Greetings, Division of Finance and Administration colleagues,
Welcome to a new decade and a new year chock-full of exciting changes at UC Merced. As we flip the calendar to 2020, here are some updates I want to share:
Let’s have breakfast: All DFA staff are invited to welcome the new year with a Kick-off Breakfast. We’re holding one on campus at the Pavilion on Wednesday, Jan. 15 from 6:30-8 a.m. and another at the DCC on Friday, Jan. 17 from 7:30-9am. Go here to RSVP no later than Friday, Jan. 10. We look forward to seeing everyone!
Division staffing and DCC workstation updates: As the Alpha Financials project ramps up for launch in 2020, the division will welcome over 25 new staff members whose roles will support the transformative financial system. Several positions will be internal recruitment and posted at jobs.ucmerced.edu and we encourage interested applicants to apply. Note there is a one-week posting period for internal recruitments, so check the recruitment site frequently. In preparing for such growth, the division is working with Space Planning to maximize DCC workstation assignments for our DFA departments. We have started workstation moves between the second and third floors of the DCC with additional shifts and movements planned throughout the semester and into the summer. We thank you in advance for your flexibility and understanding as our division continues to grow.
ECEC accreditation renewed: UC Merced’s Early Childhood Education Center has earned a four-year renewal of its accreditation from the National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education Programs (NAC). The accreditation recognizes ECEC’s ability to provide a high-quality program for children in an environment for learning and development that surpasses state standards, along with professional development opportunities for staff. The center, which opened in 2009, provides care and activities for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. The renewal runs through 2024.
DFA Question of the Month: Thanks to those who responded to last month’s question: Do you have a hidden talent? What is it? Here’s what we learned:
Cindy Roberts (Business Officer, ACT) sang in a top-40s band out of high school and in church choirs for nearly a decade. She performed the National Anthem for military events when she worked for the Department of Defense. These days, she sings from a church pew, at home, or in her car!
Stephanie Zuniga (Procurement Services and Customer Relations Manager) once was a Registered Medical Assistant at local doctor’s offices. She was trained in drawing blood for tests and in administering injections.
Gerry Elizondo (Chief of Staff and Assistant Vice Chancellor of Finance and Administration) is a self-described “avid crafter,” specifically with knitting and crocheting. Her creations were showcased at art shows in San Francisco.
This month’s question:
If you were given 15 minutes of fame, how would you use it?
Submit your response by Friday, Feb. 7. Selected responses will be published in the next DFA Monthly Newsletter. Looking forward to discovering more about our talented team members!
Do you have questions? Feedback you want to share? I encourage everyone to reach out via our Comment Box or by emailing us at dofa@ucmerced.edu.
Sincerely,
Mike Riley
