Presenter(s): Pamela Hyman

Print and Mail Services Integration brings Print Services and Campus Mail together to create a more efficient and connected operation. By combining resources, simplifying processes, and improving coordination, we can provide better service to the University at Buffalo community. This integration will help reduce duplication, improve efficiency, and create a stronger foundation for future growth and innovation. 

Presenter(s): Kevin Eye

Get an overview of the AI tools available at UB, including MS Copilot and our flexible enterprise platform, BullsAI. We will explore how these tools can be used for teaching, research, and administrative operations, and how to pick the right one for your specific task. Learn how UBIT provides the guidance, examples, and training you need to get started. 

Presenter(s): Brian Guy, Kristin Benoodt, Nina Anders

As higher education institutions contend with increasing reliance on cloud-based, Al, and third-party software and services, traditional procurement-centric review models often struggle to scale or consistently address institutional risk. 

This session will discuss the University at Buffalo's current efforts to realign software review governance under the Information Security Office and affiliate Third-Party Risk Management Program. Experts will discuss their departmental realignment and goals to transform software review from a purchasing checkpoint into a risk-based, lifecycle-oriented control embedded earlier in decision-making. Participants will explore how this shift is intended to improve clarity of ownership, strengthen integration with vendor risk assessments and accessibility requirements, and better align review outcomes with SUNY 6900 and other regulatory expectations. 

The session will facilitate peer discussion on challenges, lessons learned, and practical considerations for institutions evaluating similar governance and process changes in decentralized environments.

Presenter(s): Carmen Gonzalez, Jennifer Pesany, Valerie Dennis, Ryan McPherson, Stephanie Ruffino

Understanding what can and cannot be purchased with university funds is critical to ensuring compliance and responsible stewardship of resources. This interactive session provides a practical overview of UB’s Allowable Use of Funds Policy, including why it exists, how it should be applied, and common scenarios that require careful consideration. Through real-world examples and audience discussion, participants will explore nuanced spending situations, learn how to assess expenditures against policy requirements, and identify alternative approaches when expenses do not align with funding guidelines.

Presenter(s): Ashley Butcher

This session provides a basic overview of Blue Services (powered by iLab), the system that supports service center operations across the university. Learn how Blue Services helps service centers establish calendars and workflows, manage customers and accounts receivables, and automates billing and improves record keeping. This session additionally covers how cost approvers can manage their faculty and researchers accounts and how they can approve invoices. Key resources, overall project status, and upcoming trainings are also provided.