Procurement Corner

Concur Updates Are Coming

What Travelers and Travel Assistants Should Know

Updates are coming to UVA’s travel booking experience.

Updates arriving soon!

Christopherson Business Travel (CBT), UVA’s travel management company, will transition to a new reservation and ticketing system later this month as part of ongoing efforts to improve the travel booking experience and expand available travel options for the UVA community.

There are a few temporary impacts and important dates that travelers and Travel Assistants should be aware of during the transition period.

Concur Downtime

To complete the transition, Concur will be temporarily unavailable beginning Friday, May 22 at 3:00 p.m. ET. Access is expected to return by the morning of Saturday, May 23.

During downtime:

• Travelers may still book or modify reservations by contacting CBT directly
• Standard booking fees may apply for reservations requiring advisor assistance

What’s Changing?

CBT will complete its system upgrade on May 22.

Reservations booked before May 23 will remain active and valid, but previously booked trips will have limited self-service functionality after the transition.

This means:

• Travelers and Travel Assistants will still be able to view existing trips in Concur
• Existing reservations booked before May 23 cannot be modified directly in Concur
• Changes or cancellations for those reservations will require assistance from a CBT advisor
• Standard booking fees may apply when advisor assistance is required

The primary impact will be to reservations created before the upgrade.

Why This Update Matters

While transitions like this can have impact, the goal is a more modern and streamlined travel booking experience moving forward.

The upgrade supports expanded travel capabilities and continued improvements to how UVA travelers book and manage travel arrangements.

Key takeaways:

• Review upcoming travel before the May 22 downtime
• Be aware that older reservations may require advisor support for changes
• Allow extra time if modifications may be needed during the transition period

Need Help?

Travelers and Travel Assistants needing assistance with reservations during the transition should contact CBT directly:

Phone: 844-488-2228

Email: UVA@CBTravel.com

For more information and to see a preview of the new Concur platform, please see this FAQ page.

T&E Card Enhancements Moving Toward Launch

Enhancements are coming!

UVAFinance is preparing to introduce enhancements to the Travel & Expense (T&E) Card process later this June, including the transition of the T&E Card Application and Change Requests into Workday.  

These updates are intended to create a unified experience for cardholders, requesters, approvers, and support teams by leveraging Workday functionality to improve visibility and streamline the request process.  The enhancements also support ongoing efforts to modernize and align purchasing and payment-related activities within a cohesive Workday-First experience.  

Over the coming weeks, additional information will be shared regarding training resources, support materials, timelines, and what the transition will mean for the UVA community.  Prior to launch, there will also be a temporary period of downtime to support final transition activities.  

UVAFinance teams are available to the UVA community as these enhancements are introduced over the coming weeks.  

UVAFinance Team: Share Your 2026 Graduates With Us!

Celebrate your graduates!

Happy Graduation season! It's time to celebrate all of our students' academic achievements and success!

If you or someone in your immediate family is graduating this year, your UVAFinance teammates would like to celebrate alongside you. Whether they're graduating preschool, high school, college, or receiving their PhD, we'd love to take the time to honor them.

Please share your news with the blog by emailing us at bv8h@virginia.edu before the end of June.

Please make sure you provide:

• Your name
• Your student's name(s)
• Relationship to your student
• Where they're graduating from

Feel free to include a picture of your grad as well! Graduates will be shared this June. 

UVAFinance Welcomes Tracy Pavone as Executive Assistant to VP for Finance and CFO

Congrats Tracy!

We are excited to share that Tracy Pavone has been selected as Executive Assistant to the Vice President for Finance and CFO.

Many of you are already familiar with Pavone from her work supporting Olga Weider and Michael Phillips since joining the UVAFinance team in June 2025. Since Jill Simpson's departure earlier this spring, Tracy has also served as the interim executive assistant, helping to ensure continuous support throughout this transitory period.

Pavone officially assumed the role of Executive Assistant on May 11 and will continue to support Weider and Phillips, in addition to her new, expanded responsibilities.

Pavone brings decades of experience in coordination and management, along with several years of service within the University's Health System. Throughout her time with UVAFinance, she has demonstrated outstanding professionalism, responsiveness, and a commitment to supporting both our team and our stakeholders.

