Message from the Vice President
On Saturday night I watched the men's basketball team beat an unbeaten, conference leading team in a hard fought Homecoming game. I don't know about the players but those of us in the stands were exhausted – it's hard work screaming and yelling! Of course the players were tired, but they played full-out until the very end. As I watched them I thought about a different game a few years ago. At that time, many players were injured and there was little or no time for the players to catch their breath. They played hard that night as well, but they lost anyway during a very tough season. Watching them that night, I realized again one of the hard realities of life-it doesn't matter how hard you work, how well you prepare, or how determined you are, sometimes you don't win the game.
We see it over and over again in the Olympics. The American ice dancing team skated the performance of a lifetime. They would probably have won the gold medal any night but last night because the Canadian team skated to perfection. I've been following Canadian ski-cross racer Chris Del Bosco because I know his sister, a former student from SMU. Sunday, he wasn't satisfied with bronze and took a risk, didn't make the jump well and with a hard crash ended up in fourth place – no medal for Chris.
It's true for all of us, not just athletes. Sometimes our proposal doesn't get funded, no matter how well prepared. Sometimes we don't get the promotion no matter how well our interview went. The reality is that no matter how hard we prepare, how stellar our performance, we can't control the outcome. We may have done all the best practice in the world, be having a great season, and then compete against a team that has its best night ever, or skate against a pair that turn in their top performance. We submit a great proposal for new funding on the day budget cuts are announced, or we have the best interview we've ever had and the other candidate has a great interview too- and ten more years of experience. The outcome is not in our control.
As I told that group of students struggling through a difficult basketball season, there's only one thing we can control in this equation – ourselves. I can choose to turn in my best work every time or to cut corners. Sometimes I'll be the only one who knows the difference, but I will know. I can choose to try to reach for the top or I can settle for something less. It's completely up to me. But, there is only one way to have a shot at the gold medal, or the conference championship, or the promotion. And that's to do your best work, every day, every week, all year long.
The results may not be up to you, but you can choose whether or not you bring a championship attitude to everything you do. So, are you going to go for the gold?
Good luck to our men's and women's basketball teams and to our men's and women's track and field teams in their respective Southland Conference games and championship competitions.
Best wishes,
Gage
Announcements/Departmental Events
Dr. Gage E. Paine was highlighted as a guest columnist in Sombrilla, the University of Texas at San Antonio magazine, Fall 2009. View the Sombrilla Article.
Student Affairs Conference Registration
In anticipation of this year's Student Affairs Conference to be held on March 31 and April 14, we soon will be sending everyone in Student Affairs a Conference Registration through Survey Monkey to determine preferences for dates and sessions. The registration should be sent within the next week and will ask you to indicate the date and the sessions you plan to attend.
Please remember to place one of the dates on your calendar and plan to join us for a day of interesting sessions and great staff networking. This year, we are offering 5 blocks of sessions with up to four concurrent session topics in each block. With this many options, there is sure to be something for everyone! Based on your feedback from last year, we are adding team-building experiences and are offering more networking opportunities.
If you have any doubt as to the benefits of this conference, ask those in attendance last year because the feedback we received was overwhelmingly positive! Thanks for the support and we look forward to seeing you at the conference. If you have questions, please contact the Staff Development Team at staffdevelopment@utsa.edu.
UC Newsletter
Upcoming Events
The Staff Networking Team invites you to participate in the following events:
New Professionals/Dinner Club, 2/26/10, 6:00pm, Buffalo Wild Wings (DeZavala) PDF to print and post
Tailgate Party, 3/3/10, 5:00-7:00pm (We will be collecting blue jeans to donate to Haven for Hope)
If you have any questions about these activities, please contact Misty Kelley (210.458.4160 or misty.kelley@utsa.edu).
UCPC Activities
PDF of the February 24 - March 13 schedule
Save These Dates!
Safe Spring Break Health and Wellness Expo
Surf's UPeveryone! The Safe Spring Break Health and Wellness Expo is Wednesday, March 10th from 9 am to 2 pm. The Health and Wellness Expo promotes the importance of health and mental wellbeing, safety, and resources geared towards prevention, early detection, and support services. The event provides health screenings, community resources and social services for the UTSA and San Antonio communities. There'll be fun activities for everyone! Rain, sleet or snow, we're still on! HSS is the rain location.
In the Sombrilla: Health screenings, exhibitors, fire extinguishing demo. Sign up for the Rowdy New U wellness program for UTSA employees and Relaxation Station Zero Gravity Chair by Environmental Health Safety and Risk Management. National Women and Girls HIV Awareness Day activities are hosted by SHADES and featuring free HIV testing by BEAT AIDS. Several cancer agencies will also provide cancer education and prevention tools in observance of Cancer Awareness Month for UTSA.
