On Oct. 25, Finance and Administration (F&A) hosted its 18th annual New to F&A Day event, welcoming F&A staff members hired in fiscal year 2024 (July 1, 2023–June 30, 2024).
The daylong event offered opportunities for new staff across all F&A units and University Human Resources (UHR) to network, engage with senior leadership and explore how F&A teams impact the university community.
“Our goal for the day is to offer meaningful experiences that truly engage our new staff members while creating opportunities for them to connect across our many teams,” said Kim Eberhart, special projects director in the Office of the Vice President for Finance and Administration (OVPFA) and chair of the New to F&A Day Committee.
The event began with breakfast at Bolton Dining Commons, where up to 80 in-person participants and virtual viewers met Ryan Nesbit, vice president for finance and administration, and Travis Jackson, UHR senior director of wellbeing, followed by a Q&A with F&A and UHR leadership. Attendees then headed to the UGA Chapel for a community partnership panel highlighting volunteer and involvement opportunities.
Following the panel, participants split into two groups to experience different tours in the morning and afternoon. This year’s tour stops included the Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, the UGA Golf Course and the UGArden.
Lunch at Lake Herrick featured a meet-and-greet with the UGA Police K-9 unit and bomb squad, where participants got to explore vehicles and equipment used in real-life scenarios.
The day ended with a celebratory reception at Sanford Stadium, featuring a lively 15-minute performance by the Redcoat Band and Spirit Squad. Attendees enjoyed cookies and refreshments while snapping selfies with Hairy Dawg, adding a spirited finish to the day’s events.
“I really enjoyed it. I met wonderful people all day and felt welcomed to the F&A family. It gave me a better perspective on how all departments connect,” shared an anonymous survey respondent.
Finance and Administration encompasses 11 central divisions and offices responsible for UGA’s financial, human and physical resources. New to F&A Day is hosted by OVPFA, with support from UHR, the Office of Government Relations, the Visitors Center, the Office of Sustainability and other UGA groups providing tours and door prizes