In This Issue:
- Hodges Mitchell II Wins the 2021 Student Success Advocate Award
- AFM Works With eBITS on Credit Card Processor Transition
- Tax Services Launches New Website
- AFM and Payroll Customer Service Teams Merge
- In Case You Missed It: AFM Works with Outside CSU’s to Complete Audit Requests
- Submit Newsletter Feedback and Article Suggestions to AFM@austin.utexas.edu
Hodges Mitchell II Wins the 2021 Student Success Advocate Award
Hodges Mitchell II, Director of Student Accounts Receivable, recently won the 2021 Student Success Advocate award. A Student Success Advocate is an individual who works behind the scenes to impact student success at UT Austin. Hodges was recognized for his contributions to Texas One Stop and the Tuition Payment Funds Flow Committee.
“Hodges approaches all aspects of the Student Accounts Receivable office with the goal of providing excellent customer service and making student success top priority,” said Lori Peterson, Executive Director of AFM. “He has created a culture of doing those things by his example and leadership, and I am extremely proud of the way he represents AFM across campus.”
Hodges has been with Student Accounts Receivable for 4 years.
“I am humbled and honored to serve on a team that puts the needs of others first. Furthermore, I am proud that the efforts of SAR and AFM are being recognized,” said Hodges.
AFM Works With eBITS on Credit Card Processor Transition
UT Austin’s credit card processor, Global Payments, will be decommissioning their Global Transport credit card payment gateway in March 2022. This will affect any merchant that uses the university’s central credit card API to accept credit cards online. This will also affect any merchants that use the Global Transport Virtual Terminal.
The eBITS Credit Card Team sent notification to the technical contacts for the affected merchants. Together with the eBITS Credit Card Team, AFM is working with Global Payments to determine the next steps. Transition plans are in the works with the following goals:
- Have as minimal of an impact to our clients as possible.
- Provide an improved payment form experience (e.g. mobile responsiveness).
- Reduce the university's overall PCI scope.
If you have any questions, please email creditcards@austin.utexas.edu.
Tax Services Launches New Website
Tax Services has published a new page on the AFM website. This page has a general overview of the topics the new department will handle including UBIT, nonresident taxation, state and local income tax, contractor payments, etc. with more coming in the future. For more information or tax-related inquiries, please email tax@austin.utexas.edu.
AFM and Payroll Customer Service Teams Merge
Effective June 1st, the AFM Administration Services and Payroll Customer Service teams merged. The goal of this merger is to provide a continued high-level of customer support for the impending campus reopening and increased coverage for both support desks. The new team led by Sue Jones, Administrative Manager of Payroll Services, will include Lysette Ibarra, Taylor Sherry, Connor Graham and Justin Allen. The team is currently in a transition period as cross training occurs to familiarize themselves with the each other’s office duties and processes.
In Case You Missed It: AFM Works with Outside CSU’s to Complete Audit Requests
Throughout the year, UT Austin is audited by agencies such as the State Auditor’s Office and Deloitte & Touche LLP, as well as the university’s Office of Internal Audits to ensure the university is managing its finances and federal funds correctly. Read the previous newsletter to learn more about this.
Submit Newsletter Feedback and Article Suggestions to AFM@austin.utexas.edu
Many thanks to the readers who have written in with suggestions and feedback about the newsletter. Please continue to write in with any suggestions for improvements or comments to the AFM@austin.utexas.edu email address.