The Bottom Line

Current fiscal year articles can be found below. Prior fiscal year articles can be found in the archive.

About the Newsletter

The Bottom Line is published monthly and provides organizational updates and promotes new initiatives. The newsletter also celebrates the achievements of the Finance team, from meeting signficant deadlines and implementing process improvements to the achievements of staff recognized through promotions and Bravo awards.

Why was the newsletter created? The Bottom Line was launched in November of 2022 with the goal of creating a new communication channel for the Finance (4009) team.

Who receives the newsletter and how is it udpated? Prior to publication each month, the mailing list is refreshed from a Cognos query of current Finance/4009 employees plus Athletics and PARI Finance staff.

Can anyone submit ideas for articles? Yes! If you have suggestions or ideas for an article, please submit it to Angie Delworth, Director of Finance Training and Communication.

Where can I find past editions of The Bottom Line? Current fiscal year articles can be found below. Prior fiscal year articles can be found in the newsletter archive.

FY26 Articles

July – In Depth: I-9 Employment Verification Centers

July – Cybersecurity Reminders

July – New PERA Based COI/COC Module to be Launched

August – FY26 Goal Setting

August – Centralized I-9 Employment Verification Center Wraps up Successful Fall Session

August – Procurement Process Reminders: Use of Ariba and Receipting Goods/Services

August – Summer Book Club Wraps up

September – Important Onboarding Updates

September – Federal Work Study: Best Practices for Account Management

September – Exploring AI Together

October – In Deph: Vendor Management and PaymentWorks Integration Update

October – Coming Soon: Ariba Guided Buying

October – Heads Up: iLab Changes

October – AI and Fraud: A New Frontier in Cybersecurity

November – New Student Reimbursement Decision Tool

November – Fall 2026 Management Professional Retreat

November – Artificial Intelligence Policy

November – Guided Buying Update

November – Introducing the New SPS Training Page

Introducing the new SPS Training Page

SPS is excited to announce the launch of the redesigned SPS Training page — now easier to navigate and specifically tailored for three key audiences:

For Department Heads & Principal Investigators: Quick access to training and resources tailored to your leadership and research roles.
For Business Office Staff: Role-specific training and helpful tools to support everyday business operations.
For Internal SPS Staff: Centralized training, guidance, and resources to support your work within SPS.

Access the training page by clicking the “Training” tab at the top-right of the SPS website. Visit the new site today and explore the resources that are most relevant to your role!

Guided Buying Update

As mentioned in a previous newsletter, a new interface is coming to Ariba called Guided Buying. Ariba Guided Buying is a new and simplified user interface that provides a more intuitive Ariba experience. The implementation efforts by Procurement Services are ongoing in preparation for a December 8 launch. The Ariba Guided Buying website includes a variety of helpful resources including overview videos and training opportunities offered through SuccessFactors.

Ariba Guided Buying for Fiscal Approvers is a virtual training program for Ariba users who review and fiscally approve orders.
Ariba Guided Buying for Invoice Reconciles should be taken by all employees with the Invoice Reconciler role.
Employees who make purchases on behalf of the University using Arba should enroll in Ariba Guided Buying for Requisitioners.

Direct links to these training resources and other details were shared in the November 24 edition of Purdue Today. Fiscal Approvers also received a targeted communication from Purchasing Services on Novebmer 25. Additional information and updates will be shared via similar communication channels over the next few weeks.

Artificial Intelligence Policy

AI@Purdue: Did You Know?
Purdue has taken another step forward in supporting responsible use of Artificial Intelligence tools with the release of its first ever Artificial Intelligence Use policy on November 1. This policy affirms that AI tools may be used at the university as long as users follow established “guardrails” set by campus partners, including Information Technology, the Data Ethics Committee, and the Provost’s Office for academic and instructional contexts.

What does this mean for Finance?
Finance team members who work with sensitive HR or financial information must continue exercising the same level of care when using AI tools. The Exploring Generative AI Tools at Purdue website provides a clear grid outlining which tools can be used with sensitive or restricted data—as well as recommendations for other types of tasks. The site also highlights practical ways AI can help support day-to-day Finance work.

