August 21, 2008

Staff News

In This Issue:

Message from the Vice President

Announcements/Events

Departmental News

"Getting To Know You"...

Thank You Rowdy Travels Across Student Affairs

Kudos


Message from Gage E. Paine, Vice President for Student Affairs

I love the idea that everyone we meet is one of our teachers and we are one of theirs.  That idea is easy to appreciate when we are in a lively discussion about topics and ideas we are passionate about.  We know then that we are learning from the give and take.  We believe that teaching and learning is an important part of serving as an advisor or supervisor.  It is sometimes harder to remember this when the lesson is learning patience, or being gracious in the face of rudeness, or smiling at each person in a seemingly endless line at the end of the day.  But each day in every interaction we have, we teach something and someone is trying to teach us something - whether we choose to learn from them or not.

So as we head into the hectic next few weeks, please consider 'what are we teaching, what are we learning?'  Are we able to teach great customer service or are we teaching our students and colleagues patience?  Maybe we’re teaching effective ways to handle complex bureaucracies or are we teaching that staff members are automatons who don’t see the human beings behind the problem? 

Are we trying to find ways to engage in teaching and learning in each of our interactions or is it just happening?  Our Student Affairs Vision, Mission and Core Values call each of us to think about our roles as teachers and to be open to our roles as learners in every interaction we have on campus.  Did that interaction we just had move us toward the “development of a dynamic and diverse culture that facilitates learning,” or did it detract?  You can take each part of our Vision, Mission and each one of our Core Value statements and ask the same questions.  'Did this move us forward or back?'  'What did I teach?'  And just as importantly, 'what did I learn?'

Classes haven’t started yet, but school is in full session every day in every interaction.  Please take care of yourselves as you are working diligently to take care of our students and colleagues.  Let’s enjoy all this energy and the opportunity to learn and grow as individuals, departments, our division and our university.  Good luck and all the best wishes for a Happy New (academic) Year! 

Best wishes,

Gage

Inspiring Teachers

by 

Gage E. Paine

 

Inspiring teachers –

          help us learn and grow

          help us see the world in new ways

          help us better understand ourselves and others.

 

 Sometimes inspiring teachers stand

          at the front of the classroom with lectures, pictures, graphs

    sharing their knowledge.

 

Sometimes inspiring teachers sit

          with students leading discussions, seminars

            sharing their expertise.

 

Inspiring teachers

          don’t always stand before us,

          don’t always have expertise,

          don’t always lecture students.

 

Sometimes inspiring teachers

share their confusion

            and we find clarity.

 

Sometimes inspiring teachers

          share their questions

            and we find answers.

 

Inspiring teachers can be everywhere.

Inspiring teachers share themselves.

 

          Sometimes we call them students.

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Announcements/Events

Class of 2012

We're glad you're here!


Roadrunner Days

UTSA Official Events During Roadrunner Days

August 22-29 

A message from Dr. Romo (PDF)

The UTSA Roadrunner Days website is full of details about the special events. There are lots of opportunities to preview campus life and experience the excitement of UTSA's growing campus.

Cultural Connections: Meet new UTSA students (UTSAToday Article)


 

University Center III Grand Opening Celebration - Tuesday, August 26, 2008

 

Location

UTSA University Center Paseo

5:00 pm

Welcome and Brick Unveiling
5:30-7:00 pm Open House, Tours and UC Poster Signings by the Architects and Staff of Perkins &Will
7:00-9:00 pm Salsa Magic - Dance Lessons
9:00-11:00 pm Outdoor Movie, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skulls

Parking Available in South Garage (small fee)

Opening Weekend highlights UTSA's Rec Center and the University Center III


 

Business Procedures Notes

 

As the end of the fiscal year quickly approaches, please note and adhere to deadlines as indicated on this calendar which was provided at the End of Year workshops. End of Year Calendar (PDF)

 

As part of the pilot program for decentralizing travel, Jackie Hobson and Bob Miller will be conducting three workshops to cover information about the processes.  Attendance is recommended.

