About Business Affairs

Mission

The mission of Business Affairs is to support W&M as a leader among liberal arts and science universities by providing excellent service that is efficient, inclusive, transparent, and accountable. In delivering service, we maintain a focus on collaboration, continuous improvement, best-in-class technology, and the strategic and sustainable use of university resources while maintaining compliance with attention to corporate social responsibility both within the institution and among its suppliers.

Accomplishments

Our employees and staff consistently strive for excellence. Read about our work in recent news articles and learn more about our accomplishments.

We are proud to showcase the achievements and milestones of our Division of Business Affairs at William & Mary. Throughout the past year, our dedicated team of over 480 employees has worked tirelessly to ensure the seamless operation of the university's physical infrastructure and services, from innovative campus development projects to the delivery of essential auxiliary services. Here are some ways we foster a vibrant and sustainable community for the entire William & Mary campus.

Auxiliary Services

In FY23, Auxiliary Services had revenues of $34M, while managing $31.7M in expenses for the same period. They run an auxiliary budget, meaning their budget is derived from fees from services provided, not allocated by the state. They are required by statute and policy to be cost-neutral (profitable) for the university. Auxiliary Services assists our contract dining vendor in managing a unionized dining workforce of approximately 350 contract employees, most of that workforce moving to whoever is the current dining vendor.

Supply Chain Services

Supply Chain Services led and managed over $311M of procured goods and services in FY23, while also processing over $190M in payables during the same period. Procured goods and services are broken out by contract values to 66% construction, 12% IT Services, 7% Administrative & Educational Services, and 3% Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment, with the rest spread into other categories.

Office of the University Architect

The Office of the University Architect oversees 72 renovation and construction projects totaling approximately $500 million for FY24. Through the capital planning process, this office will coordinate 27 planned projects for an additional $664 million investment to our physical campus. This department also oversees campus planning initiatives, maintains design standards, and coordinates sustainability efforts. With a deep commitment to our carbon neutrality goals, W&M has 17 LEED-certified projects covering 867,258 sq. ft.

Finance & Operational Analytics

Over the past year, the Finance and Operational Analytics team has streamlined operations and fostered a culture of efficiency. Utilizing advanced data analytics and process analytics, they provided invaluable insights to drive informed decision-making such as the Cost per Building Dashboard. Additionally, rigorous budgeting and financial planning have ensured optimal resource allocation for $60.6M in FY24.

Real Estate Foundation

The Real Estate Foundation (WMREF) currently manages a portfolio valued at $37 million. WMREF is serving as the construction manager for the Gates Hall Renovation, a donor funded project totaling $30 million. Gates Hall will serve as the future home of the Global Research Institute, Institute for Integrated Conservation, and the Whole of Government Center for Excellence.

Facilities Management

The scope of Facilities Management at William & Mary is truly awe-inspiring. Our sprawling campus spans over 1,158 acres and encompasses 224 buildings, including three National historic landmarks. These buildings have a combined gross square footage of 4981280 ft². The Operations & Maintenance team maintains over 8.8 miles of steam and chiller lines, 10 miles of roadway and 47 miles of sidewalk. In Fall 2023, Facilities Management completed over 3900 service requests.

Additional Accomplishments

Strategic Space Planning collaborated with the Provost to coordinate 9 department moves since February 2024
Since January 1, 2024, Business Affairs has hired over 32 new staff members to its team. See why Forbes has recognized William & Mary as the #1 best place to work among all universities in Virginia .