September 18, 2008

 

In This Issue:

 

 

 

 
Staff News

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

This Tuesday, I attended the quarterly meeting of the UTSA Development Board.  The Development Board consists of about 45 members of the San Antonio community who are supporters of UTSA.  Today's specific  agenda was a briefing by the president on the state-wide discussion about which universities have the potential to become Tier One universities and what, if any, state support should they receive.  It's particularly important that this group of community leaders understand all of the aspirations and plans we have because we need them to help tell the UTSA story.  And, because they are the Development Board, we want them to be excited about what we're doing so they will help us during the campaign with their gifts and their willingness to help us talk to others who can support us - in other words people who are willing to give to UTSA.

This academic year, you will begin to hear more and more about UTSA's plans for a comprehensive campaign.  Across campus and the Division of Student Affairs, we will be identifying programs, facilities and ideas that we think will be interesting to potential donors.  Jana Kennelly has already been in conversation with staff members across the division and she has an extensive list of ideas we would like to see funded.  Some of those items will be highlighted in a campaign, some will not be, but Jana knows about all of them so she'll be able to tell people about them as appropriate.

But a fundraising campaign isn't just about the development staff asking for money.  A comprehensive campaign is about so much more.  It helps create a "buzz" about the campus.  It helps bring alumni to campus.  It creates not only new funds but new friends for UTSA for the long-term.  And it creates a culture of support, a culture of giving to UTSA.

I have worked about half of my career in private higher education.  Private higher education is all about the culture of giving.  It has had to be to survive.  Public higher education is a relative late-comer to this reality, but has had to learn quickly since we can no longer rely solely on state funds and tuition and fees to cover the costs of what we do.  Private higher education has long relied on the donations of alumni, friends and university faculty and staff.  Yes, you read that right - faculty and staff.  One of the elements donors look at when they are considering giving to a university is the extent to which alumni and employees participate in philanthropic support for the campus.

Now I know that may be a surprising concept for some people.  It may even bother a few.  But it is important to think about as we start this campaign process.  The president of SMU, Gerald Turner, said it very well a few years ago as SMU was launching a campaign.  He said that if we are going to ask the community to support the university, then the members of the university need to do two things - show we support the community through United Way participation (at UTSA that would be the SECC) and show we support our university through financial contributions.

As the SECC campaign begins next month and as we move toward our first-ever campaign, I ask you to think about ways you can be part of this circle of support.  It is as important to moving us to a Tier One university as developing graduate programs, increasing research dollars, or creating a vibrant student life on campus.  In my own giving as an alumna and as an employee I have always been frustrated that I could never figure out a way to give to Student Affairs.  I decided this year that I wouldn't let that happen to us.  So with the help of Jana and the University Advancement staff we now have in place the Student Affairs Transformation Fund.  There are still details to be worked out, but the basic idea is that money from this Fund could be used to support a variety of special opportunities for students and staff.  One example that comes to mind is sending students to a national conference to present their award winning program.  Another might be bringing a nationally known speaker to campus as a staff development opportunity.  But the general idea would be finding ways to support our efforts as transformative leaders on the UTSA campus.  If you are interested in learning more about this endeavor, please contact Jana Kennelly.

As we begin to ask others for financial support and we consider our own contributions, it may be worth thinking about the benefits of giving. An organization called the Fetzer Center has been studying the nature of generosity of spirit since 2001.  This is from one of their publications.  "We observed a wide array of philanthropy practiced by those blessed with abundance and have been humbled by the astonishing kindness of those who live with poverty and hunger at the door.  We have been inspired by acts of kindness in times of danger and personal devastation and witnessed how quiet acts of generosity during the course of an ordinary day can positively affect individuals, families, and communities.  During this time we have come to see that generosity is an impulse that invokes deep and vital healing in the human family.  With every story we heard, we came to realize that sharing our gifts with each other, whether they be gifts of love, time, attention, skills, or money, releases a powerful force for change in both the giver and the receiver." Now that's transformation.  That's becoming a top-notch university in the deepest sense.   I hope you find it as exciting as I do.

Best wishes,

 

Gage

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Announcements/Events 

Patricia Graham to be honored on October 3

UTSA executive director of special events, will be honored for her 34 years at UTSA at a luncheon from noon to 1:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 3 in the University Center III ballroom on the 1604 Campus. Proceeds from the luncheon will benefit the Dr. Patricia A. Graham Scholarship Fund, which will help future UTSA students achieve their dreams. UTSAToday Article....

