In the Know

New Program to Explain the 'Business of the University'

September 2, 2008

By Pamela McLaren

Larry Goldstein

How can those who manage or oversee university resources build their skills and acquire the new knowledge necessary to deal with increasing fiscal complexities?

The new University Business Institute, sponsored by the Division of Administration and Finance, has been designed to provide workshops and other programs to those responsible for the “business of the university.” The institute includes one-time forums and a series of tracks providing practical information regarding resource management repeated on a periodic basis.

The first program of the University Business Institute is an all-day “Integrating Budgeting and Planning Session” on Sept. 23. Larry Goldstein of Campus Strategies, a former senior vice president and treasurer of the National Association of College and University Business Officers, will lead a program about planning related to budget and resources.

Campus Members Provide Advice to New Business Institute

An advisory board made up of members from throughout the campus community are involved in the development, direction and subject matter for the new University Business Institute.

Members include: Patricia Balderas, business manager, College of Humanities and Social Sciences; John Beisner, director of university risk management; Jeffrey Cook, associate vice president, University Advancement; Roy Gonzales, manager, human resources and organizational development, Physical Plant; Rommel Hidalgo, director, IT Projects, Information Technology; Elizabeth Housewright, associate university librarian; Vennita Jackson, financial manager, President’s Office; Susan Lasswell, director of organizational development, Administration and Finance; Rachel Lynch, associate budget analyst, Student Affairs; Mark H. Stohs, associate dean for academic programs and faculty development, Mihaylo College of Business and Economics; and May Wong, director of accounts payable, Administration and Finance.

“The timing of this session is particularly appropriate,” said Willie J. Hagan, vice president for administration and finance, “both in relation to the state’s fiscal situation and ramifications of budget decisions made in Sacramento, Long Beach and at the university, as well as the Western Association of Schools and College’s reaccreditation efforts, which include a focus on campuswide planning as one of three guiding themes.

“Many people on campus are involved one way or another with resource allocation,” added Hagan. “We all need to understand how we best contribute and support the efforts of this institution in its educational mission while serving as responsible and knowledgeable financial stewards.”

“Subject matter experts in the finance and human resources areas will offer a series of workshops addressing specific areas of resource management. Organized in functional tracks, these programs targets those responsible for overseeing or performing business and administrative functions in departments, centers, colleges and divisions,” said Susan Lasswell, director of organizational development in administration and finance. Among the topics: managing funds and accounts, personnel and pay management and purchasing.

“This is a program that was designed to be customer-oriented and to respond to current needs,” said Lasswell, who noted that focus groups helped drive the idea and the need for such a program.

For more information about the Sept. 23 event and/or upcoming events, go to www.fullerton.edu/UBI, or call Naomi Goodwin, assistant vice president of administration and finance, or Lasswell, at 657-278-2115.