If you have questions about using AI safely or effectively in your role, please connect with your supervisor or contact it@purdue.edu.

Fall 2026 Management Professional Retreat

On October 28, Finance Management Professional Staff gathered in West Lafayette for a day of networking and professional development opportunities. The day kicked off with a keynote presentation by Treasurer and CFO Chris Ruhl and a presentation on Business Ethics by Kelly Blanchard, Clinical Professor of Economics in the Mitch Daniels School of Business. Following the opening presentations, participants had the opportunity to pick their own break out session.

Breakout Wellness topics included Guided Meditation with Karil Sommers plus two sessions led by staff from Rec Well, Success Over Stress with Emma Schnolis and Digital Well-Being with Will Evans.

Participants were also able to pick from four options in a feedback gathering effort called “Brainstorm for Better.” Participants were asked to consider specific topic questions provided in advance of the retreat and then provide responses in the session. Topics included Engagement, Research Administration, Business Process Improvements and Reporting and Systems. Feedback gathered will be summarized and reviewed for further action.

In the afternoon, participants could pick from three leadership topics. Setting Performance Management Goals with Adedayo Adeniyi, Advisory Leadership with representatives from CSSAC and MaPSAC and a Women in Leadership Panel. Panelists shared perspectives on their own careers, advice for participants on their own career development and how managers should recognize and support leadership characteristics that may differ between genders. Panelists included Cherise Hall, Vice Provost for Enrollment Management, Purdue Police Chief Leslie Weitle, Vice President for Human Resources Amy Boyle, Kathy Thomason, Senior Principal Accountant and Projects and Beth Holloway, Senior Assistant Dean for Student Access and Success in the College of Engineering.

Additional topics that were well received included an Artificial Intelligence at Purdue presentation by Kenny Wilson from Purdue IT at Purdue and a Business Case Study led by Andrew Bean with group discussion facilitated by various Finance leaders.

The event was organized and implemented by a planning committee chaired by Kyle LaRocca and included Amanda Emmons, Susan Kremer, Brittany Riggen, Laura Weisberger and Angie Delworth, Finance and Business Operations. Rita Jackson, Financial Planning and Analysis provided valuable administrative support before the event and through the day of the retreat.

In Depth: Student Reimbursement: New Student Reimbursement Decision Tool

The Finance and Business Operations team, in collaboration with Financial Aid, Tax, FPA, and Business Management, has developed a Student Payment Method Decision Flow tool to guide departments in selecting the appropriate method for reimbursing students—both undergraduate and graduate.
Because reimbursement rules can vary depending on the type of expense and whether Purdue or the student benefits, it is critical that these payments are processed correctly. Improper handling may result in unexpected tax liabilities or affect a student’s financial aid eligibility.

To help avoid these issues, the new tool—developed in Microsoft Forms—leads users through a short series of questions in a survey format. After submitting the survey, users receive an email summarizing their responses along with clear reimbursement instructions. This email can then be used as backup documentation when the reimbursement is submitted for processing.

The Student Payment Method Decision Flow and supporting documentation have been added to the Business Management Resources website. A detailed outline of the survey questions is also available in the Student Payment Method Decision Flow.

Questions about this information can be directed as follows: Angie Delworth for questions about the Student Reimbursement Method tool or website; Whitney Beutel for overall process questions; scholarshipdfa@purdue.edu for scholarship or financial aid impact questions.

AI and Fraud: A New Frontier in Cybersecurity

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming industries, streamlining operations, and enhancing customer experiences. But as organizations embrace AI, so do cybercriminals. Fraud attempts are becoming more sophisticated, leveraging AI to mimic human behavior, automate attacks, and exploit vulnerabilities at scale. For businesses, this means the threat landscape is evolving—and employees play a critical role in defending against it.

