Message from the Vice President
It’s the New Year. Today the Student Affairs Council session was the annual information meeting during which staff share the latest details about all the new programs and services or changes that are being implemented for the New (Academic) Year. Even though I generally don’t like meetings that are nothing but one-way communication, this is one of my favorite meetings because it is a showcase of all the great work staff and departments are doing. Here are links to today’s agenda and the PowerPoint presentation; please contact the appropriate staff member to learn more about anything on the list. As you can see, there’s a lot going on.
This is year four of our strategic plan. Just to recap, during Year 1 (2007-08) we wrote our division Strategic Plan and Implementation Plan. In Year 2 (2008-2009) we began implementation in many ways but I want to highlight our initiatives. For one, we began the process of meeting Goal 5.4, which states that, “Student Affairs will create ongoing education for staff to help them develop to their fullest potential as a Student Affairs professional.” Our True Colors program is one part of achieving that goal. We also began the work of Goals 1.1 and 3.1, which were our goals about creating and implementing division-wide conceptual models for excellence in service and programming. From that work came the Four C’s. During this past academic year – Year 3 – we spent time teaching the Four C’s to make certain everyone understands the standard of work we are striving to reach.
And now it is the beginning of our fourth year. I know many departments are already using the Four C’s in many ways and I congratulate you on that. But I also see instances in which all we are doing is using the “Communicate, Collaborate, Connect, and Create” as if they are magic words and saying them will get us where we want to be. Unfortunately, it’s much more complex than that. A critical part of the Four C’s program, and the reason we went to the expense of producing the cards, is the list of outcomes for each word. Now that all of us know the words, we have to put them to work. We need to think about the level of service we are providing our students and each other and reach for the highest levels.
All of the Student Affairs Teams are gearing up for the new year. It’s important to know that new staff members are going to True Colors programming and learning about the Four C’s. These initiatives weren’t just one shot deals that we leave behind, they are iterative processes - meaning each builds on the one before - and now we are able to use them to support the work that we are doing in each of our departments and programs. For example, there is a group working on a leadership model for the campus – True Colors helps a diverse group work more efficiently and the Four C’s helps them define both excellence and success. In the Student Affairs Council, I have asked that we start asking ourselves what we promise students and whether or not we live up to that promise. I’ve also asked that we think about the words ‘student success’ and what we really mean by that term. Our work over the last three years will support us in these discussions as we strive to truly achieve excellence in all we do.
It’s going to be a busy year. We anticipate our largest enrollment yet and we have ambitious plans on every level from university to individual. I’m not concerned, though. I know this division has the energy, the ability and the commitment to make great things happen and I continue to be proud to serve in a division that is living our vision of leading “the development of a dynamic and diverse culture that facilitates learning and engages students.”
Happy New Year!!!
Gage
Announcements/Departmental Events
Move-In Day Volunteers Needed
We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to bring their biggest Roadrunner Pride and donate their time to help the “On-Campus Roadrunners” move into their new home. This is an opportunity that allows you to meet new students, showcase your organization/department, and show your pride as a UTSA student, faculty and staff member.
We will need volunteers from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Friday, August 20th and Saturday, August 21st. The volunteers will be asked to help students and their families move personal items into their rooms and assist with other move-in duties as needed.
If you would like to volunteer, please complete the attached Move-In Volunteer Form and email it to the respective contact person.
'Full House' star Dave Coulier and ‘Last Comic Standing’ Top Five Comedian Tommy Johnagin headline UTSA Roadrunner Days Aug. 25
(Aug. 5, 2010)--)--Comics Dave Coulier and Tommy Johnagin will headline UTSA Roadrunner Days events this year. Couiler is most famous for his role on the long running television show, Full House. Johnagin is currently on NBC’s Last Comic Standing where he is in the top five comics and in the running to win the contest. Both comics will appear onstage for one performance at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 25 in the Convocation Center on the UTSA Main campus -- free to the UTSA community. The event is part of Roadrunner Days, a series of events that kick off the new academic year.
"UTSA students will receive priority seating for the performance. With some mature material, audience discretion is advised for the comedy event....
