Message from the Vice President
The ability to envision positive outcomes is the essence of leadership.
-- Delores Ambrose
There's a story I like to tell about the master builder who had been commissioned to build a cathedral. The reality of building a cathedral in the Middle Ages was that it took many years to complete – much longer than the average life span. If you were there at the start of the building you would not see its completion. Likewise, if you were there when the finishing touches were done, you had not been part of the planning committee. In the story, the master builder is looking for a master stonemason to lead this critical component of creating a cathedral.
He goes to another town where a cathedral is in progress and asks the first mason he sees. "What are you doing?" The man replies, "Can't you see? I'm laying stone." He asks a second mason who replies, "Can't you see? I'm building a wall."
Then he finds a third mason who answers, "Can't you see? I'm building a cathedral."
Working in a university is a lot like building a cathedral. In most cases (with a few exceptions at UTSA) we weren't here at the beginning and we have no expectation of being here when it is completed – actually we don't even think in terms of completion, do we? Today at Student Affairs Council we heard about the Campus Master Plan and most of us don't expect to see it completed. And while UTSA has changed significantly from its early days, the original purpose of serving San Antonio, South Texas, and students who were previously underserved has not changed. Within that purpose, we have many different roles and tasks but all of us are engaged in the work of building this university.
There are the large-scale elements to this work – the Campus Master Plan, the Strategic Plan, the Implementation Plan, the Capital Campaign. And there are many different middle-sized components – departmental and college goals, plans, and programs. One of the challenges of building cathedrals and universities is the very size and complexity. Cathedrals are huge with spires towering over the surrounding buildings; universities are complex organizations, and when you think about some of what needs to be accomplished, it's possible to feel a bit daunted by it all.
But there are many, many tiny details in building that cathedral. A visitor might never notice some of them, but they all add to the 'feel' of the building. I've been to Salisbury Cathedral in England. We arrived late in the day so I have never been inside of it – never seen its many spectacular elements – yet it is one of my favorite places in the world. It is truly awe-inspiring. In the same way, UTSA is created through many tiny details – a favorite place to sit, or the piece of art that always catches your attention, or the uniqueness of the Sombrilla.
But a university is more than its buildings and physical elements and plans large and small. It’s more intangible. It’s the community of people we work with or the joy of students succeeding or the idea of being part of a job well done. Each day through every one of our interactions with all of the other people who are part of this university we create the hundreds of tiny details that together build UTSA. These interactions may last for one quick phone call or for the few short years of an undergraduate degree or an entire career.
With each interaction we choose the building blocks of this entity we call UTSA. Positive or negative – it's really our choice. Can you envision a positive outcome for each interaction? Do you answer a question (lay brick)? Create one new program (build a wall)? Or do you remember what we are doing is really bigger than that?
Are you envisioning a positive outcome for UTSA with each interaction? If so, you are one of our leaders and you will be part of building a university that isn't just big, but is truly awe-inspiring in the positive outcomes it creates for students and the greater community. So, the next time someone asks what you do at UTSA, which answer are you going to give?
Best wishes,
Gage
P.S. Did you know that cathedrals are like universities in many other ways? For example, both have provosts, deans, and chancellors. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cathedral)
Welcome New Staff to Student Affairs
Admissions
The Admissions Office is pleased to announce that effective Monday, June 1st, Diane Sullivan assumed the role of Assistant Director of Admissions for Processing.
This position is part of the processing team which is headed by Cindy Dermody, the Associate Director of Admissions for Processing. As the Assistant Director, she supervises the Transcript Evaluator II positions, as well as the Transcript Evaluator I position for International Admissions (JD's position.) All international processing and admissions decisions are now handled through this area of the admissions office.
Becky Underwood has assumed the position of Program Manager for International Recruitment. Because her depth of knowledge and understanding of the international market, as well as her deep respect for and appreciation of the unique needs of the international student is unparalleled within our office, she is a perfect match for this position.
Announcements/Departmental Events
Student Travel
The process to Request Special Events Coverage – Accident and Sickness Insurance has changed. Please see http://utsa.edu/students/travel/ for more information. If you have any questions, please contact Carol Gonzalez at ext. 4040. Thank you.
Upcoming student travel training sessions are as follows:
Tuesday, July 21st, 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. - UC 2.01.34 (Hawthorne Room)
Wednesday, July 22nd, 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. – BV 4.304A (Downtown)
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)
Need a ride to University Heights or the Main Campus?
Try our summer shuttle service! *
Tuesdays and Wednesdays only!
