Message from the Vice President
At the Student Affairs Council meeting last week I asked participants to think about the idea of student success. We started by asking ourselves these questions:
How do we define student success from the perspective of our department?
What do we do that supports student success as we’ve defined it? (There’s a corollary to that question – do we do something that doesn’t contribute?)
How can we improve what we do to improve the rate of student success and to create opportunities for more students to be engaged in what we do?
I asked us to think about this in another way by asking three additional questions:
What is our promise to students?
How do we keep that promise?
How do we use the Four C’s – Communicate, Connect, Collaborate, Create – to keep that promise?
All of these are important questions and every one of us needs to be able to answer them. I’ve asked the Student Affairs Council members to bring these questions to departmental meetings for further discussion. As when we developed the common understandings that led to our model of Excellence in Programming and Service, departmental discussions are critical to our ability to address this important topic. It is important for us to be able to explain to anyone what it is we are trying to achieve in each of our departments and how our work connects to the larger whole of each student’s experience.
There is another side to this question of student success, however. We must acknowledge that no matter how much we want to define student success in a variety of ways, the method used to measure us as a university is whether or not students graduate—and even more specifically whether or not they graduate in a specific time frame.
That’s why the discussion last week and the discussions in each department are just the beginning. For the last two years we have worked on the tools: True Colors as a common language to improve the ways we understand ourselves and each other and the ways we communicate together; and the Excellence in Service and Programming model (Four C’s) as definitions of the levels we strive to meet in our work. Now it is time to put those tools to work – to use our common language and our mutual expectations of excellence to achieve our goals of helping students succeed at UTSA.
Author Wilfred A. Peterson said, “Big thinking precedes great achievement.” This summer is our time to do some big thinking to put us on the path to great achievement in our work. I look forward to hearing your thoughts and ideas about student success and our part in helping students reach for their great achievements.
Best wishes,
Gage
Announcements/Departmental Events
OL Graduation
Good afternoon all,
Orientation and Family Programs along with the 2010 orientation leader class request the honor of your presence at the OL Graduation Ceremony with reception immediately to follow.
Date: Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Time: 2:30pm-4pm
Location: Retama Auditorium, University Center
Please join members of the university community, family and friends as we recognize each of these student leaders for their academic achievements and diligence in completing the Orientation Leader Training Course for 2010. We look forward to your attendance.
2nd Annual Student Affairs Jamboree - June 11, 2010
PDF to print and post
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.
Congratulations to all the award winners at the Student Affairs Award Ceremony held on Monday, May 17, 2010!
Photos
Outstanding Student Staff Member Award
Laura Gonzalez – University Center
Cesar Lopez – Campus Recreation
Jennifer Thomas – Campus Recreation
Outstanding Support Staff Member Award
B.J. Gola – Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs
Outstanding New Professional Staff Member Award
Emmanuel Todd – University Center
Divisional Leadership Award
Bryan Heard – Registrar’s Office
Outstanding Student Affairs Team Award
Enrollment Services Call Center:
Jacqueline Barrera
Daniel Campos
Stephen Cheney
Erika Cox
Amy Gomez
Virginia Gonzalez
Jacob Martinez
Megan Martinez
Sasha Maryland
Claudia Rodriguez-Lilly
Musoke Sendaula
Transformation Leadership Award
Eliot Howard – Campus Recreation
The Awards & Recognition Team is looking for more people to serve on this committee. This team organizes several events throughout the year, which include monthly birthday celebrations and setting up award categories, selection criteria for the Employee of the Semester Award and hosting the Student Affairs Award Ceremony.
If you are interested in working with the Awards and Recognition Team, contact Luisa Ramirez at luisa.ramirez@utsa.edu or Dr. Patricia Graham at pat.graham@utsa.edu.
