AFM News

The My UT Benefits portal, which is managed by the UT System Office of Employee Benefits, was recently updated with a new look and additional features. Insurance coverage for employees will no longer be viewable in Workday, and has been relocated to the benefits portal. Payroll Services and Human Resources will continue to work together to ensure insurance is applied correctly with this transition.

In This Issue:

As the University continues to deal with the effects of COVID-19, Student Accounts Receivable has increased efforts to help students during this time. Recent changes include ignoring all financial bars to allow students to register for summer and fall 2020 semesters, reducing the interest of student loans initiated in spring of 2020 to zero percent and facilitating the process of CARES Act and Student Emergency Services payments going directly to students.

The Accounting and Financial Management portfolio has updated its office hours.

Accounting and Financial Management

• For assistance with issues regarding Accounting, please email during normal business hours (8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.). Phones are being actively monitored during the times listed below.

Email: oa.admin@austin.utexas.edu

Phone Number: 512-471-3723 (Phone Hours: Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.) 

As stated in the previous newsletter, the University must track expenses and losses related to COVID-19 for state reporting, FEMA, and insurance purposes. In order to track these expenses, add “COVID” to vouches that are related to COVID-19 to each transaction line not just the voucher description. This includes all additional communication expenses, reimbursements, waived fees, additional supplies, etc. If you have any questions, please contact Madison Leach at

In This Issue:

To support the UT community’s efforts to implement social distancing and remote work, eBITS is temporarily changing the process for submitting askUS Help Desk requests and signature processes. These requests and processes often require that forms be printed, signed, and scanned before being submitted to the askUS Help Desk; However, we recognize employees working remotely may not have access to a printer or scanner. To address this issue, eBITS is temporarily accepting emails instead of forms, where applicable, and waiving the signature requirement.

During the month of April, eBITS will transition its Workday Newsletter for HR/Payroll system users into the askUS Newsletter. The askUS Newsletter will continue to share news about UT’s HR/Payroll system (Workday), but will now serve more users across the university by including news and information about other financial and administrative systems as well. Current subscribers to the Workday Newsletter will automatically receive the askUS Newsletter.

In This Issue:

• Accounting and Financial Management Guidance and Updates
• Announcement Regarding Vouchers Related to COVID-19
• Temporary Changes to Mainframe Printing
• In Case You Missed It: Upcoming Financial Systems Training Revealed (Updated Schedule)
• Submit Newsletter Feedback and Article Suggestions to AFM@austin.utexas.edu

Accounting and Financial Management Guidance and Updates

In an effort to follow recommended social distancing guidelines, Accounting and Financial Management is working remotely with limited on-site services. The Main Building will be locked until further notice so any interactions will be by appointment only. Below are a few key updates regarding AFM operations:

Accounting and Financial Management (Main 132):