Parking lot next to UC III and South Garage: cholesterol, body composition, blood pressure, weight, height, etc. by Health and Kinesiology's Mobile Unit. Blood donations by South Texas Blood and Tissue mobile (waiting for confirmation).
Testing: Free HIV testing at Student Health Services. Open to everyone.
Here are activity highlights for faculty, students, and staff! Call 458-6428 to sign up. Space is limited.
PDF to print and post
For more information, call Student Health Services at 458-6428. This event is in collaboration with Campus Recreation, College of Sciences, Human Resources, Student Activities, BARR, and Environmental Health Safety and Risk Management.
UTSA Student Volunteer of the Year & Sandra Cisneros Scholarship Award
Applications Due March 12, 2010!
PDF to print and post
Short Term Housing for Summer Interns, Courtesy of University Oaks
University Oaks would like to extend a special invitation to all Student Affairs offices. If you are in need of housing for your summer interns, we are offering short term contracts and pricing specials for UTSA. For more information, please contact Erin Cook at 210-877-4005 or erin.cook@utsa.edu
Movies for Less: Now Showing at the UC Information Center
To expand the services it provides the campus community, the UC Information Center is pleased to offer discounted movie tickets valid at all Santikos movie theaters for $6.50 each—offering a $3.00 savings off of the $9.50 ticket price for a regularly priced evening show.
"Whether they are purchased for personal use or for student or departmental giveaways, our new Santikos SuperSaver passes provide a great value to everyone at UTSA," said Angela Hicks, Information Center Retail Manager.
The Santikos SuperSaver passes do not expire and are exchanged at any Santikos box office for an ADMIT ONE ticket based on availability. Santikos theaters closest to UTSA include the Palladium at The Rim and the Silverado 16 on Loop 1604 and Bandera. Other valid theaters include the Mayan Palace, Embassy 14, Northwest 14 and the Bijou Cinema Bistro.
Users can also upgrade their SuperSaver passes to an IMAX movie for $4.00 or to a 3D film for $2.50. Passes are not redeemable for cash or for events designated "special engagements."
The passes are available now at the UC Information Center next to the Events Management & Conference Services office in the UC. The Information Center accepts VISA, MasterCard, American Express and Discover as well as cash, UTSA cards and personal checks with appropriate ID.
Chili's Too restaurant opens Feb. 14 in University Center on Main Campus
Jane Wilcox and Demica Rodriguez, Director of Business Auxiliary Services and Marketing Coordinator, ARAMARK Higher Education, 02/10/2010
A Chili's Too restaurant will open Feb. 14 in the University Center on the UTSA Main Campus. As another opportunity for engaging in campus life and creating community, ARAMARK and UTSA Business Auxiliary Services staff are excited to bring the popular brand to campus.
The restaurant will feature a variety of Chili's favorites including...
For the full article, visit: http://utsa.edu/today/2010/02/chilis.html
UTSA hosts Census 2010 national touring van Feb. 19 at Main Campus
Tim Brownlee, Assistant Director of Public Affairs, 02/15/2010
UTSA will host the U.S. Census 2010 national interactive touring van in its only San Antonio stop from 1 to 3 p.m., Friday, Feb. 19 at the University Center paseo on the Main Campus.
>> A 1 p.m. kick-off ceremony for "U-Count @ UTSA" will be hosted by Mr. and Ms. UTSA...
For the full article, visit: http://utsa.edu/today/2010/02/censusevent.html
UTSA Athletics, DOCUmation announce five-year sponsorship agreement
Brad Parrott, Senior Associate Athletics Director for External Affairs, 02/18/2010
The UTSA Athletics Department and DOCUmation announced Thursday what could become one of the largest sports sponsorship agreements in school history. DOCUmation, a San Antonio based technology company, has agreed to provide up to $260,000 in cash and in-kind services over the potential five-year term of the agreement.
DOCUmation is a technology company providing network integration...
For the full article, visit: http://utsa.edu/today/2010/02/documation.html
UTSA's 26th annual Diploma Dash 5K race and fitness walk is Feb. 27
Marcia Mattingly, Communications Consultant, Office of Alumni Programs, 02/10/2010
The 26th annual UTSA Alumni Diploma Dash 5K San Antonio City Championship Race and Fitness Walk will feature a new course around the UTSA Main Campus on Saturday, Feb. 27. A host of community sponsors, UTSA alumni and volunteers promise a morning of exercise, great amenities and prizes. There will be door prizes, giveaways and extras for winners in 14 age categories. Proclaimed the San Antonio City Championship by Mayor Julian Castro, Diploma Dash proceeds benefit the Alumni Scholarship Fund, UTSA track student-athletes, and alumni programs and services.
>> The new racecourse is a certified, 5K flat and fast course for runners and a scenic...
