Message from the Vice President
As the VPSA Open House winds down today, I'm reminded yet again of the depth and breadth of leadership in our division. The Open House idea comes from the Staff Networking Team. It was one of the first programs implemented by this team. The Open Houses continue to be a wonderful way for staff members to put names and faces together and to learn more about the many programs in every office. We are also able to provide better service to students and each other since we have a clearer picture of office locations so we can give better directions!
The list of great programs and ideas coming from across our division is impressive. This list includes programs both large and small, and the programs have altered over time to meet changing or specialized needs. The Business Services Team has changed from a problem-solving group to information sharing. Staff Development Team members have created an amazing and well-attended conference, but they also developed a program to support staff members who are thinking about continuing their higher education. The Awards and Recognition Team has created our marvelous Spring Awards reception and developed ways to recognize individuals through the semester staff awards.
And the list goes on. For example:
• The Writing Group met for one month to capture all of our ideas about excellence in developing programs and providing services and condensed them to the Four C's;
• The Education Team has taught hundreds of staff and students;
• The Assessment Team pushed us to new levels of excellence in both our assessment and our reporting of it. As a result, Student Affairs flew through our SACS review with flying colors; and
• A large number of people were involved in making sure the inaugural annual report looks great and represents us accurately.
And these are only the efforts that support our division-wide initiatives. All across our division staff members are finding ways to make a difference in their departments, and as a result making UTSA a better place to work and study. It is awe-inspiring.
As you know, two of my consistent messages about leadership are that all of us have the potential to be leaders and that a healthy organization needs leaders in every part of the organization. I suspect some people think that is just the vice president's rhetoric. But I truly believe both statements and every day in all of these big ways, so very many small ways, and in unsung ways, you are proving me right.
Thank you for making UTSA such a wonderful place and for consistently serving as leaders in our drive to grow, improve and make a positive difference for everyone who is part of our university.
Best wishes,
Gage
Announcements/Departmental Events
Student Affairs Conference
Mark the Date: The Student Affairs Conference – TEAM! – will be presented again on April 14!
Don't miss out on this great opportunity to experience the engaging and informative sessions offered by Student Affairs staff, faculty, Police, Facilities, Academic Affairs and other campus experts. All topics are presented for your learning. These are evaluative comments from some of your Student Affairs colleagues:
"I loved this program; don't get to watch 'the office' that much but could still relate... Applying QEP to our current positions; discussing how this directly affects our students; Great info!...Valuable for both supervisors & non- supervisors alike...Made me realize that I'm already doing lots of things to connect with faculty, students & school district programs that work with students who have disabilities...This was the best training I have done! Great Job!... Jeopardy game was fun & informative...Great energy & comedy! Sooo effective...Sgt. Merritt was very engaging during his presentation, his info was very useful. Kudos!!!"
Student Affairs Conference TEAM
It's not too late to register for the April 14 session of the Student Affairs Conference TEAM! Please register using the Survey Monkey link sent to you (please note that a link for session descriptions is included in the registration). Work with your supervisors for coverage. The conference registration opens at 7:45am outside of the UC Denman room. Refreshments will be available at that time. The opening session begins at 8:15am in the UC Denman with a keynote address by our Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Gage E. Paine. Prize drawings will take place throughout the day. Sign up today for this opportunity to connect with fellow staff members and grow professionally.
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Sent on behalf of the Staff Development Team:
The Staff Development Team would like to announce the winners from the last drawing at the Student Affairs Conference held March 31, 2010. Here are the winners:
Campus Recreation Towel Winners (courtesy of Campus Recreation):
Kim Canady from Student Financial Aid & Enrollment Services
Ana Rodriguez from Registrar's Office
Lily Wang from University Center
Alberto Campos from University Center
Campus Recreation T-Shirt Winners (courtesy of Campus Recreation):
Stephen Cheney from Student Financial Aid & Enrollment Services
Tiffany Carifee from Student Activities
Francisco Lugo from Student Activities
Frost-Free Cup Winners (courtesy of Inclusion and Community Engagement):
Fred Hample from Registrar's Office
Todd Wollenzier from Student Judicial Affairs
GRAND PRIZE Winner a Massage (courtesy of Campus Recreation):
Anna Paccione from Campus Recreation
Call for Commencement Staffing
Dear University Colleagues,
As you all know, Spring Commencement is just around the corner. This is a time of great celebration for the entire campus community and a chance to acknowledge the students who have dedicated so much to graduate from UTSA! Please help us make the upcoming commencement ceremonies the best.
