Portfolio

Office of the Vice President, University Services, Operations and Finance

Led by Gordon Weighell

The Office of the Vice President, USOF is responsible for setting strategic direction in support of the university's teaching, research, and community service mandates.

The office assures the university’s vision by providing oversight and leadership necessary in a complex organization through long-range planning and strategic execution of all financial, infrastructure, technology, and people elements plus an array of auditing, risk management, project management, campus experience, and community engagement enterprises.

The office is also the singular focal point through which all portfolio interactions with the Board of Governors and the General Faculties Council are channelled.

Asset Management and Operations

Led by AVP James Allen

Building service workers, facility service partners, landscape workers, engineers, technologists, peace officers and tradespeople help keep all five of our campuses maintained and operating safely and efficiently.

This team supports our community through operating, maintaining and renewing our infrastructure and providing a number of safety and security services. View our Facilities Maintenance Plan.

Campus Services

Led by AVP Katherine Huising

Campus Services shapes exceptional campus experiences through a variety of service units.

Finance, Procurement and Planning

Led by AVP Darrell Dancause

Finance, Procurement and Planning supports financial and support services on campus. From financial reporting, the finance partnerships, resource planning, procurement, investments and treasury to insurance and customs — this team has you covered.

  • Financial Reporting
  • Finance Partnerships
  • Resource Planning
  • Procurement + Contract Management
  • Investments + Treasury
  • Insurance
  • Customs
  • Travel

Human Resources, Health, Safety and Environment

Led by AVP Marcie Chisholm

Human Resources, Health, Safety and Environment (HRHSE) develops policy and provides services, programs, and support related to effective leadership and healthy, engaged workplaces; talent management; recognition, benefit and pension programs; compensation and job evaluation; organizational design; well-being; employee and labour relations; learning and development; health, safety and environment; and emergency management. HRHSE collaborates across the university to support our mission by creating a safe, values-driven and supportive environment where our people can flourish professionally and personally.

  • Employee + Labour Relations
  • Health, Safety + Environment
  • HR Partnerships
  • Organizational Development + Talent Management
  • Total Rewards

Information Services and Technology

Led by AVP Shari Baraniuk

Information Services and Technology (IST) is responsible for the development, evolution, and implementation of a long-range information and communications technology and IT security plan for the university. Key duties include:

  • ensuring the effectiveness of IT systems and services on campus;
  • protecting the university's computing and information assets while complying with applicable regulations, laws, and policies; and
  • understanding and articulating the key technology opportunities and issues facing the university.

As strategic partners, IST is committed to enabling teaching, learning, research, and administration with the latest technological developments.

  • Enterprise Applications
  • Digital Infrastructure
  • Information Security
  • Digital Learning
  • Digital Research Services
  • Enterprise Architecture
  • IT Partnerships

Infrastructure Planning, Development and Partnerships

Led by AVP Ashley Bhatia

Through strategic planning and partnerships, this team improves the viability and utility of our physical infrastructure to support the university’s mission.

Among other services, IPDP brings ideas to life on how to best leverage our physical assets — from strategic planning and real estate services through to space planning, design and construction.

  • Asset Information + Analysis
  • Infrastructure Development
  • Integration + Service Excellence
  • Strategic Infrastructure Planning + Partnerships

Internal Audit and Enterprise Risk Management

Led by Executive Director Nokuthula Sithole

Internal Audit and Risk Management executes audits, oversees the university’s enterprise risk management framework and conducts investigations into reports of fraud and irregularity. Through the internal audit activities, we bring a systematic and disciplined approach to evaluating and improving the effectiveness of governance, risk management and control processes throughout the university. This includes enhancing the university’s decision-making and oversight, reputation and credibility with its stakeholder.

The ERM program creates and protects the university’s value by managing uncertainties that could influence achieving the university’s mission, vision, strategic and operational objectives.

  • Internal Audit
  • Enterprise Risk Management Program
  • Investigations
  • Legislative Compliance

Shared Services

Led by AVP Ria Ames

Shared Services is composed of 13 service teams which provide expert assistance for recruitment, immigration, pension/benefits, payroll, travel and expense, vendor payments, student/ commercial receivables, computer and software issues, distribution services and much more.

Our Staff Service Centre is the primary point of contact for HR, finance and information technology requests, while our Service Innovation and Business Support Services teams provide expertise on process design, change management, training and technology improvements. By working with our partners and centers of excellence, we strive for “best in class” service for our clients.

  • Service Delivery + Client Experience
  • Finance + Distribution Services
  • HR Services
  • Staff Service Centre

University Initiatives Office

Led by Executive Director Robert Munro

The University Initiatives Office coordinates complex and cross-functional strategic initiatives across the University of Alberta. The office works alongside administrative units and colleges to help develop and implement solutions that improve the user experience for those who access U of A services, and for those that work within these business processes.

Utilities

Led by AVP Mike Kohlenberg

Operating one of the largest campus district energy systems in North America, the utilities team plays a vital role in maintaining and advancing the infrastructure that serves over 70,000 people daily. Their efforts ensure efficient and sustainable energy services across the campus and greater campus area.