Message from the Vice President

Dr. Gage Paine

"History never looks like history when you are living through it." John Gardner as quoted by Bill Moyers.

This week has been one of history remembered as hundreds of thousands of people spent Monday remembering and honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It has also been a week of history experienced as millions of us across the world stopped to watch as history happened when Barack Obama was inaugurated as our 44th president. I watched the inauguration, as did many staff members, with large numbers of students in the Denman Room or the UC Dining Room or any number of places across campus. It was wonderful to watch the joy of this very diverse group of students as they saw the reality of change happen before their eyes.

One of the elements history shows us is change. Sometimes it is visible, obvious, even in your face. On these days we recognize change and sometimes, as on Tuesday, we understand that moment as history. We don't always know where the change will take us, but we see the beginning. Other times, we recognize change, history, only as we look back, have time to reflect, and see and understand connections, themes and process.

'May you live in interesting times.' This is supposed to be a Chinese blessing/curse, but, at least according to my quick Internet search, that is unlikely. Whatever its origins, it has come to mean that living in interesting times is more of a curse than a blessing. Interesting times are often difficult times; the world is changing in some way and we have to figure out how to adapt to that change – whether we want to or not. Interesting times are times of confusion; what worked yesterday may not work today let alone tomorrow. Established, often comfortable ways of working, living or being in the world are disrupted, or are no longer seen as effective or appropriate to the situation. This change means we can't just do what we've always done-- we have to think about it, decide before we act, and even create new responses.

Wednesday morning I had the privilege of listening to three members of our faculty talk about the work being done at UTSA in nano-technology, cyber-security andbiomedical engineering. Not only were all three able to explain what they were doing so it was understood by the non-scientists in the room, it was clear that all of them are not only able to adapt to change, they are able to envision change to come. In some cases, they may be part of creating the change. I don't know for a fact, but I suspect that day-to-day they don't think about making history, but I'm pretty sure time will show that they are doing just that.

And so are we all, whether we think about it or not. One of the faculty presenters spoke eloquently about choosing to come here because it was a place engaged in building something–in other words engaged in the process of change. What they are doing in their research work and teaching is about change, but it's more than that. That work is also part of the process of changing UTSA and moving our university forward. In Student Affairs and across the university we are building both – our own programs and we're building this university. That's making history, and we can all claim a part of the responsibility for creating the university that UTSA will be in the future.

History in the big books of the future will record this week as the one during which the first African-American became president of the United States. A history of UTSA might mark this week for some turning point we will only see in retrospect. Those books won't mention the staff member who efficiently and carefully processed an application among thousands even if that applicant wins a Nobel Prize. The list of important actions we take every day that won't make the history books is nearly endless. And yet, as I told the group who attended the New Professionals Network Brown Bag today, all of it impacts students' lives in ways large and small, positive or negative and that is part of making the history of this campus and of the greater community. So to each of us - let's go out and make history today, a great history for ourselves, students, UTSA and, literally, the rest of the world.



An additional note – today at the Brown Bag gathering I was asked about tier-one status for Student Affairs and I said that I thought we are in fact one of the best divisions of Student Affairs in the country. I still believe that. But I want to add to that answer. We need to be doing what these faculty I described are doing – we need to be able to adapt what we do to change on all levels and we need to be able to envision the change that is to come and we ought to be the ones who are creating change.

When we can be that kind of flexible, responsive, creative division of Student Affairs across every department and program, that's how we become the best and stay the best and that's how we help UTSA make history as one of the first truly diverse tier-one universities. We are uniquely qualified to set this standard of excellence.

Best wishes,
Gage

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Inauguration Day Viewing Party - January 20, 2009

Dr. Ricardo Romo watches the inauguration
Drs. Romo and Paine pose with students

Dr. Ricardo Romo watches along with the students and staff

Drs. Romo and Paine support the students

For more photos, visit: gallery/0120_ObamaInauguration/


Supplied from ICEC
Inauguration Fun Facts


Inauguration Ceremonies

Morning Worship Service: Franklin D. Roosevelt and his wife Eleanor set the precedent of attending a church service before being sworn in.

Procession to the Capitol: President-elect and Vice President-elect, and their spouses are escorted to the White House by the JCCIC (Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies). The President-elect and outgoing President, together head to the Capitol for the swearing-in.

Vice President's Swearing-In: Before the President-elect takes the Oath of Office, the Vice President-elect will take the Oath of Office.

President's Swearing-In: The President- elect takes the Oath of Office.

Inaugural Address: Every President has given an Inaugural address. It is current custom for the President to deliver their address after being sworn-in.

Departure of the Outgoing President: After the inaugural ceremony, the outgoing President and First Lady leave the Capitol.