In order to make this joyous event run like clockwork, we ask that you sign up to provide staffing at one or more of the five ceremonies to be held on May 6, 7 and 8. The dates/times are listed below. Faculty members and college staff members have already been requested to participate in providing staffing.
Student Affairs Award Ceremony
The Awards and Recognition Team encourages staff members to nominate individuals for one of the Student Affair Awards to be presented at this year's Awards Ceremony. Nominations will be accepted through April 30, 2010. To nominate a deserving individual or team, complete a nomination form online at the Awards and Recognition Team webpage, www.utsa.edu/students/teams/pdt/ar.html.
Outstanding Student Employee Award
Support Staff Award
New Professional Staff Member Award
Outstanding Student Affairs Team Award
Transformational Student Affairs Leadership Award
In addition, nominations are being accepted for Spring Employee of the Semester Award(s). To nominate a fellow staff member for Employee of the Semester, individuals can complete a nomination form using the same link above. The Student Affairs Award Ceremony is scheduled for Monday, May 17, 2010 from 3:00pm – 4:30pm in the University Center Ballroom. For more information on the awards process, please contact Luisa Ramirez at ext. 2910 or via e-mail at luisa.ramirez@utsa.edu.
Invitation from TACHE -SA Chapter-April 9, 2010 -Support Scholarships
Please make plans to join the TACHE -San Antonio Chapter- Friday, April 9.
Tickets are $10 each and students are admitted free.
Don't miss this special evening to discuss Higher Education Issues -Past, Present and Future
11th Annual NI-UTSA Jazzed UP
PDF to print and post - April 10
Volunteer Appreciation Day
PDF to print and post - April 21
2nd Annual Party on the Paseo!
UTSA's Party on the Paseo, a free event for the entire UTSA community, is 6:30 p.m.-11:00 p.m., Thursday, April 22 at the University Center Paseo on the Main Campus.
During the evening, there will be free food, games prizes and live music. The University Center Programs Council is sponsoring the concert featuring Hana Pestle and Brazos.
Party on the Paseo provides an opportunity to celebrate Fiesta San Antonio on campus in an alcohol-free, safe environment.
Last year approximately 2,000 students, faculty, staff and alumni attended the inaugural event.
The event is sponsored by Be A Responsible Roadrunner, Campus Activities Board, Office of Student Activities, University Center Programs Council, Counseling Services, Student Organization Council, Student Government Association, Judicial Affairs, Health Services, ARAMARK, UTSA Police Department, and Campus Living Villages.
For more information, email kelsey.bratcher@utsa.edu or call (210) 458-4160.
1000 Origami Cranes Project
March 30th – April 27th
UTSA Downtown Campus
The Office of Student Activities at the Downtown Campus is celebrating Asian/Pacific Islander Heritage month by sponsoring the 1000 Origami Cranes Project with the completed cranes being donated to the Children's Hospital at Christus Santa Rosa. Contact Person: Keith.Pilger@utsa.edu
UCPC Activities
PDF of the April 9 - April 23 schedule
Rowdy New U Wellness Program - April Activities
PDF to print and post
Up 'Til Dawn Raises Money to Fight Pediatric Cancer
On February 24, 2010, the Up 'Til Dawn student organization presented a St. Jude Representative with a check for $13,383, money raised through the letter writing campaign. Up 'Til Dawn will be back at the Campus Recreation Center on October 23, 2010.
Up 'Til Dawn is both a registered student organization and an event on the UTSA main campus. November 7, 2009 marked the 3rd Annual event held at the Campus Recreation Center. Attendees participated in a letter writing campaign. This letter writing campaign focused on promoting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and asked for donations from family and friends to continues St. Jude's efforts. St. Jude Children's Research Hospital provides treatment for all forms of pediatric cancer for families that could not otherwise afford treatment, and they are world leaders in pediatric cancer research. After the conclusion of the letter writing portion of this event students enjoyed games, activities, free food, and a performance by artist Jared Campbell provide by Campus Activities Board.
Sigma Pi Fraternity Honor UTSA PD
Sigma Pi Fraternity chapter at UTSA on March 23, 2010 found another way to give back to their campus. The National Fraternity requires that all of their chapters find at least one way every semester to give back to college or university campus. The Altruistic Campus Experience or ACE project for short is something that this chapter has embraced fully and will continue to do an ACE project every semester.
