Who We Are:
Stuff You Should Know is a recurring meeting series available to all staff who want to learn about various aspects of Vanderbilt’s administrative enterprise. The series aims to provide a collaborative understanding across campus about processes and practices that relate to finance and other administrative tasks to help maximize efficient operations by creating a shared network of knowledge.
SYSK organizes topics and presentations approximately every other month. Invitations are typically sent a month in advance; dates and times vary to accommodate presenters’ availability. All sessions are recorded and available at any time to review and share on the SYSK Teams Channel. Past sessions have included topics such as:
- How to Plan an Event on Campus
- Procurement Contracts: Spotlight on Professional Services
- Expense Reports Tips and Tricks
- Know Your Human Resources
- What is CTTC and Why Do You and Vanderbilt Need It
- Hidden Benefits: Vanderbilt Credit Union
- Hiring Student Workers and All You Need to Know About It
- VU Military Veterans’ Transition Program – SkillBridge
Upcoming FY25 Topics – Survey Request:
The next session will be on Thursday, Aug. 22, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Teams. The session will be presented by Vanderbilt University Maintenance and Operations and is an exciting opportunity to learn about who they are and what they do.
To receive an Outlook invitation to future sessions and access to the Teams channel, please register here.
SYSK is creating a curriculum for FY25 and soliciting ideas for upcoming meeting topics. If you have recommendations or would like to weigh in on some proposed topics, please complete this survey.
New Leadership Opportunity:
SYSK’s leadership team is made up of three people:
- Salman Farabi, finance manager, Owen Graduate School of Management
- Emma Pacilli, administrative officer, Shared Resource Cores, School of Medicine
- Alex Shea, director of business operations, Division of Government and Community Relations
The team is looking to pass the torch and transition the SYSK leadership responsibilities to two to four new people. This is an invaluable opportunity to network with colleagues across campus, offer meaningful and lasting support, and benefit our community!
Testimonial from current SYSK leader Alex Shea:
“Being a part of the SYSK leadership team has been one of the most impactful opportunities I’ve experienced since working at Vanderbilt University. I’ve been able to meet staff across all departments, making meaningful connections and helping me better learn and understand all the vastly important work each of us undertakes to further Vanderbilt’s mission. I also felt like I was making a noticeable difference, since SYSK strives to create efficiencies through information sharing. The presentations we help organize create a platform that lets teams and departments highlight their amazing contributions to this university, while also reviewing best practices and policies so there is consistency in our processes. Last but certainly not least, I have genuinely made wonderful friendships through my time with SYSK. I feel incredibly lucky to have had this role.”
Typical responsibilities include:
- Advertising the SYSK presentation series
- Being solutions-oriented, thinking creatively and soliciting ideas for presentation topics
- Working collaboratively with teams across campus to pull together presentation slides and materials
- Keeping resources, recordings and files up to date and available in the SYSK Teams channel
If you are interested in being a part of the SYSK leadership team, please complete this quick application and the SYSK team will get back to you.