The Rise of AI-Driven Fraud

AI enables fraudsters to create convincing phishing emails, deepfake audio and video, and even synthetic identities. These tools can bypass traditional security filters and deceive even the most vigilant employees. For example, email fraud attempts historically have had poor grammar or spelling, but AI-generated emails can produce grammatically perfect emails or replicate a CEO’s writing style, making business email compromise (BEC) attacks harder to detect.

Similarly, deepfake technology can simulate a trusted voice in a phone call, tricking employees into transferring funds or sharing sensitive information. AI Text Scams (Smishing) have also increased dramatically in recent months, sending texts appearing to be from FedEx, banks or IRS, typically having embedded malicious links or fake login pages. Another recent fraud attempt uses an AI powered video scam, that tricks job seekers into fake interviews using deepfake recruiters.They then collect sensitive information like SSNs or bank details under the guise of onboarding.

In addition, and possibly more importantly, AI can analyze large datasets to identify patterns in user behavior, helping attackers focus on their prime targets and time their fraud attempts for maximum impact. This level of precision makes AI-driven fraud more dangerous than ever before.

How Employees Can Fight Back

While technology is essential in combating fraud, human awareness and action are equally critical. Here are key ways employees can help:

Stay Informed: Regular training on emerging fraud tactics—especially those involving AI—is vital. Understanding how deepfakes, phishing, and social engineering work helps employees recognize red flags.
Verify Requests: Always double-check unusual or urgent requests, especially those involving financial transactions or sensitive data. Use known, external contact methods to confirm authenticity.
Report Suspicious Activity: Encourage a culture of transparency. If something feels off, report it immediately. Early detection can prevent major breaches.
Use Strong Authentication: Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds a layer of protection against unauthorized access. Employees should use MFA wherever possible and avoid reusing passwords.
Think Before You Click: AI-generated phishing emails or texts can be highly convincing. Hover over links, scrutinize sender addresses, and avoid downloading unexpected attachments.

A Shared Responsibility

AI is a double-edged sword—it can be used to protect or to exploit. While organizations invest in advanced cybersecurity tools, employees remain the first line of defense. By staying alert, informed, and proactive, every team member contributes to a safer digital environment.

Fraud may be evolving, but so is our ability to fight it. Together, we can outsmart even the smartest threats.

Heads Up: iLab Changes

Purdue IT and iLab@Purdue, in conjunction with Agilent, will be deploying iLab system changes on November 21^st to allow for intercompany billing between Purdue and the Purdue Applied Research Institute. After this deployment, fund strings (IO and WBSE) will include a company code in front of them (PUR for Purdue, ARI for PARI) in all display fields.

If you have a role in iLab billing processes, watch Business@Purdue for more information about these changes and impacts of the integration on the November billing cycle.

Coming Soon: Guided Buying

Purdue Procurement Services has recently announced the upcoming launch of Ariba Guided Buying. This announcement was communicated to Purdue employees holding Requisitioner, Receiver, Fiscal Approver, and Invoice Reconciler roles via email on October 1st.

Guided Buying is an Ariba-based tool designed to provide a simplified, consumer-like interface with an intuitive search experience, product recommendations, and easier reorder functionality. The implementation is scheduled for December.

Although the core business processes will remain unchanged, users will experience a fresh look and enhanced functionality within the system. Staff involved in purchasing, particularly those in Business Management and Operations Centers, are encouraged to attend the training sessions offered by Purdue Procurement to understand the changes and assist their customers through the transition.

Procurement Services is also updating Quick Reference Guides (QRGs), creating short demonstration videos, and organizaing Showcase sessions – both virtually and on campus – to help users become familiar with the new system.

Questions can be directed to pstraining@purdue.edu. Keep an eye out for training invitations and registration details coming soon!

Vendor Management and PaymentWorks Integration Update

Since implementation of PaymentWorks (PW) as Purdue’s vendor portal in March, significant progress has been made towards system integration with SAP. System integration means approved vendor request records flow directly from PW into SAP to create the BP and supplier vendor master record.

