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Message from the Vice President

Dr. Gage Paine

 

“Teacher Leaves Fortune to UTSA” It’s a great headline, isn’t it? That was the top of the page headline in yesterday’s San Antonio Express-News and, during his State of the University speech yesterday, President Romo shared the rest of the story. It’s a great story for so many reasons.

For one thing, it’s romantic – a classic rags to riches kind of story. Miss Mary McKinney, the only child of a locomotive engineer father and housewife, has a chance to go to college and become a teacher. But clearly there is more to that sort of stereotypical story since it ends with a 22 million dollar estate. We’ll never really know what the exact combination of luck, smarts, frugality and generosity was that came together to result in such a wonderful gift. What is clear is that Miss McKinney had a gift that was nearly as unusual as the magnitude of her legacy – she was one of those rare people who saw a need and acted upon it. In case you missed the speech or the newspaper article, the earliest step on the road to yesterday’s announcement was her decision to take a few classes at UTSA. I was privileged to meet Miss McKinney once and it was clear that she was what we want students to become – she was a life-long learner. She was someone who enjoyed books and ideas and learning through her entire life. Her parents had given her an opportunity to attend college and she valued the experience.

The second step took place in the early 90’s when she stood in a registration line and overheard students talking about the challenges of paying for college. That’s when she exemplified a trait that I hope all of us will imitate – she didn’t just think the students were complaining, she didn’t just empathize and go on to get her classes sorted out. She saw a problem and knew she could help, so she found the person she needed to talk to and started the McKinney Fund with a donation of $4,000.

I don’t know how many students $4,000 would help in the early 90’s, but I do know it wouldn’t help everyone. She didn’t let that stop her either. How many times have we said ‘that issue’s too big; what can one person do?’ Well, it seems to me that Miss McKinney’s answer was that one person can do what one person can do. And that’s a lot better than nothing.

Over the years, I’ve come to believe that one of the most important and perhaps one of the most challenging leadership traits is the willingness to step up and try when we see something that needs to be done. It’s clearly an important trait for promotion – we can choose to do just our minimal job duties or we can take on additional responsibilities for the benefit of others and our organization. When we chose the latter, we exercise leadership no matter what title we hold.

Miss Mary McKinney held an honorable title – teacher. I don’t know if she saw herself as a leader, but she certainly was a teacher and the little we know about her quiet life of service can teach us many things. Thank you, Miss McKinney. Your gift will make a difference for students and UTSA for years to come.

Best wishes,
Gage

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Announcements/Departmental Events

Conversation Time with Gage:

To VPSA staff and friends. Come share your stories, thoughts or just come and listen. All are welcome and invited.

It will be held on Wednesday, October 13th in the UC Bexar Room (UC 1.102) from 12 – 1:30pm. Conversation Times are brown-bag lunch meetings with Gage. Please place these dates on your calendar and join in the conversation.

Upcoming Conversation Times:
October 13 (Wednesday), 12:00 – 1:30, Bexar Room, UC 1.102
November 17 (Wednesday), 12:00 - 1:30, Pecan Room, UC 2.01.26
December 14 (Tuesday), 12:00 - 1:30, Mesquite Room, UC 2.01.24

Since the conversations will not be exclusively on Tuesdays we have changed the name to “Conversation Time.” Also, you do not have to commit to all dates - come when you can.


The Office of Undergraduate Admissions is pleased to welcome new staff members

Daniel Canales has joined us in the new Systems Analyst II position. In this role, Daniel will work with the Application Development and Support team in OIT and Admissions, as well as serving as the primary programmer for Admissions, he will also be working on reporting and analysis to support Enrollment Management initiatives. Daniel earned both a BS in Computer Science and a BS in Mathematics from the University of Texas. In addition to his experience in database reporting and programming for PPD and Texas Parks and Wildlife, Daniel has worked as a high school math teacher.

