Frequently Asked Questions

• Why are we doing this?
  • We are moving to a One U Advancement model to become a more coordinated and optimized University Advancement team.
• If I feel uncomfortable talking to my supervisor, how can I share my feedback?
  • This anonymous feedback form can be used to submit any questions, concerns, or suggestions.
  • Janine Murphy can help you schedule a 15-minute meeting with a member of the leadership team. Please indicate in your email to Janine if you would like a meeting with Heidi Woodbury, Jerome Davies, Kris Bosman, Daniel Hadley, Paul Majnik, Claire Martinez, or Dhiraj Chand.
• What is the timeline of the transition to One U Advancement?
  • The evolution of the transition to One U Advancement began on July 15, 2024. At that time, we started conversations with each area on the transition’s design and have begun the transition with University of Utah Health because of the systems already in place.
• How will my scope of work be affected?
  • You continue to have the same scope and dedication to your work, and your department remains the same.
• Does my office change?
  • No, your office location will not change.
• Will my email change?
  • No, all emails will remain the same.
• How long will this transition take?
  • We are engaging with this work actively but intentionally, so it will take as long as needed to become a top-ten advancement team.
• Has leadership met with the deans?
  • Yes, they have. Here is the presentation Jerome Davies gave at the Council of Academic Deans (CAD) meeting on June 3, and he continues to meet with deans and others individually to review, establish understanding, and address unique issues.
• Are President Randall, Dr. Montoya, Dr. Good, and Mark Harlan on board?
  • Yes, and this decision comes after a great deal of thoughtful deliberation, in-depth research of other similar models, and careful consideration of what is best for the institution and advancement. The rollout of this is evolving, so we will require constant communication and collaboration with university administrators—and we will continue to engage with them throughout this process. Read more about President Randall’s direction of Impact 2030 here.
• Can I attend the University Wide Advancement Meeting (UWAM)?
  • Of course! Please email Meghan Bubel if you haven’t received UWAM calendar invites.
• Is it just leadership making these decisions?
  • No. Leadership meetings have been expanded to include embedded colleagues in U of U Health and main campus, as well as members of the Core Values Committee. Larger committees are also being formed to address topics including but not limited to central services, human resources, the budget, information services, and metrics. Additionally, we will work closely with each college, school, or department regarding staff, pain points, and developing a path forward that benefits the campus area and donors.
• What role does Martin from GG+A have in One U Advancement?
  • Based on 30 years of experience with higher education institutions, Martin will advise on best practices in this area.
• What role does the GG+A data have in One U Advancement?
  • The data will inform future growth and strategic decision-making.
• Are we in a foundation?
  • No. We are focused on One U Advancement within the current university structure.
• Are career ladders still a priority?
  • Yes, Daniel Hadley has been meeting regularly with HR. David Ko, the director of administration, is working with Daniel, Jill Jones, and others on career ladders.
• What are the changes to HR?
  • We will work with each area to move HR homes, HR budget, and system operations to advancement.
• Will my program budget move to University Advancement?
  • For most staff on main campus or who are dual reports, it will not. We are currently working with Dr. Good and his finance team to determine the best solution for program and other non-personnel funding required for U of U Health activities.
• Will open positions be filled?
  • Positions that have been approved will be filled.
• Is there a hiring freeze?
  • No, there is not a hiring freeze. View job postings here.
• I have a service agreement with my department. Will I need a new one?
  • New service agreements are being drafted to govern One U Advancement and will be worked on with each dean, department chair, and advancement staff.
• How are the leadership roles changing?
  • Jerome will serve as chief philanthropy officer (CPO) for main campus and as interim CPO for U of U Health.
    • U of U Health senior executive directors of advancement report to Jerome Davies.
    • The principal director of hospitals and clinics reports to Jerome Davies with a dotted line to Dhiraj Chand.
  • The U of U Health administrative team reports to Daniel Hadley and David Ko.
• What mergers will take place?
  • Principal Gifts, Donor Relations, Corporate and Foundation Relations, and Legacy Giving have already merged with U of U Health. While other teams have not been identified for immediate mergers, some may develop organically as an outcome of the shared work.
• Is the athletics team on board?
  • Yes, Athletics executed an agreement with University Advancement in February to participate in the dual report model, officially starting on July 1. However, we have been operating this way with Rob Clark since February, and the funding partnership will begin now that we are in the new fiscal year.
• What does this mean for Huntsman Cancer Foundation and Huntsman Mental Health Foundation?
  • The two Huntsman Foundations are separate entities and will continue to be supported as outlined in their MOUs. Heidi Woodbury will serve as liaison to these organizations.
• I have an event that I would like to plan. Who should I contact?
  • For donor-focused events, please submit an event request with Donor Relations here. To work with Alumni Relations on an alumni event, click here.
• How do board and cabinet roles change?
  • Heidi Woodbury will continue to represent University Advancement on the president’s cabinet and attend meetings of the University of Utah Board of Trustees, Jerome Davies will represent University Advancement on Dr. Good’s cabinet and attend CAD meetings, and Brian Davis will represent advancement on the University Hospital Board.
• Who do I go to if I want to know what language to use in scholarship awarding criteria?
  • All gift agreements and compliance go through Shane Smith. He is the liaison to Office of General Counsel (OGC).
• Will I get my annual raise?
  • Fiscal year 2025 raises have been determined and should have been communicated already by each staff member’s manager or team leader.
• Do I have to set new goals for this year?
  • No, you will continue with the goals that are in performance management from the beginning of the year. We will address goals in the following year, and we will have one strategy behind metrics management.
• Where can I read leadership messages about One U Advancement?
  • You can read updates on One U Advancement from leadership on The Post.
• How can I submit stories to The Post?
  • Please submit your stories, events advancement staff may attend, and any milestones here.

Resources:
With the transition to our One U Advancement model, we encourage you to share your experiences and perspectives through the anonymous feedback form. We understand that change can lead to various personal concerns, and we want to ensure that you have the resources you need during this time.

Please consider the following resources:

• Our Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) provides confidential counseling services to help with personal concerns. For more information, call 801-587-9319 or visit the website.
• For general employment concerns, please contact your HR Manager or Business Partner.

Please note that you do not need to disclose your identity when utilizing these resources.

If you believe you have experienced discrimination based on a protected class, please contact the Office of Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action at 801-581-8365 or through their website.

 

Core Values
Collaboration * Belonging * Empowerment * Integrity