Currently, all vendor’s being onboarded as direct payment vendors (ZDIRs) are integrated. This results in 60% of vendors onboarding through PW are flowing to SAP without requiring manual entry. Integration signficantly improves accuracy, transparency, and efficiency in the vendor establishment process. The goal is to achieve 100% integration by February 12, which will further streamline operations and reduce processing times.

In addition to smoother vendor onboarding, the safeguards provided by PW have already been realized. Since implementation, one known fraud attempt was identified and successfully terminated. PW is now also indemnifying 10% of Purdue’s payment to vendors, approximately $64M.

As more vendors onboard, the purchasing operations team continues to find and implement efficiencies. Progress as well as activity volume can be seen in the following metrics:

Vendor onboarding volume continues to increase. Since implementation, 5,200 vendors have been onboarded and successfully etablished in SAP, this represents an average of 600+ vendors per month.

The ZDIR invitation to connect cycle time improved with the current average reduced to 14.7 days from 22.5 days. Purdue’s performance now aligns with peer institutions across higher education.

Positive vendor responses can be seen in the high adoption rates. Since March, the university has experienced a 93.4% adoption rate (invitations that end with completed registration).

Metrics show a high volume of payments flowing through PW vendors. Since March, $632M representing 46,652 transitions have been processed. ACH payments make up 70.7% of the payments, followed by 23.4% as checks.

PW was implemented as Purdue’s vendor portal in March of 2025. PW has extensive experience working with higher education institutions, the SAP enterprise system and JP Morgan Chase, the university’s banking institution. PW provides fraud protection, validation of TIN/SSN/EINs and other vendor verification details. The requirement that all Purdue vendors (no exceptions) register with PW ensures a secure, consistent and transparent vendor management process.

Questions about PaymentWorks can be addressed to Whitney Beutel or ap@purdue.edu. The PW website also contains helpful information about PW and the implementation of PW at Purdue.

Exploring AI Together

Artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept, it is already here, transforming the way we work, collaborate, and solve problems. From drafting documents to assisting with Excel formulas, AI-powered tools are becoming a regular part of daily life in some workplaces. As part of our shared 2025-26 performance goal to learn more about AI and how we can integrate it into our workplace, the AI educational opportunities described below are designed to spark conversation, build skills, and create opportunities to learn from one another.

Learning Through Reading and Discussion
We will devote the Fall 2025 Professional Development Book Club to the AI educational effort. Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI by Ethan Mollick will be read and discussed over three separate meetings. This timely book explores how AI can be integrated into professional and personal life, offering both practical strategies and thought-provoking insights.

The book club will meet in three sessions: October 15, November 12 and December 10. All sessions will be from 11:00 am -12:00 pm EST.

An enrollment email and registration form was sent on September 26. Please respond by 4:00 pm EST on October 3. Links to the meeting series will be sent after the deadline and before the first session.

Sharing Experiences: An AI Happy Hour
In addition to the book club, we’ll host an AI Happy Hour in early January. This virtual event will be an opportunity to share real-world experiences with tools such as ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot. Whether you’re experimenting with AI to simplify routine tasks or finding creative ways to streamline your workflow, this is the perfect setting to exchange tips and tricks with colleagues. Everyone will have the chance to highlight how AI is helping them work more effectively and, in many cases, more enjoyably.

Building a Community of AI Explorers
This effort isn’t about becoming an expert overnight. Instead, it’s about creating a space where we can learn together, try new tools, and support one another as AI continues to evolve. In addition to these activities, Human Resources and the Artificial Intelligence at Purdue teams are partnering to create educational opportunities including a “Foundational Literacy in AI” course that will be announced next week. Watch Purdue Today for more information!

By reading, discussing, and participating in these shared experiences, we can better understand how to make AI a valuable partner in our work. We encourage you to take advantage of these opportunities. The more perspectives we bring together, the richer our understanding will be!

Federal Work Study: Best Practices for Account Management

As we begin another academic term, it’s a good time to revisit some key practices for managing Federal Work Study (FWS) accounts. Federal Work Study is a collaborative effort involving business offices, employment centers, and student aid teams. Missteps in account setup or reconciliation can lead to significant cleanup efforts and potential compliance issues. By following a few essential practices, departments can help prevent these challenges.