Latina Youth Conference
Mary Vadillo, AmeriCorps VISTA in the Inclusion & Community Engagement Center, and the women of Kappa Delta Chi Sorority Inc. hosted the Latina Youth Conference Saturday, May 15, 2010. The event was designed to increase awareness of higher education opportunities among the younger Latina population in San Antonio. The women of UTSA Kappa Delta Chi Sorority Inc. helped facilitate the event and served as positive Latina role-models and mentors. Thirty middle school aged girls from the City Year Young Heroes Program participated in the event. The participants attended presentations from the Women’s Resource Center, Career Center, and Kappa Delta Chi Sorority Inc.
They also took part in a campus tour given by the ladies of KD Chi and a group activity in which they made and decorated graduation caps. When asked which part of the program she enjoyed the best, one participant wrote “The tour of the campus because, even though I’m only a 7th grader, it gave me a great idea of what college I should go to when I get older – UTSA.” For more information about this event contact Mary.Vadillo@utsa.edu.
15th Annual La Despedida Graduation Ceremony
La Despedida Student Organization in collaboration with the Office of Student Activities-Downtown, sponsored the 15th Annual La Despedida Graduation Ceremony on Saturday, May 8, 2010 at 8pm in the Buena Vista Theatre.
La Despedida (which means “farewell”) was founded at UTSA in 1995 by a group of students to recognize and celebrate the educational accomplishments of Latino/a students graduating from UTSA as a Hispanic serving institution. It provides an opportunity for graduates to individually express their appreciation to faculty, staff, family and friends as part of a bicultural/bilingual ceremony. The program is held every May directly following the last UTSA Commencement Ceremony and for the past twelve years has been held at the Downtown Campus. La Despedida is open to the entire UTSA community and it fosters an awareness and appreciation of how one’s cultural background enhances the educational accomplishments of students graduating from The University of Texas at San Antonio.
This year’s theme was “Nuestros Quince” representing the traditional Quinceañera celebrated within the Hispanic culture for young ladies turning fifteen years old. During the ceremony, twelve-year-old Amber Rangel, the daughter of La Despedida’s president friend, stood on stage wearing a Quinceañera gown as the Mariachi Familia group entertained the audience. Another special feature of this year’s ceremony was an original poem commemorating La Despedida’s 15th anniversary written and read by Anthony M. Flores, a local poet, actor and educator. He is a five-time member of the National Poetry Slam Team from San Antonio and is the 2007, 2009, and current (2010) Grand Slam Champion of the city. In 2004, Mr. Flores was invited to record an episode of H.B.O.'s Def Poetry Jam, and he has performed at venues all across the country, including the famous Lincoln Center in New York City. Mr. Flores presents his work regularly at area colleges and universities and teaches poetry workshops in our local schools.
There ceremony ended with a farewell blessing performed by the indigenous Grupo Tradicional de Danza Azteca Xinachtli (pronounced “She Nach Lee”).
Submitted by: Michelle Montanio, Assistant Director of Student Activities Downtown and La Despedida Staff Advisor for the past five years.
'Trash' becomes treasure with Salvation Army donations from UTSA
Glynda Steele, Housing Operations Coordinator, 05/07/2010
To put unwanted items to good use, reduce costs on campus and practice UTSA's community engagement, public service and environmental missions, the UTSA Office of Housing and Residence Life is accomplishing something important. Spearheaded by employee Steven Walker with the assistance of Paula Robbins, Housing and Residence Life has unofficially partnered with the Salvation Army to collect furniture donations from student residents leaving for the summer.
"Three large covered trailers were placed strategically at the Laurel Village, Chaparral Village and Chisholm Hall...
For the full article, visit: URL
Photos'Together, We Are UTSA' is part of a comprehensive campaign
Laura Murray, Associate Vice President for Advancement Services, 05/13/2010
Have you ever wondered how a comprehensive fundraising campaign comes together and what it takes to succeed? Those who give through the current "Together, We Are UTSA" 2010 faculty and staff initiative will be part of the first-ever comprehensive fundraising campaign for UTSA.
"Here is how it works: When a university is on the move like UTSA, it is important to have a professional team managing...