Inaugural Luncheon: The President is escorted to Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capitol for the luncheon hosted by the JCCIC.

Inaugural Parade: The President and Vice President make their way to the White House. They will then view the parade from a reviewing stand. The tradition of the parade dates back to April 30, 1789, when George Washington took the oath of office.

Inaugural Ball: Various balls are held throughout Washington to celebrate the occasion. The tradition of the Inaugural Ball began in 1809 with the inauguration of James Madison. It quickly turned into a highlight of Washington society, and its location became a topic of discussion.

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Getting to Know... Dick Dawson

Name: J. Richard (Dick) Dawson

Title: Executive Director

Department: Audit, Compliance & Risk Services

Job Description: Oversee the offices of Auditing and Consulting Services and the Office of Institutional Compliance & Risk Services

Background: I was born and raised on a ranch in South Texas near Falfurrias, Texas. During one of our cattle roundups, I was knocked off the saddle of my horse and drug through cactus and mesquite brush for about 100 yards, It was at that moment that I decided that ranching was not for me.

I attended Southwest Texas State in San Marcos where I received a bachelor's degree in Business-Accounting and then a master's degree in business.

Experience: After receiving my degrees, I worked for a CPA firm in Corpus Christi. During that time, I passed the CPA exam, but decided would rather work in industry than in public accounting, so I went to work for a small oil & gas production company in Houston. After working for that company for several years, I became the oil & gas auditor of the University of Texas System in Austin where my job was to make sure UT received the proper royalties from the oil & gas companies that own leases on The University of Texas lands in West Texas. In 1993, I became the Director of Internal Audit at UTSA and am now currently the Executive Director for Audit, Compliance & Risk Services. Please visit our website at: http://utsa.edu/acrs/

I am also currently serving as President of the Association of College & University Auditors (ACUA). ACUA is a world-wide organization. The association has two major conferences each year as well as numerous webinars. Our next Midyear conference will be held in Austin, Texas April 27-29th. Our next annual conference will be held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, September 14-17th. ACUA's website is: http://www.acua.org/

I also previously served on board of the Texas Association of College & University Auditors.

Describe your job: Keep the institution within compliance and operationally effective.

What job skills to you use most often? Cognitive skills – understand the depth and breath of a issue to determine its affect of the institution.

How do you unwind? Exercise after work as frequently as possible

What advice would you give to other Student Affairs staff? Know UTSA's core values and “Do the Right Thing”! If you have not developed your own personal core values, I would encourage you to do so. Those should match with those of the institution and should drive your decision making.


Editor's Note: See Mr. Dawson's "Letter From the President" in the upcoming College and University Auditor journal, Vol 52, No. 2, Winter 2009.

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Welcome New Staff to Student Affairs

New Admissions Employees

The Office of Admissions would like to welcome Tiffani Hoot, Lisa Steelman and Valerie Acosta as our newest Admission Officers I.

Tiffani Hoot earned her Bachelor's degree at Texas Lutheran University and her Master's degree from the University of Houston. Tiffani will recruit the greater San Antonio area.

Lisa Steelman earned her Bachelor's degree from Lewis & Clark in Portland, Oregon. Lisa is a San Antonio native and will recruit the outskirts of San Antonio to Eagle Pass and Del Rio.

Valerie Acosta earned her Bachelor's degree right here at the University of Texas at San Antonio. Valerie worked in the admissions office as a work study during her undergraduate career. Valerie will work with campus constituents and also do some recruiting of the West Texas and Panhandle areas of the state.

New Visitor Center Information

Evelyn Betancourt-Martinez has accepted the position of Visitor Center Coordinator for the 1604 Campus. Evelyn served in this position on an interim basis during the Fall 2008 semester. We are excited with the leadership Evelyn will be providing the Visitor Center. Any questions concerning 1604 Visitor Center activities should be sent to Evelyn at evelyn.betancourt@utsa.edu.

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Announcements/Departmental Events

Announcements

Spring 2009 Resource Information now available

From the Office of the Registrar: (PDFs)

AskMe Spring 2009
Spring 2009 Infromation Contact Sheet
Spring 2009 Timeframes



Employees must complete compliance refresher training

In February, all UTSA employees must complete compliance refresher training. Employees will receive an e-mail Feb. 2 with details on the required training, which will be completed online on MyTraining http://mytraining.utsa.edu/. The refresher training must be completed by Feb. 16.



Diploma Dash 25th Year!

Whether you are a runner or walker, Diploma Dash attracts participants from all over the city. In 1998, the event became San Antonio's City Championship 5K Race by mayoral proclamation. The course is a certified 5K flat and fast course for accomplished runners and a 1.5 mile scenic course for individuals and families who would rather stroll. This annual event benefits the UTSA alumni scholarship program, UTSA track/cross country athlete scholarships, and alumni programs and services. Each participant receives a long-sleeved t-shirt, medals and cash prizes!