Key Reminders

Use Current Fiscal Year IOs

Only current FWS IO’s should be used. Use of previous year FWS IOs results in not-relevant charges that need to be cleared as well as inaccurate current year financial statements. Always verify you’re using the correct year’s accounts.

FY26 Federal Work Study Employment Period

The FY26 FWS employment period is from August 25, 2025 to May 17, 2026. Below are the term dates and the IO(s).

Fall eligibility Period Began August 25th and ends December 28th
Spring eligibility begins December 29th and ends May 17th
On Campus: 61019000 (Regular) = 7400000691
On Campus: 61019003 (Community Service) = 7400000694

Prompt the Employment Center

After confirmation of student eligibility for Federal Work Study funding, the Business Office should request the Employment Center to enter the required entries into the payroll system. The Business Office should contact the Employment Center again at the end of the Fall and Spring terms to provide the information needed to adjust the budget and bring the departmental IO balances to zero.

InfoType 14 (Recurring Payments/Deductions): Enter at the beginning of employment with the current years FWS IO listed and percentage set to 75%.
InfoType 15 (Additional Payments): Enter the awarded amount for the term at the beginning of employment.

Employment Center Action – InfoType 15
The employment centers rely on business offices to initiate the requests (via TDX) for adjustments in InfoType 15. Without this prompt, necessary updates may not occur.

Align Budget with Expense at End of Term on InfoType 15

IT15 balances have no end date and will remain available until fully expended or adjusted. To ensure accurate balances, the business office should provide their Employment Center the amounts to align the allocation with the actual expense amount on InfoType 15 at the end of each semester. This prevents unspent funds from rolling over and inflating future term balances. For example, if the IO FWS budget for the student’s Fall term was set to $1,000 but only $100 was spent, a balance of $900 will carry forward and be added to the spring term balance so it’s crucial to align the budget and expense balances before the last payroll runs in May as the summer term does not allow FWS.

Collaboration Is Key
Laurie Colchin, Associate Bursar of Accounting, and Vannessa Farmer, Director of Financial Affairs, emphasize the importance of communication between business offices and their employment centers. “Managing FWS accounts is a shared responsibility. Clear communication and timely action across departments are essential to maintaining accuracy and compliance.” Updated training materials can be found on the Forms, HR, Data, Processes and Training page in the Federal Work Sudy section (2526 Payroll Clerk Training for student Employment and Federal Work Study).

Questions about eligibility should be directed to Laurie Colchin, Associate Bursar, Accounting. Student employment and ECP IT15 entry/adjustment questions should be directed to local employment centers. Questions about payroll postings should be directed to Kelli McDowell, Accountant, Payroll Reconciliation.

In Depth: Important Onboarding Update

A new onboarding platform was launched on September 29. This is not an upgrade—it’s a required implementation of a new platform, and with that comes a lot of change. As we become familiar with these changes, we want to ensure our customers receive the support they need.

The primary point of contact for new and current employees should be your local Employment Center. These teams have worked hard to prepare for the launch of the new platform and are best equipped to assist. To help navigate this shift:

Center leaders have been actively involved in testing and refining the platform over the last 6 months, ensuring it meets the needs of both staff and customers.
Center leaders have leveraged that experience to develop and provided center specific training for all center staff.
Center staff have completed multiple training courses, developed and led by Human Resources staff.

Business offices and others should capitalize on Employment center expertise by referring customer questions directly to their local center. Customers can also be directed to the New Employee Orientation Welcome page for resources helpful to an onboarding employee.

Thank you for helping us ensure a smooth transition and for supporting our teams during this exciting launch. Questions about this information can be directed to your employment center or Whitney Beutel.

Summer Book Club Wraps Up

This summer, 40 participants joined the Sizzling Summer Book Club, a seasonal reading initiative designed to bring Finance team members who love books together around shared stories and thoughtful discussion.