For the full article, visit: URL
UTSA announces summer football camps for grades 1-12
Kyle Stephens, Sports Information Director, UTSA Athletics, 05/18/2010
The UTSA football program has announced the schedule for its Larry Coker-UTSA Youth and Advanced Football Camps.
"There will be two Larry Coker-UTSA Youth Football Camps...
For the full article, visit: URL
Four C's
The Registrar’s Office implements Four C’s
Photo Galleries
Lunch with the Vice President of Student Affairs - May 17, 2010
SPECIAL PRIZE WINNERS: Pat Graham, Yolanda Helm, Adela Olveda
Photos
COLFA Open House- May 12, 2010
Photos
Graduation Coordination would like to thank everyone involved in the UTSA 2010 Spring Commencement! - May, 2010
PhotosAthletics
Roadrunners men on cusp of USTFCCCA's Top 25 Poll
UTSA announces date for 2010 Larry Coker Golf Tournament
Hutson named Southland Conference Hitter of the Week
All Sport Schedule - Area Events
| Fri, May 28 - Sat, May 29 |
WTF | NCAA Championships Preliminary Round Outdoor |
at Austin, Texas | All Day | |
| Fri, May 28 - Sat, May 29 |
MTF | NCAA Championships Preliminary Round Outdoor |
at Austin, Texas | All Day |
Business Procedures Tips
When you need to send a copy of an invoice along with a check to the vendor, please make a copy of anything that is to be mailed with a check and be sure to mark your check distribution as "t" for attachment.
Have a Business Procedures Tip to share? Please send it to Bob Miller.
For previous Business Procedures Tips, please visit the archive.
Wellness Tips
How do I increase my flexibility?
Flexibility is a very important component of fitness because it allows your body to perform exercises with the full range of motion safely. Static stretching is the most common way to elongate the muscles and increase flexibility. After your muscles have been warmed up for about 10 minutes or so, slowly reach into a stretch and hold it for 15-60 seconds for one to three repetitions each. Make sure to breathe throughout the hold of the stretch. To increase flexibility and promote better range of motion, stretching should be done several times a week.
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
Deby Bailey
See past Thank You Rowdy Recipients
To: Deby Bailey, Office of Intercollegiate Athletics
From: Lara Goldmann, Office of Intercollegiate Athletics
Deby Bailey,
Deby has worked in our business office for about 9 months. She does an amazing job juggling the widely varied needs of 15 different sports. While most people in Athletics hear the roar of the crowd to let us know we are doing a good job, Deby works behind the scenes. She has made a real difference to our coaches and vendors. She has helped streamline processes, and takes time to answer questions or find the person who can.
Thank you Deby for all you do.
Lara Goldmann
|
Lara passes Rowdy to Deby Bailey |
Kudos
From: Cié Gee - Graduation Coordinator, Registrar's Office; Monica Bowden - Graduation Coordinator, Registrar's Office, and Donna Edmondson - Associate Director of Academic Publications and Graduation, Registrar's Office
RE: Thank You!
Graduation Coordination would like to thank everyone involved in the UTSA 2010 Spring Commencement! To all our volunteers, thank you for your time and happy faces (even at 7:30 a.m.) as you checked in students for the line up! To UC Events, thank you for accommodating all our needs for the line up! To Special Events, thanks for being such great team members as we organize this huge event together.
Thank you!
From Graduation Coordination in the Office of the Registrar
To: Steven Walker - Plumber Leader, Housing and Residence Life;
Paula Robins - Facilities Coordinator II, Housing and Residence Life
From: Lionel Maten - Director, Housing and Residence Life
RE: Students to Donate to The Salvation Army
It is that time of year again, when UTSA students are moving out of their residence halls for the summer. This process normally generates a great deal of discarded items such as linens, bedding, futons, small chairs, small drawer sets, mini-fridges, microwaves, lamps, TVs, computers, books, clothing and other household goods. This semester, two members of our maintenance staff made it a priority to keep as many of these items as possible out of landfills and save trash pickup fees by making it easy for students to donate them to The Salvation Army.
