Message from the Vice President
I attended the NASPA Region III Summer Symposium last week and wanted to share thoughts and ideas from some of the presenters.
My favorite speaker was NASPA President Elizabeth Griego who gave me much to think about.
- Dilemmas not problems. We have moved from problems to dilemmas in our work. According to Griego, responding to dilemmas needs different skills than solving problems. For example, dilemmas demand patience, sense-making, values clarification, and engagement with uncertainty. Responding to dilemmas also requires relationships and shared conclusions.
- Social Emotional Competence. Griego, who is also vice president for student affairs at the University of the Pacific, also talked about the importance of social/emotional competencies, which come from the work on social and emotional intelligence. Their National Center for Social and Emotional Competence is working on the development of a collegiate model for whole student learning which they define as excellence in the academic discipline and in interpersonal skills such as self-awareness, consideration, connection, and inspiration.
- Brain Science. She mentioned the work that is being done in the areas of brain development and learning theory and recommended that as an area of learning for all of us. (I started a new book on this trip called Quiet Leadership. Author David Rock starts by talking about just this topic and while I’ve just started this, I’m already in agreement with Elizabeth.)
- Community. To quote Griego “…for me, it’s the source of real happiness.” She went on to say that creating something with others in community has implications for happiness and then she shared a video about the “One Word Project” from her campus. Here’s a link to the web page -http://www.PacificOneWord.org/community
The other presentation I’d like to share with you was by Timothy Spraggins, Assistant Vice Chancellor, Diversity and Multicultural Affairs, at Auburn University at Montgomery. His presentation was entitled ‘From Professionals to Educators’ and his premise was that we should claim our role as educators on our campuses. I particularly liked this quote, “We are educators because of what we do; we are professional because of how we do it.” He also talked about the campus-- and I would add the entire community-- as one giant classroom, defining classroom as an experience rather than a place. He pulled much of his information from the NASPA/ACPA document Learning Reconsidered reminding me that though I find the rubrics overwhelming to implement, the concepts are important and worth re-reading.
The final thing he talked about is the most important reminder for me. He ended his presentation by saying we also need to move from educators to scholars, that we need to write, publish, consult, and teach. What he said, and what I saw in several presentations reminds me that though it takes time to write, it takes time to prepare great presentations and to write the proposals, we need to do it anyway. We are doing great work here at UTSA, much of it unique and sharing our experiences is one of the ways we achieve our vision of being leaders in the field of Student Affairs. All of us should look for opportunities to be educators-- not just of our students but of our colleagues as well. We need to present our ideas so that next time after a conference people are sharing these thoughts and ideas when they return to campus.
Best wishes,
Gage
Upcoming Conversation Times:
"I'd like to find a way to open up the opportunity for conversation again. This time I won't ask that you commit to being there on all dates; I'm just creating the space for conversations to happen. You can put it on your calendar as a meeting with the VPSA so you think it's important, but really all you have to do is come with a willingness to listen and to talk when you have something to say. We'll gather for about an hour and a half on three dates. There's no particular problem I'm trying to solve, but I know that the more we know each other and the more we know what we care about the better our work experience, the better our service to our students and each other, and the better our world."
--Gage
June 29 (Tuesday), 12:00 - 1:30, Hidalgo Room, UC 2.214
July 28 (Wednesday), 12:00 - 1:30, Hidalgo Room, UC 2.214
August 17 (Tuesday), 12:00 - 1:30, Pecan Room, UC 2.01.26
Announcements/Departmental Events
The Diabetes Expo is coming up Saturday, June 26th at the Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center. Free admission! The event is hosted by the American Diabetes Association. Click on to the link for more information contact Barbara Reyes.
Non-Perishable Food Collection for the SA Food Bank
I am pleased to announce that as a part of our 2010 Orientation Service project, non-perishable food collection for the SA Food Bank, we have officially filled our first two Food Bank bins in Chaparral Village and nearly filled a third one in Laurel Village. This is an outstanding achievement and a noteworthy accomplishment from our new students and their family members. Andrew Fulton from our office is working with Jennifer Lily and Housing to coordinate pick up of the food items this week (Thursday/Friday) or Monday. We will start with a fresh, empty cans next week and hope to fill them up each week here after.
