Session Descriptions

UB Business Day consists of 30 sessions across five time slots throughout the day by numerous presenters. Session descriptions for each time slot are below.

  • An Empire Taste of Mind - Building a Sustainable Future with NY Producers

    Presenter(s): Nicole Dell, Eric Blackledge, Ray Kohl

    Campus Dining and Shops

    Time: 11:00 a.m. | Room: Governor's

    Discover how partnering with New York State farmers, artisans and food producers creates a stronger, more sustainable future for campus dining and beyond. Explore the impact Campus Dining and Shops has by sourcing locally — from supporting regional economies to reducing environmental footprints — while showcasing the flavors that make New York unique.

  • An Introduction to Generative AI

    Presenter(s): Andrea Roy, Malinda Keidel

    Business Reporting and Systems

    Time: 1:30 p.m. | Room: Cascades I

    Receive an overview of generative AI tools, workplace applications, ethical concerns and UB-specific guidance for responsible AI use.  

  • Blue Services (Powered by iLab)

    Presenter(s): Ashley Butcher

    Financial Management

    Time: 9:00 a.m. | Room: Porter/Deveaux

    Does your unit have a service center? Learn how Blue Services can help your service centers establish calendars and workflows, manage customers and accounts receivables, automate billing and improve record keeping. Are you a cost approver for faculty or researchers? Learn how to manage your group's accounts and approve invoices within Blue Services. 

  • Communicating Change

    Presenter(s): Tyler Bauer

    Employee Engagement and Success

    Time: 11:00 a.m. | Room: Red Jacket

    Clear and timely communication is essential for change success. Explore the role of communication in helping employees understand, adapt to and succeed during organizational transitions. Learn what effective change communication looks like, how it supports day-to-day work and what to expect from a well-designed strategy. Whether it's a new system, policy or process, feel informed, supported and ready for the next change initiative. 

  • Demystifying Internal Audit: What it Really Means for You at UB

    Presenter(s): Kara Kearney-Saylor, Freda Brenton, Kristy Heffley, Daniel Ministero

    Internal Audit

    Time: 9:00 a.m. | Room: Red Jacket

    Think audits are about red pens and checklists or that we’re just here to find mistakes? Not quite! Join us to discover how Internal Audit really works to help UB departments succeed. In this interactive session, we’ll bust common myths about Internal Audit and show how our role supports your work by identifying risks early, strengthening controls and uncovering smarter ways to operate. You’ll also hear real stories from campus audits and walk away with practical tips to make your job easier and your next audit not only smoother, but a positive and valuable experience.  

  • Emerging Leaders Mentorship and Training Program

    Presenter(s): Joe Lewandowski, Melissa Grabowski, Beth Corry

    Resource Planning, Business Reporting and Systems, Business Services

    Time: 2:30 p.m. | Room: Cascades I

    Introducing the Emerging Leaders Mentorship and Training Program now open for applications for Cohort January 2026