The process began with participants recommending a book to the group, each accompanied by a brief description to help others get a sense of the story and style. After reviewing the suggestions, everyone voted on their favorites two books rose to the top as choices for summer reading: Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn and God of the Woods by Liz Moore.

These selections became the basis for two separate book club groups, allowing members to choose the book that most interested them. Some joined both clubs!

Follow up discussion meetings were scheduled approximately six weeks after the selections were finalized. Thanks to everyone who participated and helped shape this summer’s reading experience.

The Culture and Communication committee will soon begin the process of selecting a professional development read for the fall. If you have a book suggestion, feel free to reach out to Angie Delworth or a committee member.

Procurement Process Reminders: Use of Ariba and Receipting of Goods/Services

In May 2023, The Bottom Line shared several observations from internal process reviews of procurement and goods/services receipting processes. This information is being shared again as a reminder to all involved in the procurement process.

Observations from process reviews yield opportunities for process improvements. Please take a few minutes to review this information with the appropriate individuals on your work team.

Procuring goods and services is a vital operation within Purdue University. Stakeholders in every phase of the procurement system benefit from simple and efficient processes. Here are some helpful reminders to ensure compliance with process requirements.

Entering Purchase Requisitions in Ariba

The University’s e-Procurement tool, Ariba, is a valuable tool for procuring goods/services. Contingent on cost effectiveness and product suitability, Ariba’s built-in document storage, receipting processes and approval records make it the preferred procurement method.
In order to be given access to procure goods/services, users are required to complete annual trainings. Requesters must receive an online certification for Purchasing Delegation Authority. This requirement includes two online courses, Delegation Authority Certification and P2P 201 – Creating Requisitions in Ariba. Both courses are available in the SuccessFactors Learning module and must be completed before the requisitioner role can be assigned to a position.
Finally, to properly procure items, orders for goods should never be entered as a lumped together single line item. Each unique item purchased must be entered as a separate line item. Entering items as lump sum orders results in inaccurate receipting of goods.

Receipting Goods and Services

Receipt of goods and services is a very critical step in the procurement system. Confirmation that the goods have physically been received is required for all orders, regardless of dollar amount, even in instances where the system automatically executes the goods receipt. Failure to confirm physical receipt of goods/services may result in loss of university resources and unidentified fraud. Preferred method of confirmation of goods receipt is attaching the packing slip to the order in Ariba.
Confirmation of goods receipt varies based on procurement method. Below is a list of primary procurement methods and the preferred receipting method as well as alternative methods:
e-Procurement System (e.g., Ariba)
- Preferred Method: Packing slip attached to the PO
- Other Acceptable Methods: Email/written notice confirming goods receipt
Invoice Paid as a Direct Payment
- Preferred Method: Email/written notice confirming goods receipt
- Other Acceptable Methods: Packing slip, if available
Procurement via Credit Card
- Preferred Method: Email/written notice confirming goods receipt
- Other Acceptable Methods: Packing slip, if available
Assignment of the role required to receive goods/services in the e-Procurement (Ariba) System requires completion of an online certification available in the SuccessFactors Learning module: P2P 151 – Receiving in Ariba. If you are unsure if you should take this course, please contact your supervisor. Also, note that this course is available “on demand” anytime someone wants to take it as a refresher.

Valuable and informative training resources can be found on Procurement Services training website. For assistance on entering or receiving orders please reach out to pshelpdesk@purdue.edu. Questions can be directed to your local purchasing center or contact Whitney Beutel, wbeutel@purdue.edu.

All staff involved in procurement processes including Account Management, Purchasing Operation Centers, and others who place orders in Ariba, are asked to review this information and look for opportunities improve their own work processes.

Centralized I-9 Employment Verification Center Wraps Up Successful Fall Session

As Purdue welcomed a new wave of faculty, staff, and students this fall, the temporary centralized I-9 Employment Verification Center played a vital role in ensuring new hires could begin their work without delay. Located on the third floor of the Stewart Center, the center completed employment verifications for 2,331 new employees between August 18–29.

