June 26, 2008

 

 

Staff News

 

 


 

In This Issue: 

Message from the Vice President

Announcements/Events  

Departmental News

"Getting To Know You"...

Thank You Rowdy Travels Across Student Affairs

Kudos


Message from Gage E. Paine, Vice President for Student Affairs

 

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. 

The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” 

 

I Can Read with My Eyes Shut

 

I spent last week at Tulane University in New Orleans for this year’s SACSA/NASPA Region III New Professionals’ Institute.  At the end of the institute a group of participants gave me this quote.  It was a great quote for the institute, especially since I shared some of my children’s books with them.  But it is also a great quote for education in general.

 

This week reminded me once again how important it is that we are intentional about being life-long learners.  If we don’t spend some time on our own growth and learning that part of our life can easily get pushed to the side.

 

"You have feet in your shoes.

You can steer yourself

any direction you choose.

You’re on your own.

  And you know what you know.

And YOU are the guy

who’ll decide where to go.”

 

Oh, the Places You’ll Go

 

So, stop for a moment and think about your sources of ‘things to know.’  In our busy world, many of us have tried and true places to gain information about things we care about or are interested in.  But sometimes when we get busy we can find ourselves only going to the same sources and without knowing it our world narrows instead of widening.  If our only source of news is one TV station and the local newspaper, we’ll miss huge areas of the world and we’ll miss ideas we disagree with or issues we never heard of before.  If we only visit with our family or the only people we know on campus are in our office, we lose the chance to hear a different perspective or see things through another’s eyes.

 

“I do not like

green eggs and ham!

I do not like them

Sam-I-am.

 

You do not like them.

So you say.

Try them! Try them!

And you may.

Try them and you may, I say.”

 

Green Eggs and Ham

 

And what are we reading- the same magazine every week or always books from the same genre?  I love mystery novels and science fiction so those sections of the bookstore are where I always head first.  But when I travel, I love the big airports with good bookstores.  It’s there that I’m mostly likely to see and pick up a random assortment of books that catch my eye.  And while I do read non-fiction, I learn a lot from novels when I’m willing to read widely.  (Just recently I gave my husband a reasonably accurate thumbnail sketch of the life of Napoleon.  I knew this information not from my college course in French history or from reading a biography of Napoleon and Josephine.  I knew it from reading the novel Desiree when I was a teenager.)

 

“Think left and think right

and think low and think high.

Oh, the THINKS you can think up

if only you try.”

 

Oh, the Thinks You Can Think!

 

So where are you finding ‘things to know’ and ‘thinks to think’?  Take a moment to identify your list and if it seems repetitious or narrow, try something different this week.  Maybe open a different section of the newspaper, or walk to a different shelf in the library or bookstore, or even start a conversation with someone you don’t know well. 

 

Our commitment to education shouldn’t be just about the students we meet; it should also be about us and our education, our learning, our growth and development. 

 

“So you see!

There’s no end

To the things you might know,

Depending how far

beyond Zebra you go!”

 

On Beyond Zebra.

 

Best wishes,

Gage

All quotes from Seuss-isms:  Wise and Witty Prescriptions for Living from the Good Doctor 

Top 

 


 

Announcements/Events

 

Dr. Gage Paine was the director for this year’s New Professionals Institute (NPI), held at Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana from June 16 through June 20. 

NPI is the preeminent professional development opportunity for new student affairs professionals in the south. Co-sponsored by NASPA Region III and SACSA, NPI is an intensive, interactive week of learning, sharing, networking and professional and personal development. This unique opportunity allows new professionals to draw on their first years of experience to improve their effectiveness and to learn from others. It is a time of professional and personal renewal and assists new professionals in the development of their careers.

UTSA’s Bryan Heard, Athletic Certification Specialist, Registrar Office, was one of the participants, all of whom come from all areas of student affairs: student activities, orientation, career services, residential life, recreation, judicial affairs, admissions, Greek affairs, counseling, international services, and more.

From Bryan Heard:

NPI was a wonderful professional experience. The institute provided a unique setting in which the faculty and participants were able to explore the issues, solutions, and challenges facing Student Affairs’ Administrators. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to network with so many colleagues and mentors, and I am looking forward to applying what I learned here at UTSA.

 

Dr. Paine with  fellow faculty members

Bryan Heard (3rd from L) with fellow participants

 


 

 

Misty Kelley and Tom Baez Attend NASPA and SACSA MMI-Mid Manager’s Institute at Eastern Kentucky University June 7-12.

The Institute provides numerous opportunities for mid-level professionals to enhance and develop new skills, provide resources to influence effective change, and to explore leadership opportunities for continued growth in the Student Affairs Profession.

The Institute provides opportunities for participants to enhance their skills and rapport with their supervisors and/or staff to achieve things together that they could never achieve alone. The Institute sessions will be presented in a variety of formats including invited speakers, faculty presentations and panels, small group discussions and case study presentations. All sessions will be highly interactive.

