Dear UMW Faculty and Staff,
The Commonwealth of Virginia’s (CoVA) Agency Risk Management and Internal Control Standards (ARMICS) directive is a structured and disciplined approach to ensure fiscal accountability, compliance with laws and regulations, and safeguard CoVA assets.
Fundamental elements of ARMICS are management’s commitment to the University’s overall control environment and clear communication of that commitment. This is often referred to as the “tone at the top.” As President of the University of Mary Washington, I consider the ARMICS Program a high priority for the University and I ask each of you to fully embrace this initiative to protect the University’s reputation as we work toward our established mission, strategic goals, and priorities.
I encourage you to review the University’s Ethical Business Practices and Principles and Values. These documents describe management’s expectations of the University community to apply a daily risk management mindset, complete assignments within established policies and procedures, identify and address any challenges, take prompt and effective action to meet these challenges, and safeguard public assets from loss or inappropriate use.
Please expect a request, within the next week, to complete a Commonwealth required ARMICS all-campus survey that will assess your perceptions of internal controls, risk, and management integrity throughout the university. Your participation is highly encouraged.
Troy D. Paino, J.D., Ph.D.
President