Each day, 8–15 staff members from employment centers across campus came together to keep the process running smoothly. Working at stations such as check-in, scanning, and verification, the team provided excellent service and helped new employees move quickly through the center.

To support the operation, the center used the Microsoft Booking Tool for scheduling and launched a new onboarding and employment verification website. While the centralized center was temporary, the website will remain as a permanent resource for new employees, offering reminders, onboarding details for graduate students, and additional guidance for others navigating the process.

Staff also valued the collaborative spirit of the effort. “The collaboration not only strengthened our team spirit but also provided a valuable opportunity to share insight and learn how other centers approach tasks,” shared Lynn Jacobs, Supervisor of Employment Operations in the Science, Pharmacy, Education, and Liberal Arts Employment Center. The experience allowed colleagues to reconnect and welcome new team members during one of the busiest times of the year for employment centers across campus.

Congratulations and a heartfelt thank you to all the staff who contributed to the success of the Employment Verification Center.The dedication and teamwork not only eased workloads during a critical time but also demonstrated Purdue’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and creating a smooth start for every new member of our community.

In Depth: FY26 Goals

It’s time to set our goals for FY26! The annual goal setting activity ensures that, as an organization, we are directing our efforts toward activities that align with our values. Specifically, our goals should reflect and focus on our values of Financial Stewardship, Customer Service, and Continuous Improvement.
Focus areas are further defined below:

Financial Stewardship – Smarter budgets, sharper projections, and stronger gift management—all to maximize resources and reduce subsidies.
Customer & Unit Initiatives – Partner with local departments to support their programs and make a positive impact.
Process Excellence & Continuous Improvement – Implement service indicator monitoring, training enhancements, research support, reduce overpayments, respond to regulatory changes, and maintain an adaptive outlook. A key goal in this area for FY26 also includes a commitment to personal AI education and implementation where appropriate (more information below).
Organizational Engagement – This year is all about active engagement. Staff are expected to move beyond just attendance at events designed to encourage engagement, but to step up, connect with colleagues, mentor across teams, and truly participate. Engagement means more than just showing up—it’s about contributing, collaborating, and making your voice heard!

Each team member should set 5–7 goals and enter them into SuccessFactors by September 30. Goals should follow the SMART model—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound—and be developed collaboratively with your manager.

New in FY26:

Professional Development (PD) activities should no longer need to be listed as individual goals – PD has always been captured in the Unit Competencies section of our feedback process under “Professional/Career Development.” Removing PD from the annual goal-setting process reinforces that professional development is a core expectation for all staff—not something that changes year to year. To support this, the C&C group will continue to offer internal PD opportunities, which can also count toward “Organizational Engagement.”
AI Knowledge & Implementation – Each staff member will set a goal to expand their understanding of AI and its workplace applications. This may include pursuing educational opportunities, exploring new tools, identifying process improvements through AI, or sharing ideas in team discussions. To support these efforts, initiatives such as a book club and informal networking events are being developed.
Breakthrough Goal – Of the 5–7 goals you set, one should be bold and forward-looking. Examples include launching a new process, streamlining onboarding, or driving big advancements with Rapid Process Automation (RPA).

Questions about this information can be directed to your manager.

In Depth: I-9 Employment Verification Centers

Employment Center staff from across campus will once again join forces to operate a temporary centralized I-9 Employment Verification Center. The center will be open August 18 through August 29 in Stewart Center, Room 306. All new employees, regardless of appointment type, with start dates during this time period are eligible to use the center to complete Section 2 of the Employment Eligibility Verification form.

While a spring semester Verification Center was provided, this marks the first time an August center has been offered since the COVID-19 pandemic. The August center is expected to assist approximately 2,500 new employees, including faculty, staff, graduate students, and undergraduate student employees onboarding this month.

“The August onboarding period is the busiest time of year for the employment centers,” says Kelly Cunningham. “We’re pleased to bring our I-9 verification experts together to provide this valuable service in a convenient, centralized location. By applying the lessons learned from our January Verification Center experience, we’re confident in our ability to deliver an efficient and positive experience for new hires while lessening the heavy August workload in the individual employment centers.”