We are thrilled to have Pavone step into this new role, and we look forward to her continued, future contributions to the UVAFinance team.

Please join us in congratulating Pavone on her new position!

Matt Carter Brings Years of Higher Education Experience to UVAFinance

Matt with his wife and two daughters.

Whether he is traveling with family, attending a live concert, or learning the details behind a new financial system, Matt Carter enjoys experiences that allow him to connect with people and learn something new. That curiosity has followed him throughout both his personal life and professional career, eventually leading him to UVA Finance after nearly 15 years at Virginia Tech.

Carter joins UVAFinance with a background in public accounting, asset management, and higher education finance. Much of his past experience has revolved around helping departments manage equipment, navigate financial processes, and support the operational side of university systems.

Early in his career, Carter worked in public accounting and was introduced to fixed asset audits before moving to the private sector. While working for a coal company in Southwest Virginia, a staffing change within his department created an unexpected opportunity for Carter to step into a larger role supporting fixed assets. What began as temporary help filling a gap eventually evolved into leading that area full-time, giving him experience managing equipment, processes, and operational reporting.

Carter later moved to the Blacksburg area, where he spent nearly 15 years in higher education finance and asset management at Virginia Tech. He supported campus departments with equipment management, reporting, and operational finance, gaining broad experience in the university setting. He has come to appreciate the variety that working in higher education offers. 

“I like that you are able to see different things,” he shares. “Every department is buying something different. There are farms, research labs, and all kinds of projects happening across campus.”

For Carter, the role goes beyond systems and reporting. He values the opportunity to connect with people across Grounds and gain a deeper understanding of the projects, research, and operations happening throughout the University community. “There is a lot of work behind the computer,” he says, “but there is also the opportunity to meet people and learn about their research and what is happening across campus.”

Although Matt was not actively seeking a new position, a former supervisor encouraged him to consider UVAFinance. As he progressed through the process, he recognized strong potential for professional growth and new challenges in higher education finance.

Since joining UVA, Carter has been impressed by the welcoming environment. He notes that “What I have noticed most is the people,” he shares. “Everyone has been very kind, warm, and welcoming.”

As he settles into the role, Carter is focused on learning UVA’s systems and processes while finding ways to support both his team and departments across Grounds. Having worked in similar areas previously, he noted that many of the goals remain the same even when the terminology and systems differ.

Outside of work, Matt enjoys traveling, attending concerts, and spending time with his wife and two daughters, Hope and Anna. A highlight was studying abroad in Spain, where he traveled throughout the country and visited Portugal. He hopes to visit Australia and New Zealand in the future.

Carter also enjoys live music and has attended concerts with family and friends for years. He says “Some of the best concerts are the ones you do not expect much from. You end up having a great time.”

We are excited to welcome Matt to UVAFinance and look forward to the experience and perspective he brings to the team.

From Operations Leadership to UVA Finance: Meet Nina Padberg

Nina Padberg and her dog Penny

UVAFinance is pleased to welcoem Nina Padberg as Service Experience Manager for the "Ask Finance" Team.

Originally from the Netherlands, Padberg brings a strong background in operations, customer support leadership, and team development to UVAFinance. She earned her bachelor's degree in public administration in the Netherlands before completing her master’s degree in European Studies at the University of Münster in Germany.

Her original career goals centered on nonprofit and public-sector work, but her professional path eventually led her into operations and customer support leadership, where she developed a strong interest in people management and process improvement. Her experience spans customer support, training, analytics, quality assurance, and workforce management.

Before joining UVAFinance, Padberg worked with organizations including Rosetta Stone, Frontpoint, and CarMax.

Padberg looks forward to collaborating with her team and building strong relationships across the University in her new role.

“I’ve only been with the team a short time, but I can already tell they are very passionate about going above and beyond for customers,” Padberg shared. “I’m really looking forward to working with them, strengthening operational processes, and continuing to strengthen relationships so Finance Solutions can remain a respected partner within the finance department.”

Outside of work, Padberg enjoys time with her family, traveling, visiting farmers' markets, knitting, and watching baking shows. She lives in the Richmond area with her husband and daughter and is an active member of the local running community, which she describes as supportive and family-like. She plans to complete a marathon later this year.