For more information please visit: URL
For the full article, visit: PDF
Leader Summit is a FREE, one day leadership conference that provides an opportunity for UTSA students to gain invaluable personal development and leadership skills though educational sessions, peer-to-peer interactions and a keynote presentation. We strongly encourage student organizations, student employees and emerging student leaders to register for this opportunity. Leader Summit 2010 is Saturday, September 18 from 9:00 am – 4:30 pm in the University Center on the Main campus. The deadline to register is Wednesday, September 8 at noon. The conference is free for UTSA students. Those that register and do not show will be charged $25.
2010 Student Leadership Center Grand Opening Invitation
Parking Lot #4: Parking Spaces Blocked-off for Construction
Several parking spaces within Parking Lot #4 (North of the Main Building) will be temporarily blocked off from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day between August 13, 2010 and August 17, 2010 to perform core drill boring tests and to pave a path for the new East Parking Garage. Equipment, including a truck mounted drill and barricades will remain onsite until all work has been completed. For additional information please contact Facilities Work Control at 458-4262. Can we run the Via video again and include in our Facebook if not already on there.
SAVE THESE DATES!
PDF to print and postOpen To ALL Student Affairs Administrative Support Staff
Thursday, September 23, 2010
“What’s New in Student Affairs Policies & Procedures”
Bob Miller, Associate Director, VP Student Affairs
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Travis Room – UC 2.202
Thursday, October 28, 2010
“Creating Administrative Desk Manuals for Your Office”
Diane Piña, Training Specialist
HR Training & Development
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Ash Room – UC 2.03.06
Thursday, November 18, 2010
“Volunteer Opportunities within Student Affairs”
Marlon Anderson, Director of I.C.E. and
Student Affairs Professional Development Team Chair
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Hawthorne Room – UC 2.01.34
Student Government Leaders Attend National Institute
Four Student Government Officers attended the National Association for Campus Activities Student Government Institute in Golden, Colorado, recently. The Institute is one of two national institutes specifically for Student Government held each summer. This is the sixth year that UTSA has participated in the event.
Derek Trimm, SGA President and Senior Finance major from Houston, Nicole Munoz, SGA Vice President and Junior Political Science major from San Antonio, Roger Frigstad, SGA Treasurer and Business Management major from San Antonio, and Xavier Johnson, SGA Secretary and Sophomore Liberal Arts major from Austin, attended the event with Dr. Barry McKinney, SGA Co-Advisor and Director of Student Activities and John Montoya, SGA Advisor and Assistant Director of Student Activities. McKinney has served the past three years as the National Association’s Institute Series Coordinator.
(Touring Rocky Mountain National Park. Pictured is: Johnson, Frigstad, SGA Advisor John Montoya, Munoz, and Trimm.)
The Institute was held on the campus of the Colorado School of the Mines, and covered several topics for Student Governments such as Town-Gown Relations, Public Relations, Sustainability, Recruiting and Retaining Members, Parliamentary Procedure, and Sustainability, which was this year’s theme at the Institute. It was especially interesting to learn about Sustainability and then see the Rocky Mountain National Park as well as attend a local Farmer’s Market to see the world’s natural resources and then find an opportunity to experience how to incorporate sustainable activities on a college campus.
The students were able to network with other Student Government leaders from over 25 campuses across the United States including Arizona State University, the University of Nevada-Reno, the University of Florida, Georgetown School of Law, and Kennesaw State University. In addition, students were able to experience culture of Colorado and the historic West. They visited the gravesite of Buffalo Bill and toured Red Rocks, which was once one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. They visited Rocky Mountain National Park and the city of Estes Park.
(UTSA Student GovernmentOfficers Meet with University of Colorado Student Government Members. Pictured are (standing left to right): University of Colorado Student Government President William Taylor; UTSA Student Government President Derek Trimm; UTSA Student Government Vice President Nicole Munoz; UTSA Student Government Secretary Xavier Johnson; (Kneeling) UTSA Student Government Treasurer Roger Frigstad.)
The group also spent time interacting with the Student Government leaders of the University of Colorado to get information about becoming more sustainable on campus and they also researched some of the University of Colorado traditions as they relate to football in preparation for next fall at UTSA.