Congratulations to all involved!
Thank you!
Lisa Alonzo, Director, Orientation and Family Programs
UTSA Student Affairs is now on Facebook and YouTube!
Check out our new Social Media Channels!
The Inclusion and Community Engagement Center introduces Roadrunner Connections!
Roadrunner Connections is a mentor program focused on helping students succeed in their first year at UTSA. Designed to support incoming freshman and transfer students with their transition to the academic and social environment at UTSA, Roadrunner Connections matches a faculty or staff mentor with a student mentee. This mentor – mentee partnership provides support and growth opportunities for both the mentor and the student mentee.
Roadrunner Connections is committed to developing positive and purposeful relationships between students and mentors by fostering transformative learning and providing a holistic approach to student engagement, retention and success at UTSA.
Being a mentor to a student in their first year at UTSA is an opportunity to give back to the campus community; to build community among participating mentors; and to encourage community involvement. It also provides support and growth opportunities mentors and mentees may not find otherwise.
Faculty, staff and administrators wanting to be mentors can access the Mentor Guide book and On-line Mentor Application at www.utsa.edu/ice/mentor. Applications to be a mentor are due July 16, 2010.
Students may also access the above link for a Mentee Guide book and Mentee Application. Student On-line Applications are due August 6, 2010.
Coordinators of the Roadrunner Connections Mentor Program are Marlon Anderson, Director and Ann Margaret Trujillo, Associate Director. They may be reached at 210.458.4770.
We look forward to seeing many Mentor Applications!
Get connected… Stay connected.
Summer 2010 Resource Information from the Registrar's Office
Ask me Summer 2010 PDF to print and post
Summer 2010 Time Grid PDF to print and post
Summer 2010 Contract Sheet PDF to print and post
Student Travel Update
Registration with International SOS is required for faculty, staff and students traveling internationally to an activity or event covered under the student travel policy. International SOS is a 24-hour medical, emergency, and security response organization. A full description of the services offered by International SOS including registration is available through the UT System portal at http://www.internationalsos.com. In the space indicated for log in, enter the UT System membership number – 11BSGC000037 to be connected to the International SOS Assistance Abroad website. See the Student Travel Process document at http://utsa.edu/students/travel/files/process.pdf for additional information or contact Carol Gonzalez, Student Ombudsperson at ext. 4040.
Remember the Times
Student Activities and Student Judicial Affairs is preparing for our annual Town Hall Meetings with organizations.
We are looking to showcase our faculty and staff members who were involved in organizations during their collegiate years to assist in establishing community among our students and staff.
If you have a photo from your college days where you are sporting your organization shirt or uniform and you would like to share with us…we would love to add you to our presentation.
It can be from Club Sports, Greek Life, Newspaper Association, Student Government, Honor Societies, etc!
Please email your photo, along with the following information, to Keri Shiplet by Monday, August 2.
With your picture, please include:
· Your Name
· Office/Department
· What Organization(s) you Participated in During your Collegiate Years
· Why You Were Involved on Campus
If you have questions about the project, please contact Kelsey Bratcher or call 458.4160.
Staff Networking Team Welcomes New Members
PDF to print and post
San Antonio Silver Stars recognize Lynn Hickey on Inspiring Women Night
06/08/2010
As part of the San Antonio Silver Stars Inspiring Women Night, UTSA Athletic Director Lynn Hickey was one of six San Antonio women honored for their personal and professional achievements at the Silver Stars May 22 game against the Los Angeles Sparks at AT&T Center.
"The other honorees were Johnson High School girls' basketball coach Audra Bredemeyer...
