Message from the Vice President

Dr. Gage Paine

“Until you dig a hole, you plant a tree, you water it and make it survive, you haven't done a thing. You are just talking.” -Wangari Muta Maathai, activist and Nobel laureate (b. 1940)

My dad loves pecans. He’s willing to sit and shell them by the bucket load to be certain there are enough pecans for whatever baking project needs them. In most of the places we’ve lived over the years, he has planted pecan trees. However, it takes awhile for a pecan tree to mature enough for the tree to bear fruit, and in every case we moved before my dad had a chance to shell any pecans from his own trees. But thanks to him – in several different backyards in Oklahoma City - there are huge pecan trees dropping pecans for other people to enjoy because my father was willing to plant a pecan tree in the hope of one day shelling his own pecans.


In many ways our work is like my dad’s pecan tree planting efforts. Here are two examples. In one case it is the trees that move on. We work with people across campus in support of their varied goals for the future and they move on and share the fruit of the time spent with us someplace else. Planting a tree is both a literal act of making the world a better place and a symbolic act of hope for the future. So is working in a university. Day-by-day in our work, as we support students in their endeavors and create opportunities for them to learn and grow, we are nurturing them and believing in their futures. Simultaneously, they are in the very act of creating those futures


There’s a second way the work we are doing is like tree planting. UTSA is also a tree that we are nurturing. The work we do is both here-and-now and future-oriented. The work we do today is important for its own sake and sets the direction for a future we can’t see and may not be part of. Yet, like planting a tree for others to enjoy, that future-orientation is an essential part of what we do.


There may be as many ways to take this metaphor as there are branches on the tree. Each of us has a life that reaches in many directions; so our lives may be seen as trees we are tending. Or, we can understand that as each of us brings our own ideas and energy and care to our work, we are the nutrients that help this UTSA tree grow. Now it is quite possible to get a little carried away with the metaphor (aren’t you glad I didn’t say ‘get a little nutty’?). However, these ideas do make another point: it is important to pay attention to our own growth, both as human beings and in support of the work that we do.


The division of Student Affairs through the excellent work of the Staff Development Team is providing an opportunity for each of us to learn and to grow through the Student Affairs Conference - held March 31st and April 14th. I encourage everyone to talk with their supervisors and make arrangements to take advantage of the wonderful experience in support of our personal and professional growth.


Thank you for all the work you do to support all the ‘trees’ of UTSA. Keep on planting.

Best wishes,
Gage*


*After I submitted my essay, I found an article by Paul Rogat Loeb that ended with this paragraph. So in case you haven’t heard of Wangari Muta Maathi, here’s a bit of her story.

"The chains of influence created by this stream of human courage almost always have humble beginnings. A few years ago I heard a talk by Wangari Maathai, the Kenyan Nobel Peace Prize winner. She described attending a small Catholic college in Atchison, Kansas, where she engaged in conversations about social justice that were critical to her transformation into a social activist. Both fellow students and faculty opened up new worlds to her. They got Maathai thinking about what needed to be done and what she could do. After returning to Kenya to become the first East African woman to get her Ph.D. at the University of Nairobi, she founded the Green Belt Movement, which has planted 40 million trees in an effort to reduce soil erosion. She also challenged the dictatorship of Daniel Arap Moi, demanding multi-party elections and an end to political corruption. The government imprisoned and violently attacked her, but a year after Maathai won the Peace Prize she was elected the first president of the African Union's Economic, Social and Cultural Council. None of this would have happened, she said, were it not for the conversations with those who'd inspired her when she was in college."

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Welcome New Staff to Student Affairs

Earlene Gonzales named director of UTSA Child Development Center

University Communications, 03/22/2010



The UTSA Office of Student Life announces Earlene Gonzales has been named director of the Child Development Center (CDC). Gonzales joins UTSA with more than 20 years of relevant experience including serving the last 12 years as the director of the Early Childhood Center at San Antonio College.

"We are very fortunate to have someone of Earlene's caliber ....