Leaving from University Heights every 30 minutes:7:45am to 5:15pm
For more information call: 458-PARK
* A quota must be met in order to continue this service.
PDF to print and post
Student Affairs Nametags
REMINDER: All staff members in the Division of Student Affairs are required to wear their nametags. Many new students, family members and guests are on campus this time of the year and will need help.
UTSA to celebrate major milestones
Lorna Stafford, Development Communications Coordinator, Office of the Vice President for University Advancement, 06/03/2009
This Friday, marks an historic event in San Antonio. Forty years ago on this date, the city's first public four-year university was established.
The University of Texas at San Antonio was officially given the green light for creation through a bill signed by Gov. Preston Smith in 1969. The historic signing took place in front of the Alamo, where Smith signed his name to the legislation using the back of its creator, Rep. Frank Lombardino, as a writing board....
...Another historical highlight was celebrated in May when Ricardo Romo marked his 10th anniversary as president of UTSA. Romo became the fifth president of the university in 1999...
For the full article, visit: http://utsa.edu/today/2009/06/milestones.cfm
Brown Bag Mixers
Time: 11:30am - 1:00pm
Orange: Tuesday, June 16th - UC1 Oak Room
Green: Thursday, June 18th - UC3 Harris Room
Gold: Tuesday, June 23rd - UC2 Ash Room
Blue: Tuesday, July 14th - UC1 Oak Room
Downtown Mixer for all four colors: Wednesday, July 8th - BV 1.322 Community Room
PDF to print and post
Photo Galleries
STUDENT AFFAIRS JAMBOREE - June 5, 2009
Thanks to everyone who participated in the first annual Student Affairs Jamboree! We hope you had a great time swimming in the fabulous Rec Center pool, competing in activities, eating ice cream and dancing! Here are the results of the Jamboree contests:
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Balloon Toss:
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Special thanks to the Professional Development Networking Committee and Rec Center staff who volunteered their time to put the event on!
Photos of the events
Counseling Services Retreat
Counseling Services staff took part in their annual retreat on May 15, 2009, at the LaEscondida Retreat Center. Staff members worked on team building exercises, made plans for the upcoming academic year, and generally enjoyed this time together to exchange ideas and information.
Photos of the retreat
Athletics
Martinez maintains lead at Greater San Antonio Championship
Mecke named CoSIDA/ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District VI
All Sport Schedule - Area Events
Business Procedures Tips
Save time and save resources by going paperless! Utilize the non-payroll direct deposit option for reimbursements from UTSA to you. Please complete this form and return it via campus mail (or by fax to x4829) to Dorothy Cheatham in Disbursements.
This Business Procedures Tip was submitted by Deby Bailey in UTSA’s Disbursements and Travel Management Office.
Have a Business Procedures Tip to share? Please send it to Bob Miller.
For previous Business Procedures Tips, please visit the archive.
Wellness Tips
Small Changes Can Make a BIG Difference
Since sticking with any kind of diet is a major challenge for most Americans, taking baby steps in the lifestyle department may be the most realistic and effective way to get healthy. Try to incorporate some of these tips into your daily diet:
• No cream and sugar in coffee=minus 30 calories
• Whole grain toast instead of a donut=minus 50 to 150 calories
• Diet coke versus regular coke= minus 200 calories
• Mustard instead of mayonnaise=minus 70 calories
• Cup of grapes instead of candy bar=minus 140 calorie
Heather Stark
Assistant Director, Fitness/Wellness
Campus Recreation
heather.stark@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
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See past Thank You Rowdy Recipients
Thank You Rowdy is taking a short vacation.
He'll be back to cheer on Student Affairs staff soon!
Student Affairs staff have generoulsly endowed Thank You Rowdy with numerous gifts during his travels, including his own diploma in gratitude and his own resumé.
Attached is a list of these various gifts from the departments. Please let us know which article your department has contributed, unless it is already noted. Please email VPSA@utsa.edu by June 23, 2009.
Thank you Rowdy says, "Thanks Again!"
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Kudos
To: Desiree Alva- Admissions Officer II, Office of Admissions Downtown
From: Office of Admissions
RE: Farewell and Congratulations!
Farewell and congratulations to Desiree Alva, whose last day at UTSA is June 22, 2009. Desiree has been accepted into the Ph.D. program in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis at the University of Wisconsin – Madison where she will work for the Posse Foundation, Inc..
It has been a great honor and pleasure working with Desiree and we wish her the best and will miss her greatly!
Office of Admissions
Check us out on:
NOTE:
Please submit all newsletter entries by 5:00 pm, Tuesday, June 23, 2009, to
VPSAmedia@utsa.edu