 


Discrimination Prevention Classes at UTSA

Help prevent discrimination at UTSA by taking one of these training classes. There are classes geared toward all UTSA employees. No matter what level of experience or knowledge you have in this field, these classes will provide key information in a dynamic and challenging format. Help make UTSA a safe, respectful, productive place for everyone to study and work.  Schedule and Instructions ....(PDF)

 

 


Spring Admissions Deadline has changed for Undergraduates

One of the purposes of a deadline is to provide the necessary time to complete the admission process, render an admission decision, and still have adequate time for all necessary follow-up actions to happen; i.e., financial aid processing, advising, registration, etc.  The December 1 spring deadline has created a challenge for this to happen, due to backlog from Thanksgiving vacation and the Christmas break on our campus and other campuses. 

Therefore, beginning with the Spring 2009 term, the SPRING application deadline for domestic (non-international) undergraduates will be November 15th.  However, since in 2008, November 15th is a Saturday, documents will be accepted through the close of business on Monday, November 17.

Forward any questions to Jennifer Ehlers, Director of Undergraduate Admissions.


 

United Way Days of Caring: Labor of Love Project

 

During the 2008 Days of Caring, a United Way effort that brings together businesses throughout the San Antonio area for a day of volunteering, UTSA staff & faculty volunteers will have the opportunity to restore the resting place of patients of the San Antonio State Hospital.

 

Historically, patients admitted to the San Antonio State Hospital have always had little family support.  During 1892-1924 those that died at the facility, were buried on the hospital grounds in cemetery 1.  Recently the ongoing project, Labor of Love, was launched to not only rehabilitate cemetery 1, but to also initiate a research project to locate family members who may not be aware their loved ones are buried here.  At this time, the hospital is in need of volunteers to help reset those original headstones.

 

Saturday, Oct. 4th 2008

8:30 am to 12:00 noon

San Antonio State Hospital

 

All volunteers will receive a Days of Caring T-Shirt and a carpool will be coordinated from the campuses. To sign up, please email Jennifer.Lilly@utsa.edu or call 458-4770 for more information. Family members ages 12+ are welcome.

 


 

Business Procedures Tips

 

With the new decentralized travel procedures in Student Affairs, RTAs will route to the account owner (department head) for final approval.  Payment vouchers and VP5s will route through the account owner to Travel. 

 

Exceptions are:

  • Directors/Department Heads documents will route to the AVP

  •  AVP documents will route to VPSA

  • Staff whose travel is being funded by another department's account will additionally need the  DEFINE approvals from the funding account(s) administrator(s)

As part of the pilot program for decentralizing travel, Bob Miller (Below L) and Jackie Hobson (Below R) conducted workshops to cover information about the processes. 

More Business Procedures Tips


 

 Student Travel

 

Upcoming student travel training sessions are as follows: 

  • 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 are offered through TX Class (SD 320).

 

We look forward to seeing you there!

 

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

 


Student Affairs

Training classes for Student Affairs staff will take place in 18 sessions from October through December 2008. True Colors is a communication tool that builds effective relationships across offices and departments.  Staff attendance is being scheduled through their individual departments and staff may choose to attend either 1604 or DT Campus location sessions. Please sign up through department directors.

The model utilizes the colors of orange, green, blue and gold to differentiate four basic personality types. True Colors lively and interactive programs are a way of discovering one's strengths, and understanding human behavior.

The Education Team looks forward to "communicating in colors" - Donna Edmondson, Eric Cooper, Desiree Alva, Dee Kennedy, Susanna Driver and Michelle Montanio* and Keith Pilger*.

*True Colors Veteran Facilitators


UTSA faculty-staff dining plans: value, flexibility

Student Affairs Staff now can leave the leftovers, bagged lunches and frozen meals at home. This year, they have the opportunity to buy one of two dining plans offered by ARAMARK, UTSA's dining services vendor. Not your ordinary meal plans, they have been created with flexibility and value specifically for faculty and staff members.

UTSA Today Article...


UTSA Ambassadors 2008 Fall Retreat

Photo Gallery....

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Departmental News

Admissions

Visitor's Center Announcement:

 

The 1604 Visitor Center will be experiencing a leadership change this semester.  Abimbola Akintolayo will be leaving as the 1604 Visitor Center Coordinator and her last day in the office will be Friday, September 19, 2008.  She has been a great asset to the Undergraduate Admissions Office and UTSA - we will miss her greatly.

 

For the length of the fall semester, Evelyn Betancourt-Martinez will serve as interim coordinator of the 1604 Visitor Center.  Evelyn has been and Admissions Officer for the past two years and has extensive programming experience.  She looks forward to working with you all on the different visitor center activities we plan.  We expect to have the Visitor Center Coordinator position filled during the spring semester.  You may contact Evelyn by email at evelyn.betancourt@utsa.edu or by phone at 210.458.5145.