For the full article, visit: http://utsa.edu/today/2010/03/earlenegonzales.html


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We welcome Ms. Melissa Vasquez to the new role of Media Designer in the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs. Melissa’s position responsibilities include providing creative design of Student Affairs printed and on-line materials. Beginning with this issue, she will be producing this newsletter. She will be working with department representatives and Stacy Pena, division web coordinator, to add creative changes to the on-line newsletter and web presence. She will also share photographer duties with me! Melissa possesses a Bachelor’s degree in graphic design and is close to completing a Master’s degree in instructional technology from UTSA. She has held positions as multimedia specialist for Alamo Colleges, private academy technology teacher, and adjunct faculty member at the University of the Incarnate Word.    -Edna Dominguez

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The Office of the Registrar would like to welcome Sandra Smith to our team. Sandra has worked at UTSA since 2005. During that time, she has worked in the Offices of Admissions and Registrar. We are excited she has decided to fill the position of Records Technician I. Welcome back, Sandy!

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Announcements/Departmental Events

Student Affairs Conferences

Registration for this year's Student Affairs Conference is in full swing. Attached is the conference brochure with room assignments for the March 31 conference. If you have already registered, you can check your TX class list on UTDirect to find confirmation of your session selections. In case you do not know how to access the UTDirect system, we will email you instructions before the date you have registered for the conference.


Beginning Monday, March 29th, we will be posting the brochure amendment with biographies of the presenters on our Staff Development website: http://utsa.edu/students/teams/pdt/staffdev.html.
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.


UCPC Activities



PDF of the March 25 - April 9 schedule




Student Affairs Award Ceremony

May is quickly approaching, and it's just about that time again to start nominating deserving individuals and or teams for awards. This year, the Student Affairs Award Ceremony will be held on May 17th from 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM, so book your calendars! Nomination forms for the following awards will be available starting March 15 – April 30, in the Awards and Recognition Team webpage, www.utsa.edu/students/teams/pdt/ar.html.

  1. Outstanding Student Employee Award
  2. Support Staff Award
  3. New Professional Staff Member Award
  4. Outstanding Student Affairs Team Award
  5. Transformational Student Affairs Leadership Award

Much of the criteria from last year has changed, so please review each award carefully and follow the directions on the nomination form. For any questions regarding the nomination process, please contact Luisa Ramirez at 210.458.2910 or e-mail to luisa.ramirez@utsa.edu.

On behalf of the Awards & Recognition Team, we hope to see you in May at the Award Ceremony and reminisce on what a wonderful year it has been so far.


STAFF NETWORKING

The Colleges’ Freshman Advising Center announces their tour this Friday, March 26th! (see attached flyer)

Upcoming Staff Networking Team Tours/Open Houses:


April 7th – Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs (see attached flyer)

May 6th – College of Science Undergraduate Advising Center

May 12th – College of Liberal and Fine Arts Advising Center

The Staff Networking Team creates opportunities for tours/open houses. At each event, a handout card is given so that you as a Student Affair’s staff member can build a rolodex of cards for all the offices you work with. If you have missed a tour, or misplaced a card, you may view all the handout cards via this link:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/utsapdt/sets/72157623561333154/show/

Please visit the Student Affairs Professional Development website for more information on the Staff Networking Team:

http://utsa.edu/students/teams/pdt/staffnetwork.html


University Career Center

College of Liberal & Fine Arts Career Expo
On behalf of The College of Liberal and Fine Arts (COLFA) Advisory Council Advancement Committee, the UTSA University Career Center invites you to participate in the Spring 2010 COLFA Career Expo.


Spring 2010 COLFA Career Expo: 9:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.


We encourage students to come explore the many career paths available to COLFA majors. Students will get to hear about opportunities related to all aspects of COLFA career development.

• Find ways to build your resume by getting involved with COLFA-related student organizations.
• Collect information about Professional Organizations related to your career interests.
• Listen to the ins and outs of the graduate/law/medical school admissions process.
• Learn about all of the wonderful certification programs that are offered here on campus.
• Engage in conversations with employers who offer valuable advice on how to apply your degree to their industry and what they look for in a qualified candidate.

This is not a job fair, but rather a chance for students to explore the career paths, academic pathways and professional development opportunities available to help them enter their profession of choice.


However, it is important to dress professionally and bring plenty of resumes, because these conversations have the potential of connecting UTSA students to future (or current) jobs.


Continued...


2nd Annual Party on the Paseo!

This April 22, 2010 marks the 2nd Annual Party on the Paseo! UTSA is celebrating FIESTA style with free food, a concert and games. Party on the Paseo provides a safe, fun, and educational environment that allows students to gather in an alcohol-free space. Information will be available to students on the risks and consequences of drinking, alcohol abuse and dependence, other drug use, and sexual health and responsibility. Last year’s inaugural event reached 2,000 students.