For the full article, visit: http://utsa.edu/today/2010/02/diplomadash.html
Excellence in Service and Programming:
Communicate, Connect, Collaborate, Create
Thirteen sessions have been held since November, with staff attending from all departments. Please be sure to sign up to attend one of the six more workshops scheduled over the next 2 months if you have not attended yet. Staff has led valuable discussion and examples of 4 C's excellence and/or overcoming barriers to achieving excellence in their area.
Come share your own stories and help others understand our individual and group mission. Please coordinate with your supervisors to sign up for this mandated training as seating per session is limited.
Four C's Blog Announcement:
The Four C's blog-Excellence in Service and Programming - The Four C's is accessible to all staff. You can access and subscribe to it at the following link: http://excellencethefourcs.blogspot.com/.
We have created the blog in the hope that it will be a place where we can share ideas and present new perspectives. Please take this opportunity to continue the dialogue – communicate, connect and collaborate with each other-- to continue our exploration of living the Four C's to make Student Affairs the model of excellence in service and programming.
The Four C's on Facebook
You can also access the Four C's blog from your Facebook account by using the Networkedblogs app in Facebook. Try this link to get you started or contact an Education Team member to receive a Facebook invitation.
WE WELCOME ALL COMMENTS. Anonymous comments may be submitted by choosing that selection in the menu.
True Colors Reminder for New Staff to Student Affairs:
Are you Orange/Gold/Green/Blue or Gold/Blue/Green/Orange????? Set the record straight with co-workers who have guessed at your color spectrum. Be sure to sign up for the next True Colors® session to be held on April 12 in the UC Bexar Room. Coordinate with your supervisor to confirm attendance. See you there!
*****************************
Our True Colors initiative continues to reach individuals inside and outside of our division. Since January, our True Colors facilitators have engaged almost 500 students, staff and community members in learning more about their personality characteristics. These groups included: the UTSA Ambassadors, Campus Recreation and University Career Center student employees, students enrolled in business and counseling courses, student teachers including cooperating teachers within the city, Higher Education Administration Student Association (HEASA) members, Student Affairs employees, Student Affairs staff from Texas A&M—Corpus Christi, students and staff who attended the Association of Fraternal Leadership and Values Conference in St. Louis, and local church members.
In the future, training will be provided to University Programming Council (UCPC) members and staff from Chisholm Hall, University Oaks, Fiscal Services, and the University Police. Student Affairs employees will also have the opportunity to learn more about "brightening their colors" at our upcoming Student Affairs Conferences on March 31st and April 14th.
For those interested in requesting a True Colors session, please send your requests to VPSA@utsa.edu. We look forward to communicating and collaborating with you in a colorful way!
Photo Galleries
UTSA Ambassadors True Colors Workshop- January 2010
4 C's- January 6, 2010
Thirsty Thursdays/UCPC- January 14, 2010
UPS/Tech Store Dedication - January 14, 2010
Dr. Richard Lapchick Champions for Diversity Luncheon- January 21, 2010
Pat Berlet Retirement Celebration- January 26, 2010
Census 2010 Kick Off Party- February 19, 2010
Homecoming 2010 Golf Cart Parade- February 19, 2010
Homecoming 2010 - Rowdy Rampage / Fireworks Spectacular- February 19, 2010
Homecoming Family Association- February 20, 2010
Homecoming 2010 Family of the Year- February 20, 2010
Homecoming 2010 Basketball Game / Mr. & Ms. UTSA Court - February 20, 2010
Homecoming 2010 Luncheon- February 20, 2010
Homecoming 2010 Past SGA Presidents- February 20, 2010
Great Conversation - February 23, 2010
Athletics
Gibson tabbed Southland Conference Player of the Week
UTSA to head to Northwestern State for Wednesday night matchup
Dodd finishes fifth at JL Lewis Intercollegiate
Not your typical newcomer
UTSA looks to continue winning streak against Northwestern State
All Sport Schedule - Area Events
| Fri, Feb 26 | SB | North Texas vs. UC Riverside UTSA Invitational |
San Antonio, Texas | 4 p.m. |
| Fri, Feb 26 | BB | Indiana State | San Antonio, Texas | 6 p.m. |
| Fri, Feb 26 | SB | UC Riverside UTSA Invitational |
San Antonio, Texas | 6 p.m. |
| Sat, Feb 27 | MT | Abilene Christian | San Antonio, Texas | 10 a.m. |
| Sat, Feb 27 | SB | UC Riverside UTSA Invitational |
San Antonio, Texas | 11 a.m. |
| Sat, Feb 27 | SB | North Texas UTSA Invitational |
San Antonio, Texas | 1 p.m. |
| Sat, Feb 27 | BB | Indiana State | San Antonio, Texas | 2 p.m. |
| Sat, Feb 27 | SB | North Texas vs. UC Riverside UTSA Invitational |
San Antonio, Texas | 3 p.m. |
| Sat, Feb 27 | WBB | Lamar * | San Antonio, Texas | 4 p.m. |
| Sat, Feb 27 | BB | Indiana State | San Antonio, Texas | 5:30 p.m. |
| Sun, Feb 28 | SB | UC Riverside vs. North Texas UTSA Invitational |
San Antonio, Texas | 11 a.m. |
| Sun, Feb 28 | BB | Indiana State | San Antonio, Texas | 12 p.m. |
| Sun, Feb 28 | SB | North Texas UTSA Invitational |
San Antonio, Texas | 1 p.m. |
Business Procedures Tips
In the normal course of business, from time to time, there may be an expense incurred by an employee other than the traveler. If this happens, please include a BEF along with the reimbursement to document why someone other than the traveler is claiming reimbursement for that expenditure.
