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:
- Participants will be able to identify practices and resources at their institution as it relates to financial management
- Participants will have a general understanding of financial management practices, including budget development and advocacy
COURSE TAKEAWAYS:
In addition to developing a budget that reflects the policies and nature of their institution, previous participants highlighted the following takeaways: comparing and contrasting how other institutions/departments get creative with expenses; learning how to set up a budget; and way to communicate needs, as well as advocate for your budget and department. Participants will leave with a budget tracking template.
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.
PARTICIPANT EXPECTATIONS:
- Active participation: Your engagement in all course activities and discussions is crucial for both your learning and the learning of all participants.
- 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.
- Confidentiality: Respect the confidentiality of shared personal experiences and insights within the course, fostering a safe and trusting environment for all participants.
MEET THE INSTRUCTOR:
Carren Martin currently serves as the Director of the Office of Student Transition and Family Engagement at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she has supported new students and their families for over 25 years. During that time, Carren has participated in and led the growth of the department from its sole focus on orientation programming to now including areas supporting OTR, transfer student transitions, a first-year seminar, and parent and family programs. She has also served as a student affairs consultant to Nazarbayev University in Kazakhstan as part of UW-Madison’s partnership with that institution. Carren received her Master’s degree in College Student Personnel from Bowling Green State University and her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Northern Illinois University, where she got her start in OTR as an Orientation Leader.
Carren has participated in NODA in various roles, including regional conference co-host, ad-hoc committee chair, board member, and served as the Executive Secretary/Treasurer from 2003-2006. In NODA and in her department, Carren’s approach to Financial Management is practical, values-driven, and participatory. She is delighted to facilitate this Financial Management course and help make the topic more accessible to professionals in the field.
SCHEDULE
- September 8, 2025 – Participant access to the Canvas course module is opened; Pre-course assessment is due via Qualtrics
- September 11, 12–1 pm Central – Synchronous Meeting #1
- September 18, 12–1 pm Central – Synchronous Meeting #2
- September 25, 12–1 pm Central – Synchronous Meeting #3
- October 2, 12–1 pm Central – Synchronous Meeting #4
- October 9, 12–1 pm Central – Synchronous Meeting #5
- October 16, 12–1 pm Central – Synchronous Meeting #6
- October 24 – Participant submissions of the final assignment are due to Canvas for grading and completion of the post-course assessment via Qualtrics
REGISTRATION DEADLINES AND PRICING:
Member Rates:
- Early Bird Registration: $195 (register by July 31, 2025)
- Regular Registration: $225 (register by August 21, 2025)
- Late Registration: $280 (register by September 4, 2025)
Non-Member Rates
- Early Bird Registration: $375 (register by July 31, 2025)
- Regular Registration: $405 (register by August 21, 2025)
- Late Registration: $460 (register by September 4, 2025)
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.