Senior Moment - First and Goals
Pat Turner, UTSA Sombrilla Contributor, Summer 2010
UTSA Guard takes on Mentoring Role as the Only Returning Starter
There was a time when Devin Gibson knew nothing about UTSA.
That all changed when Gibson started seeing UTSA men’s coaches at his Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) games during the summer leading into his senior year at Cypress Falls High School in Houston.
It was clear the coaches had taken an interest in the guard with a sharp shooting touch and smooth ball-handling skills. Once the parties met, Gibson, in turn, took an interest in UTSA. Not only did he find a place to play college basketball and get an education, but he also found a home.
“Everyone made me feel comfortable when I came here for my visit,” Gibson said. “I thought the campus was nice and I had a chance to meet some of the head people around the school. You don’t get to do that on a lot of recruiting trips. I was impressed they took time out to meet with me.”
And in his time at the school, he’s happy with how much it has grown.
“When I first came here I remember talking to [Athletics Director] Lynn Hickey,” he said. “She told me this was going to get done and that was going to get done. Now, we have a football team and the recreational center. Everything has grown.”
For the full article, visit: URL
Excellence in Service and Programming -- The Four C’s
The new academic year is upon us. It is a time of excitement and renewal for students, faculty and staff. At this time of year, students exhibit Roadrunner pride mixed with the natural anxiety of beginning a new journey. We pull out the t-shirts, the tablecloths, the latest technology, and our newest marketing pieces to show the students we care. This creates a whirlwind of activity from the Main Building to the Residence Halls and everywhere in between. We are at the center of the festivities. Take a moment to feel it. This is the perfect time to review your Four C cards and the outcomes and guidance they provide. Attached is the Four C checklist. Amidst the hectic environment, take the time to center yourself on our charge: Excellence in Service and Programming – Communicate, Connect, Collaborate, and Create – Be UTSA!
True Colors: Beyond the Office
The focus of True Colors has been its application within the workplace. However, exercising the same techniques beyond the office can enrich everyday personal life interactions as well. After all, various personality traits are not exclusive to co-workers so why should the practice of True Colors expire at 5:00 p.m.?
Misinterpreting and/or not recognizing someone else’s needs are often the seeds that sprout a misunderstanding. The ability to distinguish the diverse traits of your spouse, your children, your parents, your siblings, your in-laws, your friends, etc., will allow for the appropriate communication adjustment applicable to the subject and scenario. It would be irrational to suggest that applying True Colors to personal life situations will eliminate all altercations and disagreements. However, simply revisiting a situation with clarity and consideration of individual needs may bring resolution to an unresolved conflict and provide a template for appropriate future communication.
The concept seems simple enough, but finding the balance between the consideration of others needs without abandoning what is important to you is the challenge of True Colors. Limiting the application to the workplace inhibits the exercise of finding that balance. Consequently, continuing to apply this to your personal life will enhance the effectiveness back at the office.
Paul Remmert
VPSA@utsa.edu
Photo Galleries
RA Training - August 10, 2010
Photos 
UC Students Hard at Work - August 10, 2010
Photos
Students/Staff Alamodome Visit- July 30, 2010
Downtown University Career Center Open House - July 22, 2010
The University Career Center at the Downtown Campus held the Open House for their new location on July 22. Many students, staff and faculty attended the open house and stayed to learn about the services the center has to offer.
Photos
Admissions Staff Retreat- August 4, 2010
Athletics
Walls, Rowland earn Preseason All-Southland accolades on Wednesday
Zimmerman, Dillon collect Preseason All-Southland Conference honors
UTSA basketball season tickets now on sale
Living the dream, one day (and practice) at a time
All Sport Schedule - Area Events
| Sun, Aug 21 | VB | Alumni Match Recreation & Wellness Center |
San Antonio, Texas | 10 a.m. |
UTSA president, provost talk about Tier One on Texas Public Radio
Rebecca Luther, Communications Coordinator, Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, 07/27/2010
UTSA President Ricardo Romo and Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs John Frederick were featured guests on the Texas Public Radio show "The Source" on July 26.
"Romo and Frederick spoke with host Terry Gildea about the university's bid to become Texas' next Tier One institution....
