Purpose and Responsibilities

The Vice President for Business Affairs for the University of Texas at Brownsville is the financial executive for the President and the financial advisor to the governing board. The VPBA is responsible for making sure that all expenditures are legal and plays the role of the "conservative spender," which helps the University focus on its highest priorities, emphasizing effectiveness and efficiency. The VPBA is also responsible for maintaining sufficient financial reserves to handle unforeseen contingencies as well as to provide for some very important flexibility.

As the EEO/ADA Compliance Officer, the VPBA is responsible for all issues concerning legal affairs. The VPBA must ensure that operating decisions anticipate compliance with the various state and federal laws and regulations, and that legal problems are avoided through careful planning. The VPBA must be prepared to defend the institution from lawsuits and charges of discrimination, environmental violations, and contract disputes.

The Vice President for Business Affairs oversees the management and operations of departments within this division including: Budget Office, Business Office, Campus Police, Compliance, Environmental Health and Safety, Human Resources, Jacob Brown, Legal, Printing Services, Purchasing, Records Management, and Sponsored Programs.

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Strategic Plans and Initiatives

The Vice President's Office supports and encourages the attainment of the goals of the individual Business Affairs Division departments by making resources such as equipment, facilities, technology and training available, and provide forums for communication of concerns and ideas. It offers opportunities for weekly and monthly meetings and quarterly retreats with the directors. It keeps the departments informed of current events by sharing information from conferences, meetings, Executive Council, and UT-SYSTEM.

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Action Plans

• Obtain approval and financing for a new administrative computing system.
• Coordinate and monitor campus internal control policies and procedures.
• Participate in and make recommendations to the Space Use Advisory Committee for the division.
• Oversee and monitor campus audits.
• Supervise the submission of UT-System docket items.
• Reevaluate periodically the functionality of the organization of the Business Affairs Division.
• Coordinate Texas Open Records Act requests.
• Develop pertinent campus policies and procedures.