Message from the Vice President
The Action Words of Student Affairs: Communicate, Connect, Collaborate, Create
It's time to start talking about the 4C's of Student Affairs. I hope you have already begun discussing these important concepts in your department meetings and that you are beginning to identify ways in which we already exemplify these ideas and ways to implement them in the future. As we move forward we will be asking departments and staff members to do some specific analysis around these ideas and to add them into their planning as we keep working on the implementation of our strategic plans.
So, let's start at the beginning with Communicate. The full definitions and outcomes for both service and programming developed by the Student Affairs Council are listed below for your reference. [[Click for definition of Student Affairs Communicate]]
We use many technologies to communicate with our students, colleagues and others – e-mail, web pages, memoranda, brochures, Facebook, even letters on paper. We communicate face to face in meetings and across long distances. We communicate verbally and non-verbally. None of that is new.
It's also not new, but important to remember, that every time we communicate we share multiple messages; respect or lack of it, interest or disinterest, our attention or lack of it, and we share our values and the values of our organization. Kouzes and Posner in The Leadership Challenge* remind us that "Words matter…. Words send signals, and, if you listen intently, you just may hear hidden assumptions about how someone views the world." They give two examples. First is the bank manager who to motivate his group uses these phrases, "We are going to beat their brains out." "You've got to watch out for the headhunters." "There will be only a few survivors."
The second example is the head of two regions for Unilever, "The business needs to be ground in deep human values, and you need to have integrity in your actions." "It's our souls that give us guidance and wisdom, and it is our souls that animate human qualities of love and compassion." "Caring for community needs to be in the heart of all of our actions. Once we get this right the rest will come into place." These two people clearly communicate values in their language. And of course we know that actions speak even louder than do our words.
What values, ideas, and ideals are you communicating through your words and actions? What do we communicate when we refer to students as kids? What do we communicate if we call females girls and males men? What do we communicate when we tell students to act with integrity and then we take a shortcut that shortchanges our espoused ethical standard? So many ways to communicate and to mis-communicate.
As we begin to examine this idea of communication as a cornerstone of excellence, we all need to recognize that our words and actions have power and we are communicating all the time. Take a moment today to pay attention to your own words and actions. Are you effectively communicating what you intend to or do you need to change something? Each of us in every communication we have helps to set the tone for UTSA and our division. I challenge each of us to reach for the highest standards of communication in everything we do. We won't all reach it every time, but just the attempt will make UTSA a better place to work and go to school. That's an idea worth communicating!
Best wishes,
Gage
* Kouzes, J., & Posner, B. (2007). The leadership challenge.Hoboken: Jossey-Bass.
Welcome New Staff to Student Affairs
The Office of the Registrar recently underwent a restructuring that created two new titles of Assistant Registrar. Although the staff mentioned below are not new to UTSA, we welcome them to their new posisitions!
Judy Moreno, previously a Certification Coordinator, assumed the supervision of the Veterans Certification area in addition to residency and NCAA certification.
Bryan Heard, previously the Athletic Certification Specialist, was promoted to a vacant position and now supervises the reception and records areas.
Congratulations to our two new Assistant Registrars!
Announcements/Departmental Events
Orientation Kickoff 2009
Click above image for larger version.
Facebook, MySpace & On-Line Communities: What Your College Must Know
An Audio Conference presented by Higher Ed Hero, sponsored by the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs on April 9, 2009.
Locations: Main Campus: Denman Room, UC 2.01.28; Downtown Campus: Meeting Assembly Room, BV 1.338
All are welcome to attend regardless of R.S.V.P.. See the flyer for more information: PDF to print and post
University Center Program Council (UCPC) March Events
For those that might not know, the UC Program Council is a newly forming student organization dedicated late-night and weekend student programming. We bring comedians, movies, coffee house singers and more to our student community, free of charge. We are currently recruiting students who are interested in being a part of this new initiative and who want to make a difference to campus programming. If you are interested in joining the UC Program Council or want more information about any of the listed programs, please contact us.
