NACUBO has created a mentoring program to support new chief business officers in achieving professional success and to provide seasoned CBOs an opportunity to give back to the profession. Given the wave of retirements predicted for CBO ranks, this new program is more important than ever. It enables the association to engage an increasing number of both new and seasoned CBOs, which is instrumental in supporting the profession and the association.
In July 2015, NACUBO initiated this mentoring program for chief business officers who were new in their roles and had recently attended the New Business Officers workshop, which is held every year in conjunction with the NACUBO annual meeting. Following a successful yearlong pilot, the new NACUBO Mentoring Program is underway, serving a 2016–17 cohort of four mentor-mentee pairs.
One mentee commented on the pilot, "This was invaluable. Just sharing experiences and swapping stories was beneficial. [My mentor] has dealt with many things that I am encountering now." That is exactly the kind of support for success that NACUBO aims to provide.
"[The] ability to provide a sounding board for other colleagues and use my long years of experience for others," is what one mentor liked best about the pilot. The program has also provided the opportunity for retired business officers to stay engaged with the profession and contribute to NACUBO as mentors in the program.
This new professional development activity follows the successful launch of a mentoring program for aspiring chief business officers conducted by the regional association, EACUBO, since 2012. In April 2016, WACUBO also launched a mentoring program for aspiring CBOs.
Alumni of the New Business Officers program will be invited to apply for the 2017–18 mentoring program cohort after Feb. 1, 2017. For more information, or to volunteer as a mentor, contact Maryann Terrana, director, member engagement, at 202.861.2562.
The available spectrum of "partnership" opportunities for capital investment being marketed to colleges and universities continues to expand. Developers and institutions have become more creative in structuring transactions to achieve specific strategic goals.
During the webcast Public-Private Partnerships and the Elusive "Off-Credit Treatment," which aired on November 15, speakers explored the range of partnership opportunities available and the key risks and rewards of the various financing options. They outlined a variety of alternative capital investment strategies and provided specific examples used by colleges and universities. Participants also learned how to evaluate a third-party development structure to determine if it makes sense for their institutions.
This webcast will be available on-demand for one year from its original air date. To register for this program, or to learn more about other webcast offerings, visit the "Distance Learning" page at www.nacubo.org.
The 2017 NACUBO Student Financial Services Conference, to be held March 19–21 in Las Vegas, will feature speakers from a diverse group of colleges and universities who will share their knowledge, expertise, and case studies to educate hundreds of bursars and student accounts staff.
Educational sessions will focus on policy, technical, and management issues. In addition, attendees can expect to learn more about the latest on changes to IRS Form 1098-T, results from NACUBO’s SFS benchmarking and policies and procedures surveys, the most recent customer service innovations, and other topics.
During the Washington Update, attendees will learn how the results of the recent election will impact higher education and tax policy.
In addition to the standard conference program, there will be a preconference and postconference that will allow attendees additional opportunities to expand their knowledge.
- Bursar Fundamentals. Designed for those new to the student accounts world and those looking for a refresher of the basics, speakers from three different types of institutions will provide a high-level view of all functions within the bursar role. This comprehensive review of student accounts operations is a great way to kick off the conference.
- Legal Aspects of Collections. This half-day program will take place at the conclusion of the conference, with attorney Chad Echols of The Echols Firm addressing the complex topic of bankruptcy. In addition to reviewing recent cases that may impact college and university receivables, Echols will also review hot topics in collections and provide attendees with tools and tips that can assist in collection efforts.
Outside of learning sessions, the conference will provide several opportunities to network with peers, as well as roundtable sessions where attendees can learn from each other in a casual and friendly atmosphere.
For more information and to register (the pre- and postconference require additional registration fees), click on the "Events and Programs" tab at www.nacubo.org.