 

Workshops will be held:

  • Tuesday, 9/16/08, 9-10 a.m. (1604/UC Mesquite Room

  • Wednesday, 9/17/08 10-11 a.m. (DT/Frio Street Bldg Multipurpose Room 1.402)

  • Wednesday, 9/17/08 2-3 p.m. (1604/UC Pecan Room

 

RSVP to Bob Miller via email to let us know which session you would like to attend.

 

More Business Procedures Notes

 


 

Name Badges Have Arrived!

 

Office of the Registrar staff proudly display their Student Affairs name badges:

 

Virginia Gonzalez, Jennifer Zamarripa, Fran Barrera, Sandy True, Sara Bordelon, Bryan Heard, Dave Spangler

 

 

 

Stories to Share

 

From Joe DeCristoforo:

A couple of days after I started wearing my new name tag, I was in the Main Building one morning, the basement area, and a student came up to me and asked me where the Orientation program was.  I was not sure myself as I don’t work with this program directly, but I did know that sometimes Orientation and Transition Services use the large lecture halls at the basement of the Main Building.  So, the student and I went to the two large lecture halls and peaked in, but actual classes were there instead.  While we were doing this, another student came up to me and asked where he should go for Orientation, and I told him and the other student to follow me back to the Registrar’s Office and we would call and find out.  On the way over to the Registrar’s Office, we picked up yet a third new freshman who was lost, trying to locate where he should go for Orientation.  When we got to the Registrar’s Office, we called the Orientation and Transition Services area and redirected these three students.

Later that afternoon, I was in an informal discussion group called “First Tuesdays” and several colleagues mentioned that students were stopping them in hallways, in restrooms, in various offices, and asking them questions.  They attributed this to the new name tags.  At that moment, a little light bulb went on and I knew immediately that that’s what happened to me – that my new name badge was sort of like a beacon for these students who were needing help but didn’t know where to ask.  And I had mistakenly thought that it was my charm and good looks!

From Vivis Lemmons:

I was returning from a photo shoot last Tuesday and as I approached the JPL building, I noticed a large group of people walking towards me, all wearing a familiar colorful name badge with the Student Affairs logo in view.  Before I could say hello, several pointed to their nametags and said, "Hey, there's a Student Affairs person!"  It was fun to realize that our name badges connected us in a very special way!

Do you have a comment to share?  Please send in your comments that you've received from students as well as from other staff.  We will feature the comments in future issues.  Send to Vivis.Lemmons@utsa.edu.

 


Quality Enhancement Plan Update

 

To: Student Affairs Staff

From : Gage E. Paine

 

I encourage all Student Affairs staff to attend one of the QEP focus group meetings as listed. Please be sure to check with supervisors to ensure office coverage.

 

To see more information about the particular proposals please click on QEP Pre-Proposals. *

 

*Service LearningThe Paseo to Life-long Learning has significant Student Affairs representation.

 


 Student Travel Update

 

Upcoming student travel training sessions are as follows:

 

  • Monday, September 22nd, 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. – UC 1.102 (Bexar Room)

  • Monday, September 29th, 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. – UC 1.102 (Bexar Room)

  • Monday, October 6th, 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. – BV 4.304A

  • Thursday, October 16th, 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. – UC 1.102 (Bexar Room)

  • Thursday, October 23rd, 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. – UC 1.102 (Bexar Room)

  • Tuesday, October 28th, 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. – UC 1.102 (Bexar Room)

 

These sessions will be offered through TX Class and advertised in the Fall 2008 Human Resources Training Newsletter and Class Schedule.

 

We look forward to seeing you there!

 

Edna Dominguez (ext. 7818) and Carol Gonzalez (ext. 4040)

 


Hello ARAMARK!