 

Marisol M. Scheer

 


Athletics

Area September All Sports Schedule:

Date

Team

Opponent

Location

Time (CT)

         

Fri, Sep 19

 WCC

 Ricardo Romo/Six Flags Fiesta Texas Classic

 San Antonio (Brooks-City Base)

 6 p.m.

 Fri, Sep 19

 MCC

 Ricardo Romo/Six Flags Fiesta Texas Classic

 San Antonio (Brooks-City Base)

 6 p.m.

 Fri, Sep 26

 VB

 UT Arlington *

 San Antonio, Texas

 7 p.m.

 Sat, Sep 27

 VB

 Texas State *

 San Antonio, Texas

 4 p.m.

 Sun, Sep 28

 WS

 TCU

 San Antonio, Texas

 1 p.m.

 Tue, Sep 30

 VB

 Prairie View A&M

 San Antonio, Texas

 6 p.

         

Complete Schedule

GoUTSA


Career Services

Career Services will be hosting Professional Etiquette Dinner

 

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

5:30-7:30

University Center III Ballroom

 

Tickets are now on sale and may be purchased for $15.00 each.

 

Go on-line to www.utsa.edu/careerservices, log in to your Jobbank account and click on Career Event #2214.

 

UTSA students, alumni, faculty, and staff may bring a guest. 

 

Business attire required.

 

For more information, contact Career Services at 210-458-4589.

CAREER SERVICES Announces NEW PROCEDURES FOR ON CAMPUS INTERVIEWING

UTSA Career Services is launching a new initiative to better prepare student candidates for job interviews when participating in the On Campus Recruiting Program through Career Services.  This initiative was designed as a direct result of feedback and suggestions from employers who recruit UTSA students.

 

So how does this work?

 

To qualify to participate in the On Campus Interview Program, all students must attend the newly designed Professional Interviewing 101 workshop. This workshop will be presented a number of times each week, so there are numerous opportunities to sign up and attend BEFORE you try to sign up for on campus interviews.  If students are not able to attend they can

 

1) scheduling an appointment with your career counselor for interview preparation or a mock interview; or

2) completing the Professional Interview 101 Module on our Career Services homepage,

 

http://utsa.edu/careerservices/Modules/Professional%20Interviewing%20101/player.html

 


Inclusion and Community Engagement Center

15th Annual Babcock Road Clean-Up!

On Friday September 26, VOICES and the Inclusion & Community Engagement Center will sponsor the 15th annual Babcock Road Street Clean-Up. Students, faculty, and staff are invited to help beautify our neighborhood from 10:00am - 3:00 p.m. We currently need staff to drive students in minivans from the Convocation Center to the Babcock/UTSA Blvd. locations and back in one hour shifts as follows:

10:00am - 11:00am (full)
11:00am - 12:00pm (1 slot)
12:00pm - 1:00pm (2 slots)
1:00pm - 2:00pm (3 slots)
2:00pm - 3:00pm (2 slots)

Please contact Jennifer Lilly at Jennifer.lilly@utsa.edu or 458-4770 if you would like to volunteer with us! If you are able to do more than one shift that would be welcomed. By the way, all volunteers will receive a free Babcock Rd. Clean-Up t-shirt!

 

National Hispanic Heritage Month - FREE Tu Vida, Tu Salud:  Live entertainment provided by DJ CALIENTE, free food, giveaways on September 23

 

To:        UTSA Communities

From:    SHADES at Student Health Services

Date:     Monday, 22 September 2008

Re:        National Hispanic Heritage Month - Tu vida, Tu Salud

When:   Monday, September 22, 2008, 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM

Where:  1604 Campus at the UC III Ballroom

 

More...(PDF)

 

Tu vida, tu salud is sponsored by SHADES, Inclusion and Community Engagement Center and Student Health Services.

 


 

University Center

New UC Program Council's Coffee House, featuring The Alex Sutherlin Project on Sept 10, was a big success! More than 100 students attended the event. The courtyard was full and some students took advantage of the music and danced.

 

 

 

 


 

Office of Student Activities

 

Nominations for Student Leader of the Month Award

UTSA Community, we have had an exciting kick-off to our academic year and now it is time to recognize the contributions our student leaders have made.  The Student Leader of The Month Award is sponsored by the Office of Student Activities as a means to recognize outstanding leadership contributions of a particular UTSA student during a given month.  Nominees must meet the following criteria to be considered for the award:

 

  • Must be a full-time UTSA undergraduate or graduate student

  • Must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.25 or higher at the time of nomination

  • Must have demonstrated excellence in leadership above and beyond typical expectations

  • Nominations should be for actions that positively impact the UTSA community

 

Nominations are made through the Student Activities website and the deadline for September Student Leader of The Month is September 25.

