Message from the Vice President
“Excuse me, do you know where room ___ is?”
“Umm, can you help me find___?”
It’s difficult to walk across campus this week without being stopped at least once with this request or a similar one. Today (Tuesday) I’ve seen an amazing number of new students walking the campus in 100+ degree heat, clutching their course schedules and trying to figure out just how the room numbering system works. (My favorite so far is the dismayed and confused expression of the student standing on the first floor of the Main Building saying ‘Room 0.2?’ His relief was palpable when I spoke up to explain that the floor below was 0 in the numbering system.)
While I realize most lost new students are willing to ask anyone who even remotely looks like they know where they are going, this week reminds me yet again why we decided to wear our nametags all the time. It really does make it easier to ask a stranger a question.
And yes, it is hard to know the answer to every question asked – but a cell phone with speed dial back to the office can be a lifeline. Stepping into an office in an unfamiliar building to ask for help works, too. I’ve watched several staff members go out of their way to walk with a student to help figure out a location rather than just point them in the general direction. It takes a little time, but it is those kinds of behaviors that contribute to students saying UTSA is a big campus with a small campus feel.
All summer during Orientation sessions, Monday at Convocation, and all week long at receptions, residence hall meetings, and programs, we tell students that they need to be engaged to get the most from their UTSA experience. And when we wear our nametags, we model one way to be engaged on the campus. They say we are willing to be open and friendly, to stop as we run from one place to another - in other words we are willing to engage with someone else.
Lakers’ Coach Phil Jackson is quoted as saying, “Winning is important to me, but what brings me real joy is the experience of being fully engaged in whatever I’m doing.” I hope you find real joy in being fully engaged in our work of making UTSA a great place for all of us to learn and to work. Even if this week that seems to mean doing nothing more than answering the ‘where is’ question with a smile every time you leave the office.
Best wishes,
Gage
Announcements/Departmental Events
UCPC Activities
PDF of the August 25 - September 3 schedule
Fall 2010 Part-Time and Work-Study Job Fairs
Looking to hire students for part-time or work-study positions? On Tuesday, August 31, the University Career Center will be hosting the Part-Time Job Fair from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and the Work-Study Job Fair from 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. UTSA Departments offering paid part-time positions may register for the Part-Time Job Fair free of charge! Registration is also free to attend the Work-Study Job Fair. For more information or to get registered, please contact Tiana Terry at x4769.
Fall 2010 Career Fair
The Fall 2010 Career Fair will be held on September 23 from 1:30 – 4:30 p.m. in the University Center III Ballrooms. Please encourage students to attend and take advantage of this important networking opportunity!
Gallery 23 to open with South Africa: Photography by Ricardo Romo
Gallery 23, the University Center’s art gallery, will open on September 1, 2010, with South Africa, a collection of President Romo’s photographs of South Africa, curated by Arturo Almeida. Gallery 23 is a new UC program that serves a vital role in creating a vibrant campus community by offering cultural enrichment, enhancing diversity on campus, and providing an educational opportunity to explore the arts. The gallery will serve as a professional space to showcase student, staff, faculty, alumni and local artists’ work.
“This new service area enhances UC program offerings and provides a new cultural touchpoint for all UC guests,” said UC Director Lowa Mwilambwe. “We are honored to feature President Romo’s work as our first exhibit.”
South Africa runs from September 1 to October 30. Faculty, staff and students are welcome to join President Romo for the exhibit’s opening reception on Wednesday, September 29 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m at the gallery. A gallery grand opening celebration will take place in October.
Beginning September 1, Gallery 23 is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and Friday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is located near the UC Fiesta Dancers entrance and takes its name from its room number—UC 1.02.23. For more information regarding the gallery please contact Tabitha Bryne of UC Programs at 210-458-6044.
UPS Store Grand Opening Celebration Sept. 9
The University Center invites the entire campus community—students, faculty and staff—to come to the grand opening of The UPS Store on Thursday, September 9 at 11:30 a.m. Dr. Paine will provide remarks at 11:30 along with the student chair of the UC Advisory Council. Following the remarks, visitors will be able to learn about The UPS Store’s many printing, document and mail services and enjoy refreshments. The UPS Store Grand Opening Celebration is part of UC Days—a 3-day event celebrating all that the UC has to offer the campus community. The week will feature live music, entertainment, and information tables from The UPS Store, Rios Golden Cut Salons, the Campus Technology Store and Frost Bank.
Awards & Recognition Committee is still in search of more members to join the team. If you enjoy planning recognition programs, monthly celebrations and assist in awards, then this is the committee for you!
CASE ASAP International Convention Outstanding Adviser
Congratulations to Dr. Graham! At the CASE ASAP International Convention on August 7 in Kansas City, Missouri, Dr. Graham was recognized as one of three outstanding advisors. In March, Dr. Graham had been recognized as the outstanding advisor for CASE District 4 at the regional conference in El Paso. CASE ASAP is the professional organization to which the UTSA Ambassadors belong. Dr. Graham was nominated by the UTSA Ambassadors.