For the full article, visit: URL
Strike up the band: UTSA hires marching band director
Kris Rodriguez, Public Affairs Specialist, and Marianne McBride Lewis, Director of Public Affairs, 05/19/2010
Officials at The University of Texas at San Antonio said plans are in place to build a university marching band and announced the hiring of Ron Ellis as the inaugural director of the athletics band and assistant director of bands. The university's goal is to field a 150-member marching band and color guard in September 2011 when UTSA football begins. Over time the band will expand to 350 members.
"Ellis joins UTSA from the University of Central Florida in Orlando, where as a band director...
For the full article, visit: URL
UTSA students make origami cranes with children at Christus Santa Rosa Hospital
04/27/2010
For the full video, visit: URL
Four C's at Work
Please see Lisa Jurgajtis' note to Laura Munroe, Campus Recreation Center Director - Thank You Rowdy.
VPSA@utsa.edu
This summer many of our departments will welcome new staff members to their offices. Depending on their hire date, some may not attend a True Colors session prior to being characterized as a certain dominant color by their colleagues. Mary Miscisin and Ed Redard, M.D. have penned “Showing Our True Colors-The Poem.” Consider sharing it with your new staff members when they ask, “What’s this True Color thing?”
Knowing my True Colors
of Blue, Gold, Orange, or Green
a spectrum of hues and shades
perhaps a mixture in between
Allows me self expression
and validation for me
personal evolution
and flexibility
We may have things in common
recognizing traits we share
this rapport creates a bond
of understanding and care
Or, you may be completely different
with other colors shining bright
having contrary values and beliefs
doesn’t make us wrong or right
I understand my ways of doing things
may not be your cup of tea
I’m not asking you to like them
but to realize they are right for me
We may do things differently
in how we lead our life
forcing me to be like you
can create conflict, stress, and strife
When you are conscious of my desires
and keep and open mind
bringing out the best in me
is the treasure you will find
Tolerating the way I see things
can be a way to start
for trying to change my style and ways
can rob me of my part
Realize if I were the same as you
life would be monotonous
it’s when we appreciate our differences
we bring out the best in all of us
Whatever your color style
these are useful things to know
so share the concepts with everyone
and let your True Colors show!
Mary Miscisin is the author of SHOWING OUR TRUE COLORS, A Fun, Easy Guide for Understanding and Appreciating Yourself and Others.
(c) 2002 Mary Miscisin, All Rights Reserved. www.PositivelyMary.com Permission to duplicate this article is granted ONLY with the copyright and contact information intact.
Photo Galleries
Student Affairs Teams Recognition- May 20, 2010
Student Affairs Teams
Assessment Team
Lisa Blazer, Fred Hample, John Kaulfus, Elizabeth Stanczak
Awards and Recognition Team
Marlon Anderson, Pat Graham, Tiffani Hoot, Luisa Ramirez, Judy Moreno, Shirley Pipes, Keri Shiplet, Anne Macintosh Speights, Mike Zucker
Business Processes Team
Deby Bailey, Linda Edmundson, Herb Ganey, B.J. Gola, Bryan Hilburn, Jackie Hobson, Bob Miller, Trish Patnode, Shirley Pipes, Zenia Trevino
Education Team
Eric Cooper, Edna Dominguez, Donna Edmondson, Eliot Howard, Dee Kennedy, Jan McKinney, Marisol Scheer
True Colors Team
Eric Cooper, Tony Daniels, Edna Dominguez, Donna Edmondson, Carol Gonzalez, Eliot Howard, Misty Kelley, Dee Kennedy, Jan McKinney, Michelle Montanio, Keith Pilger, Paul Remmert, Marisol Scheer
Staff Development Team
Tabitha Byrne, Tammy Casas, Eric Cooper, Erika Cox, Edna Dominguez, Claudia Giliberti, Jackie Hobson, Anne Jimenez, Kendra Kliesen, Steve Kudika, Gabriel Mendiola, Shirley Rowe, Keri Shiplet, Anne Macintosh Speights
Staff Networking Team
Adriana Alicea-Rodriguez, Sally Crouser, Amy Dalrymple, Jan Daniels, Jennifer Ehlers, Cie (Ginnifer) Gee, Re’Shanda Grace-Bridges, Tracy Hunt, Charlin Jones, Yvonne Jones, Misty Kelley, Jennifer Lilly, Michelle Montanio
Writing Team
Kim Arrendell, Lisa Blazer, Eric Cooper, Anne Jimenez, Jennifer Lilly, Bob Miller, Mark Munguia
2nd Annual Student Affairs Jamboree - June 11, 2010
Counseling Services participates in New Student Orientation - June 8, 2010
Athletics
Dalton tabbed second-team NCBWA Freshman All-American on Monday
Griffin wins Amateur Public Links Qualifier on Tuesday
Benford places 13th at NCAA high jump on Friday
UTSA agrees to home-and-home series with Louisiana Tech
All Sport Schedule - Area Events
Business Procedures Tips
Please reference the attached PDF memo from Accounting Services for important Accounting End-of-Year (EOY) dates, noting the deadlines for account corrections as we near the end of the fiscal year.