 

Georgina Cervantes has joined us as our new Assistant Director of Admissions for Application Management. Amongst her varied responsibilities will be supervision of the newly organized Customer Service/Front-line Team, planning and implementation of the Holistic Review Process for the 2011 Freshmen Class, coordination of the Appeal Committee process, and serving as the Admissions CAP contact. Georgina earned an MA in Bicultural Bilingual Studies from UTSA in December 2009 and comes to us with over seven years of college admission experience. She most recently served as the Senior Regional Recruitment Coordinator for Texas Tech in San Antonio.

The Visitor Center is happy to announce the addition of Georgina Rodriguez as our new Administrative Associate. Georgina is a recent UTSA graduate and has worked in student activities and most recently in the Office of P-20 Initiatives. Georgina will be in charge of coordinating all high school group visits to campus as well as assisting with all on campus recruitment events. Georgina brings to the Visitor Center a friendly smile as well as her wonderful UTSA spirit and we are very excited to have her join our team!




FLU SHOTS AVAILABLE

at Student Health and Services
$12 students    $18 faculty/staff
SHS accepts UTSACard (with a balance), MasterCard, Discover Card, American Express, cash or check as payment. Bring your UTSACard.

RWC 1.500 ext. 4142        BV 1.308 ext. 2930




UCPC Activities



PDF of the Oct 8 - Oct 20 schedule




HELP A STUDENT ORGANIZATION SAVE LIDS TO SAVE LIVES

As you may be aware, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Zeta Tau Alpha's national philanthropy is breast cancer education and awareness, and ZTA is doing many different activities to raise money and to promote breast cancer awareness.

One of ZTA's flagship philanthropy programs is a partnership with Yoplait called Save Lids to Save Lives. For every pink Yoplait lid collected by ZTA, Yoplait will donate 10 cents to Susan G. Komen for the Cure and 5 cents to the Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation.

The Lambda Gamma chapter of Zeta Tau Alpha will have a box in the front of the Student Activities office to collect pink Yoplait lids. If you eat yogurt, we would really appreciate your help by dropping your pink lids in the box.


3rd Annual Gala Latina

Friday October 8, 2010
Doors Open 6:00 pm
Banquet ~ Keynote Speaker: Dr. Carmen Tafolla, Bicultural Bilingual Studies ~ Awards Presentation
Attire: Semi-formal or Formal
Tickets on sale now at utsa.edu/ice
UTSA Students $10
Non UTSA Students $15
*There is an additional service fee assessed by the online ticket agent




Downtown Career Fair



Public and private companies, as well as non-profit and government agencies, have been invited to participate in the UTSA University Career Center’s Fall 2010 All Majors Downtown Career Fair. Over 200 students and alumni will be in attendance, searching for internships and full-time professional employment opportunities.

Wednesday, October 13
1:30pm – 4:30pm
Southwest Room – Durango Bldg.

PDF to print and post


Fall 2010 Career Fair

There are 865 students and alumni who attended the Fall 2010 Career Fair on Thursday, September 23rd. Seventy-three employers representing a wide range of industries and professions networked and recruited attendees for a variety of full-time positions, part-time jobs and internships.

Two more Career Fairs are planned for the fall semester:

EVENT: Downtown Career Fair
DATE: Wednesday, October 13th
TIMES: 1:30 – 4:30 PM
LOCATION: Southwest Room (Durango Building)

EVENT: Educator Career Fair
DATE: Wednesday, November 3rd
TIMES: 8:30 – 11:30 AM
LOCATION: UC III Ballroom

Students and alumni are encouraged to dress professionally, bring their resume, and network with employers at these events!

For maximum effectiveness, participants are encouraged to attend a “Career Fair Prep” workshop prior to attending!


4th Annual Roadrunner Ruckus

Roadrunner Ruckus is at 8 p.m. next Friday, Oct. 15, at the Convocation Center. Admission is free. Date
Friday, Oct. 15, 2010

Time
7 p.m. - free food tasting, music, and games
8 p.m. - show starts

Location
Convocation Center

Performances
Men’s and women’s basketball teams, cheer and dance teams, Phi Beta Sigma fraternity

Other activities
Slam dunk contest, 3-point shooting contest, half-court shot

Admission
This event is free and open to all UTSA students and the general public


Create a Card




Join the Staff Networking Team as we make cards for The Fisher House for injured veterans and their families. Whether you have time to make one card or ten we would love to have your help.

