201325 Is your inbox out of control? Participate in this one-hour hands-on workshop to enhance your email efficiency and productivity. "Outlook 2010 Email Intermediate" is offered at 10 a.m., Tuesday, June 2. You'll learn to: set rules for organizing incoming messages, manage your mail with sorting and conditional formatting, search folders for stored messages, use flags and color categories and send automatic out-of-office replies. See the complete workshop schedule and login here. 201325 Presentation files from the Make it Happen - strategic planning meetings can be downloaded from the Averett intranet. Use the link below to download the presentation files: click here. 201325 There are two new positions that are open and have been posted online - head athletic trainer and systems administrator. For more information, or to apply for this position, visit: Jobs@Averett. 201325 Blount Library now offers "National Geographic" magazine online from 1888 through the latest issue. Access to text, maps, photographs and "National Geographic Traveler" and "People, Animals and World" are also included. Explore this and other library resources at the library's website from work, home or on the beach with your AU web services login. To access the National Geographic site, please click here. 201325 Faculty and staff are invited to attend a presentation by a candidate for the position of chair and assistant professor of computer science at 1:15 p.m., Thursday, June 20, in the Student Center multipurpose room. The candidate will present a lecture aimed at undergraduates, and then the floor will be open for interview questions. The candidate's application materials were emailed to faculty and staff late Tuesday afternoon for review. Please come! 201325 Two finalists for the position of vice president for enrollment management will be on campus for interviews June 24-27. There will be an open session for faculty and staff who are not involved in the interviews to stop by Jut’s Café to meet each candidate as follows: Stacy Gato-Monday, June 24, 3:15-4 p.m. Dr. Sean-Michael Green-Wednesday, June 26, 3:15-4 p.m. If you would like to review each candidate's résumé, please let Karen Ward know. Dr. Franks is hopeful that many of you will be able to attend the open sessions and welcomes you to email her with your impression of each candidate. 201325 Have questions about the upcoming changes to the retirement program? Several meetings, which will be led by TIAA-CREF financial consultants, have been scheduled for this week for a detailed overview of the important changes that will be taking place. Thursday, June 20, 11 a.m.-noon & 3-4 p.m. in Blount Chapel Friday, June 21, 8-9 a.m. & noon-1 p.m. in Blount Chapel In addition, TIAA-CREF financial consultants can provide personalized, fund-specific advice and planning services using investment choices on the new menu. This service is available at no extra charge. During a one-on-one counseling session, a financial consultant will help you determine if you're saving enough for retirement and create an investment portfolio that's tailored to your financial situation and goals. The counseling session times are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. in the conference room and the SGA conference room (fourth floor of the Student Center) on the following dates: Thursday, June 20 Friday, June 21 Tuesday, Sept. 17 Wednesday, Sept. 18 201324 There is a new position that is open and has been posted online – student financial services counselor for the GPS Program. For more information, or to apply for this position, visit: Jobs@Averett. 201324 Would you like to explore leveraging Moodle to support your face-to-face course? Or are you interested in teaching online and need some guided training in Moodle? Register for Moodle Basics, a 1.5-hour hands-on workshop offered at 3 p.m., Thursday, June 13, and again at 6 p.m., Tuesday, July 9, on the Main Campus. You will practice setting up a course in Moodle with basic items, including file upload (to post your syllabus and other files), discussion forum and gradebook. To register for the workshop, please click here and login. If you have questions about workshops or have a workshop topic suggestion, please email Kim McMurtry at kmcmurtry@averett.edu. 201323 If you need to complete a human resources form, register for a technology workshop, review meeting minutes, or access other internal resources, remember to use the new intranet site, https://myinfo.averett.edu. Set the page as a favorite in your browser or click the Faculty/Staff link on the University's website. 