Spearheaded by Steven Walker and assisted by Paula Robins, The Salvation Army has placed three large, full-sized covered trailers strategically around Laurel Village, Chaparral Village and Chisholm Hall. When asked why he thought about doing this, Steven Walker answered, “Over the years that I have worked here, I have seen a lot of waste. Residents would throw items in the dumpster or even leave them behind in their rooms.”
When a student uses a dumpster to eliminate larger than average items, or leaves it behind in their rooms, an extra cost is always incurred. The UTSA Police Department must be contacted in order to properly process the abandoned property. Every time a dumpster is filled, it must be picked up and emptied at the cost of $360.00 to Housing and Residence Life.
The Office of Housing and Residence Life would like to salute Steve and Paula for putting the Four C's into action. Through their collaboration with The Salvation Army, and communication with students, they were able to create an opportunity for residents to connect with the Greater San Antonio Community.
Professionally,
Lionel Maten
Director of Housing and Residence Life
The University of Texas at San Antonio
To: Kelsey Bratcher - Assistant Director of Risk Education, Student Activities
From: Barry McKinney- Director, Student Activities
RE: Outside the Classroom’s Prevention Dialogues
Congratulations to Kelsey Bratcher! Kelsey was just selected to be a contributor to Outside the Classroom’s Prevention Dialogues. The Prevention Dialogues are a series of interactive components on Outside the Classroom’s website. They are designed to provide deeper insight to the field on issues related to alcohol prevention. Kelsey’s contribution will be featured in the coming months.
Thank you!
Barry McKinney
From: Anne Jimenez- Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Student Judicial Affairs, Student Life
RE: Kudos from the Student Affairs Staff Committee
While the conference seems a distant memory, a special thank you must be extended to the following staff who served our division as moderators during the 2010 Student Affairs Conference with a few serving in all five sessions and to Ms. Tammy Casas for her preparation of all moderator packets…your time and all of your efforts were very much appreciated:
Steve Kudika |
Gabe Mendiola |
To: Kelsey Bratcher - Assistant Director of Risk Education, Student Activities
From: Anne L. Jimenez-Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Student Judicial Affairs, Student Life
RE: Party on the Paseo on April 22, 2010!
Over the years, college students have adopted Thursday night of the
Fiesta event Night in Old San Antonio (NIOSA) as an unofficial college
night. Excessive alcohol consumption connected to this event has led to
health, safety, and transportation concerns for the community including
DUIs, DWIs, liquor law arrests, and other offenses with their root cause
in alcohol such as sexual assault, physical altercations and criminal
mischief. Community agencies and college administrators have, year
after year, braced themselves for the personal and community tragedies
that have come out of this night.
Party on the Paseo is UTSA's answer to this problem. We started with
the idea of providing an alternative to students where they can gather
and enjoy the popular Fiesta format and culture without the negative
impact of irresponsible alcohol consumption. This collaborative project
involves representatives from University offices, community groups,
student organizations, and law enforcement agencies. In its inaugural
year, it drew over 2000 students, faculty, staff, alumni and their
families. In 2010, attendance grew to 2500. This unique event
seamlessly combines entertainment, food, and education in a safe
environment that helps teach our students the meaning of Fiesta.
As discipline professionals who experienced the aftermath of students'
poor choices in previous years, we can attest to the positive changes
that Party on the Paseo has brought to our campus. Incidents involving
alcohol decreased significantly as evidenced by a reduced case load in
our office and fewer law enforcement related referrals. Students are
making the choice to stay on campus and celebrate Fiesta rather than
putting themselves and the community at risk. This is much more than an
event; it is a matter of life and death for our students and the
community.
Check us out on:
NOTE:
Please submit all newsletter entries by 5:00 pm, Tuesday, June 1, 2010, to
VPSAmedia@utsa.edu