PDF to print and post

UTSA RowdyStock music festival is March 27 at Main Campus

Omar Hernandez, Public Affairs Specialist, 03/23/2010



The UTSA Campus Activity Board will host the annual RowdyStock concert from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, March 27 at the Convocation Center east lawn on the Main Campus. Free and open to the public, there will be refreshments, food, raffles and the opportunity to turn in your U.S. Census form.

The all-day music festival is inspired by Woodstock, featuring multiple bands including the Nappy Roots,....

For the full article, visit: http://utsa.edu/today/2010/03/rowdystock.html


UTSA Student Government Association announces election winners

Barry S. McKinney, Director of Student Activities, 03/22/2010



The UTSA Student Government Association (SGA) announced March 11 the winners of the March 9-10 elections. One thousand eight hundred sixty-seven (1,867) or 6.8 percent of eligible UTSA students voted in the election.

"Derek Trimm, a junior finance major from Spring, was elected SGA president for the 2010-2011 academic year....

For the full article, visit: http://utsa.edu/today/2010/03/sgaelection.html



UTSA Athletic Director Lynn Hickey still paving way

Joshua Kinder, The Manhattan Mercury, 03/23/2010



OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. -- Lynn Hickey spent only a short time in Manhattan, but her five seasons as Kansas State's women's basketball coach set her down a career path only a few women in sports have ever traveled.

"Hickey, who led the Wildcats to a pair of Big Eight championships...


For the full article, visit: http://utsa.edu/today/2010/03/hickeyncaa.html


Kelsey Bratcher receives prevention leadership certificate at national institute

Barry McKinney, Director of Student Activities, 03/23/2010



Kelsey Bratcher, UTSA assistant director for risk education, attended the first-of-its-kind Certificate in Prevention Leadership Institute in February at Georgetown University.

The Professional Development Institute is a unique leadership development program offering a certificate in prevention leadership....

For the full article, visit: http://utsa.edu/today/2010/03/kelseybratcher.html




Rios hair salon opens at University Center on UTSA Main Campus

Jared Jones, Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications, University Center, 03/16/2010



The University Center announces the opening of Rios Golden Cut Salons at the UTSA Main Campus. Rios salons have been a part of San Antonio since the 1980s, and the UTSA community now can visit their newest location at the University Center next to Frost Bank on the paseo.

"As we researched services to have in the UC, a hair salon quickly emerged as a top choice among students," ....

For the full article, visit: http://utsa.edu/today/2010/03/riossalons.html


VIDEO: UTSA Diploma Dash 5K 2010 is another record breaker

Marcia Mattingly, Communications Consultant, Office of Alumni Programs, 03/11/2010



A beautiful sunny morning and a new course around the UTSA campus enticed a record 1,345 runners and walkers to register for the 26th annual Diploma Dash 5K on February 27. Sponsored by the UTSA Alumni Association, the Diploma Dash is the San Antonio City Championship, and runners, walkers and fitness fanatics showed up to enjoy a morning of exercise, music, health advice, prizes, many sponsor booths and door prizes. Proceeds from the race benefit the UTSA Alumni Scholarship Fund and alumni programs and services.

Mistress of ceremonies was Monica Taylor '98 of KABB-TV news....

For the full article, visit: http://utsa.edu/today/2010/03/postdipdash.html


'We Are UTSA' communication campaign expands to TV

University Communications, 03/4/2010



UTSA recently launched a communication campaign in print, outdoor, Internet and broadcast advertising venues. The campaign introduces the many aspects that define UTSA and features students.

The television portion was launched in early February with the first spot titled, "We Are UTSA." ....

For the full article, visit: http://utsa.edu/today/2010/03/weareutsa.html



Four C’s Announcement

It’s been a busy semester and we have only 3 sessions left—April 5, April 8, and April 16! If you haven’t taken a Four C’s class yet, please be sure to speak with your supervisor to schedule this mandatory training for all non-student staff.

We look forward to exploring how to achieve excellence in service and programming while identifying and overcoming our barriers in more depth through future department consultations.

Thank you for all the thoughtful discussion, sharing of ideas and committing to fulfilling our vision of being a "leader in the development of a dynamic and diverse culture that facilitates learning and engages students.