More information about EOY Workshops will be forthcoming from Business Affairs.
Have a Business Procedures Tip to share? Please send it to Bob Miller.
For previous Business Procedures Tips, please visit the archive.
Wellness Tips
The U.S. National Library of Medicine offers these suggestions to lessen stress and reduce your chances of a headache: Get plenty of sleep every night. Maintain a healthy diet, including staying away from junk food. Don't smoke. Get plenty of regular exercise. Stretch your neck, shoulders and upper body frequently. This is particularly important if you work all day at a desk or computer. Maintain good posture. Practice meditation, yoga or deep breathing techniques.
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
Laura Munroe
See past Thank You Rowdy Recipients
To: Laura Munroe, Campus Recreation Center
From: Lisa Jurgajtis, Campus Recreation Center
Laura,
And now Thank you Rowdy moves over to Laura Munroe, who is my supervisor AND a remarkable leader of the Student Affairs Department - Campus Rec. I give Laura this Thank you Rowdy because she has so much dedication for the Student Affairs area and she has a great outlook for this department’s future. She gives everyone a chance to be creative in his or her respective area in our department. She also advocates that we instill the Four C’s vision, as she let me collaborate with the Athletics Department at the 2010 Women’s Final Four. Laura, for all of the above and for the future moments of working with you, I thank you for being an inspiring leader.
Thank you,
Lisa Jurgajtis
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Lisa surprised Laura with Rowdy |
Passing on Rowdy to Laura |
Kudos
To: Sally Bench - Director of Registration and Records, Registrar Office
From: Joleen Reynolds - Director of Testing Services, Testing Center
RE: Appreciation for the Support of Classroom Scheduling Staff
I just wanted to send a note and let you know what a great job the classroom scheduling staff Donald Swinson and David Spangler consistently do for the Testing Services office and all the faculty and student initiatives we help support.
Don and David educate and remediate my mistakes on Resource 25 but they also do their best to respond when faculty e-mail me as they did last night with an urgent need for an extra Accounting (PACE) exam in the BB on Friday.
David Spangler also us recently on the Math Boot Camp project to obtain rooms in conjunction with Dr. Dyas in the Math department. Planning for this project was being done at the last minute due to funds being cut and other projects taking priority.
Another last minute request was from the Law School Admission Council to administer a rare, Monday afternoon LSAT on June 7th due to overflow in the San Antonio area.
While most testing is planned months to a year or more in advance; there are a number of special projects that also pop-up and while I don’t expect that space will always be available or ideal, I do appreciate the attitude of service and cooperation that I always find in the classroom scheduling staff.
I couldn’t accommodate faculty and students without classroom scheduling and I really can’t say enough about their support.
Thank you!
Joleen Reynolds
Director of Testing Services
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NOTE:
Please submit all newsletter entries by 5:00 pm, Tuesday, June 29, 2010, to
VPSAmedia@utsa.edu