See kudos....
What It Means to be a Tier One University, and How UTSA Plans to Get There
Dr. Paine was a guest on the San Antonio’s Business Makers Program on News Talk 930 AM KLUP on Saturday August 21, 2010. Listen to the Podcast here.
New UTSA home page offers easy info access for UTSA prospects, daily users
Joe Michael Feist, Editor, Office of Creative Services, 08/13/2010
A redesigned UTSA home page will be launched the evening of Aug. 13. The new site better reflects UTSA's strategic goals and features easy-to-find information for the primary target audiences of prospective faculty members, students and parents.
"The redesigned site comes with the university push for Tier One research status
...
For the full article, visit: URL
UTSA freshman moves into his 'Dream Dorm'
Melissa Ludwig, Express News, 08/21/2010
Of the thousands of college students moving into residence halls this week, RJ Vaughn is the only one who can claim that Elke Bargas, the art director for Jay-Z's “Excuse Me Miss” video, helped design his dorm room.
"Vaughn, a freshman at the University of Texas at San Antonio, auditioned for a Wal-Mart ad campaign and beat out thousands
...
For the full article, visit: URL
Cowboys rookie trying to make jump from track to pro football
Rhiannon Potkey, Ventura County Star, 08/25/2010
Taking the fast track to the NFL seemed wholly appropriate for Teddy Williams, considering his background.
Williams was a four-time All-America sprinter at the University of Texas at San Antonio. He finished his track career last year, but had one year of Division I athletic eligibility remaining.
"Williams, 22, decided he wanted to return to football for the first time since high school
...
For the full article, visit: URL
The Four C’s is Student Affairs conceptual model used to pursue our path of achieving Excellence in Service and Programming. All new staff are required to attend the True Colors workshop to understand the division’s common language and then attend the Four C’s workshop to learn our vision, mission, core values and how to collaborate, connect, communicate, and create to achieve excellence. Please speak with department supervisors to assure sign-up for a Four C’s class. Fall classes are scheduled as follows:
Date Time Room Locations Deadline for Sign-Up
September 13, 2010 1:30 - 5:00 Travis Room/UC 2.202 9/7/2010
September 20, 2010 1:30 - 5:00 Harris Room/UC 2.212 9/7/2010
October 18, 2010 1:30 - 5:00 Harris Room/UC 2.212 10/11/2010
Fall 2010 True Colors Training
Schedule
Please share this information with any new staff in your department who need to attend this training.
Photo Galleries
Leadership Yoga - August 16 & 19, 2010
Photos 
Campus Rec Student Employee Training- August 18, 2010
Photos 
Residence Hall Move-In - August 20, 2010
Photos 
Late Night at the Rec- August 21, 2010
Photos 
Fall Into the UC- August 22, 2010
Photos 
Cultural Connections - Asian/Pacific Islander Students & Latino/Latina Students- August 23, 2010
PhotosAthletics
Track & field/cross country recruiting class bios
UTSA downs Prairie View A&M, 4-1
Roadrunners blank Alcorn State, 8-0, in season opener
UTSA to open season at Holiday Inn Waller College Invitational
All Sport Schedule - Area Events
| Sun, Aug 29 | WS | Houston Baptist | San Antonio, Texas | 1 p.m. |
| Wed, Sep 1 | MCC | Trinity Opener | at San Antonio, Texas | 6:30 p.m. |
| Wed, Sep 1 | WCC | Trinity Opener | at San Antonio, Texas | 6:30 p.m. |
| Wed, Sep 1 | VB | Baylor | San Antonio, Texas | 6:30 p.m. |
Business Procedures Tips
Please note the new general BEF (posted 08.11.10) and operational guidelines as related to the new BEF. Thanks. http://www.utsa.edu/financialaffairs/forms/details.cfm?form_number=2
Because there have been recent changes and updates to forms, it’s always best to go to www.utsa.edu/financialaffairs/forms
Have a Business Procedures Tip to share? Please send it to Bob Miller.
For previous Business Procedures Tips, please visit the archive.
Wellness Tips
In the world of dieting, many calcium-rich foods are often reduced or eliminated from a person’s diet in order to cut down on calories. Items such as milk, yogurt and cheese and excellent sources of calcium, and calcium is extremely important to maintain bone health. Peak bone mass occurs around your mid-20’s, so calcium supplements won’t help you add more bone after this point, but it will help you maintain the bone you already have to prevent such things as osteopenia (low bone density) and osteoporosis (weak and brittle bones). If you aren’t getting enough calcium from food, calcium supplements can help you meet your daily requirements. Calcium is best absorbed 500mg doses, and the daily requirement is 1000mg for most age groups, so mega-dose supplements aren’t necessary. Try a 500-600mg supplement instead.
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
Thank you Rowdy is still visiting with Kim Ellicks-Center.
Kudos
Kudos to Dr. Patricia Graham. Her nomination letter is attached.
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NOTE:
Please submit all newsletter entries by 5:00 pm, Tuesday, September 7, 2010, to
VPSAmedia@utsa.edu