Volume 123 | March 7, 2025 | |
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Business Affairs Bulletin
March 7, 2025
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The inside scoop on the people and projects that support UNLV | |
- Women’s History Month
- Department Highlight: Quality Assurance and Financial Compliance
- Spotlight on Service
- Join the Rebels Refill Movement
- Share Your Feedback on the Dec. 6 Memorial and Healing Garden
- New Hires
- Promotions
- Anniversaries
- Dates to Remember
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Celebrating Women's History Month | |
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March is Women’s History Month and Business Affairs is proud to celebrate the countless contributions women have made to American history. UNLV Libraries maintains a curated database of women-focused resources, photographs, and more for the campus and local communities to learn from and enjoy.
This year’s theme is “Moving Forward Together.” It highlights women who have dedicated their lives to education, mentorship, and leadership.
Women’s History Month serves as an opportunity to educate and inspire by showcasing the stories of pioneering women, from historical figures like Madam C.J. Walker to contemporary leaders like Malala Yousafzai.
International Women’s Day, observed on March 8 each year, is a global event focused on both celebrating women's progress and addressing ongoing challenges in the fight for gender equality. Established in 1911, this day calls for action on issues like equal pay, reproductive rights, and ending violence against women, with each year adopting a specific theme to guide efforts for change.
Together, these observances encourage us to honor women's past and present achievements while pushing for a more equitable future. They remind us that the fight for gender equality is ongoing and requires collective action from all.
Check out the UNLV Calendar for a complete listing of events.
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Department Highlight:
Quality Assurance and Financial Compliance
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When it comes to campus audit and internal review at UNLV, Chief Compliance Officer Joseph Sunbury and Senior Compliance Analyst Laura Schneider are among the experts working behind the scenes to keep the university operations on track. As the Quality Assurance and Financial Compliance (QAFC) team, they help departments meet financial regulations, strengthen internal controls, and navigate audits efficiently.
QAFC conducts financial reviews, coordinates external audits, assesses internal controls, and investigates financial conduct complaints. For the planned reviews on QAFC’s risk-based work plan each year, they provide an independent assessment of financial business processes and procedures, ensuring compliance with university policies, Board of Regents policies, and state and federal regulations.
“Financial compliance is about more than just following rules— it’s about operating ethically, legally, and in a way that sustains our ability to serve students,” Sunbury said. “Our goal is to provide departments with actionable insights that strengthen internal controls and improve efficiency.”
Strong internal controls are essential to achieving that goal. These safeguards – such as approval processes, transaction monitoring, and policy enforcement— help departments manage finances effectively, reducing risks and enhancing accountability.
QAFC works closely with departments to assess and refine these controls, making sure they function as intended.
“We’re here to be an objective, outside set of eyes,” Schneider said. “Whether we’re conducting a review or assisting with an audit, our role is to provide departments with practical recommendations to keep their operations on track.”
QAFC collaborates with various departments across campus including the Controller’s Office, Office of Sponsored Programs, and Academic Resources in the Provost’s Office. The duo conducts about 20 financial reviews annually while also addressing urgent concerns like hotline financial reviews and special investigations. Review timelines could vary from a few hours to several weeks, depending on the scope and complexity of each situation.
From financial audits to internal controls, QAFC plays a vital role in providing assurance that the identified high-risk operations at UNLV are compliant and internal controls are operating effectively. By working with departments across campus, Sunbury and Schneider provide the guidance and oversight needed to keep the university on solid financial footing.
When Joe isn’t auditing, he’s likely out for a run, or traveling with his wife and two sons – finding creative ways to connect with a teen and pre-teen along the way. Laura loves hitting the road for trips out west and spending quality time with her dog. If you see them around campus, don’t hesitate to say hello!
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In October 2024, we distributed our annual Business Affairs customer service survey. The responses included a number of accolades for our hard-working Business Affairs teams. Here are some words of appreciation for the Quality Assurance and Financial Compliance team:
“Joe and Laura are incredible to work with.”
“Great team of Joe and Laura!”
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Join the Rebels Refill Movement | |
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UNLV is excited to participate in Fill it Forward with Rebels Refill, a sustainability initiative that makes staying hydrated fun! Every time you refill your water bottle and scan the QR code sticker, you earn points, take part in campus-wide competitions, earn prizes, and help contribute to clean water projects around the world.
How it Works:
- Pick up a free scannable sticker
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Download the Fill It Forward app - available on iOS and Android.
- Scan the Sticker - To sign up and join UNLV Rebels to track your water consumption and sustainability efforts.
- Compete and Win - Participate in UNLV exclusive challenges to earn prizes!
- Give Back - Every scan contributes to clean water initiatives for communities in need.
Get a scan-able sticker to put on your container by visiting the Student Sustainability Council (SSC) at the first floor of the Student Union on the dates below:
- Monday, March 10 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Wednesday, March 12 from 9 a.m. to noon
- Friday, March 14 from 9 a.m. to noon
For more information contact Tara Pike at tara.pike@unlv.edu.
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Share Your Feedback on the Dec. 6 Memorial and Healing Garden | |
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UNLV is commissioning a Dec. 6 Memorial and Healing Garden as a place for the campus community to honor, heal, and reflect. It will be located adjacent to the Baepler Xeric Garden and across from Hospitality Hall.
As we develop the design, we'd like your input as to what would make this a place you would visit, and one that honorably commemorates our fallen colleagues.
You’re invited to share your thoughts through the December 6 Memorial and Healing Garden Visioning Survey. The survey will close on March 19.
The survey takes approximately 15 minutes to complete and is anonymous. It includes images of memorial markers, landscaping, shade elements, and lighting from throughout the world. These images are inspirational and not exact designs being considered for the memorial. They are meant to assist the design team as they develop conceptual designs.
Thank you for your time and input!
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- Horacio Ramirez-Rodriguez, Delivery Services
- Aldo Michael, Facilities Management
- Haris Sprecak, Facilities Management
- Mia Perez, Facilities Management
- Ke'amya Williams, Facilities Management
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- Shana Rivers, Administration and Division Shared Services
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Congratulations to the Business Affairs employees celebrating work anniversaries in March! Years of service have been determined using the UNLV hire date - first employment date without any breaks in service here at UNLV regardless of job type or full-time status.
If you notice an error in your listing, contact Heather Ortiz.
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- March: Women’s History Month
- March 9: Daylight Saving Time
- March 17 - 24: Spring Break recess
- March 17: St. Patrick’s Day
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