Teri Sugai came to UC Davis mid-career looking for a change after working long hours for a small family-run company. She started off her journey at Davis in Central Payroll but hoped to
enter a more HR-focused position. In 2008 Teri made the switch to work at Facilities, before helping to create the Shared Service Organization as we know it today.
Ben: You played a significant role in creating the SSO. Tell us about how it came to be, how that led to today, and what your role was.
Due to COVID-19 guidelines, the SSO has been conducting remote video onboarding, (including verification of I-9 documents) since March 18, 2020.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requires original I-9 documents and in-person verification. In light of COVID-19 physical distancing requirements, DHS granted an exception that allows employers to verify I-9s remotely, with the stipulation that documents be verified in person at a future date. The current DHS exception is valid through November 19, 2020.