Information about the center has been shared with Business Management staff and graduate staff coordinators. Additional details will appear in a Business@Purdue message in early August.

A new informational onboarding and employment verification site has been created and can be accessed from the Employment Center website or this direct link. The new site includes reminders as well as onboarding information for graduate students and others. Questions about the Verification Center process or assistance with situations unique to your unit can be directed to your Employment Center manager or lead or Kelly Cunningham.

Cybersecurity Reminders

In today’s digital environment, staying current on cybersecurity training is more important than ever. Cyber threats continue to evolve, and bad actors are constantly developing new tactics to gain access to sensitive data through phishing emails, social engineering, and other predatory activities. Purdue provides protection support through training, certifications, as well as protection tips and other information on the SecurePurdue website.

Purdue has Enterprise Webcert training courses that must be completed by all employees annually. To access these courses, log into the Webcert Catalog through One Campus. There you will find the Enterprise Certifications for Data Classification and Handling, Protecting Social Security Numbers, FERPA, GLBA, and HIPAA. After signing up to take the courses you will be directed to log into Brightspace to complete them and receive your certifications.

The following is an excerpt from the Data Classification and Handling Educational Resources Certification and is a good reminder for all of us.

Top Ten Ways You Can Practice Good Data Security

1. Always use strong passwords and keep them secret. Purdue has password policies and guidelines. You can learn more at: https://www.purdue.edu/policies/information-technology/s16.html.

2. Do not login to Purdue IT resources (computer systems, email systems, or mobile devices) for other people.

3. Do not save passwords to your workstation hard drive, email, or cell phone, or other mobile device.

4. Lock your workstation when you are away from your desk or work area during the day, even if you are gone just for a short break. (Use Ctrl/Alt/Delete and select “Lock ” for Windows machines.)

5. Log off or turn off your computer each night. Check with your departmental IT staff for the preferred procedure for your area.

6. Ignore unsolicited emails. Never comply with requests via email or phone for personal information or account information unless you initiated the contact.

7. Be suspicious. Do not open or download email or instant messaging attachments unless you are expecting them. If someone sends you an attachment that you are not expecting, contact the sender through a separate message or communication method and ask them about it.

8. Turn off the “auto complete” function in your Web browser as it can store user name and password information. (Ask your departmental IT staff for help doing this.)

9. Do not download software, special fonts, screensavers, games, or other programs. Sometimes these items can hold computer viruses or open up your computer to unauthorized individuals.

10. Read more about information security best practices on the SecurePurdue website in the IT Polices and Standards sections.

Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, and ongoing education is one of our strongest defenses against potential threats. Make it a priority to complete your required training, remain alert to suspicious activity, and use the available resources like SecurePurdue to stay up to date. Together, we can help ensure a safer, more secure campus for everyone.

New PERA Based COI/COC Module to be Launched

Purdue University is launching a new Conflict of Interest/Conflict of Commitment (COI/COC) module within the Purdue Excellence in Research Administration (PERA) system on August 11. This module replaces the current Reportable Outside Activities Disclosure Database (ROADD) and streamlines the process for disclosing reportable outside activities (ROA). All Purdue faculty, exempt staff, and graduate student employees must use the new system to disclose any ROAs and/or complete their annual ROA Certification by September 30.

The new COI/COC module is part of Purdue’s ongoing efforts to modernize research administration and enhance compliance with university policies and federal regulations. Designed to simplify the disclosure and management of potential conflicts of commitment, the system will provide a more user-friendly and efficient experience. Phase 2 of the COI/COC module is expected to launch in late October.

The release follows successful rollouts of other PERA modules for Grants, Agreements, IACUC, and IBC. Enhancements to the Agreements module to support export control activities are also planned for late August. Users will receive instructions, training, and support ahead of the launch.

Additional details and resources are available on the PERA website, in this Purdue Today article, or by contacting the PERA Help Team at perahelp@purdue.edu.