 

 

Misty Kelley (far R, 3rd row)  and Tom Baez (1st row, second from R) with 2008 participants at the NASPA and SACSA MMi Institute, June 7-12, at Eastern Kentucky University

 

From Misty Kelly:

 

The Mid-Manager's Institute was the best professional develop opportunity I have had to date.  I learned so much about myself as a professional as well as the immense about of resources and support I have in my colleagues.  I am excited to maintain the relationships that I built during that short week in Kentucky!  I now feel re-energized and motivated.

 

From Thomas Baez:

 

The (MMI) Mid Manager's Institute took place at Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, KY (R). It was well attended and included Student Affairs staff (directors, asst. and assoc. directors) from universities across the south (from Florida to Texas). 

 

The faculty included other directors, deans of students, and vice-presidents. We learned about the value of Student affairs as a profession and shared about the challenges we all face. We received presentations on leadership development, utilizing the Strengths Quest in management, developing assessment plans, using generation theory as way to work with diverse staff and students, and threat assessment issues.

The most rewarding part was to develop new collegial relationships, work better together to be effective, and managing campus politics. It was a broadening experience for me to recognize that all together we form the profession of student affairs- after all we all have the same mission.

Top

 


Business Procedures Notes

 

If the hotel rate for a traveler exceeds the rate per the GG1 screen in DEFINE, route a memo from the department via the AVP to VPSA to request approval to exceed the rate cap. 

 

The memo should be routed and approved (preferably at least two weeks) prior to travel

 

The memo must include:

 

1.     1.  Name (s) of the traveler (s) affected

 

2.     2.  Details of the justification for the request

o    the room rates of the proposed hotel and comparison with 2 – 3 other hotels in the area

o    the amount of the GG1 rate

 

3.    3.   Explanation of why this request is being made

 

 

More Business Procedures Notes

 


 

Around and About Campus Locations

 

Orientation and Transition Programs is temporarily located in the MS 1.02.36.

 

 

Top


Departmental News

Athletics

UTSA Athletics Camps Big Success!

Photo Gallery  - UTSA Athletics Softball Team Camp

Remaining Camps Schedule

Baseball · June 30-July 1: High School Competition & Evaluation
Baseball · July 7-10: Youth Summer Camp #2 (Full/Half)
Baseball · July 21-24: Youth Summer Camp #3 (Full/Half)
Baseball · Aug. 11-13: Youth Elite Summer Camp (Limit 50)
Baseball · Aug. 23: High School Evaluation Camp
Baseball · Sept. 28-Oct. 19 (Sundays): Fall Hitting Academy

Baseball · Sept. 28-Oct. 19 (Sundays): Fall Pitching Academy

Men's Basketball · June 27-28: Shooting Camp
Men's Basketball · June 30-July 3: Day Camp
Men's Basketball · July 16-19: Day Camp

Softball · June 26: Pitching Camp (must bring own catcher)

Men's Tennis · July 7-10

Women's Tennis · June 23-27 (9 a.m.-3 p.m. June 23-26/9 a.m.-12 June 27)

Volleyball · July 7-10: All Skills II (mornings only)
Volleyball · July 14: Setter Camp
Volleyball · July 15: Outside Hitter Camp
Volleyball · July 16: Middle Hitter Camp
Volleyball · July 17: Defensive/Libero Camp

 

UTSAToday Article San Antonio bids for 2012-2016 Final Fours

www.goutsa.com   UTSA Athletics Website


Counseling Services

UTSA Counseling Services offers comprehensive program of crisis services to assist students

 

For students facing serious physical, emotional or mental health crises, UTSA Counseling Services offers a comprehensive program of crisis services aimed to assist students who are victims of sexual assault and students who are at risk of harm to themselves and others.

 

UTSAToday Article

 


 

Orientation and Transition Services 

 

2008  Fall Rowdy Ties Orientation - Rowdy Ties at the 1604 Campus June 24-26

 

A comprehensive family orientation began on June 24th  as family members and guests experienced the university tailored specifically to their interests.  Activities included an introduction by Dr. Gage Paine and other staff, a breakfast and other informational meetings.

 

Orientation Leaders guided Rowdy Ties participants through a campus tour, sessions dealing with academic policies and offered advice throughout the program.  In addition, OL’s presented educational, dramatic pieces throughout the two days.

 

Photo Gallery   

Website


Health Services

UTSA hosts National HIV Testing Day Today

UTSAToday Article

Top


"Getting To Know You......."

Name: Jennifer Lilly 

 

Title: Assistant Director for Volunteer Services

 

Department: Inclusion & Community Engagement Center

 

 

Job Description:

  • Advise Volunteer Organization Involving Community Education & Service (VOICES

  • Organize campus-wide service programs including the Volunteer Opportunities Fairs, Babcock Rd. Clean-up, OXFAM Hunger Banquet, Alternative Spring Break Trips, United to Serve, and more!

