Teaming Up with University Procurement Services 

No matter which department you are in, if you need to acquire goods or services from vetted suppliers, University Procurement Services (UPS), which assists “departments and units throughout the university with the purchase of goods and services, including travel,” is the place.  

One recent request to procure supplies for its community-based Intensive Recovery Treatment Support (IRTS) program came from Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care (UBHC). The IRTS program supports individuals who are incarcerated in the New Jersey prison system during their transition back into society. The program requested Rutgers-branded t-shirts for easier identification when the team greeted released individuals.  

Senior Management Assistant Kathryn Popino reached out to Dennis DeMarino, Associate Director in UPS and liaison to Intercollegiate Athletics. DeMarino not only processed Popino’s request, but also pulled in some of his networks in Rutgers Athletics, which made a generous t-shirt donation that surpassed expectation! This is a perfect example of cross-collaboration and leveraging networks. 

It takes initiative to understand what other departments do and become involved in their processes. Having a more personal connection ensures that solutions and suggestions are aligned with the department, reducing guess work and dead ends, which can be frustrating. “Throughout the years, we have always had such positive experiences working with Dennis,” Rena Gitlitz UBHC Director attested. “He is reliable, responsive, takes the time to understand what the task is, and gives excellent advice on how to proceed,” she added. 

So, how does DeMarino do it? 

• Personality 

DeMarino has a winning personality and genuine passion to help others. He applies both to enhance his interactions with work, and his can-do attitude is simply infectious. “He is always looking for ways to assist and support the work that other departments do and always takes the time to understand the needs,” Popino remarked. This might take a bit of time in the front end, but the rewards are great and long-lasting. 

• Clarity 

It is important to identify and clearly define roles and responsibilities to avoid effort duplication and bottlenecks. UPS receives numerous requests from different departments. To streamline processes, Nimish Patel, Chief Procurement Officer, created liaison positions to function as a single point of contact. These liaisons are broadly based around Chancellor/major central groups, making it easy for other departments to know who to contact. This promotes consistency and helps prevent customers from being redirected, which lessens frustration. Clear role definition increases accountability and efficiency for DeMarino and the liaisons, raising the bar of excellence a notch while ensuring that people receive the help they seek.  

• Networking 

Although some people might prefer to work in silos, DeMarino is naturally drawn to collaboration. “If you find ways to support others, the same courtesy will be extended your way in turn when needed,” said DeMarino. It is through his networks that UBHC received a contribution from a soda company and the Athletics department. The network came alive when DeMarino reached out to the Senior Associate Athletics Director for Finance, Administration, and Planning Michael Szul, who responded in lightning speed, pulling in the Equipment Manager Leilani Smikle, who made the magic happen. In the end, they donated long sleeve compression shirts, golf shirts, t-shirts, sling bags, water, granola bars, and jackets for the supervisors. Getting to know people within and outside your department gives you an upper hand at being effective and enhances the employee experience, making Rutgers a good place to work. 

• Enjoy 

We spend so much time at work and with colleagues, it is only fair to enjoy what we do and the company of the people with whom we do it. DeMarino believes that one way to achieve this is through “building and maintaining positive relationships.” Even as we work remotely, know that reaching out to a friendly colleague is a morale booster and makes work enjoyable. They could have been “just doing their job,” as DeMarino said repeatedly, but most people enjoy being recognized, appreciated, and valued for their efforts. 

Watch this short video to see how Rutgers provides hope for navigating a life beyond bars through the Intensive Recovery Treatment Support Program. 

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