 

http://utsa.edu/sa/leadutsa/slotm.cfm

 

For more information contact John Montoya at 458-4936 or John.Montoya@utsa.edu

 


 

Student Financial Aid

 

More Roadrunner Days photos - contributed by Bryan Hilburn:

 

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

Name: Susanna Driver

Title: Career Counselor II

Department: Career Services 

Job Description: I assist students and alumni from various disciplines across colleges regarding career development, planning, and practical job search skills. I have specialized in assisting international students and those who are seeking overseas opportunities. Let's just say: "Been there, done that, and know the challenge."

 

Background/ Experience: I grew up overseas in Germany. After high school graduation, I decided to return to the United States and attend UTSA and pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Women/Gender Studies.  During my last year of school, I got the "itchy-foot syndrome" and accepted a position that took me abroad to work for colleges supporting the military. I have lived in diverse areas to include: Kosovo, Egypt, back to Germany, and Afghanistan.  I love to visit new places and experience other cultures, so there are smatterings of other countries in between. While working as a college liaison in Germany, I took advantage of the opportunity to earn my M.A. in Counseling Psychology with Bowie State University.

 

I have more than seven years of experience in working in higher education and taught as an adjunct to service members on a small forward operating base during my last tour in Afghanistan. Last summer I decided to return to the United States and come to San Antonio specifically. I am very excited to be here working for my alma mater. It will be a year in October.

 

Describe your job: Our work encompasses many services for students, individual assistance from career planning to resumes, career events, online chat, and instruction. For a comprehensive snapshot of our services, please visit: http://utsa.edu/careerservices/

 

What is the most unusual job related duty?  

I hadn't realized that learning to dance the "Soulja Boy" would be one of the "other duties as assigned."

 

What job skills to you use most often?  In career counseling, we talk a lot about core competencies; these are basic and essential work skills one carries across job functions. I highly value the skill of communication.  Communicating to team members, up and down the ladder of supervision, across departments, and most importantly, to students in educating them about career development and job searching.

 

Speaking of communication, this is a perfect place to plug-in the upcoming True Colors training. As a member of the VPSA Education Team, I am very excited about the idea of communicating in colors. This training will further enhance our communication with one another in our daily routines. Through this training we become more aware of ourselves and of others in terms of work style, stressors, and how to approach someone.  And hey, maybe "Bob" isn't really a slacker, we just didn't realize he's a... Oops! I almost gave a color tip away.  -It's promised to be fun and practical.  I look forward to meeting some of you in my class!

How can we reach you? By visiting the Career Services in the UC II.  Above the book store and through the breezeway. You'll see our office.  Have a cup of coffee or tea on us and ask the front for Susanna.

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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.

Thank you Rowdy reflects UTSA's spirit of community and reminds us to remember it takes everyone to make UTSA a great place to work and to learn.

Gage Paine

Previous Thank You Rowdy Recipients

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Kudos

From John Kaulfus:

Kudos to Misty Kelley for her outstanding work as "acting" Director of Student Activities while Barry McKinney was on paternity leave.  Misty did a great job of overseeing the SGA elections, the Involvement Fair, all the issues that come with the first two weeks of class, and all the preparations that had to take place for Hurricane Ike.  Great job Misty!


 

From Office of the Registrar:

 

This is customer service at its finest!  Thanks to Monica Bowden in Graduation Coordination, Office of the Registrar, a former student no longer had a serious timing issue in Shanghai. He expressed his gratitude in the email that follows:

 

Wow,

One day turn around. The web site indicated a week or two.

I'm not sure if you get many people as grateful as me for you going the extra mile in your work, but there is a very happy alumni in Shanghai today thanks to you. I have many things to do before I have to leave on the 25th, (last day of my current visa), and my residency agent cannot get started without this last piece of the puzzle. Getting it back to me so quickly gives her the time she needs and it's one less item I have to worry about before I leave.

My sincerest thanks. Living overseas can be frustrating at times regarding issues in the USA. You have made this painless. I just need to learn how to use a fax machine.

 

Have a great day.

 

Fritz

 


 

From Financial Aid and Enrollment Services:

 

A student sent a thank-you card to Andria Cox in the Call Center:

 

Andria,

I just wanted to thank you again for your help with my financial aid.  I had been dealing with that issue for several weeks, and you literally took less than 24 hours once you got your hands on it!  That is a job extremely well done!!  Thanks again for all your help with that matter!

 

Sincerely,

 

Greg Ruder

 

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Please submit articles and events to Vivis.Lemmons@utsa.edu no later than Monday, September 29, 2008.