  • Connect students and student organizations (& staff!) with community agencies in need of volunteers. Track volunteer impact & recognize individual and organizational achievements in service!

Background:

 

I grew up in Dallas (real Dallas, I’m an inner city girl!) and moved to San Antonio to attend Trinity University after graduating from Woodrow Wilson HS. During college, I had the opportunity to spend a semester in Madrid, Spain, and then returned to graduate with a BA in Sociology. I was very involved with student organizations on campus and loved the idea of working on a campus, but wanted to give social work a try. After graduating I moved to Houston where I worked for Child Protective Services for a year and a half before heading to Aggieland where I entered the Student Affairs Administration in Higher Ed. master’s program. I was thrilled to head back to San Antonio after graduating and plan to stay in the area for as long as possible. It is such a great place to live!

 

Experience:

 

Boston Market: Server & Cashier (love the creamed spinach!)

City of Dallas: Lifeguard, pool manager, synchronized swimming instructor

State of TX: Child Protective Services Specialist

Texas A&M University: GA for Volunteer Services in Student Activities

Georgetown Law Center: ACUHO-I Housing/Conference Intern

UTSA: I am 2 weeks shy of my 1 year anniversary here!

 

Describe your job:

 

I get to work with UTSA’s finest...the students of VOICES! They are a very diverse group, with members from all different majors & backgrounds, but they all have one thing in common: a passion for service! I also meet with students who want to get involved with (or are court ordered to get involved with) community service, work with student organizations on service initiatives, connect agencies in need of volunteers with the UTSA community, and support the many other ICE Center programs! I love working with volunteer services because I get to combine my two major career interests: social work/community outreach & student affairs!

 

What is the most unusual job related case you have worked on?

 

Recycling bottles at Kyle Field while at A&M was an unusual task – the student organization I advised, and I, would recover bottles from the stands, empty and bag them after each game. We would recycle up to 1600lbs of plastic each weekend!

 

What job skills to you use most often?

 

I am a big believer in the StrengthsQuest themes, and mine are Relater, Empathy, Connectedness, Achiever, & Developer. I use them all quite often!

 

How do you unwind?

 

I hang out with my dachshund Frank and spend time with family and friends. I love going to art museums, restaurants, the rivers and lakes in the hill country, and festivals in the area. 

 

 

What advice would you give to other Student Affairs staff?

 

Get to know other staff around campus! There are so many ways we can work together if we know who to reach out to. Oh, and volunteer from time to time J.

 

 

How can we reach you?

 

Between now and August 1, you can find me in the ICE Center (UC 2.01.04). After the 1st, I will be moving in to a store front office in UC III with VOICES. You can also always call x4770 or send me an email at Jennifer.Lilly@utsa.edu

Top


Thank You Rowdy Travels Across Student Affairs

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.

Gage Paine

 


 

To: Priscilla Garcia

From: Barbara Reyes

Dearest Priscilla,

I am passing on the Thank You Rowdy to you as a “thanks” for your help during the May 15 and 16, 2008 NCHERM Behavioral Intervention and Threat Assessment Institute which was held here at UTSA.  Your demeanor, generosity and willingness to help out has impressed me and you were definitely one of the key elements in keeping the conference organized.  Moreover, you are a very nice person and I'm so glad to have met you!

Priscilla Garcia (L)  receives 'Thank You Rowdy' from Barbara Reyes (R)

Barbara reads 'Thank You Rowdy' message to Priscilla

(L) to (R) at the Rowdy Party: Elizabeth Stanczak, Priscilla, Shirley Pipes, Barbara

 

 

 

Previous 'Thank You Rowdy' Visits

 


Kudos and Congratulations

From: Thomas Baez
To: Gage Paine; Sam Gonzales; Elizabeth M. Stanczak


Gage/Sam/Elizabeth:

 

Thanks so much for your support in me attending the MMI at EKU in Richmond, Ky. It was a very valuable experience and we received great attention and support. We heard from various DSA administrators and discussed many important issues related to management within the profession of Student Affairs. I made many new connections across the country. Dr. Conneely (VPSA-EKU) was a great host and even invited us to his home for a wonderful picnic with his staff. He sends his regards.

 

Again thanks so much for the opportunity.

 

Tom

 


 

Congratulations to Counseling Services Dr. Beth Wichman and son, Jimmy Feigen, who is going to the Olympic trials in swimming next week.

 

See 2008 Dan Cook Cup: Boys athlete of the year - Churchill's Jimmy Feigen

 

MySA Article 

 


 

NOTE:  Please send your news items to Vivis.Lemmons@utsa.edu by Tuesday, July 9, 2008.

Top