Click here for more information!




Got Records? The University Archives Wants Them!

Student activities and traditions are the heart of university life. The University Archives is committed to documenting the history and development of our university, and we look to student organizations to document student life at UTSA.

Records sought by the Archives include correspondence, photographs, scrapbooks, founding documents (bylaws, charters, constitutions), videos, publications (newsletters, flyers, brochures), organizational histories, membership lists, meeting minutes or reports of meetings and committees, subject files about projects, and other material.

If you would like to discuss donating your organization's records to the University Archives, please contact Angela McClendon Ossar, University Archivist, at (210) 458-2383 or angela.mcclendon@utsa.edu.


Black History Month 2009 logo

Black History Month Activities

From February 6 to February 24th, please join in the ICE Center's Black History Month activities.

Schedule of events for BHM and Spring 2009







Campus Rec Open House

Campus Rec invitation


Campus Rec held their Open House on Friday, January 16, 2009. Click here to see some photos!


A note from the Student Affairs Development Office...

"Giving back to UTSA through scholarships makes our community stronger by giving students the opportunity to focus not only on academics, but also on co-curricular activities that help build life skills."
        –Rob Killen, Lambda Chi Alpha

As Student Affairs professionals, we are aware of the profound impact campus involvement can have on the quality of one's collegiate experience. But our students not only gain ‘life skills' in the process, they build an important place for UTSA in their hearts and minds that benefits the university far beyond their graduation.

In the Student Affairs Development Office, our job is to raise funds in support of our students. As we connect with alumni and university friends, we not only uncover amazing stories of ambition and success, we discover rich sources of passion and support for UTSA.

Recently, Lambda Chi Alpha is one of many groups that have reconnected with UTSA to get in touch with old friends and give back to the university. The brothers from Lambda Chi Alpha had a reunion event in the UC Paseo and asked current and past members to contribute to an Endowed scholarship for future Lambda Chi Alpha members.

"The Lambda Chi Alpha Endowed Scholarship will be a resource for UTSA students who have shown a commitment to building leadership and social skills, and who have also dedicated significant time and energy to community service."
        –Rob Killen, Lamda Chi Alpha

Endowments offer a unique type of support and play a major role in the short-term and long-term financial aid for our students. Endowment funds are placed into an account where the funds can accumulate interest. This way, endowment funds have a much greater impact over a long period of time than if it were spent all at once.

Sisters from the Sigma Kappa sorority also organized a reunion event and set-up an endowment for their future members. Soon, past members of the Student Government Association will follow suit with their own endowment.

In the world of fundraising, it can be difficult to rally support behind a cause, no matter how much you may believe in it, as there are many worthy options for donors in our city and beyond. We are grateful for our alumni and friends that share our passion and extend their generosity to current and future students at UTSA.


Professional Development Networking Team

All Student Affairs Staff are invited to tailgate next Wednesday, January 28 starting at 5pm. The Professional Development Networking Team will be serving hotdogs and chips for you and your families as we get ready to cheer the men’s basketball team on to victory against rivals Texas State.

Meet us in front of the Rec Center from 5-6:45. Then at 7pm, you are welcome to join everyone at the Men’s basketball Game. All Student Affairs staff with a name badge will be able to receive buy one get one free tickets for the game. (Thanks to our friends in Athletics!)


IMPORTANT NOTE:

  1. Please RSVP to Jana Kennelly (jana.kennelly@utsa.edu) for the tailgate.

  2. The ticket line will be very long for this particular game so please contact Brian Fox (brian.fox@utsa.edu) to buy your tickets before the game!!

  3. Make it a blue-out! Come early for your blue "Beat Texas State" t-shirt or wear blue to support the Runners!


Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Teach Me Tuesday
Asian Festival Preview
Durango Building Student Activities Center
12:30pm – 1:30pm


Thursday, January 29, 2009

Brown Bag Matinee
Igor
Durango Building Student Activities Center
12:30pm – 2:30pm


Saturday, January 31, 2009

Risk Management Symposium
University Center
12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

A one day conference to provide student leaders and advisors with education,
training and resources on areas of risk that is in compliance with the state law SB 1138.
Registration Deadline is January 22, 2009 at Noon.

More information at http://utsa.edu/sa/so or http://utsa.edu/sa/barr


University Career Center- Spring 2009 Events

Be sure to check out the listing of the University Career Center's Spring 2009 events.

