Message from the Vice President
"The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity." attributed to Dorothy Parker
This summer the participants of the New Professionals Institute did something a bit different. Instead of asking us to create a listserve for them, one participant created a Facebook group. I had never been particularly interested in Facebook, it seemed more directed at students than administrators and I thought it was one more way to use a computer to fritter away time. But I wanted to stay connected to this group of colleagues so I bowed to the inevitable and joined Facebook.
"Once we believe in ourselves, we can risk curiosity, wonder, spontaneous delight or any experience that reveals the human spirit." E E Cummings
Surprise, surprise, I'm having fun with Facebook. I was right that it can be used to waste time, but I have to admit I've become intrigued. I'm definitely a novice at this and spent what I'm sure was way too much time thinking about what I wanted to share and what I didn't. (I tend toward the minimalist side.) And then I had to figure out what to do about requesting friends. For some people it was obvious, they are my good friends. But what about former students, colleagues, and current students? Would they want to be sharing the details of their lives with me? Early on, I sent friend requests to names that popped up on my page, but then I became a bit more thoughtful about it. I decided to let former student ask me, after all some students already keep in touch, but some do not. Of course, before that could happen I had to be told that I my privacy settings were set so high that no one could even find me let alone 'friend' me. And the only reason I have a profile picture is because someone 'tagged' me in pictures from the University Life Awards and I could use one of those pictures, but I'm learning.
"Life was meant to be lived, and curiosity must be kept alive. One must never, for whatever reason, turn his back on life." Eleanor Roosevelt or Hyman Rickover
And I'm enjoying it. A friend and colleague from Trinity has taken a job elsewhere and because we're both on Facebook, I've been able to keep up with the ups and downs of the family's transition in a way that wouldn't have happened otherwise. Former students have reconnected with me and it's great to know what they are doing now. I love seeing graduation pictures, wedding pictures, baby pictures. It's easy for them to share the big events of their lives. And old friends have found me. I'm now part of a Facebook group created for the group of students who lived together in the same residential area from my freshman year in college. It's great to learn what everyone has been doing for the past few years (ok, that's really 34 years!)
"Curiosity is one of the permanent and certain characteristics of a vigorous mind." Samuel Johnson
What's my verdict on Facebook? While some updates remind me of the commercial showing the dad with the slightly crazed grin on his face texting 'I'm sitting on the porch…',mostly it has been a little window on the world of people I know and I've learned new things and I've enjoyed it. Also, playing with Facebook made me be more engaged with some different technologies and helped me stop procrastinating and start the blog on leadership I've been thinking about for some time. So while I don't use it as much as many others, I do check in regularly and it's been fun.
"The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing. …Never lose a holy curiosity." Albert Einstein
As a result, I find myself asking what else I have missed out on because I didn't understand it, thought it was for 'other people', saw it as a fad or something silly. I hope next time I hear myself thinking this new technology, new idea, or even an old idea, isn't for me, that I'll remember Facebook and maybe explore a bit before I write it off. Have you written off something without exploring it first? Wonder what we'd each create or find useful if we opened ourselves up to a little bit of curiosity and wonder? What might you try and see if something unexpected happens? And if what you try is Facebook, let me know. I'll be glad to be your friend.
Best wishes,
Gage
Excellence in Service and Programming:
Communicate, Connect, Collaborate, Create
The Division of Student Affairs launches our new initiative to use our common language to acheive division and department strategic goals. Beginning in November, sessions will be offered that allow staff to explore this model and their personal commitment to excellence. This training is mandatory for all Student Affairs staff.
VPSA staff will be contacting supervisors and staff with enrollment information. The Education Team looks forward to facilitating this journey as we teach each other excellence in service and programming.
~The Education Team
Listen to our colleagues' testimonies on how they strive to achieve excellence in service and programming through the Four C's.
Welcome New Staff to Student Affairs
The Office of Student Judicial Affairs is pleased to welcome Ms. Jennifer Fueglein as the newest member of our team. She began work on Monday, September 21st as our Coordinator and is not a stranger to many of you as she most recently worked as a Campus Living Villages, Residence Life Coordinator at the University Oaks Apartments and as a Learning Communities Instructor. Jennifer will continue as an instructor and as a member of the E.P.I.C. core team. Jennifer brings with her a strong housing and discipline background from Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri and Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota. Prior to her work with University Oaks, she served as a Director of Education with the Houston Zoo. Jennifer received her Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Webster University.
Announcements/Departmental Events
UCPC Activities for October
Career Center Professional Etiquette Dinner
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Denman Room - UC 2.01.28
PDF to print and post
Honors Alliance Invites all UTSA Students
Honors Alliance would like to extend a special invitation to all UTSA students to participate in our Eighth Annual Citizenry and Etiquette Dinner to be held on Wednesday, October 14, 2009 at 6:00pm in the University Center Ballroom I (UC 1.106).