Padberg’s favorite travel destination has been Costa Rica, particularly the west coast, where she enjoyed the beaches, rainforests, volcanoes, and natural scenery.

Please join us in welcoming Nina to UVAFinance.

UVAFinance in Action: May 2026

Email Security Tool Review & Approval Support - Heather Hite

Heather Hite

Throughout the recent review and approval process for the abnormal email security tool, Heather Hite (Category Manager - IT and Scientific Discovery) provided exceptional support to the Procurement team. She was consistently responsive to the team's needs and proactive in helping to identify and clarify potential obstacles along the way. Heather's contributions were instrumental in securing this security tool and played a key role in the overall success of the project. Within just the first few days of deployment, this tool has already driven an over 87% reduction in phishing attempts by effectively blocking them. This percentage is expected to continue improving as the model is trained on additional data, further reducing after-hours calls by resolving issues that previously required team intervention. Thank you to Heather and the Procurement team for your dedication and hard work throughout this effort!

Thanks to all who joined!

Department Finance Partners Kickoff

On May 12, UVAFinance hosted our first Department Finance Partners session, bringing together colleagues from schools and units across Grounds, both in person and via Zoom.

The session provided an opportunity to connect, share updates on current UVAFinance priorities and initiatives, and hear feedback and perspectives from our partners across the University community.

We are grateful for the strong collaboration and engagement of this group and appreciate everyone who took time out of a busy season to join us. We’re fortunate to work alongside such thoughtful and dedicated partners, and we look forward to what we’ll continue to accomplish together!

Annual Attestation Process Completed Successfully

Thank you for attesting to your team's roles!

As another Workday Attestation cycle comes to a close, we want to take a moment to recognize the collective effort across the University community that made this work possible.

From managers in the University Medical Center and UPG to teams across UVA’s Academic Division, your time and attention helped ensure that employees have the right access to do their work and that our sensitive financial and HR data remain properly protected.

That may sound simple, but it plays a critical role in protecting our systems, safeguarding data, and supporting compliance across the University. Thank you for taking the time, especially during a busy time of year, to complete this important work.

Your partnership helps ensure that Workday remains a secure, reliable system that supports UVA’s mission in education, research, and healthcare.

By the Numbers

This year’s attestation cycle included:

1,368

Managers participating across UVA

3,330

Employees reviewed

38,762

Individual assignable roles evaluated

Across 229 role-based and user-based security groups

As a result:

423 roles

1.3%

Removed to better reflect current responsibilities

38,144 roles

96.8%

Approved for continued access as assigned

These numbers tell a story of active stewardship: ensuring our systems stay aligned with our people and processes.

Shoutouts Across Grounds

This work reflects coordination across many schools, units, and leadership teams. Special thanks to the FAN representatives and participating managers who helped move this work forward in their areas.

Special Shout Outs: Charles Rush, Emily Stuckey, Wayland Bryan, Megan Lowe, John Mastrandea, Scott Willis, Ty Jablonski, Anjula Joseph, Brendon Coll, Allison Holt, and our executive leadership who knocked it out of the park (Lori McMahon, JJ Davis, Augie Maurelli, Brie Gertler).

Behind the Scenes: Supporting the Process

Efforts like this do not just happen; they are supported every step of the way by teams working behind the scenes.

A special thank you goes to Dawn Wood of the Ask Finance Team, who provided dedicated, “white glove” support throughout the campaign. From answering questions to helping managers navigate the process, Dawn ensured that stakeholders had a clear path forward at every stage.

Additional appreciation goes to the teams and partners who supported communications, troubleshooting, identity and access management, and stakeholder support throughout the campaign.

Why Attestation Matters

At its core, attestation is about more than checking a box.

By pausing to review and confirm access, we:

• Strengthen the integrity and security of our systems
• Reduce risk by ensuring access is appropriate and up to date
• Support compliance with internal controls and external expectations
• Enable our teams to work efficiently with the tools and data they need

It is a simple step with a significant impact, and one that helps us continue to be strong stewards of University resources.

Anaplan Advancements: User Acceptance Testing in Action

Stay up-to-date on Anaplan advancements!