On March 23, 2010 Sigma Pi Fraternity hosted a luncheon to honor and say thank you to all the UTSA PD officers and guards. The attendees were served free burritos from Chipotle. An attendee wrote the following email comment.
See Kudos
March is Cancer Awareness Month for UTSA
For the month of March, the Be The Match Marrow Registry has partnered with Student Health Services and College of Sciences and several community organizations to educate the university community on cancer. Cancer Awareness Month and Community Outreach (CAMCO), is designed to stress the importance of cancer prevention, early detection and how students, faculty and staff can help someone who has been stricken with the disease.
"CAMCO is a way to create awareness of cancers that we don't necessarily think about," said Juan Ramos a UTSA Biology student and CAMCO committee member. "It's an opportunity to gain or obtain information and become aware of different resources out there but most importantly, to learn to prevent certain cancers."
The Student Marrow Drive Challenge gave student organizations an opportunity to promote the importance of marrow donations in saving lives. The Marrow Match Foundation awarded two student organizations a monetary gift for registering the highest number of people and highest number of minorities in the marrow donor program. Health Care United and Toastmasters won these awards. Congratulations! Other cancer awareness activities: Cancer Chats in the resident halls, Cancer Awareness Remembrance Wall at the Safe Spring Health and Wellness Expo, Ask the Doctor, and Cancer Survivor Panel.
Photos
Safe Spring Break Health and Wellness Expo a success!
March 10th was the annual Safe Spring break Health and Wellness Expo event in the Sombrilla. This event was a great opportunity to check cholesterol levels, get health and mental health screenings, get free HIV tests, learn how to use a fire extinguisher and talk to a medical physician for the entire UTSA community. Student Health Services would like to thank Campus Recreation, Environmental Health Safety and Risk Management, Human Resources, College of Sciences, and Student Activities for their collaborations and making the event a huge hit!
Photos
We Need Your Pictures!
The Awards and Recognitions Committee would like to request pictures from the past year that display activities and programs that your department coordinates for the student affairs banquet slide show. Please email your pictures to Tiffani Hoot at tiffani.hoot@utsa.edu by May 3rd.
Visit the Four C's Blog
VPSA@utsa.edu
Your Own True Colors Spectrum: How Do You See It?
Recently, a very intelligent staff person (he knows who he is) was overheard making an important observation about our True Colors spectrum. We often view our own dominant color through the lens of its most challenging characteristics. For example, the Gold staff person stating, "I can't do that because it's for the creative people." Golds, for example, are detail-oriented, realistic and decisive but they also work well in collaborative environments, put the project first and thrive on a detailed implementation. All of these things and more are necessary components to the success of a creative task. These strengths are not limits that can dictate when creativity does or does not exist. It's just the beginning. You decide where your abilities go from there. But somehow we are more apt to simply say, "I can't do that because I am blue, gold, green or orange (insert your color here)." True, isn't it?
Maybe it is human nature that draws us to the critical side of ourselves or maybe it's a constant need to improve and for approval that tends to make us the most vocal about our weaknesses. Whatever the reason, we need to remember that, for us, True Colors is a common language not a common lament. Your color spectrum should not limit you. It should strengthen you and in turn help you adjust to new challenges and growth along the way. The common language's biggest success comes when it brings us together and helps us to understand one another. But that understanding should not only describe our weaknesses or challenges. The process of discovering our spectrums was intended to be validating not depressing. Let the knowledge of your temperament spectrum thrill you with the possibilities of what you can do and where your strengths lie! Then, also let it inform you of where you can grow. Notice which was stated first and practice in that order.?
Now is the time to hold the mirror up and truly deepen the view of what you see. Your color spectrum is full of tremendous characteristics that make you uniquely valuable to this team. Celebrate that! Look in the mirror and say, "I am blue, gold, green or orange (insert your color here) and I do this (insert specifics here) really well." Now tell your colleagues and practice this af ew times over until the personal lament transforms back to a language with some give and take. Attached is a handout that you may find very helpful. It reminds us of the strengths and potential challenges of the dominant colors. We send it to you to assist with your reflection on your strengths. Notice, the potential challenges are secondary on this form and they are possible (emphasis on potential) not automatic and it closes reminding us what we have in common.
How do you see it?