- The Education Team


True Colors Logo

Seeing the QEP in Color

Two big topics that everyone seems to be talking about just occurred to me as worth considering together: The Quality Enhancement Plan and True Colors. A major concept within True Colors is that each color perspective can be relevant and helpful to understanding any given issue – moreover that considering multiple color perspectives adds further depth of understanding. As with most things designed to enrich our students’ experiences at UTSA, the QEP can be appreciated and championed by each of the color perspectives. Here are just a few examples of ways in which each of the four color perspectives can get excited about The Plan:


Golds appreciate that the QEP is providing a structural framework to organize implementation of the Blue Ribbon Committee’s recommendations. They see it as good sense that the QEP is a planned process aligning with the UTSA’ Strategic Plan and with the SACS reaccreditation process.


Oranges are optimistic about the new adventure that the QEP represents, that it will entail a re-tooling some of our curriculum and that it moves us toward our vision of being a premier research institution.


Blues love the QEP as a means to take even better care of our students. They appreciate that it is a collaborative process and incorporates support for faculty as they redesign courses and assessments.


Greens respect that the plan calls for adopting existing best practices, that it emphasizes assessment, evaluation and continuous improvement.


Certainly there are lots of other ways in which each of the color perspectives will appreciate the QEP. Some of those listed above are highlights for more than one color. Take these brief comments for what their worth and think about how you can more fully appreciate and support the QEP from your unique color perspective. Then for extra credit, ponder the True Colors of quantitative reasoning ;)


Eliot Howard

Education Team & True Colors Facilitator


True Colors Reminder

The next Student Affairs True Colors Introductory Session will be held on April 12 in the UC Bexar Room, UC 1.102 from 1:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Please be sure to mark your calendar. If you are a new staff member (non-student) please speak to your supervisor as soon as possible so that you don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn and practice our division’s common language!



Photo Galleries

Thirsty Thursdays/BARR- March 11, 2010

Photos


Open Houses- March 17, 2010

Photos


Athletics

Stratmann named Southland Conference Player of the Week

North Texas edges UTSA, 4-3

Roadrunners to hit road for final time this weekend


All Sport Schedule - Area Events

 Fri, Mar 26  BB  Sam Houston State *  San Antonio, Texas  6 p.m.
 Sat, Mar 27  BB  Sam Houston State *  San Antonio, Texas  2 p.m.
 Sun, Mar 28  BB  Sam Houston State *  San Antonio, Texas  1 p.m.
 Tue, Mar 30  SB  Texas  San Antonio, Texas  4 p.m.
 Tue, Mar 30  SB  Texas  San Antonio, Texas  6 p.m.
 Fri, Apr 2  WT  Lamar *  San Antonio, Texas  11 a.m.
 Fri, Apr 2  MT  Arkansas-Pine Bluff  at Beaumont, Texas  3 p.m.
 Fri, Apr 2  SB  Southeastern Louisiana *  San Antonio, Texas  4 p.m.
 Fri, Apr 2  SB  Southeastern Louisiana *  San Antonio, Texas  6 p.m.
 Sat, Apr 3  WT  McNeese State *  San Antonio, Texas  11 a.m.
 Sat, Apr 3  SB  Southeastern Louisiana *  San Antonio, Texas  12 p.m.
 Fri, Apr 9  BB  Stephen F. Austin *  San Antonio, Texas  6 p.m.



Complete Schedule

GoUTSA

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Business Procedures Tips

briefcase This issue, for the Business Procedures Tip, WE want to hear from YOU! Please share what you would like to see addressed in Business Procedures Tips, questions you may have about the tips, feedback you have about the tips, etc. We want to hear your feedback so we can make the Business Procedures Tips applicable and relevant to your daily work.


Email comments, questions, suggestions, etc., to Bob Miller.


For previous Business Procedures Tips, please visit the archive.

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Wellness Tips

1. Two-thirds of the weight of healthy adults is made up of water and we need 2 - 3 liters of fluid every day to keep our bodies well-hydrated. This is more or less the amount of fluid we lose every day through excretion, breathing and sweating.

2. Drinking regularly throughout the day is the best way to keep well-hydrated. This is because our bodies can’t store extra water.

3. Dehydration can put a strain on your body. For instance, as you get more and more dehydrated, your heart has to work harder at pumping the “thicker” blood round the body.