Click here (PDF) our events from now through April 17th.
Thank you!
The University Center Program Council
210-458-6044
ucpc@utsa.edu
www.myspace.com/utsa_ucpc
University Career Center presents:
Don't Talk with Your Mouth Full: Etiquette Tips and Other Important Tidbits of Wisdom, April 28th. This workshop will take the place of the Professional Etiquette Dinner that was previously cancelled.
PDF to print and post
Submit Nominations for Student Affairs Awards
The Student Affairs Awards and Recognition Committee encourages staff members to nominate individuals for one of the Student Affairs Awards to be presented at this year’s Awards Ceremony. The award categories are:
Outstanding Student Staff Member
Outstanding Support Staff Member
Outstanding New Professional Staff Member
Outstanding Student Affairs Team
Student Affairs Divisional Leadership Award
Transformational Student Affairs Leadership Award
Nominations will be accepted through April 30, 2009. To nominate a deserving individual or team, simply complete a nomination for online at http://utsa.edu/students/forms/awards.html.
Additionally, nominations are being accepted for Spring Employee of the Semester Award(s). To nominate a staff person for Employee of the Semester, individuals can complete a nomination form using the same link above.
The Student Affairs Awards Ceremony is scheduled for May 14, 2009 from 3pm-5pm in the University Center Ballroom. For more information of on the awards process, contact Marlon Anderson at ext. 6114.
UTSA Soccer Camp
The following are the camp dates. A discount of 15% will be given to any camper who has a parent employed at UTSA.
Brochure (PDF)
Coed Day Camps (Ages 5-13)
June 8-11
June 15-18
June 22-25
July 27-30
Advanced Girls Residential & Commuter Camp (Ages 13-18)
June 19-21
For more information, please contact:
Kristin Boeker
Associate Head Coach
Women's Soccer
University of Texas @ San Antonio
PH: (210) 458-4915
Fax: (210) 458-4813
http://www.goutsa.com
Short Term Housing for Summer Interns, Courtesy of University Oaks
University Oaks would like to offer a specialized service to Student Affairs. Many departments at UTSA hire summer interns. If your department needs short term housing (an apartment with a full kitchen) during the summer for an intern, please contact Erin Cook, Senior Marketing Coordinator at 210-877-4005. Erin can work with your departmental needs, budget, and help with the coordination of moving into the unit.
UTSA adopts two new campus names
Marianne McBride Lewis, Director of Public Affairs, 03/23/2009
Known as the UTSA 1604 Campus since the mid-1990s, UTSA President Ricardo Romo announces that the campus now officially will be designated as the UTSA Main Campus. Additionally, the 125-acre tract added to the Main Campus in 2007 has been designated as UTSA Park West. Located northeast of the intersection of Loop 1604 West and Hausman Road, UTSA Park West will be home to athletics facilities.
The Main Campus has made a significant transition from a commuter campus to...
For the full article, visit: http://utsa.edu/today/2009/03/campusrenaming.cfm
SGA Election Results - FINAL
The results for the SGA Run-Off Elections are in!
Congratulation to our President, Vice-President, and Secretary-Elects: Matt DeLeon, Derek Trimm, and Josh Bart, respectively.
SGA Results (PDF)
SGA Run-Off Winners | |
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Matt DeLeon |
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Derek Trimm |
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Josh Bart |
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Chris Kuta |
Is your communication style like a buckin' bronco, a broke down mare or somewhere in between? This introductory level workshop will assess personality traits in a fun and interactive setting. "True Colors" will demonstrate how to utilize the information to raise awareness and appreciation of differences, enhance communication skills, and build better teams. It's guaranteed to put the gittie’ up back in your communication style!
True Colors Contest!
How Do You Show Your True Colors? Tell Us!