Oct. 20: 10 am - 3pm

Oct. 22: 11am - 1pm

PDF to print and post





Staff Development Team
New to Student Affairs



PDF to print and post











Jennifer Preza Named Roadrunner of the Month



(Sept. 29, 2010) – The UTSA Student Leadership Center announces Jennifer Preza as Roadrunner of the Month for September 2010. Jennifer was nominated by Lisa Alonzo, Director of Orientation and Family Programs. Jennifer is from Katy, Texas where she graduated from Mayde Creek High School. She is currently a senior studying Art Education. With her degree, Jennifer would love to become an art teacher. She would like to have an impact on students in the same way her art teachers influenced her life.

As a Student Coordinator for Orientation and Family Programs, Jennifer has been an excellent example of leadership at UTSA. This summer she assisted with orienting 2,000 family members to UTSA while working as both the Family Coordinator and the Transfer/Camps Coordinator. According to Lisa Alonzo, “Jenn is an outstanding leader; she is hard working, full of UTSA spirit and her leadership goes beyond orientation programs”. Additionally Jennifer has taken a leadership role within her sorority, Alpha Sigma Alpha, by challenging and encouraging her fellow sisters. She sees her place on the Panhellenic Council as a way to take her chapter and Greek Life to the next level.

Continued...


Student Leadership Center sends students to the 2010 ¡Adelante! Leadership Institute and Recruitment Fair

(September 30, 2010) - The brand new Student Leadership Center on campus recently sent four UTSA students to the 2010 ¡Adelante! Leadership Institute and Recruitment Fair. This premier conference hosts students from across the country and provides many networking opportunities to build student confidence for today’s competitive job market. Students return to their campuses after developing their leadership and communication skills ready to make an impact in their community.

Continued...








National Association of Campus Activities (NACA) recognizes Be a Responsible Roadrunner (BARR) Program

Student Activities: More than Fun and Games
By Kelsey Bratcher, MA, The University ofTexas at San Antonio














Living on Campus

Many of you work with students on a daily basis, both current and incoming. As we assist these students and look toward the Spring Semester, University Oaks and Chisholm Hall would like to extend the option of living on-campus. Many times this is the perfect option for both transferring students and students who may be struggling due to their current living environments. Please be sure to pass along the benefits of living in an environment where they can Live, Learn, and Grow! For additional information, please contact Erin Cook at erin.cook@utsa.edu.


UTSA Women's Basketball Team Members Aid Habitat for Humanity

Jordan Korphage, Assistant Director of Athletics Communications, 09/22/2010


The UTSA women's basketball team traded working on the hardwood for working in hard hats Saturday, Sept. 11, helping Habitat for Humanity construct a house in the Palo Alto subdivision. The Roadrunners spent most of the day working on the exterior of the house, including framing, roofing and insulation.

"This is one of the most beneficial community service projects we've done," said head coach Rae Rippetoe-Blair ...


For the full article, visit: URL








Check out the Four C's blog: http://excellencethefourcs.blogspot.com/

Fall classes for Excellence in Service and Programming - Four C's are scheduled:

   
  Date                           Time              Room Locations            Deadline for Sign-Up   
      
  October 18, 2010        1:30 - 5:00   Harris Room/UC 2.212   10/11/2010








VPSA@utsa.edu




True Colors Logo

Keys to Communication – Using True Colors to Improve Understanding

Do you understand what I am saying/asking? This question seems to be at the core of many of our interactions. Effective communication is a tricky blend of how we perceive ourselves mixed with how others see us. Our mode of interacting with the world can often become automatic making it difficult to work on it as a continual improvement process. Communication is meant to be lived. It should be a life-long learning process. Are you stuck communicating the same way to everyone and getting decreasing results? Do you wish that you were better understood by others? True Colors can help us all improve in communication. With True Colors, we come closer to aligning the perceptions we have of ourselves with others view and vice versa. We approach people in communication styles that more closely resembles their own. These keys to communication assist us in practicing a different perspective. Attached is a worksheet to help get you started. Follow the steps below and read the keys attached to remind yourself to keep growing in communication and keep finding new ways to understand each others’ perspectives. Do you understand what I am saying?