The Citizenry and Etiquette Dinner gives students the opportunity to hone their dining skills so that they are more comfortable at social engagements while being a student and preparing them for graduation and beyond. Our speaker, Margaret Houston from The Protocol School of Texas, will discuss etiquette with regard to how to eat, how to send thank you notes, and more importantly how to socialize in settings such as parties, receptions, and with international clientele.
Honors Alliance encourages students to participate in this wonderful event that will give them lifelong skills. We will be handing out certificates of participation for all who attend. There is nominal fee of $5.00 to attend the dinner.
Please RSVP and pay $5.00 at the Honors Alliance Office (UC III 1.228) by 5:00pm on Wednesday, October 7th, 2009.
For any questions please feel free to email or call the Honors Alliance Office at honorsalliance@utsa.edu or (210) 458-7273.
Administrative Support Staff -- Save These Dates
Networking Opportunities for Student Affairs Administrative Support Staff to begin October 15th!
No matter what your title may be, if you see yourself as an administrative support staff
person then you will want to attend these monthly opportunities.
Questions? Please contact Sally Crouser or Michelle Montanio.
PDF to print and post
Student Affairs: What Do We All Do? -- Orientation
Please Save the Date!
To help employees navigate our massive division and learn all about Student Affairs, the Staff Development Team plans to sponsor an orientation workshop for the Student Affairs Division. Although primarily intended for new employees who have come to Student Affairs at UTSA within the past twelve months, this orientation is also open to any other Student Affairs staff members who have not yet explored all the offices of the Division.
"Student Affairs: What Do We All Do?" is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 20th from 8:15-12:00 noon. The orientation will offer resources for training and briefly highlight other development opportunities. Dr. Gage Paine will present on Leadership within the context of staff development and staff members from each AVP area will briefly discuss each department.
Additionally, staff from specific areas will attend in a fair style setting to answer specific questions about their areas. Additional information will follow, including the TX Class link for sign-up. Please come learn about staff-specific information that will be beneficial to your professional growth at UTSA.
The Staff Development Team
PDF to print and post
UTSA Fall Family Weekend, October 23-24
Orientation and Family Programs will be hosting Fall Family Weekend, Oct 23rd-24th. All students are invited to bring their family members back to campus and participate in the festivities. Events such as the 5K Rowdy Rec Run, the Family Weekend Breakfast and the Roadrunners Late Night Concert will be happening that weekend, as will UTSA Days at Six Flags Fiesta Texas. Discounted tickets to the park are available for $26.75! Tickets can be purchased today and are valid for park entry October 1st-31st. Please visit www.utsa.edu/family/weekend09 for a full listing of events
Student Affairs DT Birthday Celebration
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Durango Bldg, Southwest Room 1.124
PDF to print and post
UTSA observed Constitution Day September 17
Constitution Day was celebrated at both the Main Campus and Downtown Campus on Thursday, September 17.
The Main Campus Celebration was from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the University Center Paseo sponsored by the Special Events Center. Charlin Jones from the Special Events Center and Rita Wilson from the UTSA Library were on hand to give out booklet-sized Constitutions, trivia about the Constitution, as well as constitutional resources available on campus. The UTSA Library also provided information regarding their Government Documents Holdings. Over 75 students stopped by to gather information.
At the Downtown Campus from 9:30 a.m. to noon in Buena Vista Street Building Room 1.338, there was a speaker series with San Antonio judicial and legislative representatives sharing their insights on the everyday importance of the U.S. Constitution. The celebration was sponsored by the Institute for Law and Public Affairs of the Honors College.
Speakers included:
• 10:00 a.m. -- State Sen. Leticia Van de Putte
• 10:30 a.m. -- State Rep. Jose Menendez
• 11:00 a.m. -- Western District Judge Xavier Rodriguez
• 11:30 a.m. -- 289th State District Judge Carmen Kelsey
Continued...
UTSA Today article
Photo Galleries
UTSA Women's Resource Center and The C.U.R.E. Participated in RAINN DAY 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009,the UTSA Women's Resource Center and The C.U.R.E. (Campus United for Respect and Education) Peer Education organization joined forces with RAINN (Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network) for RAINN DAY 2009.
Students distributed RAINN Day cards with information on sexual assault and the National Sexual Assault Hotlines at 800.656.HOPE and rainn.org to students on campus.
The colorful umbrellas decorated by UTSA students helped to bring awareness to this serious problem effecting people of all ages, races, and genders.
Photos
Fall 2009 Career Fair - September 24, 2009
The Fall 2009 Career Fair was a huge success this semester! The student attendance increased 42% from the spring semester. Over 75 employers participated in the career fair. Both students and employers were very pleased with the result.