Over the past several months, the University's Anaplan implementation for the Academic Division has continued to make meaningful progress. This effort has been shaped by ongoing collaboration with key stakeholder groups and the broader Budget Community, including engagement through Budget Office Hours. As we move closer to go-live, User Acceptance Testing marks an important milestone in ensuring Anaplan's system is ready to support UVA's budgeting needs. 

Recently, Michelle Gregory, Manager of Finance Data and Analytics, led a series of User Acceptance Testing sessions focused on validating key components of the Anaplan system. These sessions brought together colleagues across schools and units to actively test functionality and provide real-time feedback. 

User Acceptance Testing in Action

The testing sessions spanned two days, covering a wide range of functional areas essential to the budgeting process, including:

• Vacant Position Management & Base Planning
• State Planning 
• Supplemental, Wage, & Bonuses
• New Positions
• Pooled Labor
• Deployment Topics 
• Data Conversion 
• Reconcilement

This phase of implementation is intentionally collaborative and iterative. Participants were encouraged to ask questions, share insights, and identify opportunities for improvement. Feedback was incorporated in real-time, so that the system could be refined as testing progressed. This collective approach ensures that Anaplan reflects how budgeting works across Grounds, while also introducing thoughtful enhancements.

Michelle Gregory at a UAT session

Looking Ahead

As testing wraps up, the team is focused on preparing for the next phase of implementation. We are now approximately five months away from the FY28 Budget Kickoff and the full transition from Adaptive to Anaplan. 

We are so grateful to everyone who has contributed their time, expertise, and reflective feedback throughout this process (including our consulting partner, Tru Consulting!). Your collaboration is helping us build a stronger, more effective budgeting platform for the future!

Celebrating Nancy Honeywell: 37 Years of Service

Nancy Honeywell

After 37 years at UVA, Nancy Honeywell is retiring, leaving behind a lasting impact across Finance and the broader University community.

Nancy’s journey at UVA began in 1982 in the Physics Department, where she served as a technical secretary, supporting professors and staff on the department word processor, at the time considered cutting edge technology.

Even early on, her ability to stay calm under pressure was clear. During final exams in 1984, someone called in a bomb threat. Nancy put the caller on hold, not once, but five times, while alerting her colleagues and UVA Police.

Her work continued to grow across the University. In the Biology Department, she helped develop one of UVA’s first travel and expense processes, creating a structure that is still in use today. In 1999, she joined the Integrated Systems Project, supporting the implementation of Oracle’s grants module. After go live, she spent several years on the HR Training Team, helping colleagues learn and use new systems with confidence.

Nancy later moved to ITS Enterprise Applications as a Grants Functional Analyst, where she supported major initiatives and worked closely with teams across the University. Most recently, she served as a Workday Senior Finance Analyst, partnering with the Office of Sponsored Programs and supporting day to day work with care and accuracy.

Sue Clements shared that Nancy was someone people relied on. She followed through, took the time to help others understand their work, and made sure things were done correctly. She also invested in others, sharing her knowledge and helping colleagues grow over time.

Thomas C. Schneeberger noted the consistency Nancy brought to her work. She paid attention to details, stayed focused, and handled her responsibilities with care. He shared that even in the years they worked together, it was clear how much others depended on her.

Nancy’s impact is reflected in the people she supported, the work she helped complete, and the trust she built across teams.

Please join us in congratulating Nancy on her retirement and thanking her for 37 years at UVA.

Tracy Marcotte Joins 2026-2027 ACE Leadership Seminar

Congrats, Tracy!

Please join us in congratulating Tracy Marcotte on her selection to the 2026–2027 Senior Leadership Seminar, hosted by the American Council on Education Women’s Network Virginia. 

This highly competitive program brings together emerging and established leaders from colleges and universities across the Commonwealth to strengthen leadership skills, expand professional networks, and foster collaboration in higher education. 

Marcotte will participate in a series of sessions held at Radford University, Hilton Downtown Richmond, and Norfolk State University, culminating in the Annual State Conference. Her selection reflects both her dedication to leadership and her continued impact within the UVA community, and we look forward to the perspectives and experiences she will bring back to Grounds.

HR NEWS - APRIL 2026

You Career Growth 

There are several upcoming HR and well being opportunities worth adding to your radar this spring, along with a few helpful resources for caregiving, career development, and benefits support.