In response to popular request there are a variety of ARAMARK-sponsored food venues for students, staff, and faculty.  Please print Out New Food Posters - Compliments of ARAMARK Higher Education:

(PDF) JPL Selections                              (PDF) University Center Selections

 


Student Affairs Business Processes Team Update

The Student Affairs Business Processes Team submitted an update on changes and enhancements.

(PDF)


Student Affairs Professional Development Team

The Student Affairs Professional Development Team has met throughout by the summer.  A PowerPoint presentation was presented to Student Affairs staff summarizing the findings and recommendations of the Professional Development Survey, responses that garnered  an 80% Student Affairs staff participation.  (PowerPoint PDF)


Student Affairs Education Team Update - True Colors®Training

True Colors® training will be presented from September through November.  Staff will be able to sign up beginning next week.  Facilitators include members of the Student Affairs Education Team, Dee Kennedy, Desiree Alva, Donna Edmondson, Edna Dominguez, Eric Cooper and Susanna Driver, joined by seasoned True Colors@ facilitators Michelle Montanio and Keith Pilger.  We ask that staff coordinate attendance through supervisors to ensure office coverage and cross-department participation in the workshops. True Colors (PDF)


Student Affairs Assessment Team

The members of the Assessment Team are available to assist departments in completing their assessment plans for 2008-2009.  Thanks to the recommendation of team leader, Lisa Blazer, the deadline has been extended to September 15.


Note: On August 12 to August 13, KABB, Fox Channel 11,  was at UTSA highlighting Campus Rec facilities and staff.  Live cut-ins were made to the news broadcast from 7 a.m. - 9 a.m.  Video links are forthcoming.

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Departmental News

Career Services

Don’t Miss These Spectacular Events:

Fall 2008 Part-Time Job Fair:  Thursday, August 28 - UC Phase II 1st & 2nd floor- 10am-2pm

Fall 2008 1604 Fall Career Fair: Wednesday, September 24 -  Recreation Center-10am-2pm 


Child Development Center

The UTSA Child Development Center provides child care services for UTSA students, staff and faculty. The center is licensed by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services and accredited by National Association for the Education of Young Children and is a Child Care Delivery Services vendor.

(UTSA Today Article) 


 

Orientation and Transition Services 

 

Attached is a reference sheet of the final fall orientation numbers for freshman/ freshman transfer, transfer and family programs.  These numbers do not include the online orientation which is ongoing until Wednesday, August 27, 2008.  (PDF)

 


 

Student Activities

Do you have a great topic that you would like to present to student leaders at UTSA? Leader Summit is seeking educational session proposals for the 2008 conference to be held on Saturday, September 27th from 8:15 AM until 5:00 PM in the UTSA University Center. The theme of this conference will explore the endless possibilities of leadership. Please complete the Educational Session Proposal Form (PDF) by August 29, 2008 and submit the form to John Montoya, Assistant Director, Student Leadership. (John.Montoya@utsa.edu) 


Frost brings banking, money management to UTSA

Manage your financial life at UTSA.  On August 25, a new Frost financial center will open in the University Center along the paseo on the 1604 Campus.  Frost officials are planning a weeklong series of events for early September to celebrate the grand opening of the center.  UTSAToday Article

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"Getting To Know You......."

Name: Jamel Hudson

 

Title:    Building Manager 

 

Department: University Center

 

Job Description:

  • Coordinating and managing event set-ups in the University Center

Background:

I am a military brat originally from Philadelphia. I’ve grown up all over the United States but proud to call Texas “home”. I am a graduate of Texas State University San Marcos (Go Bobcats! ). I am happily  married (11 years) to my college sweetheart, the former Rebecca (Perez) and have two beautiful girls (Breanna, nine and Alexandria, five.)

Outside of the UTSA, I serve in the Army Reserve as a Personnel Management Officer. I just recently returned from a deployment in the state of Qatar. I was in charge of running a Military Postal office, servicing military personnel, contracted civilians and the United States Embassy Qatar.

