Note: This is the third in a series of stories about how some of the departments and units at Brock University are operating during the COVID-19 pandemic measures. If you would like to tell your department’s story, please email stapp@brocku.ca

Two days a week, three Financial Service employees pack up their home offices and go into Brock University to complete some necessary on-site work.

Associate Vice-President and Acting Chief Financial Officer Josh Tonnos, along with Accounts Receivable Assistant Gabriela Svec and Student Financial Services Manager Patti Latham-Malton, go into Brock every Wednesday and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

“We have to continue to put as much money as we can in the bank to maintain payroll and to pay the University’s bills,” said Tonnos. “People at Brock are the engine, and the money is essentially the lifeblood of Brock to ensure the University stays up and running.”

Tonnos, Svec and Latham-Malton go into the office to be present for the Garda Armoured car pick-up schedule, and because some of their responsibilities can’t be done remotely.  

One of the most important things that needs to be done on campus is to collect delivered cheques and deposit the money. Last week’s deposit was more than $200,000. 

The group also prints cheques in-house for members of the Brock community who don’t have direct deposit to ensure they are paid on time, handle OSAP re-payments to ensure the National Student Loans Centre is receiving the proper student information and receiving cheques, and respond to businesses who solely make payments to Brock over the phone using a credit card and process the payments.

“The essential workers in Finance are putting themselves at additional risks to make sure the University continues to operate by working in the cash office and putting money in the bank,” said Tonnos. “We wouldn’t be able to go forward without these employees.”

Tonnos, Svec and Latham-Malton are abiding by physical distancing guidelines while working in the cash office. They are also using gloves when handling money and cheques, and have installed a new automatic hand sanitizer unit directly outside of the office. 

“I want to also recognize those in Finance and in every other department and Faculty at Brock who is working from home,” said Tonnos. “It is a challenging new environment, and everyone working at home using new technologies and balancing teaching their kids and working full-time are definitely appreciated too. Without the dedication of every member of the Brock community, we wouldn’t be able to continue successfully operating like we are.”