Managing Early Career Employees:  Managers looking to better support early career employees may want to check out Managing Early Career Employees. This virtual session focuses on helping emerging talent grow through thoughtful feedback, development opportunities, and clear career pathways.

• When? April 22, 12:00 p.m. - 12:30 p.m. 
• Where? Virtual
• Sign up HERE

How to have a Career Conversation with Your Team Members (Managers): This workshop is geared toward managers who want practical guidance on leading effective career conversations and preparing for next steps with their teams.

• When? May 5, 12:00 p.m. - 12:30 pm
• Where? Virtual
• Sign up HERE

Career Tip of the Month

This month’s career tip is also a good reminder: invest in workplace relationships. Setting up coffee chats, checking in regularly, and showing appreciation can go a long way in making collaboration easier and work more rewarding. Book an appointment with us to discuss!

Your Benefits, Health, and Well-Being 

• Micro Breaks continue through May 21, offering short sessions designed to help participants reset through mindfulness, movement, and stress relief practices.

• The Hoos Well 1% Challenge begins May 5 and encourages participants to practice mindfulness for less than 15 minutes a day for 25 out of 40 days. Those who complete the challenge can earn a $50 reward.

• Looking ahead, employees can also explore Investing Essentials: Five Principles to Invest with Confidence on May 4 (11:00 a.m. or 1:00 p.m.) and Healthcare in Retirement on May 6 (10:00 a.m. or 4:00 p.m.).

Digital Accessibility Update: Timeline Extension and Current State

Take note!

We are sharing an update regarding new federal guidance on digital accessibility.

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has extended the federal digital accessibility compliance deadline for public institutions by one year, to April 26, 2027. As Virginia’s Information Technology Access Act aligns with the DOJ’s federal accessibility requirements, both Virginia law and University Policy IRM-008 are interpreted to follow the federal timeline.

While UVA’s compliance date has been extended, our expectations and commitments remain the same, to ensure that our services, programs, and activities offered are accessible to individuals with disabilities in accordance with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

• Roles and Responsibilities

The ADA Coordinator Team is leading the review and decision-making related to this update. Procurement Services’ role is to support the process once guidance is provided.

• Where Things Stand Today

Until updated guidance is shared:

• Digital accessibility should remain a consideration in your procurement process. Please review UVAFinance’s Digital Accessibility webpage.
  • School and unit leaders should continue to support their faculty, staff, and Digital Accessibility Liaisons in this effort and to map out a strategy for compliance.
• While changes to the procurement process are coming, this does extend the previous deadline of April 24, 2026.
  • This extension allows the ADA Coordinator Team additional time to review and refine the processes, making sure that there is full clarity and consistency with future guidance.

• What to Expect Next

In the next few weeks, we will share updates as soon as:

• The ADA Coordinator Team finalizes guidance for UVA, and
• Clear and practical guidance is developed for your procurement operations.

We appreciate your understanding while this important work is underway. Our goal is to provide clear, consistent, and easy to follow guidance as soon as more information becomes available.

Professional Development Corner April 2026

Contributed by Patty Marbury, Director of Training and Development, UVAFinance

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

Don't neglect development.

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.

Doing More with Less: Rethinking Professional Development

Professional development is often associated with courses, conferences, and certifications—but meaningful growth doesn’t have to be expensive. When budgets are tight, development doesn’t stop; it just looks different.

Free and low-cost resources can also go a long way. Articles, webinars, podcasts, and internal training opportunities offer flexible ways to learn without requiring significant time or funding. The key is to be intentional about choosing resources that connect to your goals and applying what you learn in your work.

Some of the most valuable learning happens in everyday work. Thinking about professional development as something that happens through work—not separate from it—helps keep momentum going. Growth is not defined by cost, but by impact.

So, this month identify one no- or low-cost way to support your development.

Professional Development Opportunities

To help with your planning, following 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’ll be included 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, so there are no travel costs. Remember, if you are requesting departmental funds, make sure you have approval before you register for or enroll in any offering.

