BA Connect Newsletter - November 2022
Veronica Salazar
Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President for Business Affairs
Dear Business Affairs Familia,
October was an exciting month! We celebrated Homecoming, the continuation of the UTSA football season and the official start of our Business Affairs awards and recognition program.
We also implemented several important organizational changes in Business Affairs. I am excited to share that our People Excellence team has joined the larger area of Administration and Operations. With this change, Mary Hernandez will take on an expanded role as Senior Associate Vice President for Administration and Operations and Katy Madden is now serving as Interim Associate Vice President for People Excellence. I am also making changes to the VPBA Office. Liz Rockstroh will serve as my Chief of Staff, while Angel Espinoza will take on a greater role with management of office operations. I am confident these organizational changes will allow Business Affairs to better serve the university community.
Additionally, I hope you were able to join the Campus Climate Town Hall hosted on October 17. If you were unable to attend, you can view a recording online. Over the next two months, I look forward to joining your area meetings to share more about your Campus Climate action plans and how we are responding as a division.
November is a season of giving thanks, and I hope you will join me throughout the month in sharing gratitude on social media using #ThankfulUTSA.
Sincerely,
Help Give Back Through Toys for Tickets
Campus Services is proud to announce its upcoming Toys for Tickets campaign, which runs Nov. 7 through Dec. 2. During Toys for Tickets, participants can receive 50% off one outstanding parking citation of up to $100 original value with the donation of a children’s toy. Toys must be new, non-violent and a minimum $5 value. Donations without a citation are also welcome. All toys benefit the nonprofit Elf Louise Christmas Project, which serves families in need across the greater San Antonio community. For more information, check out the Campus Services website starting Monday, Nov. 7.
Performance Management and SMART Goals
Now that evaluations for fiscal year 2022 are complete, it’s time to focus on the current year. Employees and supervisors should work together to set SMART goals for fiscal year 2023. A SMART goal is defined as one that is specific, measurable, achievable/aligned, realistic/relevant, and timely. The deadline for entering SMART goals into PeopleSoft for FY23 is Wednesday, Nov. 30. Learn more about the performance management process, including job aids and other resources.
Homecoming Window Wars & VPBA Pumpkin Contest
Thank you to all of our colleagues throughout Business Affairs who participated in the Homecoming 2022 Window Wars competition, as well as the first annual Business Affairs Pumpkin Decorating Contest! This year, we created the VPBA Window Wars display on the Southwest Campus, featuring the amazing pumpkins your teams submitted! The entries were creative, fun and full of UTSA spirit. Thank you for showing your UTSA pride throughout the Homecoming season. Go ‘Runners!
COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics (Including Boosters!)
Recovery Operations is hosting an on-campus COVID-19 vaccine clinic from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, November 10 in the Student Union Denman Ballroom (SU 2.01.28). Novavax vaccines as well as bivalent Pfizer vaccines and boosters will be available. All are welcome to attend, and no appointment is necessary. Vaccine availability is first come, first served and while supplies last.
Join us for a Wellness Walk
Business Affairs team members are invited to join us for a Wellness Walk on Wednesday, November 2 at 9:30 a.m. Join us in the UTSA Oval (located in front of the North Paseo Building) for this special event focused on health and wellbeing. Enjoy a short 15-minute walk followed by healthy refreshments. The Wellness Walk will feature information and remarks by Rowdy New U as well as free swag items for all participants. The walking path is fully accessible and individuals of all ability levels are encouraged to attend.
Calendar
| 11/1-30 | National Native American Heritage Month |
| 11/1-2 | Dia de los Muertos |
| 11/6 | Daylight Saving Time Ends |
| 11/8 | Election Day |
| 11/8 | First Generation Day |
| 11/11 | Veterans Day |
| 11/12-20 | Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week |
| 11/17 | Great American Smokeout |
| 11/24-25 | Thanksgiving Holiday (UTSA Closed) |
Birthdays and Anniversaries
Congratulations to all of our employees celebrating birthdays and work anniversaries this month!
Suggestions for next month’s newsletter?
Email BAcomms@utsa.edu
