The Business Officer Summit consists of two full days of informative sessions led by UCSB leaders, panel discussions made up of subject matter experts, and networking opportunities to build community. Breakfast and lunch will be provided on both days.
View Day 1 Schedule View Day 2 Schedule
Day 1 - Thursday, September 5
Morning Sessions
| TIME | TOPIC | SPEAKER(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. | Light Refreshments & Welcoming Remarks | Sandra Featherson, Director of Training Heather Heyerdahl, Director of Learning & Organizational Development |
| 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. | Keynote: because I said I would We live in a society that often does not respect the importance of a promise. It is too easy to say “I’ll get to it” or “tomorrow.” In many ways we have become numb to disappointment and broken commitments. This expectation starts to fade into our character as individuals. Alex Sheen believes that every individual has the strength to become a person of their word. As the Founder of an international social movement, Alex shares his insights and actionable ways to become better at fulfilling commitments. He inspires others to become more accountable to their promises through compelling and real-life examples from the because I said I would Alex convincingly illustrates how integrity and keeping your promises are forever interwoven. He discusses how holding ourselves and each other accountable truly changes humanity for the better. |
Alex Sheen, Founder because I said I would |
| 9:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. | Meet & Greet with Alex Sheen | Alex Sheen, Founder because I said I would |
| 10:00 a.m. - 10:50 a.m. | Staff Recruitment, Hiring, & Retention Explore the critical aspects of staff recruitment, hiring, and retention specifically tailored to Business Officers. We’ll delve into innovative strategies for attracting top talent, best practices for an efficient and inclusive hiring process, and proven methods for retaining valuable university staff. Learn how to create a supportive and engaging work environment that fosters long-term commitment and satisfaction among employees. |
Ann-Marie Musto, Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief Human Resources Officer |
| 10:50 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. | Break | |
| 11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. | Understanding the Campus Budget, the Outlook for Fiscal Year 2024-25, and Beyond Get an in-depth analysis of how the campus budget is formulated each year, including key factors and considerations that influence financial decisions. Gain valuable insights into the fiscal forecast for FY 2024-25 and projections for the years ahead. |
Chuck Haines, Vice Chancellor - Chief Financial Officer |
| 11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. | Stewardship, Financial Management, and Gifts The campus received just over $89M in gifts in FY 23-24! This session will explore best practices for managing donations and gifts, ensuring transparency, and maintaining donor trust. Learn how to align gift management strategies with the broader goal of responsible public fund stewardship. Understand the legal and ethical considerations involved, and discover techniques for optimizing the impact of contributions to support university initiatives. |
Christian Treitler, Chief Financial Officer - UCSB Foundation |
12:15 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. LUNCH PROVIDED
Afternoon Sessions
| TIME | TOPIC | SPEAKER(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1:00 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. | Risk Management Receive valuable insights into identifying, assessing, and mitigating various types of risks that universities face. Learn effective strategies for managing facilities-related vulnerabilities, navigating procurement and contract risks, handling worker's compensation claims, and preparing for emergencies to ensure mission continuity. Gain a deeper understanding of how to implement robust risk management frameworks to protect the university’s assets, ensure safety, and promote a resilient campus environment. |
Ron Betancourt, Risk Manager - Environmental Health & Safety Calli Price, Manager - Purchasing & Contracts Jim Caesar - Campus Emergency Manager |
| 1:45 p.m. - 2:15 p.m. | Dessert Break / Networking Activity | |
| 2:15 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. | The Future of IT at UCSB Unveil the future of IT on campus and the critical role of Business Officers in maintaining data security. Preview upcoming IT initiatives and innovations that will shape our campus, including advancements in technology infrastructure, cybersecurity measures, and digital transformation efforts. |
Josh Bright, Associate Vice Chancellor for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer |
| 2:45 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. | PMO Office - Major Projects This session provides a comprehensive overview of planned technology initiatives, including infrastructure upgrades, new software implementations, and other projects designed to enhance campus operations and student experiences. Gain valuable insights into project timelines, key milestones, and expected benefits, as well as potential challenges and mitigation strategies. Learn how these IT projects will shape the future of our campus, support academic and administrative functions, and drive continuous improvement. |
Matt Erickson, Director - Program Management (PMO) |
| 3:15 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. | Break | |
| 3:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. | UCSB Secure and Data Security The Secure UCSB program is an initiative to invest in critical technology updates during the upcoming academic year to protect our community from rapidly evolving cybersecurity threats. Learn about the multiple infrastructure and technology upgrades happening simultaneously during the upcoming academic year, and the varied impacts our community will experience as a result of several key efforts that must be implemented by summer 2025 due to UCOP mandate. This session will also explore the responsibilities of Business Officers in ensuring data security and the importance of their collaboration with Department Security Administrators. Come away with best practices for safeguarding sensitive information and how to support the university’s overall security strategy. |
