This NODA core competency course will cover a range of financial management topics from budgeting models and principles to procurement processes and navigating institutional policies, providing participants with a robust understanding of financial practices within their institutions. By the end of the course, participants will have an understanding of how to effectively develop, implement, and monitor budgets, ensuring ethical and efficient use of financial resources.
This course provides valuable insights and practical skills that will enhance your ability to manage financial resources effectively within your institution and advocate for your programs. Whether you are new to financial management or looking to refine your existing skills, this course will provide professional development that will advance your competency in financial management.
You can read about the Financial Management Core Competency and all of the NODA Core Competencies on our website.
INTENDED AUDIENCE:
This course is intended for new/mid-level professionals who are looking to build their financial management knowledge before taking on a role that manages departmental budgets. This course will focus on the basic and intermediate levels of NODA’s Financial Management Core Competency, with some advanced strategies discussed.
Please review NODA's cancellation policy prior to registering for this course.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
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Participants will have a general understanding of financial management practices, including budget development and advocacy
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Participants will develop an understanding of differing financial models and approaches and how these impact programs, services, and student experience.
COURSE TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will reflect on the budgetary landscape of Orientation, Transition, and Retention programs broadly, engaging in conversations with fellow participants around both theoretical and practical approaches to budget development and management. Attendees will compare and contrast different budgetary models and structures, discuss and practice budgetary management decision-making, and develop skills to understand nuanced budgetary conversation and how to advocate for your budget, department, and student experience.
TIME COMMITMENT:
As an online course with a weekly synchronous component, participants should expect to complete 1–2 hours of independent work each week prior to attending the synchronous meetings. This independent work will be reflected upon and discussed in the synchronous meetings. Your dedication to the asynchronous coursework is appreciated.
Your engagement in all course activities and discussions is crucial for your learning and the learning of all participants.
INSTRUCTOR:
Joe Colangelo serves as the director of the Office of New Student Programs (ONSP) at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. In this role, Joe oversees the administration and operations of ONSP to deliver key transitional programs, including new student orientation, the Welcome to Michigan program, mentoring programs for first-year and transfer students, as well as Veteran and Military Services.
Joe has spent his entire professional career at the University of Michigan. Prior to his current position, he served in progressive leadership roles within ONSP, as well as roles in student recruitment and residence education. He has been an active member of the NODA community since 2008, and has been involved in numerous capacities, including annual conference planning committees, co-chairing the Large Institution Community for several years, and is currently serving a term on the NODA Board of Directors.
He holds a master of science in college student personnel from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and a bachelor of arts in history from the State University of New York at Buffalo.
PARTICIPANT EXPECTATIONS:
To best facilitate course learning and interactions, participants are expected to:
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Active participation: Your engagement in all course activities and discussions is crucial for both your learning and the learning of all participants.
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Respect and openness: Approach all interactions with respect, openness, and a willingness to learn from diverse perspectives and experiences. Personal attacks are not acceptable as this is a space for learning and sharing in a respectful manner. However, all participants are encouraged to be open to constructive feedback.
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Confidentiality: Respect the confidentiality of shared personal experiences and insights within the course, fostering a safe and trusting environment for all participants.
Being a leader can be a rewarding and exhausting experience. Please be respectful and be mindful of the vulnerabilities individuals may share related to their jobs, their institutions, and themselves. Confidentiality is critical — what gets said in this course, stays in this course.
SCHEDULE:
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– Synchronous Meeting #1: November 20, 2026, 12:00 pm-2:00 pm CT
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– Synchronous Meeting #2: December 4, 2026, 12:00 pm-2:00 pm CT
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– Synchronous Meeting #3: December 18, 2026, 12:00 pm-2:00 pm CT
REGISTRATION DEADLINES AND PRICING:
Member Rates:
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Early Bird Registration: $195 (register by September 30, 2026)
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Regular Registration: $225 (register by November 6, 2026)
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Late Registration: $280 (register by November 17, 2026)
Non-Member Rates
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Early Bird Registration: $375 (register by September 30, 2026)
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Regular Registration: $405 (register by November 6, 2026)
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Late Registration: $460 (register by November 17, 2026
CANCELLATION POLICY:
If you need to cancel a registration, please email noda@umn.edu with the specifics of your cancellation request. You can view NODA’s Cancellation Policy on our website.
NODA EXCELLENCE FUND:
Scholarships for this course and other NODA educational opportunities are available through the NODA Excellence Fund.