The Education Team is interested in hearing how you, your department, office, committee, or work team are showing your true colors and/or how you apply what you have learned through the initiative. Does your office talk about it staff meetings? How did you share your dominant color with one another? Are you part of a blended team that has reached new heights? Did your area benefit from a specific activity or idea?
Share what you’ve done to VPSA@utsa.edu and you could win! Winning entries will be highlighted in future VPSA newsletters. Submit an entry TODAY!
True Colors: Department Consultations Available
The True Colors initiative in Student Affairs hopes to provide teams with the tools to establish safe and trusting working environments, establish a divisional common language that promotes engagement and success; and help staff develop an understanding of peers, themselves and the strategic initiatives of the division. Your introductory session, Keys to Personal Success, was only the first step.
Department Consultations are available. Options include full sessions, facilitator led discussions and topical explorations. Whatever you choose, the True Colors facilitators can help you implement the common language and enhance communication in your area. Individual consultation and brainstorming are also available. In addition, all sessions can be completely customized to fit your groups needs.
Below is a list of just a few of the departments that have hosted facilitated consultations. Contact them to gain valuable insight and suggestions regarding your request. Send your requests to VPSA@utsa.edu.
Admissions
Registrar’s Office
Campus Recreation -- Staff and Students
Financial Aid
Several Student Organizations
Our True Colors are Shining Through!
Staff of the offices of Student Life, Student Judicial Affairs and Student Services host potluck luncheons together monthly with varied themes and celebrations. This month, they held a True Colors lunch. Each member brought an item that was either the color of their dominant color or represented a characteristic of that color. A couple of "blues" brought comfort food that makes you feel good and one “gold” brought an organized nacho casserole. The room was decorated in true colors and each person discusses what they brought and why. The group discussed how to increase colors in their spectrum and joked about how to liven up communication! FUN! Take a look at the pictures.
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Photo Galleries
Registrar's Office - St. Patrick's Day
Potato Bar Photo Gallery
Women's Resource Center
The Women’s Resource Center at UTSA celebrated their first year anniversary in their new location this past Tuesday, March 24, 2009. The C.U.R.E. (Campus United for Respect and Education) Peer Educators showcased their activities of the past year and presented on the various resources available to UTSA students in the center. Special guest, Rick Gipprich, from the Rape Crisis Center in San Antonio, shared information on the collaboration between our organizations and on the importance of recognizing April as Sexual Assault Awareness month.
Photo Gallery
Student Affairs Conferences
March 25th Photo Gallery
April 1st Photo Gallery
Women's Basketball Team Send-Off to Playoffs - March 26, 2009
Student Affairs staff bids good luck to the Roadrunner’s Women’s Basketball team on their trip to the NCAA playoffs. The Roadrunners played Baylor on Sunday, March 26, losing in overtime after playing a great game. For more information see:
Roadrunners to begin NCAA Tournament play against Baylor on Sunday
Roadrunners greet media in Lubbock
UTSA intramural basketball wins regional titles
UTSA Women's Soccer Team Caught Using Hands
Saturday, March 28, 2009, the UTSA women's soccer team relaxed after a full day. No, they had not used their hands during a game--they had volunteered for Habitat for Humanity. Together with other organizations, including UTSA's Omega Psi Phi fraternity, the women helped build several homes in the Palo Alto Community in San Antonio.
Photos of the event, courtesy mySanAntonio.com. The women's soccer team can be seen roofing in photos 9 and 10.