For the full article, visit: URL
OIT Summer Splash: Students now have choice for receiving UTSA e-mail
Alex Morones, Technical Writer and Editor, Office of Information Technology, 08/06/2010
Something changed this summer for UTSA students that could make life a little less complicated. Beginning July 29, students were given the option to designate their preferred e-mail account. The e-mail change is part of OIT Summer Splash, a series of projects by the Office of Information Technology to improve the online experience for UTSA students, faculty and staff.
"Previously, official UTSA correspondence was sent exclusively to a student's "my.utsa.edu" e-mail account.....
For the full article, visit: URL
UTSA updated policy on international travel to restricted regions is now online
Rebecca Luther, Communications Coordinator, Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, 07/27/2010
The UTSA Policy on International Travel to Restricted Regions is now available online. Developed by the UTSA International Oversight Committee (IOC) in coordination with Julius Gribou, UTSA executive vice provost and senior international officer, the policy includes a restricted regions list of locations throughout the world where travel by UTSA faculty, staff and students is restricted.
"The policy also details the required procedures and provides the necessary forms for any UTSA student, faculty or staff member who proposes to trave....
For the full article, visit: URL
Business Procedures Tips
In the event a traveler’s lodging exceeds the GSA rate, please use the new form to request an exception to the GSA rate.
http://www.utsa.edu/financialaffairs/Forms/details.cfm?form_number=118
Have a Business Procedures Tip to share? Please send it to Bob Miller.
For previous Business Procedures Tips, please visit the archive.
Wellness Tips
Heat Illness Prevention
Prevention is the best defense against heat injuries:
· Avoid heavy physical exertion in hot conditions.
· Wear loose fitting, tightly woven and light colored clothing.
· Drink adequate fluids to replace your water loss when working hard in the outdoors.
· The danger of heat injury increases with higher humidity, age and the ingestion of alcohol or drugs.
· If you begin to feel ill or develop cramps, get out of the sun immediately and rest in a cool environment until you feel better.
Remember: Cars = Ovens in the summer
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
Kim Ellicks-Center
See past Thank You Rowdy Recipients
To: Kim Ellicks-Center, Office of Housing and Residence Life
From: Dr. Elizabeth M. Stanczak, Office of Student Services
Kim,
It is a sincere privilege to be in the position of providing you this honor, to pass you the “Thank You Rowdy” in recognition of your many good deeds, hard work, and general helpful nature towards the greater UTSA campus community. I have watched you over the years here; always working hard to help students, staff, and faculty in whatever manner you can. You have been quick to come to the aid of students in need, to follow the requests of your peers and supervisors, and put things aside as you pitch in when collective efforts are required for success. I have always appreciated your thoughtful nature and quite accomplishments. I have been proud to watch you obtain your Master’s Degree and know that you will someday obtain your Ph.D. I watch as you handle crises in many forms at a facility that is in constant flux. You do so with grace and all the while continue to work on “other duties as assigned”. I am very proud of your successes and hope to continue to with you on projects like the Bacterial Meningitis Vaccination law, outreach education, etc… I wish you the best, most sincerely.
Thank you,
Dr. Elizabeth M. Stanczak
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Kim Ellicks-Center is surprised by Dr. Stanczak |
Housing and Residence Life staff celebrate with |
Kudos
To: Aurora Castillo - Enrollment Services Officer I, Enrollment Services Center
From: Sylvia Hanley - Systems Analyst I, Information Technology
RE: Employee Education
Aurora Castillo,
Thanks for always helping me when I’m in a bind!!
You are the B-O-M-B.
Thank you!
Sylvia Vassell Hanley
To: Eva Montecinos -Enrollment Services Officer I, Enrollment Services Center
From: David Ortega - Student Assistant I, University Center
RE: Fall 2010 Financial Aid
Eva ,
I appreciate all of your help, time and devotion in helping students like myself. You guys make it possible for those a little less fortunate continue on with their dream.
Thank you!
David Ortega
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NOTE:
Please submit all newsletter entries by 5:00 pm, Tuesday, August 24, 2010, to
VPSAmedia@utsa.edu