead of working within a single narrow area, Wood now has to understand how different kinds of agreements move through the system and what each requires to move forward.

Wood began his time at UVA in the Office of Sponsored Programs, when it was still part of Finance, before later moving to Research. He served as Finance’s Staff Senator for two terms and was the Staff Senate Chair for three years. Additionally, he was appointed to the President’s Council for Community Partnerships by President Ryan and is the recipient of the “Hoos Building Bridges” award for his co-creation of the “Hoos Making an Impact” competition for staff process improvement initiatives across Grounds.

Outside of work, Wood is deeply connected to the Charlottesville area. A local native who now lives in Crozet, he remains involved in his community through church leadership; collegiate summer baseball, as he serves on the Tom Sox Board of Directors; and local efforts to improve downtown Crozet and support its growing population.

Congrats on your new role, Patrick!

Registration Now Open: Spring 2026 Conference

Registration now open

Professional development alert!

The Spring 2026 FOCUS Conference brings together fiscal officers from Virginia’s state-supported colleges and universities for three days of connection, collaboration, and discussion on emerging financial trends shaping higher education.
Registrations must be completed individually. 

After registering, attendees will receive a confirmation email with instructions to access Whova, the conference event platform. In-person attendees seeking CPE should verify their information carefully.

CPE credits are available for in-person attendees only.

When: May 19–21, 2026

Where: Marshall Hall – Center for Leadership & Ethics

             500 Anderson Ave, Lexington, Virginia 24450

Registration & Cost

• Register here: Spring Focus 2026 
• In person: $350
• Optional ethics course: $15
• Ethics in Local Government
• Tuesday, May 19, 2026, 
• 3:00 pm to 5:00 pM

Online Option

• Online registration opens: May 4, 2026
• Cost: $50
• Online attendance does not qualify for CPE credits.

Hotels & Questions

Participating hotel information is available through Whova.

Book here: Whova

• Registration payment questions: Justin Spears — spearsja@vmi.edu
• General conference logistics: Robin Eldredge — eldredgerl@vmi.edu,                                            Pamela Brown — brownps@vmi.edu
• Conference event platform questions: Jonathan Duff — duffwj@vt.edu

Register soon and share with colleagues to be part of this spring’s FOCUS conversation.

Procurement Transformation in Action

Moving Forward with Procurement Transformation

Completing the Paymode Transition

UVA is standardizing its ACH payment methods and will transition away from PaymentWorks to Paymode. This change streamlines electronic payments through a single ACH platform. The final discontinuation date for PaymentWorks will be shared in advance.

What’s Changing

• UVA will no longer issue ACH payments through PaymentWorks.
• Paymode will become the University’s standard ACH payment method.
• Suppliers will enroll directly with Bank of America for Paymode.
• UVA has negotiated a sponsored ACH option that is free to suppliers.
• Optional premium services are available through Paymode for a fee, if a supplier chooses to use them.

What’s Not Changing

• Invoice processing workflows remain the same.
• There are no changes to how payments are initiated in Workday.
• Departments do not need to take any action.

What You May Notice

Suppliers may receive outreach regarding enrollment in Paymode. If a supplier contacts you with questions, please refer them to the Paymode webpage for additional details or direct them to contact Ask Finance for assistance.

Questions?

We will communicate the final PaymentWorks discontinuation date in advance. In the meantime, if you have questions, please reach out to Ask Finance.  We’re happy to help.

Paymode details: https://uvafinance.virginia.edu/virtual-payments-sunsetting-paymentworks-ach 

More about Procurement Transformation: https://uvafinance.virginia.edu/procure-goods-services/procurement-transformation

Meet Ken Kodadek, Senior Contract Specialist

Nice catch, Ken!

Ken Kodadek joins UVAFinance as a Senior Contract Specialist with over a decade of experience supporting contract administration and procurement operations in higher education.

Before joining UVA, Kodadek worked at Pennsylvania State University, where he handled the full scope of procurement. His work focused on reviewing and negotiating contracts, supporting procurement operations, and improving the functioning of university processes. Kodadek consistently worked to improve procurement processes.

Kodadek earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Pennsylvania State University and later earned his Juris Doctor from Valparaiso University School of Law. Before entering higher education procurement, he worked as a law clerk at a few law firms. In those roles, he handled cases through every stage short of appearing in court. He prepared legal documents, reviewed materials, and set cases up for supervising attorneys to litigate. Through this experience, Kodadek discovered a strong interest in contract law and transactional work, particularly reviewing business agreements and legal documents.

That interest led him into procurement. Kodadek was initially hired for his document-review background, but his responsibilities expanded significantly over time. As procurement processes evolved, he became involved in audits, procure-to-pay workflows, and broader process changes. He worked to understand how the procurement function operated as a whole and to improve how work moved through the system. By the time he left Penn State, Kodadek was involved in all aspects of procurement and had a deep understanding of the end-to-end process.

For Kodadek, the most rewarding part of procurement work is watching others grow and being involved in meaningful process change. He values seeing improvements take hold and knowing that his work helps teams function more effectively.

At UVAFinance, Kodadek supports contract administration during an active period of procurement transformation. Having worked within evolving procurement environments, he brings experience navigating process change and contributing to teams during transition. He is focused on learning UVA-specific policies and state requirements while supporting the continued development of procurement operations.

Outside of work, Kodadek enjoys spending time outdoors. He is an avid fisherman who often hikes 6 to 7 miles on a single fishing trip, seeking out quiet, less-traveled creeks. He also enjoys the beach, particularly Cape Lookout in the Outer Banks, which can only be reached by ferry and offers a more remote experience. In addition, Kodadek has been smoking meat for more than 25 years using traditional methods and is a longtime muscle car enthusiast.

Kodadek previously lived in the Charlottesville area in the early 1990s and has long held a strong respect for UVA and its culture. He is excited to contribute his experience, support procurement operations, and be part of the University’s ongoing work.