Athletics
Hernandez named Southland Conference Hitter of the Week
All Sport Schedule - Area Events
| Sat, Apr 4 | WT | Sam Houston State * | San Antonio, Texas | 11 a.m. |
| Sat, Apr 4 | SB | Nicholls * | San Antonio, Texas | 1 p.m. |
| Sat, Apr 4 | BB | Stephen F. Austin * | at Nacogdoches, Texas | 2 p.m. |
| Sat, Apr 4 | MT | Texas A&M-Corpus Christi * | San Antonio, Texas | 2 p.m. |
| Sat, Apr 4 | SB | Nicholls * | San Antonio, Texas | 3 p.m. |
| Sun, Apr 5 | WT | Stephen F. Austin * | San Antonio, Texas | 10 a.m. |
| Sun, Apr 5 | SB | Nicholls * | San Antonio, Texas | 12 p.m. |
Business Procedures Tips
HRMS Tip: Creating Ongoing Positions with Temporary Incumbents
How can I efficiently set up a non-benefits eligible position in HRMS to accommodate temporary employees who may work more than 20 hours per week for brief periods of time? Is it possible to keep such a position in HRMS for longer than 4.5 months without making the position benefits eligible?
Yes.
To set up a temporary, non-benefits eligible position with no end date:
Create a new position and set the Hours per Week at 19 hours or less.
Select Expected to Continue in the Duration field.
By creating your position in this manner, the position remains active until modified and you can assign incumbents as needed.
To appoint/assign incumbents:
As long as the benefits-eligibility status of the appointment/assignment matches the benefits-eligibility status of the position, HRMS allows you to appoint/ assign an incumbent for a higher/lower number of hours per week. Incumbents will be non-benefits eligible when they are appointed under either of these conditions:
At 19 hours per week or less, with no limits on end dates or
At 20 hours or more per week for less than 4.5 months (135 days).
Have a Business Procedures Tip to share? Please send it to Bob Miller.
For previous Business Procedures Tips, please visit the archive.
Wellness Tips
Be smart when eating out! Restaurant meals can be nutritional landmines. Beware of the following items or phrases: anything fried, in gravy, breaded, or described as "crispy". Try ordering dressing on the side and dipping your fork rather than pouring it over your salad. When pre-meal bread or chips come with a meal, ask the waiter or waitress NOT to bring a second basket!
Abbi Lane, MS, CSCS
Assistant Director, Fitness/Wellness
Campus Recreation
Student Affairs Networking Team
abbi.lane@utsa.edu
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
Christopher Goldsberry
See past Thank You Rowdy Recipients
To: Christopher Goldsberry, Enrollment Services Center
From: Jeanette Francovich & Jessica Thompson, Visitor Center Office/Admissions
We are passing Thank You Rowdy to you Christopher for all of your hard work and dedication! :) You took this position and in less then a year or maybe it was just within weeks, you had us forgetting about the wonderful person you replaced and we were in awe of how you just took the ground running! You assist us with our many groups and answer all of the students crazy questions. :) Even though you have been relocated to the Downtown Campus your presence is still felt at the Main Campus via emails, phone calls, and being willing to travel from the downtown campus to the Main Campus to give presentations. You have a positive attitude and friendly demeanor which translates into one heck of a representative for the University. Thank you for all you have done and all you will continue to do for prospective students and families.
You are appreciated for all of your hard work!
Sincerely,
Jeanette Francovich & Jessica Thompson
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Jeanette Francovich, Christopher Goldsberry and Rowdy |
Kudos
To: Carmen Alexander- Enrollment Services Officer I, Enrollment Services Center
From: Jan Daniels- Enrollment Services Officer II, Enrollment Services Center
RE: Customer Service Recognition
Carmen was recently recognized for the excellent customer service she provides to our students and their families in the Enrollment Services Center. The following acknowledgement was emailed from a parent. Thank you, Carmen, for the positive experience you give our customers!
"I wanted to take this time to express great thanks for the customer service my family and I received from your office on Wednesday, March 18, 2009. My son and I attended the campus tour on this day. Upon entering the Office of Financial Aid Carmen assisted us with all questions as they relate to financial aid. Carmen answered our questions correctly from loans, grants, work study, paperwork and accepting aid from the university. My son will be a freshman at UTSA fall 2009, and we look forward to a great year as he transitions into an institution of excellence."
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NOTE:
Please submit all newsletter entries by 5:00 pm, Tuesday, April 14, 2009, to
VPSAmedia@utsa.edu