Ways to Open Up Lines of Communication

Miscisin, M. Showing Our True Colors

Keys to Communication - PDF to print and post

Revised Lunch Session Time

Bring your lunch and join us for an afternoon of True Colors camaraderie! Brown Bag Sessions

Fall 2010 True Colors Training Schedule - Keys to Personal Success

October 14, 2010 1:30 - 5 p.m. UC Bexar Rm 1.102.

All new staff should speak with their supervisers to attend this training.



VPSA@utsa.edu



Photo Galleries

UTSA State of the University address reports on momentum toward Tier One - October 6, 2010


Photos

















True Colors for Freshman Seminar - October 5, 2010


Photos













Simply Scholarships Workshop - October 2, 2010

We had 199 people RSVP and 161 people sign-in, so our overall turnout rate was 81%!

Photos













Art Gallery 23 Dedication- September 29, 2010


Photos











True Colors Blue Brown Bag Lunch Sessions- September 27, 2010


Photos











Tailgate: Beat UT Arlington- September 23, 2010


Photos











UTSA Football Tailgate Party - September 16, 2010


Video











Fall 2010 Career Fair - September 23, 2010


Photos













Mr. Jim Bodenstedt, alumnus and 1st million-dollar donor to UTSA football - September 13, 2010


Video











Athletics

UTSA to compete at Mercedes-Benz Collegiate Championships this weekend

Career nights by Josserand, Witt lead UTSA to victory

Soza, Wilburn set pace in Roadrunners' third scrimmage

UTSA in search of third consecutive victory on Wednesday




All Sport Schedule - Area Events

Fri, Oct 8  SB  Northwestern State  San Antonio, Texas  7 p.m.
Sat, Oct 9  TN  UTSA Invitational  San Antonio, Texas  All Day
Sat, Oct 9  SB  St. Mary's (DH)  San Antonio, Texas  12 p.m.
Sat, Oct 9  VB  McNeese State
 San Antonio, Texas  1 p.m.
Sun, Oct 10  SB  Central Arkansas  San Antonio, Texas  12 p.m.
Sun, Oct 10  MT  UTSA Invitational  San Antonio, Texas  All Day
Fri, Oct 15  SB  Texas (DH)  Austin, Texas  6:30 p.m.
Sat, Oct 16  TN  Texas Play Date
 San Marcus, Texas  All Day
Sat, Oct 16  CC  Concordia Texas Invitational  Austin, Texas   8:45 a.m.
Sat, Oct 16  CC  Concordia Texas Invitational  Austin, Texas   8:45 a.m.
Sun, Oct 17  GB  Briggs Ranch Golf Club Lone Star Invitational  San Antonio, Texas  All Day
Sun, Oct 18  GB  Briggs Ranch Golf Club Lone Star Invitational  San Antonio, Texas  All Day
Thur, Oct 21  VB  Texas A&M-Corpus Christi  San Antonio, Texas  6:30 p.m.



Complete Schedule

GoUTSA

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Business Procedures Tips

briefcase

On Services Agreements, the project director you identify for the service should not be the same person as the authorized account signer in your department. Having this as two separate individuals follows segregation of duty protocol.

Should you have questions about Services Agreements or any other contracts, please contact Bob Miller.


New Bank for the Procurement Card

The bank providing services for UTSA’s Procard Program will be changing from JPMorgan Chase (“Chase”) to Citibank. The Texas Comptroller has established a new contract for the State’s Procurement Card program, and Citibank was the selected provider under the new contract. Most of Chase’s essential services will continue through February 28, 2011, based upon transition clauses in the contracts with both Chase and Citibank.

Cardholders and department administrators do not need to take any action at this time. Over the next two months, the Procard Office will begin working with Citibank and the Texas Comptroller’s Office to address the transition procedures necessary to implement the Citibank Procurement Cards. Future communication from the Procard Office will address these procedures.