PDF to post


Attention Roadrunners: Homecoming is Feb. 26-Feb. 28

Barry S. McKinney, Director of Student Activities, 01/20/2009

Get ready to wear your orange and blue -- it's time to show us your Roadrunner! Mark your calendars for Feb. 26 through Feb. 28 and join the entire UTSA community in celebrating Homecoming 2009. The theme this year is "Tradition - Spirit - Pride."

For the full slate of events, visit the UTSA Homecoming 2009 Web site.

The website is now live and will be continuously updated with important information about Homecoming. Homecoming festivities begin...

For the full article, visit: http://utsa.edu/today/2009/01/homecoming.cfm



Staff Council Minutes- December 2008

PDF of December 18, 2008 minutes


Athletics

UTSA golf

UTSA brings in new coaches to kick-start golf program

Richard Oliver, Express News, 01/14/2009

Between the Convocation Center and tennis courts at UTSA, in adjacent offices of a squat, white modular building, a game plan for national athletic impact is being formulated.

And it has nothing to do with football.

There, first-year coaches Carrie Cole and John Knauer are at work this week, overhauling golf programs that...


For the full article, visit: http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/UTSA_brings_in_new_coaches_to_kick_start_golf_program.html

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Business Procedures Tips

briefcase See tips on how you can recycle in your office, reduce waste and conserve departmental funds. Visit UTSA's Recycling website: www.utsa.edu/safety/Recycling/index.cfm for more information. Even things like the plastic Starbucks cups or the lids and sleeves for hot beverages can be recycled.

Have a Business Procedures Tip to share? Please send it to Bob Miller.



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UTSA Hospitality Guidelines

The link below contains UTSA's new Hospitality Guidelines. Please read them, keep yourself aware and updated, and "pass it on" (to borrow and paraphrase from our outstanding training department).

Please remember that "Entertainment" expenses are still restricted commodities with regards to procard purchases.

http://utsa.edu/financialaffairs/opguidelines/1.4.1.html


Payment Procedure for ARAMARK Catering

Just a friendly reminder of the proper payment procedure for ARAMARK Catering. When submitting your VP2, please be sure and use the vendor id and mail code as indicated in this memo (PDF).

Thank you,
Disbursements & Travel Services

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Wellness Tips

Getting enough sleep is crucial to both daily productivity and an optimal metabolism. Being over-tired can lead to mindless eating or consumption of food/beverages to stay alert (remember exam week in college?). Here are some strategies that might help you achieve a restful night:

Abbi Lane, MS, CSCS
Assistant Director, Fitness/Wellness
Campus Recreation
Student Affairs Networking Team
abbi.lane@utsa.edu

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Thank You Rowdy

Thank You Rowdy

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

Thank You Rowdy is presently visiting with Nancy Hughes

See past Thank You Rowdy Recipients


To:  Nancy Hughes, Office of Admissions
From:  Sandy True, Office of the Registrar


Nancy, I am passing Thank you Rowdy to you! You have always been so very helpful to me over the years. Often times there are issues that must be resolved before a student can register or we can print a transcript for the student. I know that when I call you the issue will be resolved and what is truly amazing it is usually done that day!! Thank you for all you do for our students at UTSA you are greatly appreciated.

Sandy True



Nancy (L) and Sandy (R)
Group Hug

(L-R)  Nancy Hughes, Sandy True

Group hug!


Admissions Staff

Thank You Rowdy poses with Nancy and the Admissions Staff

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Kudos

From: Sandra Welch, Vice Provost –Accountability and Institutional Effectiveness

To: Sally Bench, Director Registration and Records
Gail Carbajal, Associate Director, Student Financial Aid
George Norton, AVP Admissions
Lisa Blazer, AVP Student Financial Aid
Joe DeCristoforo, AVP and University Registrar


Dr. Welch sent personalized thank you letters to these individuals for their "dedication to the University of San Antonio's (SACS) reaccreditation efforts." She thanked them for all their time devoted to developing the Compliance Certification Report, for writing comprehensive standards, and collecting all the documentation needed. In Dr. Welch's words, "We are fortunate to have such a dedicated University citizen, and owe you a debt of gratitude for the time and effort you put into this critical effort."


From Theresa Yackeyonny:

I just wanted to share some good news.

Last Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, the maintenance staff at University Oaks and Chisholm Hall kept the open work order requests down to single digits. This meant that even though they had numerous apartments to get ready for the spring move-in, maintenance also concentrated on completing and closing out the normal work order requests that came through the online system. This, of course, was no easy task, since work orders can come in 24 hours a day. I want to publicly thank Donna Mahan, Assistant Director of Operations, Ronnie Hargett, Maintenance Supervisor, and the entire maintenance crew for working hard and making a difference!

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NOTE:  Please submit all newsletter entries by 5:00 pm, Tuesday, February 3, 2009, to VPSAmedia@utsa.edu