VPSA@utsa.edu
Value of giving back: UTSA launches RR4L Student Gift Campaign
Jessica Lindsey, Development Assistant for Donor Relations, Office of Advancement Services, March 29, 2010
In a joint effort starting this week, the UTSA Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and the Office of the Vice President for University Advancement will kick off the Roadrunners for Life (RR4L) Student Giving Campaign, a monthlong program aimed at educating students about the value of giving back to UTSA.
"We have a great spirit of giving on campus -- so many of our students graciously support our community on behalf of the university," said Gage Paine, UTSA vice president for student affairs.....
For the full article, visit: http://utsa.edu/today/2010/03/rr4life.html
Photo Galleries
Student Affairs Conference - March 31, 2010
PhotosICE Luau - April, 2010
PhotosUniversity Life Awards - April 1, 2010
PhotosCFAC Open House - April 1, 2010
PhotosVPSA Open House - April 7, 2010
PhotosAthletics
All Sport Schedule - Area Events
| Fri, Apr 9 | BB | Stephen F. Austin * | San Antonio, Texas | 6 p.m. |
| Sat, Apr 10 | MTF | Trinity Alumni Classic Outdoor |
at San Antonio, Texas | All Day |
| Sat, Apr 10 | WTF | Trinity Alumni Classic Outdoor |
at San Antonio, Texas | All Day |
| Sat, Apr 10 | WT | Nicholls * | San Antonio, Texas | 11 a.m. |
| Sat, Apr 10 | BB | Stephen F. Austin * | San Antonio, Texas | 2 p.m. |
| Sun, Apr 11 | BB | Stephen F. Austin * | San Antonio, Texas | 1 p.m. |
| Mon, Apr 12 | MT | UT Arlington * | San Antonio, Texas | 12 p.m. |
| Tue, Apr 13 | BB | Houston | San Antonio, Texas | 6 p.m. |
| Wed, Apr 14 | SB | Houston Baptist | San Antonio, Texas | 2 p.m. |
| Wed, Apr 14 | SB | Houston Baptist | San Antonio, Texas | 4 p.m. |
Business Procedures Tips
If you have an entertainment contract or a services agreement that will need to have a request for early payment (not pre-payment, but immediate or early payment – earlier than Net 30 terms), please add justification to the actual contract or agreement:
· Entertainment contracts – please list this on Article 11 (Special Requirements to PURCHASER)
· Services agreements – please list this in Exhibit B (Compensation)
Additionally, please reference this request in the cover memo – and include the completed Request for Check Pickup form from www.utsa.edu/financialaffairs/Forms/details.cfm?form_number=39
Requests for early payment (earlier than Net 30 terms) when the compensation/payment is greater than $5,000 will require significantly more justification. There should be specific language in the contract (locations stipulated above) that provides for a shorter period for payment AND specifically states the benefit to UTSA for making the payment earlier than normal payment terms. An example of a benefit to UTSA would be when there is a discount for early payment. Generally speaking, for contracts and agreements where the compensation/payment is greater than $5,000, the vendor should be aware of and prepared to wait for the normal Net 30 days to be paid.
More information about this should be posted soon on the Disbursements website.
As always, should you have any questions about this or if you would like a review of the contract/agreement before you send it to the vendor/service provider, you are welcome to email the contract/agreement to Bob Miller.
Have a Business Procedures Tip to share? Please send it to Bob Miller.
For previous Business Procedures Tips, please visit the archive.
Wellness Tips
Exercise does not need to be a workout in the gym. Go for a walk or bike ride. Go inline skating. Go cross country skiing. Jump in a lake and swim. Enjoy an afternoon of kayaking or canoeing. How about hiking or mountain biking? Go indoor wall climbing. Play a game of tennis, soccer or baseball. Go skating. Just have fun and be active.
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
Misty Kelley
See past Thank You Rowdy Recipients
To: Misty Kelley, Office of Student Activities
From: Gary Handy, Office of Student Activities
Misty Kelley,
Today I pass Thank You Rowdy on to you. It is because of your hard work and dedication our student organizations continue to operate successfully. Through all of the meetings and projects you still manage a smile and hello every morning as I come through the office. You have always found ways to lend support to all initiatives that Student Affairs provides. Thank you for all that you do for myself, the other staff members in the Office of Student Activities and most especially the students at this university.