• 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

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
• April 6 Recording
• 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.
• Recordings
• Conferences and Forums
• NACUBO 2026 Annual Meeting – July 18-21 in Anaheim, CA
• New: 2026 Actionable Insights for AI Series – May 12-28 online
• Self-Paced Courses and Microlearning

Selected NACUBO 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)

NACUBO 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 Fall Conference – November 11-13, Myrtle Beach, SC. Save the date; more info 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 info coming soon.

The Chronicle of Higher Education

• Professional Development Programs
• Administrative Leadership Institute – May 2026 ($595 for one session; $1,095 for two; $1,495 for three)
• Virtual Events - many are on-demand and/or free

Additional Professional Organizations and Resources

• NCCI - Network for Change and Continuous Innovation
• AGA - requires membership
• LearnBFSI - several interesting fee-based courses; note this company is in Australia

UVA Organizations

• UVA Organizational Excellence has many learning opportunities, resources, and articles. Subscribe to OE’s newsletter.
• UVA Miller Center always has interesting programs.
• UVA Human Resources offers many free programs and courses.
• Learning Tracks | UVA HR – HR has created three learning tracks: Aspiring Managers, New Managers, and Personal Growth for individual contributors. These are about a year-long commitment and require completion of an online form.
• LinkedIn Learning - Human Resources also has links to microlearning courses and LinkedIn Learning. Participating in these courses does not require submitting a Professional Development Request Form.
• UVA Darden Executive Education – Several programs, with the 50% discount for UVA staff, are under $2,000. Use the discount code UVA50 when registering. See the Darden Executive Education program schedule for upcoming dates.
• UVA’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies offers many certificate programs.

Other Institutions

• Harvard Business School Online offers multi-course credentials and certificate programs; many are less than $2,000.
• 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 UVA HR’s Education Benefits page 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.

UVAFinance team members: If you have questions about Professional Development opportunities, please contact Patty Marbury at pam5w@virginia.edu.

Article on Leadership

The Top 20 Leadership Challenges - this informative article provides many links to other articles and resources from the Center for Creative Leadership.

Please feel free to share other opportunities you come across and they’ll be included in future communications.

Robbie Almand Promoted to Senior Service Experience Associate

Congratulations Robbie!

We’re excited to share that Robbie Almand has been promoted to Senior Service Experience Associate on the Finance Solution Center team, effective April 27.

Since joining the team as a Service Experience Associate in late 2024 , Robbie has become a familiar and trusted presence for many of our partners across Grounds.

In his new role, Robbie will take on an expanded scope, with an initial focus on procurement, along with support for travel and expense. His strong understanding of our processes and his commitment to helping others navigate them make him a natural fit for this next step.

Please join us in congratulating Robbie on this well-earned promotion. We’re grateful for the impact he’s already made and look forward to what’s ahead!

Small Business Expo Returns to Grounds on June 10

Looking to discover new local vendors or reconnect with some of your favorites? 

The UVAFinance Procurement Services team invites you to the 2026 Small Business Expo, a lively, in-person event designed to bring the University community and small businesses together.

Newcomb Hall Ballroom

Wednesday, June 10, 2026

12:00 – 2:00 p.m.

This year’s Expo will feature more than 70 small and local businesses, along with purchasing representatives from local government agencies—all in one place.

Why Attend?

Whether you’re sourcing for an upcoming need or just exploring what’s out there, the Expo is a great way to:

• Discover new vendors across a wide range of goods and services
• Connect face-to-face with local and small business partners
• Learn more about UVA’s Small Business Initiative
• Support the vibrant local business community that supports us

A Few Highlights

From catering and consulting to technology, construction, and creative services, the range of exhibitors this year reflects the depth and diversity of our local business community.

You’ll find vendors like Afton Design Co. (Graphic Design), Otto Eats & Catering (Mediterranean & Turkish cuisine), ThunderCat Technology (technology solutions), Buckingham Greenery (interior landscaping), and SERVPRO of Charlottesville (restoration services), along with many more. 

RSVP for a Chance to Win

Planning to attend? Be sure to RSVP for a chance to win summer-themed VIP prizes, courtesy of our promotional product sponsor, CustomInk.

