Concurrent Sessions VIII | April 15 | 2:30 PM - 3:20 PM ET


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CS 8A | The Bare Necessities:  Evaluating and Implementing and ERP at a Small Institution

Description

In this session, you will learn how Wofford College evaluated and successfully implemented a large-scale ERP system and hear about how their SIS phase of the implementation is going so far. This is often a challenge at smaller institutions, but you will learn how Wofford took a newly developed strategic approach that played to their strengths. Budget management, project management, change management, go-live, production support, and overall campus ownership of the process will be discussed.

Learning Objectives

  1. Understand an approach to evaluating ERP systems with minimal resources.
  2. Learn one method for implementing a large-scale ERP system at a small, private institution.
  3. Learn how to have a successful go-live with a focus on change management and campus ownership.

Speakers

Trey Arrington, Assistant Vice President for IT, Wofford College 

Trey is the AVP for IT and CIO at Wofford College located in Spartanburg, SC, overseeing the IT Services Department. Currently, Trey is leading as the Project Manager for Wofford's implementation of Workday. Prior to Wofford, Trey was the VP for Operations at Spartanburg Methodist College for 8 years, where he oversaw the Campus Technology Department, In-House Dining Services, and managed the relationship with Barnes and Noble College, piloting their First Day Complete book program. Along with higher education experience, Trey has served in senior leadership positions in the healthcare and manufacturing industries. He serves on several steering committees and boards within higher education. Trey earned his BA in Information Management from The University of South Carolina“ Upstate and his MBA from Louisiana State University.


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CS 8B | Succession Planning - Securing Your Organization's Future

Description

Successful organizations understand the critical nature of planning for the future.  When leadership transitions are not properly managed the consequences can cause issues that weaken the team, disrupt day to day business operations, present a significant loss of knowledge and sometimes result in damage to the reputation of the organization.   This session will explore the vital importance of succession planning and provide some strategies for developing internal talent and preserve the Colleges/Universities intellectual capital.

Learning Objectives

  1. Understand the reason we plan for succession.
  2. Learn best practices for grooming internal succession candidates.
  3. Discover strategies for preserving institutional knowledge.

Speakers 

Michelle Burwell, Director for Student Financial Services, Morehouse College

Michelle Burwell serves as the Director of Student Financial Services at Morehouse College, where she brings extensive expertise in both financial operations and student accounts management. As a seasoned enrollment manager, she guides strategic initiatives to support student success through effective financial services administration. Ms. Burwell holds a Master of Science in Jurisprudence from Seton Hall University School of Law and an MBA from Felician University. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, earning a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration.Her comprehensive educational background in business, law, and administration complements her professional role in higher education financial services leadership.


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CS 8C | Future in Focus: Data-Informed, Practical Strategies to Address the Perceptions, Motivations, and Priorities of Today’s Students

Data and insights tell us that campuses must make student-focused adjustments to the student experience to remain successful in the increasingly competitive higher education landscape. This is especially critical in light of the unique challenges Gen Z students face: loneliness, mental health struggles, social isolation, and concerns about being prepared for the future.Every two years, Sodexo conducts the Student Lifestyle Survey to identify what motivates students to enroll in ”and remain at ”a college or university. Join us as we explore the results of Sodexo's 2024-25 Student Lifestyle Survey, which takes a deep dive into students' and parents' perceptions around some of the most pressing issues in higher education today. Learn about evolving views regarding the value of a college degree, the changing role of technology in campus life, the importance of cultivating a sense of belonging on campus, students' desire to develop the soft skills that will help them succeed in the workplace, and more. We'll also share practical strategies for applying these insights to create welcoming, inclusive campuses that align with students' priorities and reduce common barriers to success.

Learning Objectives

  1. Design campus programs and services that nurture authentic engagement and create the optimum environment for student recruitment, retention, and long-term success.
  2. Understand how campuses can better align programs and services to the needs of today's future-focused students.
  3. Learn about what drives today's future-focused students to pursue higher education and what they're looking for when choosing a college.

Speakers

Tina Livingston, Vice President for Finance and CFO, East Texas A&M University

Tina has over 22 years of experience in Texas higher education. Prior to stepping into her CFO role, she served as the Associate Vice President and Chief Budget Officer for A&M-Commerce. She began her career at Texas A&M University-Kingsville where she oversaw the budget and student accounting

Tracy Baker, Sr. Director Partnership, Strategies and Solutions Sodexo

Tracy has been a member of the Sodexo team for more than 25 years. With a balance of operations and support roles in service development, marketing and communication, and operations across a variety of segments within Sodexo, Tracy brings a holistic view of what kinds of strategy would best serve campus communities in her role. Tracy understands the relationship between food, service and quality in delivering an exceptional student experience for both clientsand consumers.

 

 

Sarah Baker, Associate Vice President of Finance and Administration, East Texas A&M University

Sarah Baker, CPA, has provided over 18 years of professional accounting to the Texas higher education landscape, and is currently serving as the Associate Vice President for Finance and Administration & Controller at East Texas A&M University. She previously held the position of Director of Accounting and Financial Reporting at the University since September 2013. She has been with ETAMU as a full-time employee since 2006, serving in various accounting roles throughout her time. She has served as the Grant Accountant, Senior Accountant, Financial Reporting Coordinator, and Director of Reporting. Currently, she oversees payroll, student accounts, accounts payable and travel, general accounting, property management, post award grant administration, state accounting, reconciliations, and the accounting for the associated philanthropic organizations, the Foundation and Alumni Association.Sarah enjoys playing racquetball, swimming with her son, skeet shooting and has recently taken up quilting. She is a member of the First Baptist Church in Winnsboro and helps with the children’s ministry.


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CS 8D | Coming Soon


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CS 8E (ACUPA): Policy Potpourri

Description

This session is designed to allow free form exchange of questions and answers for conference participants. Individuals will have an opportunity to share best practices and learn from colleagues. The session will also provide a chance for attendees to ask questions that they may still have after attending the other ACUPA sessions. 

Learning Objectives

  1. Takeaway strategies and approaches to issues or developments in your own policy/compliance practices
  2. Gain answers to questions from seasoned administrators
  3. Identify colleagues with similar questions, challenges, and/or experiences who may be resources to lean on post-conference

Speakers

Kathryn Scelzo, Senior Analyst, Policy and Compliance, Yale University

Kathryn joined the Yale University Policy Office in early 2022 reporting to Mike Jarosz. She is responsible for managing a comprehensive portfolio of over 90 University Policies, Procedures, and Forms, ensuring their timely review and ongoing maintenance. In addition to overseeing this portfolio, Kathryn works alongside a dedicated, dynamic team managing key compliance functions, including policy exceptions, special projects, and the development of new policies. Prior to joining Yale in 2018, she began her career in Insurance as a Business Analyst and Project Manager. Kathryn has been an ACUPA member since 2023 and has served on the Events Planning Committee since 2024.