March 13, 2020

Dear Members of Business and Finance,

First and foremost, I want you to know how much you are appreciated not only by me, but by our leadership team at the University of Miami.

Like you, I am working nearly around the clock managing this situation. I am encouraging not only myself, but all of you, to take time daily, even if it's ten minutes, to close your eyes, take deep breaths, and detach.

Please know that your leadership team in Business and Finance is connected at all times and is making decisions that we believe are in the best interest of our 'Canes Community—we care about each and every one of you.

Our teams across the University are strong, prepared, and working diligently. I want to acknowledge some of the great work happening here at the U.

Facilities Operations and Planning is leading the way with Jessica Brumley and Matt Shpiner on Emergency Management, Custodial, and Environmental Health and Safety. Mary Harper Hagan and our HR leadership team are fielding questions from our employees and working on draft interim policies in the event we need to be flexible with work arrangements and time off. Ernie Fernandez and UMIT are working diligently to assist our faculty to get online for student classes to resume on Monday, March 23. Chief Rivero and UMPD are working on a temporary change in shift/plan, so that we can best keep our officers in service throughout this crisis. Brandon Gilliland and our Financial Affairs team are quarterbacking the resources needed to get through this challenge, and we will! Blanca Malagon and our internal audit and compliance teams are ready to serve. And, as usual, we will continue to work collaboratively with our partners in Student Affairs by supporting them with anything they need from us.

Finally, WE ARE HURRICANES. We are strong and resilient. Together, we'll get through this.

Thank you for your support and all your efforts for the U.

Sincerely,

Jackie

Jacqueline A. Travisano, Ed.D.
Executive Vice President for Business and Finance & Chief Operating Officer