RSVP Now

Thank You to Our Sponsors

A special thanks to our event sponsors for helping make the Expo possible:

• REPlacement Parts, Inc. – Rotunda Sponsor
• Journey Group – Sabre Sponsor

Exhibitors

Creative, Media & Professional Services
Afton Design Co.; Anne Barkley; Manifest Greatness Media; Growing Perspectives Career Consulting; Positive Professionals LLC

Facilities, Maintenance & Operations
Allied Portable Toilets; April’s Cleaning Service; SERVPRO of Charlottesville; Stanley Steemer; Security Lock & Key

Technology & Equipment
Amtek Company; ThunderCat Technology; Top Notch Computers; Side Nerd Apps

Food, Events & Hospitality
Otto Eats & Catering; MIXEVE; Ethos Wine & Tea; D’s Pretty Events

Retail, Apparel & Promotional
Blue Spoon Boutique; Haberdasher Corporate Apparel; Magpie Knits; Renee’s Boutique; Cavalier Custom Designs

Construction & Industrial
Mark Turner Construction; Bryan Tool & Machining, Inc.; US Energy Management, Inc.; Waltz Engineered Sales, Inc.

Printing & Office Support
Printsource; Sir Speedy of Central VA; The Supply Room; UVA Print

And many more local and SWaM businesses will be joining us on June 10. 

Join Us

This is one of those events that’s genuinely useful and genuinely fun, so make plans to stop by, make a few connections, and maybe walk away with a new go-to vendor.

We’ll see you there!

Fixed Asset Capital Equipment Threshold is Changing

Changes are coming!

Capital Equipment Threshold Changing July 1, 2026

Effective July 1, 2026, UVA will update the capital equipment dollar threshold from $5,000 to $10,000. 

Other parts of the capital equipment definition will remain unchanged.

What’s changing: Equipment must now meet a $10,000 threshold to qualify as capital equipment.

This change is being made to align UVA policy with federal guidance, create greater consistency across regulatory requirements, and help streamline accounting, reporting, and compliance practices.

What you need to know

• Through June 30, 2026: Continue following the current capital equipment threshold, including the $5,000 threshold.
• On and after July 1, 2026: Requisitions submitted on or after this date should use a capital spend category only if the updated requirements are met.
• Administrators will no longer use capital spend categories for equipment purchases under $10,000.

Open purchase orders

Open or in-progress transactions at the time of the change will be reviewed by the Business Asset team. Any needed change orders or accounting updates will be handled by UVAFinance on behalf of units, with minimal impact to departments across Grounds.

A few reminders

• There will be no retroactive changes to existing assets.
• Current assets will continue to be depreciated on their original schedule.
• Current assets will still go through inventory until fully depreciated.

Note: UVA Health System follows its own fixed asset policy and is not impacted by this update.

If you have questions or need support, please contact AskFinance@virginia.edu.

Attestation Campaign April 27- May 8

It's that time again!

Beginning April 27, UVA will begin 10 days of verification to ensure our employees have the appropriate access in Workday HR and Workday Financials.  This exercise will include UPG, the Medical Center, the College at Wise, and all schools and units of UVA, to ensure that we are being good stewards of the University’s data and resources as required by policy.

When the attestation begins on April 27, managers of individuals who hold key access roles will receive automated emails requesting that they review the roles assigned to their direct reports and attest that those roles are appropriate for their duties.  

Managers will have 10 days to complete their attestation; failure to attest to employee roles could result in loss of system access for those employees.

• If you're a manager:  watch your email inbox for instructions and links to perform the attestation. The email messages are legitimate and expected (not spam or phishing).   
• If you're not a manager, but you do have Workday Roles:  Ask your manager if they have completed attestation activities on your behalf. 

We’re aware that this is a busy time, so we have taken steps to provide clear instructions and a simplified process so the attestation can be completed quickly and easily.  

The UVAFinance Team will proactively contact managers who have not attested as the deadline draws nearer.  Also, the Ask Finance Team is standing by to assist.  Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions!

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Resources for Attestation 

Meet Ariel Miller: From Patient Care to Procurement

Pictured are Miller and her children
preparing for Halloween

After nearly two decades at the University of Virginia, Ariel Miller has built a career shaped by curiosity and a willingness to pivot. Now a Sourcing Specialist in Procurement, her path into UVAFinance began in patient care.