An example could be if a coach finds a low airfare for a student-athlete recruit and books the ticket to save money. A BEF would need to accompany the VP2 to reimburse the coach.
If you have questions, please contact Bob Miller or Jackie Hobson in the VPSA 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
Brain wellness is important too! The more you train your brain to innervate muscles that you don't normally use (maybe like reading holding the book in your left hand rather than your right) in a normal day, the more prepared your body will be to respond to random events/stimulus. You will also be training your brain and lessening the chance of the illnesses that come from your brains inability to function properly (i.e. dementia).
Heather Stark
Assistant Director of 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
Charlin Jones
See past Thank You Rowdy Recipients
To: Charlin Jones, Assistant Director of Special Events
From: Angela Hicks, Retail Manager, UC
Charlin,
Today I pass Thank You Rowdy to you! Without you I wouldn't even be in Student Affairs. It was through your mentorship, dedication, and belief in me as a student that lead me to Student Affairs. UTSA is a better place because of you! I am very privileged to have once walked in your shadow. Thank you for showing me that living with integrity and honor is the best way to lead your life.
With Love and Appreciation,
Angela
|
Angela and Charlin with Rowdy |
Kudos
From: Anne Jimenez- Assistant Dean of Students, Student Judicial Affairs
RE: SWACUHO Top 5 Program Award
Greetings,
Just sharing this good news. We presented the E.P.I.C. Journey Sanctioning Model yesterday in Austin at the SWACUHO conference. What a surprise to learn about this award this morning. Jennifer, Audriana and I presented the model, history and the experience and Misty presented on the mentor perspective and collaboration. Audrey, Lennon, Curtis, Jarvis and Dave were all attending the conference and I believe were present at the banquet where the award was announced.
Thanks to all of you for supporting the model, trainings, presentations and staff contributions on behalf of all of our departments. This is especially appreciated as we await IRB approval to move into the research phase.
Sincerely,
Anne
To: Mario Rios- Assistant Director of Campus Recreation Center
From: Barry McKinney- Director of Student Activities
RE: Kudos
Our thanks to Mario Rios for being such an outstanding team player with the Homecoming Rowdy Rampage Event. We rely on Mario to work with facilities to ensure the lighting is turned off for the fireworks, but Mario went above and beyond in his help this year. Our band was using the Rec Field House as a green room. Mario offered to escort the band to the field house and get them back on time. He was a great host to the band and was a perfect ambassador of UTSA. Our sincere thanks to Mario!
Barry McKinney
To: Aaron Fox and the Track Team
From: Barry McKinney- Director of Student Activities
RE: Thanks for your help
We want to take a moment to thank Aaron Fox and the Track Team for lending us the track for our Homecoming festivities on Friday night. The track team is in heavy practice for the conference tournament and they were willing to share their facility to ensure our Roadrunner Rampage Fireworks Spectacular was a huge success! We appreciate the coaches and the team for their flexibility. It was also very special to see our team practicing. If you haven't seen them, they are very fast! Our thanks to Patrick Grant as well for his help in the facilities for Homecoming. It is appreciated.
Thanks a million!
Barry
To: Barry McKinney- Director of Student Activities
From: Lynn Hickey- Assistant VP and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics
RE: Thanks for your help
Barry - - thanks for the note. We appreciate Coach Fox and his level of cooperation - - and for how good his team is! Thanks for the note on Patrick - - he works very hard for us and is a great resource.
Your crew did a great job in organizing the event and pulling everything off. It was a great evening on Friday and then Saturday pre-game also seemed to be a big success. Homecoming has come a long ways from my first one ten years ago. Please let your staff know how much we appreciate their hard work and dedication to this event. Also, please let us know in your follow up meetings if there is anything that you need for us to address and improve for next year.
It is really cool to have such a great team working together for a University event. Thank you for your leadership.
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NOTE:
Please submit all newsletter entries by 5:00 pm, Tuesday, March 9, 2010, to
VPSAmedia@utsa.edu