The Finance and Administration Fellows Program

A management development rotation program, the Finance and Administration Fellows Program, was launched on October 1, 2005. The F&A Fellows Program offers the special opportunity for a maximum of two or three Finance and Administration employees to have meaningful work experiences in two F&A divisions over a period of six months (three months in each section). The first cycle commences in the fall and the second after the first of the year.

During this six-month rotation, participants broaden their knowledge of the myriad functions of Finance and Administration; build their individual knowledge, skills, and abilities; and forge connections for potential career growth and advancement. Associate Vice Presidents in the participating divisions work with participants to create intense work/learning opportunities and are responsible for observing, mentoring, and evaluating each F&A Fellow. In addition, a few days are set aside for Fellow shadowing opportunities in other F&A divisions. This exposure and feedback provides constructive guidance to participants in order to prepare them for future career growth opportunities within Finance and Administration as well as the University.

The Fellows Program is mutually beneficial. Fellows gain assistance in career growth through the broadening of their portfolios and improvement of their job qualifications, while Finance and Administration is enhanced because the capacity of the overall workforce is strengthened.

The program does not consist of a fixed rotation, but is customized to fit the abilities and career aspirations of each individual participant. For example, a Fellow interested in human resources might spend a rotation in HR, but might also be placed in a work/learning experience in the payroll department of the Controller’s Office or the human resources department of the Physical Plant.

The host Associate Vice Presidents are responsible for crafting meaningful and welcoming work experiences for the Fellows and for ensuring they have all the necessary tools and an appropriate working environment to be part of the unit. Assignments are crafted in a way to maximize the learning experience and development opportunity for the Fellows and include exposure to the decision-making process within the unit.

The host Associate Vice Presidents are responsible for establishing clear goals for the Fellows and for evaluating their progress toward these goals. In order to provide consistency in the evaluation process across several different areas of Finance and Administration, the Assistant Vice President works with the host Associate Vice Presidents and the Fellows to define each work/learning experience and participates in the evaluation process at the end of each rotation. These evaluations are shared with the Fellows’ permanent supervisors in order to be considered in the Fellows’ annual University performance evaluations. The Fellows’ absence from their existing positions in order to participate in the program is not detrimental to their annual review or compensation.

Likewise, the Fellows have the opportunity to review and evaluate the program, as such feedback is imperative for the program to improve. The Fellows evaluate each rotation and meet with the Assistant Vice President to discuss the program at the conclusion of the six-month period.

Selection for the F&A Fellows Program is a competitive process. Due to acknowledged under representation, minorities and females are strongly encouraged to apply for the F&A Fellows Program. Applications are screened by a committee of five, which includes representatives from outside of Finance and Administration, and finalists are interviewed by a committee of three, which includes the Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration.

The Fellow’s existing work position is held for his/her return, and the job duties are performed in the interim period by a temporary employee or through other arrangements as determined by the department head.

At the conclusion of the six-month rotation program, the Fellows are recognized at an F&A Fellows luncheon. The Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration, all F&A Associate Vice Presidents, and the Fellows’ original supervisors are invited to attend.