Shea Lovan, Chief Technology Officer Jackson Muhirwe, Chief Information Security Officer/Director, Information Security |
| 4:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. | Wrap-Up Bring the day to a close and look ahead to what’s in store for tomorrow. |
Sandra Featherson, Director of Training Heather Heyerdahl, Director of Learning & Organizational Development |
Day 2 - Friday, September 6
Morning Sessions
| TIME | TOPIC | SPEAKER(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. | Light Refreshments & Welcoming Remarks | Sandra Featherson, Director of Training Heather Heyerdahl, Director of Learning & Organizational Development |
| 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. | Artificial Intelligence AI technologies can streamline administrative processes, enhance data analytics, improve decision-making, and optimize resource management. Gain insights into practical applications of AI in financial planning, student services, and operational efficiency. We’ll also offer a glimpse into the future of AI in higher education and discuss emerging trends, potential challenges, and strategies for effective implementation. Learn how AI can empower Business Officers to drive innovation, improve institutional effectiveness, and support the university's strategic goals. |
Joe Sabado, Deputy Chief Information Officer Josh Bright, Associate Vice Chancellor for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer Ann-Marie Musto, Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief Human Resources Officer Matt Beane, Assistant Professor - Technology Management |
| 9:30 a.m. - 9:35 a.m. | STRETCH BREAK | |
| 9:35 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. | Panel Discussion: The Future of Department Budgeting Learn about the key concepts and changes in budgeting and how these innovative new solutions can help streamline the budget process, facilitate better decision-making, and support the strategic goals of the campus. The team will highlight changes to the campus annual budget process and budget cycle, planning for our workforce, and planning our operating expenses. We will also discuss key concepts in project budgeting and will provide a general overview of how we expect to connect these important elements in future reporting. |
Kerry Bierman, Associate Vice Chancellor, Budget & Planning Michael McGrogan, Budget Director Jane Kittle, Chief Financial Officer - Office of Research Dorothy Satomi, Director of Finance & Administration, Academic Affairs |
| 10:30 a.m. - 10:35 a.m. | STRETCH BREAK | |
| 10:35 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. | How to Get Comfortable with Uncertainty and Change Explore practical strategies and techniques for managing stress, staying motivated, and sustaining productivity in an ever-changing environment. Learn how to develop resilience, implement effective self-care practices, and foster a positive mindset amidst ongoing transformations. |
Dr. Pati Montojo, Associate Ombuds |
| 11:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. | Panel Discussion: Difficult Interpersonal Relationships & Conflict Resolution Build your practical tools and techniques for addressing challenging interactions, fostering a collaborative work environment, and finding constructive solutions to disputes. Discuss resources for understanding union contracts, performance management, conflict resolution, and enhanced communication skills, to implement strategies that promote positive outcomes. |
Sydney Roberts, Director of Employee & Labor Relations Caroline Adams, Campus Ombuds |
| 11:45 a.m. - 12:10 p.m. | Process Improvement Activity | Heather Heyerdahl, Director of Learning & Organizational Development Katie Mankins, Director for Process Management |
12:10 p.m. - 12:45 p.m. LUNCH PROVIDED
Afternoon Sessions
| TIME | TOPIC | SPEAKER(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 12:45 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Summit Part I Wrap-Up | Sandra Featherson, Director of Training Heather Heyerdahl, Director of Learning & Organizational Development |
The following sessions are tailored for staff who are newer to the Business Officer role, however any Business Officer is welcome to attend. |
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| 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Panel Discussion: Top 10 Things I Wish I Knew as a New Business Officer Receive insights and advice from experienced Business Officers who have successfully navigated the challenges and opportunities of the role. Discover essential tips for success, including strategies for managing complex responsibilities, building effective relationships, and mastering key aspects of financial and administrative operations. This session is perfect for new business officers looking to enhance their effectiveness and make a positive impact from the start. |
Kim Miller, Business Officer, Counseling and Psychological Services Shilo Tucker, Business Officer, Physics Alex Radde, Assistant Dean Budget & Administration, Division of Math, Life, and Physical Sciences |
| 2:00 p.m. - 2:05 p.m. | STRETCH BREAK | |
| 2:05 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. | Research Administration for New Business Officers Get an overview of key business requirements, policies and considerations relevant to Business Officers in departments managing extramurally funded research projects. Areas of discussion will include cost share, compliance, acceptance of risk and liability, annual space survey, Uniform Guidance and cost principles for higher education. |
Jean Jones, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Research Jim Fong, Director - Sponsored Projects |
| 3:00 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. | Break | |
| 3:15 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. | Staffing Process This session will provide an overview of the Staffing Process on campus, how to balance a Staffing Report, and thoughts on how this process will work in tandem with the new financial system. |
Michael McGrogan, Budget Director Sandra Featherson, Director of Training |
| 4:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. | Wrap-Up Bring the summit to a close and share additional learning opportunities. |
Sandra Featherson, Director of Training Heather Heyerdahl, Director of Learning & Organizational Development |