Beginning her UVA journey at 18 as a Certified Nursing Assistant in the Health System, Miller spent four years in the neurology stroke unit. She then transitioned to Student Health and Wellness, remaining a CNA for another ten years. Over time, she began to reassess her long-term goals. Although she had completed nursing school, she realized the path no longer aligned with what she wanted moving forward. That reflection led her to explore new opportunities beyond clinical work.

When a Facility Coordinator role opened at Student Health, she saw it as an opportunity to step into operations. The position involved event coordination, facility management, and overseeing 

medical inventory. With her background, the transition felt natural.

She later advanced into an Assistant Facility Manager role, where she focused on improving internal processes and making operations more efficient. That work sparked a deeper interest in how systems function behind the scenes.

“I really enjoyed figuring out how to make things run better,” she says. Her experience managing purchasing and inventory led her to question what happens beyond the transactions she was handling. That curiosity ultimately brought her to sourcing and procurement in UVAFinance.

Now in UVA Finance, Miller is developing a broader understanding of vendor relationships, contracts, and the full scope of purchasing. She is especially drawn to the analytical side of the work, from reviewing details to ensuring transaction accuracy. As she continues settling into her role, she is focused on learning the processes and identifying opportunities to improve them over time.

Outside of work, Miller spends most of her time with family, often attending her children’s activities, from dance and basketball to flag football and travel for sports. When she has a moment to slow down, she enjoys being outdoors, going for walks, and crafting with her kids. Whether it’s beaded bracelets or custom cups, it’s a creative way for them to spend time together. She also likes to unwind with a good show; recent favorites include Bridgerton, S.W.A.T., and All-American.

Looking ahead, Miller is interested in continuing to grow within procurement while also learning more about small businesses and local vendors connected to the UVA community. “I’m excited to learn more about that space and see how it all connects,” she says.

We're glad you've joined the team, Ariel!

​

Meet Crystal Morris, UVAFinance LSP

Morris pictured riding her horse, Sully

Originally from Harrisonburg, Crystal Morris later lived in Waynesboro and recently moved to Charlottesville. She earned her associate degree in Information Systems Technology from Blue Ridge Community College, where she appreciated the smaller, more flexible learning environment.

Morris has been with the University for about four years, building her experience across several technical roles. She started as a Tier 1 technician and later moved into a working manager role at the help desk, gaining experience in team coordination and project support. She later joined Central UVA IT as a Tier 2 technician with ITS Desktop Support.

Now a Local Support Partner within UVA Finance, Crystal serves as a primary point of contact for technology support, assisting with troubleshooting, equipment setup, and user access. She especially values the smaller LSP team structure, which allows for clearer communication and stronger colleague connections.

"The sense of connection is different in UVA Finance," she shares. "It is easier to get to know the people you are working with and support them more directly."

Outside of work, Morris enjoys horseback riding, a passion she has had since childhood, and being outdoors is another way she resets and recharges. She also enjoys spending time at local favorites like Jack Brown's and Bodo's, or unwinds with a book or game , favoring fantasy, science fiction, and mystery novels as a way to step away from the pace of everyday life. She gravitates toward cozy, story-driven games like Stardew Valley, preferring immersive experiences that feel calming and visually engaging.

Welcome to UVAFinance, Crystal!

2026 Year End Closing Dates are Available

As we move toward the close of the fiscal year, the Year-End Closing Dates are now available on the UVAFinance website.

This resource is designed to make planning easier for you and your team. On the site, you can:

• Sort activities by date to see what’s coming up next
• Filter by functional area to focus on the deadlines most relevant to your work

Whether you’re managing purchases, reviewing transactions, or preparing reports, this view can help you stay ahead of key milestones.

A Slight Shift This Year

This year, we were able to push some deadlines closer to June 30, giving units a bit more time where it matters most.

At the same time, that also means there is very little room for exceptions. Please plan to treat all deadlines as firm unless otherwise noted in the item description.

First Deadline Approaching Quickly

April 24 is the first key date to note.

This deadline applies to department purchases made on ETF Designated funds through Cavalier Computers.

If this applies to your area, now is a great time to double-check any planned purchases and ensure everything is submitted on time.

View Year-End Closing Dates

Year-end can feel like a sprint, but you don’t have to navigate it alone.

If you have questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at askfinance@virginia.edu.