Photos of the event
Athletics
San Antonio selected to host 2011 NCAA Men's Basketball Southwest Regional
UTSA concludes UTA Waterchase Invitational in 17th place
All Sport Schedule - Area Events
| Thu, Oct 8 | VB | Lamar * | San Antonio, Texas | 6:30 p.m. |
| Fri, Oct 9 - Sat, Oct 10 |
MT | UTSA Invitational | San Antonio, Texas | All Day |
| Fri, Oct 9 | WS | McNeese State * | San Antonio, Texas | 7 p.m. |
| Sat, Oct 10 | VB | Sam Houston State * | San Antonio, Texas | 2 p.m. |
| Sat, Oct 10 | SB | Incarnate Word UTSA Fall Classic |
San Antonio, Texas | 12/2 p.m. |
| Sun, Oct 11 | WS | Lamar * | San Antonio, Texas | 1 p.m. |
| Sun, Oct 11 | SB | St. Mary's UTSA Fall Classic |
San Antonio, Texas | 12/2 p.m. |
| Wed, Oct 14 | VB | McNeese State * | San Antonio, Texas | 6:30 p.m. |
Business Procedures Tips
Information about interviewing prospective staff:
· A prospective employee who has been requested to travel for an employment/recruiting interview, are limited to and may be reimbursed for travel expenses in the same manner as a state employee.
· Prospective employees are not exempt from hotel occupancy taxes and may be reimbursed for those taxes.
· A travel advance may not be issued to a prospective employee.
· The department may pre-pay airfare for the prospective employee on a departmental CBA (central billing account) and the hotel may be direct billed thru the Travel Office.
Voucher Requirements
1. The term "Prospective Employee" must be listed in the title section of the voucher.
2. The voucher must list the title of the position for which the prospective employee.
3. The voucher must include a daily itemization of the meal (meals not to exceed per diem limit*) and lodging expenses.
* Please refer to GG1 in DEFINE for current per diem rates. Additionally, more information can be found on http://utsa.edu/travel/MealsAndLodging.htm.
http://utsa.edu/travel/TravelReimbursement.htm#pse
Have a Business Procedures Tip to share? Please send it to Bob Miller.
For previous Business Procedures Tips, please visit the archive.
Wellness Tips
What is body composition? Your body's relative amount of fat mass compared to fat-free mass (bone, water, muscle, connective and organ tissues)
Why is body composition important? Those with optimal body composition tend to be healthier and at lower risk for chronic disease, move more efficiently and have a healthier self image.
How to determine body composition: The most common way is by skin-fold measurement. Some home scales offer a body composition reading using bioelectrical impedance, although this is the most inaccurate measurement method. There are also machines such as the BOD POD and DEXA scanners located in laboratories and hospitals for these types of measurements. The fitness assessments done at Campus Rec offer body composition based on skin-fold measurements.
The following chart shows body composition measurements and their classification:
*General Body Fat Percentage Categories
*American Council on Exercise |
||
Classification |
Women (% fat) |
Men (% fat) |
Essential Fat |
10-12% |
2-4% |
Athletes |
14-20% |
6-13% |
Fitness |
21-24% |
14-17% |
Acceptable |
25-31% |
18-25% |
Obese |
32% plus |
25% plus |
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
Diana S. Martinez
See past Thank You Rowdy Recipients
Thank you Rowdy is currently visiting with Diana S. Martinez
Kudos
To: Anne Macintosh and Pat Hedelius- Office of the Registrar
From: Rosalie Ambrosino- Department Chair, Social Work
RE: Amazing Staff
Joe [DeCristoforo], I just want to let you know how amazing Anne Macintosh and Pat Hedelius have been in helping us with all of our problem registration and class schedule issues. I cannot say enough about how responsive they are. Your other staff have also been extremely helpful as needed, but these two are the ones we are bothering the most! Rosalie
To: Leader Summit Organizers
From: Ana Navarro- student in ACE Freshmen Seminar at the Downtown Campus
RE: Leader Summit
To me Leader Summit was a great opportunity to expand my leadership skills by introducing me to new techniques and concepts like personal and professional relationships that will definetly help me throughout my life. My favorite and most inspirational part of Leader Summit were the presentations by Gabe Salazar. UTSA should definetly keep him around. The food was also really good.
Overall, Leader Summit changed my perception about leadership in a positive way. I really look forward to attending next year.
Ana Navarro
To: Charlin Jones, Keri Shiplet, Gary Handy, John Montoya, John David Garza, Anne Jimenez, Sally Crouser, Marlon Anderson, and Ann Margaret Trujillo
From: Jennifer Lilly- Assistant Director, Inclusion and Community Engagement Center
RE: Babcock Road Clean-Up
Thank you for volunteering to drive students to and from the Babcock Road Clean-Up on September 25th! Over 225 students participated in the event, and we would not have had a successful event without your help. I truly appreciate each of you and your support!
Check us out on:
NOTE:
Please submit all newsletter entries by 5:00 pm, Tuesday, October 13, 2009, to
VPSAmedia@utsa.edu