BFS News: Date Set for Administrative Forum, Risk Summit 2013

Financial Management Certification Program Underway

The Financial Management Certification Program (FMCP) is officially underway. The program's first cohort completed the first two modules last month and is expected to finish its next two by the end of May. Twenty-six UC Merced employees from a wide spectrum of departments and units are in the FMCP's inaugural group and are expected to graduate from the program in December after completing 12 modules in various topic areas that are critical to successful financial management. A new FMCP cohort will be formed at the end of the calendar year with modules beginning in February 2014. Please visit the FMCP page on the Controls website for more information about this program.

Administrative Forum Set for July 16

This year’s Administrative Forum will be held from 9-11:30 a.m. July 16. The Administrative Forum is designed for UC Merced employees who could benefit from:

• coverage of important administrative responsibilities and accountability requirements
• updates to campus process, policy, compliance or regulatory requirements
• communication of emerging issues
• discussion of campus initiatives
• information sharing of various campus functions and activities

The forum is not limited to Administrative Officers (AOs), Management Services Officers (MSOs) or Business Officers and is a great opportunity for colleagues to share information and learn what’s going on in other campus units. The Forum agenda will be finalized in June and details will be announced to the campus and posted to the Forums page on the Controls website.

UCPath Updates and Info Available Any Time

Stay informed on progression of the UCPath project by visiting the campus’s UCPath website, which houses a collection of background materials and updates surrounding the new system for payroll, academic personnel, timekeeping and human resources information. For further inquiries related to UC Merced’s UCPath implementation, the UC Merced project team is reachable via ucpath@ucmerced.edu (please allow up to 48 hours for a response).

Risk Summit 2013

The 2013 UCOP Risk Summit is scheduled for June 5-7 in the Marriott Oakland City Center. This annual gathering of UC professionals provides an opportunity for campuses to share perspectives, best practices, challenges, and solutions for improving efficiency and better managing risk. Last year, UC Merced and several of its staff were honored for various initiatives, including the acceptance of the “2012 UC Ready Excellence in Mission Continuity” award. For more information about this year’s conference, visit the Risk Summit website.

Upcoming Meetings and Training

• You can still stay apprised of important campus developments during the summer Panorama break! Join the AO/MSO meetings for communication of campus updates and requirements, and training/support information beneficial to many campus constituents. The group meets from 10:45 a.m. to noon May 21, June 18, July 16, Aug. 20 and the third Tuesday of every month in KL 232.
• Either in-person or via conference call, you are invited to attend the next Campus Purchasing meetings,from 1:30 to 3 p.m. June 3, July 3 and Aug. 7 in KL 232. On the first Wednesday of every month, the Campus Purchasing department offers purchasing procedure updates and advice, and provides feedback to the university’s buyers. 
• Purchasing, FAU and CatBuy trainings are scheduled on June 17, 18 and 19, respectively. These sessions are required for certain positions on campus, but are also informative for any staff and faculty seeking to familiarize themselves with the university’s purchasing protocols and procurement system.  Click here for more details.
• Over the summer, check training.ucmerced.edu for other upcoming class opportunities that may be posted to help you with systems and protocols you use on the job.

Designated walk-in times: no appointment necessary

Tax Tuesdays - UC Merced Tax Services is available from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. on the third Tuesday of each month in KL 201. Please drop in if you need assistance with campus tax related questions and matters. While we cannot offer specific tax advice on any matter, we can direct you to the appropriate resources.  You may also email us at tax@ucmerced.edu or contact Manager of Tax Services Kiran Samran at 209-228-4075. Find helpful information on the website, too. 

Payroll Fridays - Every Friday, a payroll expert is stationed in KL 201 until 5 p.m. to discuss your concerns without making a formal appointment. If you have payroll-related questions, you can contact the Payroll Department via 209-228-2729 or payroll@ucmerced.edu or drop in to meet with an expert.