 

 

Experience:

 

Soldier - I have worked both sides of the house (enlisted and officer)

                       

Literacy Center Coordinator - Very rewarding experience helping people achieve their goals through ESL and GED classes!

 

Describe your job:

 

Act as liaison between the University Center operations staff, it’s tenants, and users. In conjunction with building supervisors, coordinate with Events Center Management Services on event and meeting set-up’s, planning and execution.

 

What is the most unusual job related case you have worked on?

 

Nothing unusual yet

 

What job skills to you use most often?

 

Good old fashioned customer service!

 

How do you unwind?

 

Spend time with my daughters.

 

 

How can we reach you? 458-6283

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Thank You Rowdy Travels Across Student Affairs

Thank You Rowdy has a special mission in Student Affairs - to travel across UTSA recognizing the good work of staff members.

Within the Division of Student Affairs, Thank You Rowdy is presented from one Student Affairs staff member to another in recognition and appreciation of work done well - taking extra assignments to provide support, offering unsolicited assistance, or completing tasks in a unique way.

Whatever the situation, contributions like this are made every day and Thank You Rowdy helps us recognize them.

Gage Paine 


 

To:  Bill Hickey, Athletic Department

From:  Stefanie Cisneros, Career Services

Stefanie presents Thank You Rowdy to Bill, and points out Rowdy's new resume (see below)

Bill and Stefanie pose with 'Thank You Rowdy'

 

 

Bill,

I am passing “Thank You Rowdy” to you in order to show my appreciation for your continued support of Career Services.  Your encouragement in my own pursuit of an opportunity to work with student-athletes has been instrumental.  In addition, you have had a great impact on our student-athletes and the development of positive life skills they will carry with them beyond the playing field / court as well as beyond college.  Your participation in Career Services events and continued efforts to encourage student-athlete participation has succeeded in building a stronger relationship between Career Services and the Athletic Department.  For this, I thank you!  YOU ROCK!!!

Editor's Note:  Stefanie has contributed a special Thank You Rowdy resume (PDF):

Previous 'Thank You Rowdy' Visits

 


Kudos and Congratulations

From: Kathleen J. DeBoer

Executive Director

American Volleyball Coaches Association

 

To: Dr. Ricardo Romo

 

I am pleased to inform you that your volleyball team, led by Coach Laura Groff, is a recipient of the 2007-08 AVCA Team Academic Award.  Congratulations!

 

This award honors teams who have matched their dedication to the sport of volleyball with excellence in the classroom.  Meeting the award standards is an accomplishment of which your school and team can be very proud.  it is our hope that teams will set the AVCA Team Academic Award as an annual goal to achieve.

 

Your coach has received a certificate for each member of the team, along with a plaque for the school commemorating this recognition.

 

Again, congratulations on behalf of the entire American Volleyball Coaches Association.

 


 

Congratulations to Shirley Rowe who will be assuming the role of Chair of the UTSA Staff Council on September 1, 2008. The Staff Council is an advisory body representing all staff members at UTSA. One of their major accomplishments has been the establishment of two scholarships for current eligible staff supported by local fundraising.  For more information, check out www.utsa.edu/sc.

 


 

Congratulations to former UTSA student and alumi, Liza Hunter Galvan, who was honored at the UTSA Alumni Gala on August 16th, with the Distinguished Service Award.  YouTube Video. UTSAToday Article

 


 

Congratulations to Bob Miller, VPSA office, who was elected to serve in the Staff Council for 2008-2009 year.

 


 

Congratulations to Paul Ayala, who was given a Volunteer of the Year award by the Executive Board of the Alumni Association at the UTSA Alumni Gala UTSAToday Article

 


 

NOTE:  Please send your news items to Vivis.Lemmons@utsa.edu by Tuesday, Sept 2, 2008.

 

 

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