Fiscal Updates:

• Spring ‘26 Payroll Pre-Encumbrance
  • The B.O. will be pre-encumbering Spring ‘26 PAs that were recently submitted for these payroll types:
    • Adjunct on 2Ls
    • Grads – all accounts (except for GA Hold)
  • PE will be reflected on Dec 1st and Jan 1st reports

 

Procurement Updates:

• A new software pre-review process has been implemented to improve efficiency and clarity around ProCard software purchases. Effective immediately, these reviews will move from HuskyBuy to Kuali Build.
  • New pre-review process: Software and cloud service ProCard exception reviews now occur in Kuali Build, replacing the former HuskyBuy exception form—used only when a supplier won’t register in HuskyBuy or accept a UConn PO.
  • Standard purchasing unchanged: Most software purchases should still use the Software and IT Service non-catalog requisition in HuskyBuy, unless the above exceptions apply.
  • Benefits: The new Kuali Build form streamlines reviews, improves communication with distributed IT, and requires primary users to attest to IT policy compliance.

 

OVPR/Post Award Updates:

• IDC Update:
  • The university is sharing an update on the revised IDC distribution model and ongoing budget uncertainty
    • IDC distributions: PIs began receiving the new 5% real-time IDC distribution on 9/18/25, but did not receive this portion from July 1–Sept 17.
    • Catch-up payment: A one-time deposit covering that gap will be made to PI accounts before 1/1/26

 

• Reminders from SPA Meeting:
  • Payroll Cost Transfers
    • Ensure all accounts (debits and credits) are included and match the SmartHR
    • Include employee name and ID
    • Attach backup such as a copy of SmartHR or Paper PA
    • Attach timecard if student labor
  • SPS’ November SPA Meeting (11/19/25):
    • See Presentation slides: https://content.research.uconn.edu/pdf/storrs/sps/spa/November-2025-Storrs-SPA-web.pdf
  • SPA Training Opportunities
    • Level One Basics-January 6 and 8, 8:30am-12pm
  • Subawards e-Learning module
    • Available via Learning@work
  • Effort and Commitments e-Learning module
    • Available via Learning@work
  • Direct all questions and inquiries that fall under expanded authorities to SPS Post-Award Grants and Contracts Specialist or Business Office

 

HR (Human Resources) and Payroll Updates 

• Graduate Assistantship Offer Letters in Slate Project/Transition 
  • All departments are anticipated to transition their Graduate Assistantship Offer Letter process starting with Fall 2026 Graduate Assistantship Offer Letters.  
  • For more background on the project, please visit the Graduate School’s website HERE 
  • We will also be sure to provide updates as we near the full transition.  

 

• I-9 Processing Reminder 
  • To remain compliant with federal regulations, all newly hired employees must have their I-9 form completed and submitted to Payroll within three business days of their start date. 
  • If you encounter any issues meeting this deadline, please contact the Business Office immediately for assistance.
  • Register for sessions HERE 
  • Be sure to check out Payroll’s HireRight Resources in the Payroll I-9 Center, located HERE 
  • Upcoming sessions: 

• • December 2nd at 10:00am 

 

• Minimum Wage Adjustment 
  • Effective January 1, 2026, per Public Act 19-4, the State of Connecticut minimum wage will be increased to $16.94/hour. 
  • This transition will occur centrally for all applicable employees.  
  • Please be sure to review any employees with a current hourly rate above $16.35 to determine if a proportional adjustment will need to be processed. Manual adjustments should not be entered until the central change occurs by Payroll. The BO will notify departments when these can be processed. 

 

Spring 2026 Payroll Deadlines 

• Graduate Students – Spring

• • • New Grad Dates: 1/7/2026-5/22/2026 
      • Continuing Grad Dates: 1/8/2026-5/22/2026 
      • Offer letters due to students by Saturday, October 31st 
      • Smart-HR Deadlines  
        • Business Office Deadline: Friday, November 21^st 
        • Payroll Deadline: Friday, December 5^th 
      • Graduate Assistant Stipend information can be found HERE 

 

• Adjunct Faculty – Spring

• • Semester Dates: 1/20/2026-5/12/2026 
    • PageUp Entry Deadline: Wednesday, November 12^th  
    • Page Up Approval By: Monday, December 1^st  
    • Smart-HR Deadlines 
      • Business Office Deadline: Monday, December 1^st 
      • University Deadline: Friday, December 19^th (tentative) 
    • Adjunct Stipend information can be found HERE 

 

• Graduate School Timely Topics 
  • If you’ve missed any sessions or wonder if a specific topic has previously been covered, a complete prior session listing is available HERE 

 

• HR PageUp Training 
  • Register for sessions HERE 
  • Upcoming sessions: 
    • Regular Payroll 
      • December 1st at 9:00am 
      • January 12, 2026 at 9:00am
    • Special Payroll 
      • December 2nd at 9:00am 
      • January 13, 2026 at 9:00am

 

CAHNR Internal Professional Development Opportunities:  

The CAHNR’s Dean’s Office is committed to providing opportunities for faculty, staff, and graduate students to expand their professional knowledge and skills. Throughout the year, the Dean’s Office will organize workshops and offer training, that will help the CAHNR community grow. Workshops and training will focus on fostering employee understanding and abilities in both hard and soft skills, such as in communication, HR/Payroll competency, and creativity.  

As Professional Development Opportunities are finalized, they will be listed on our website here. Please be sure to check regularly for new learning opportunities and other about upcoming events.  

 

• CAHNR Staff Advisory Council (SAC)
  • Visit the CAHNR Staff SharePoint Sitefor opportunities with professional development, networking, and even hobby and wellness events. 

 

Fun “Dad” Jokes 

• Where does a snowman get the weather report?
  • The winternet
• How did the snow globe feel after listening to a scary story?
  • All shook up!
• Why did the girl keep her trumpet out in the snow?
  • She liked to play cool jazz
• Why do birds fly south for the winter?
  • Because it’s too far to walk!