Sincerely,
Gary Handy
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Misty receives Rowdy from the Greek Life |
Gary passes Rowdy to Misty. |
Kudos
To: Christopher Goldsberry - Financial Aid Outreach Specialist, Enrollment Services Center
From: Jessica Avalos - Admissions Counselor, Admissions Office
Christopher Goldsberry,
My name is Jessica Avalos and I am the freshman admissions counselor for high schools in the Austin and Corpus Christi areas. I wanted to give "kudos" to Christopher Goldsberry (Financial Aid Outreach Specialist) for collaborating with me in regards to communicating important "post-admission" information to students. Chris and I traveled together for two weeks and visited over 20 different high schools! At each high school, we met with admitted students and Chris provided a wealth of information regarding financial aid and scholarships. In fact, we met a handful of top quarter students who planned on not attending UTSA because they were afraid they would not have enough money to cover tuition and fees. Fortunately, Chris had his laptop/Banner handy and he looked up each student's information and found that some of the students were awarded the UTSAccess package, which covers all of the student's tuition and fees! Needless to say, this made the student's very happy and UTSA became their number one choice!
Thank you Chris for all of your help! Count on me bugging you to do visits with me next year!
Jessica
To: Daniel Campos - Enrollment Services Officer, Enrollment Services Center; Amy Gomez - Enrollment Services Officer, Enrollment Services Center
From: Erika Cox - Admissions Counselor, Admissions Office
Daniel Campos and Amy Gomez, supervisors in Financial Aid and Enrollment Services, recently completed the Supervisory Series offered through Human Resources. Congratulations!
Erika
To: Sigma Pi brothers
From: Lieutenant Paul English
- Patrol Division, UTSA Police Department
I'd like to thank you and all your Sigma Pi brothers for the luncheon you provided for the UTSA Police Department. The Chipotle burritos were great and we enjoyed the opportunity to visit with you and the others during lunch. I appreciate all the good work your group is involved in. Keep it up!
Thanks,
Lieutenant Paul English
To: Lynn Hickey - Assistant Vice President & Director of Athletics, INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS
From: Mario Rios - Assistant Director Campus Recreation, INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS
I am sure that I speak for everyone in delivering kudos to Lynn Hickey on her outstanding representation of UTSA serving as member of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Committee and leading UTSA as host institution for the Women’s Final Four. Doing one job is challenging enough and handling both in this year was amazing. Serving on both meant that she was in Indianapolis for the Men’s Semifinals on Saturday, April 3rd, in San Antonio for the Women’s Semifinals Sunday, April 4th, back in Indianapolis for the Men’s Championship on Monday, April 5th and finally back in San Antonio for the Women’s Championship on Tuesday, April 6th. Lynn is to be commended for her dedication, commitment and service to the NCAA and for representing UTSA to the highest degree.
Thank You!
Mario
To: Athletics Department & Various Student Affairs Volunteers
From: Mario Rios - Assistant Director Campus Recreation, INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS
I am sure that I speak for everyone in delivering kudos to our Athletics Department and the various Student Affairs staff members who put in many days of hard work to assist in the success of hosting the Women's Final Four. Whether it was at the NCAA's Tourney Town or serving as volunteers at the Alamodome, the efforts put forth by our Athletic Department and Student Affairs volunteers should be applauded. Thank you for helping to host a tremendous event and for representing UTSA well to our San Antonio community and to the nation.
Thank You!
Mario
From: Elizabeth Dalton - Deputy Athletic Director
We collected a grand total of 87 pounds of tabs to benefit the families who need the services of the Ronald McDonald House. Congratulations to all who helped make a difference to families in need!
I have submitted our total to the Southland Conference and we should hear the results soon.
Our campus competition between our teams (thanks to the other groups who contributed, but due to logistics this year's campus competition was limited to our sports teams, but your tabs helped our grand total) came down to a three team race with SOFTBALL pulling away from VOLLEYBALL and BASEBALL. Congratulations to softball and we will be scheduling your prize soon!
Softball 37 pounds
Volleyball 11.5 pounds
Baseball 10 pounds
The Southland Conference will conduct an annual service competition between schools, with a different project each year. We will make every attempt to include Student Affairs and other campus groups in our contest next year. In addition, we will break the competition into percentages so the smaller teams are on equal ground with the larger teams. Softball actually suggested that for this year, but they were so far ahead it would not have affected the results (maybe that's why they offered!).
Thanks again to all who contributed and congratulations to softball!
Check us out on:
NOTE:
Please submit all newsletter entries by 5:00 pm, Tuesday, April 20, 2010, to
VPSAmedia@utsa.edu