To avoid any unnecessary transition between banks, the Procard Office strongly suggests that departments postpone their requests for new Procards while transition procedures are being developed. As UTSA begins the implementation phase of the new contract, the Procard Office will provide key implementation dates, such as the date new cards will be received, and the dates existing cards will terminate.

The Procard Office will continue with business as usual until further communication to begin implementation of Citibank Procurement Card Program is in place.

State of Texas Comptroller website http://www.window.state.tx.us/procurement/prog/charge-card/


Have a Business Procedures Tip to share? Please send it to Bob Miller.

For previous Business Procedures Tips, please visit the archive.

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Wellness Tips

What is MSG?

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is the sodium salt of glutamate combined with water and sodium. MSG is produced through a natural fermentation process, using molasses from sugarcane or sugar beets, as well as starch and corn sugar. To put things in perspective, the average human makes about 50 grams (g) of glutamate/day, consumes about 11 g/day from natural sources, and consumes less than 1 g/day from MSG. MSG is used to enhance the natural flavors of meats, poultry, seafood, snacks, soups, and stews. It often is used in Asian cuisine, as well.

Continued...


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 Judy Cadena

See past Thank You Rowdy Recipients


To:  Judy Cadena, Office of Associate Dean of Students
From:  Jared Jones, University Center


Today, I pass along “Thank You Rowdy” to you. You support UTSA Student Life with a great attitude and work ethic. You always find time to answer my questions, complete that extra design task or provide me with insightful comments on what technology or social media tool would be right for my program goals.

You have worked on at least 3 different web sites with me, and each one has been creative, engaging and on target. Thank you for always giving your best.

Warm Regards,

Jared Jones

Judy surprised by Thank You Rowdy

Jared present Judy with Rowdy

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Kudos

To: Ann Margaret Trujillo, Keri Shiplet, Charlin Jones, Sally Crouser, Kelsey Bratcher, Anne Jimenez, Tricia McElligott, Brian Jantz, and Nick Cioci

From: Jennifer Rames & VOICES Officers


Thank you for your service as drivers for the 17th Annual Babcock Road Cleanup! 260 students helped beautify our neighborhood on 9/24, and it would not have been possible without each of you.

Sincere Thanks,
Jennifer Rames & VOICES Officers


To: Kelsey Bratcher, Assistant Director, of Risk Education, Alcohol and Drug Programs, Student Activities

My name is Craig Smith. I am a Lieutenant with the Enforcement Division of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. My agency recently participated in the Party on the Paseo at The University of Texas at San Antonio.

I believe this project is worthy of the citizenship award. The project included members from the community and government. Organizations such as MADD and the Rape Crisis Center along with the TABC were present to interact with students and promote legal and responsible conduct.

The event was well planned and carried out. It was held at the same time as the traditional “College Night” at Fiesta. There was a large attendance of students who might have otherwise attended events where alcoholic beverages are consumed.

Education and prevention programs like Party on the Paseo meet the challenges of underage and irresponsible consumption of alcoholic beverages head-on.

I personally attended the Party on the Paseo and have no doubt that the program contributed to safety of the region both on the night of the event and in the future.

Thank you,
Craig Smith











From: Christopher Goldsberry, Financial Aid Outreach Specialist

Thank you so much to everyone who was involved in the 2nd Annual Simply Scholarships Workshop! We had an amazing event with an incredible turnout – not just on the part of students and families, but also by our neighboring universities, external organizations, and UTSA departments as well.

We had 199 people RSVP before the event, and 161 people signed in at the check-in table. That’s an 81% turnout, which is spectacular! Again, we could not have done this without such great partnerships, communication, and a willingness to serve our student community, which all of you so actively encompass. Our evaluations show that the attendees were exceptionally pleased with the event, as everyone was able to take some new information away in order to better prepare themselves for the college experience to come.

I cannot thank each of you enough for your participation, and I look forward to working with you again in the near future!

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NOTE:  Please submit all newsletter entries by 5:00 pm, Tuesday, October 19, 2010, to VPSAmedia@utsa.edu