4. Dehydration affects brain power too! Things like decision making, reaction times, concentration, skill delivery and general inaccuracies in what you are doing can all take a nose-dive. Just think about this is in terms of driving a car or riding a bike, apart from the effect on what you are doing at home, work, school or college.

5. If you feel thirsty, you are already dehydrated. It is therefore not the best indicator of how hydrated you are.


Heather Stark
Assistant Director of Fitness & Wellness
Campus Recreation
heather.stark@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 Gary Handy

See past Thank You Rowdy Recipients


To:  Gary Handy, Office of Student Activities
From:  Ann Margaret, Office of Inclusion and Community Engagement Center

Gary,

Today I pass Thank You Rowdy on to you. We have worked over the past few months as Co-Chairs on an area project and you have made it a very pleasant experience. You have been attentive to the responsibilities and tasks, even in a time when you had many other things happening with Greek Life. You have also been supportive of other events that are sponsored by the ICE Center. In addition, you are working with students on a newly established organization, the National Pan-Hellenic Council. Starting something new can be difficult, but, I have heard the students saying some good things about you and your work with the Council. Thank you for everything you do to make UTSA great!

Sincerely,
Ann Margaret

Rowdy gets passed on.....

Congratulations, Gary receives Rowdy.

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Kudos

From: Office of Student Financial Aid/Enrollment Services

The following UTSA staff members did a wonderful job speaking at our Student Financial Aid/Enrollment Services Spring Break conference: David Longoria, Jesica Gierke, Alfredo Moncada, Kim Canady, Erika Cox, Tracy Hunt, Shirley Banez, Yvette Mata, Gabe Mendiola, Mark Aguero, Diana Martinez

We also appreciate Bryan Hilburn, Amy Alvarez, and Claudia Shakoor for supplying snacks and water, as well as April Gonzalez and Gail Carbajal for setting up the event.

Sincerely,
Office of Student Financial Aid/Enrollment Services


To: Dr. Pat Graham - Executive Director, Special Events

From: John Kaulfus - Associate Director Housing OPS, Housing and Residence Life

RE: Outstanding Advisor of the Year  at the District 4 ASAP (Affiliated Student Advancement Programs) conference

Kudos to Dr. Pat Graham for being named the Outstanding Advisor of the Year  at the District 4 ASAP (Affiliated Student Advancement Programs) conference last weekend in El Paso.  District 4 is comprised of the following states:  Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana.  The last two sentences of her nomination letter, written by one of the Ambassadors, sum it all up the best – “Dr. Graham is more than an adviser; she’s our mentor, our counselor, our cheerleader, and finally our friend. That is what Dr. Graham means to all of us and why she truly is the most outstanding adviser there is.” conference last weekend in El Paso.  District 4 is comprised of the following states:  Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana.  The last two sentences of her nomination letter, written by one of the Ambassadors, sum it all up the best – “Dr. Graham is more than an adviser; she’s our mentor, our counselor, our cheerleader, and finally our friend. That is what Dr. Graham means to all of us and why she truly is the most outstanding adviser there is.”

Thank you!
John Kaulfus



RE: A Kudos to Bob Miller

From: Daniel Wheeler

Sent: Friday, March 12, 2010 8:21 AM

To: Julius Gribou

Subject: Re: UTSA presentations/sessions

.... Bob Miller from Student Affairs has been outstanding - I wish other places were as easy to work with and as timely.


Daniel W. Wheeler
Higher Education Consultant
Professor Emeritus and Former Head
Ag Leadership, Education and Communication
University of Nebraska-Lincoln


To: Stacy Pena- Website Coordinator for Student Affairs, Registrar-SIS

From: Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs

RE: VPSA Newsletter Contribution

Kudos and a sincere Thank You to Stacy Pena, Student Affairs Web Coordinator, for producing the newsletter for the past 15 months. During this time, Stacy initiated format changes in response to staff preferences identified in a divisional survey to increase readability, photo formatting, and other features. She made many behind-the-scenes improvements as well, always with a cooperative spirit and while busy working on her web duties. We look forward to her new contributions towards redesigning the Student Affairs web presence.

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NOTE:  Please submit all newsletter entries by 5:00 pm, Tuesday, April 6, 2010, to VPSAmedia@utsa.edu