201323 Faculty, would you like to record a video introduction of yourself to post in your Moodle courses? You can do it with a free YouTube account and a webcam. Register today for Kim McMurtry's one-hour, hands-on workshop at 10 a.m., Wednesday, June 12. You'll learn how to set up a YouTube channel, record and save a video to YouTube using a webcam, and embed the video in a Moodle course. To register for the workshop, click here and login. 201323 There is a new position that has been posted online - area director-coordinator of residential summer camps and conferences and assistant to the chief financial officer. For more information, or to apply for this position, visit: Jobs@Averett. 201323 All faculty and staff are invited to the parent receptions during New Student Orientation (NSO) on Saturday, June 22 and Saturday, July 13 at 7:15 p.m. in Jut's Café. Please take time to come meet and welcome the parents of our incoming freshmen. 201323 The First Piedmont Shredder Truck will be on campus the morning of Thursday, June 6 for all shredding. If you have not already done so, please send an email to fixit@averett.edu today (Wednesday, June 5) for maintenance to pick up any boxes (no bags, please) of shredding you have. 201322 A workshop - "Creating Pathways to Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace" - will be held at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research Wednesday, June 26 from 12-5 p.m. The keynote speaker is Karen R. Penn, JD, market vice president for diversity at Sodexo Healthcare & Government Division. The cost is $39 person and interested participants may register online at www.ialr.org. (Sponsored by Danville Regional Medical Center, the Danville Pittsylvania County of Commerce, Sodexo and the Institute.) 201322 What? 10,000 volumes for sale! When? Library hours through July 15 Where? Mary B. Blount Library (lower level): downstairs – fiction; storage room – all subjects; staging area (turn right) – history & genealogy How much? Hardbound Books: $1 per volume Paperbacks: 50 cents each Please bring purchases to the main floor Circulation Desk for payment. 201322 JSTOR is a not-for-profit digital library with more than 1,700 academic journals. As recommended by the Faculty Library Committee, Averett has licensed JSTOR Arts and Science I, with full content for 179 journals in history, economics and political science. To access JSTOR, please click here. To view citations for all JSTOR collections, uncheck the box next to "Include only content I can access." Where you see an X in the left column, click on the title, then click on the "Go to Article" button. Do not pay for access! Blount Library will provide articles not in the Arts & Sciences I collection to you by interlibrary loan. Questions? Confused? View about.jstor.org/10things or contact a librarian aclib@averett.edu, 791-5692, 800-543-9440. 201322 Beginning Monday, June 10, Kim McMurtry, instructional technologist, will offer a live Instructional Technology Weekly Webinar (ITW2 for short) at 4:30 p.m. using Google+ Hangouts. Each week will feature a 20-minute lesson on an instructional technology tool, followed by 10 minutes of Q&A. Participants will need a Google+ account, a webcam, and a headset with microphone to participate in these interactive online sessions. If you're interested in participating, email Kim so she can add you to her ITW2 circle and invite you to each webinar; then just login to your Google+ account at the appointed time and accept her invitation to join the webinar. For the complete ITW2 schedule click here and then login. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to email Kim. 201322 If your office or department has documents that need to be shredded, please contact the maintenance department by emailing fixit@averett.edu so that it can be picked up and taken to the locked shred room on the fourth floor of Main Hall. Please make sure what you want shredded is in a box for easy removal. No bagged paper please. 201321 There is a new position that has been posted online – vice president of enrollment management. For more information, or to apply for this position, visit: Jobs@Averett. 201321 The Human Resources Committee is pleased to announce the dates to meet with the TIAA-CREF financial consultants for all those who participate in the retirement plan. Participants should plan to attend a group meeting and/or schedule an individual session with a TIAA-CREF consultant. A letter and prospectus with additional information on how to schedule an individual appointment with a consultant will be sent to home addresses in late May, early June. The letter will also contain important information concerning the transition of our retirement accounts to TIAA-CREF. • June 20–21 - TIAA-CREF financial consultants will be on-campus for group and one-on-one asset allocation advice sessions. • September 17–18 - TIAA-CREF financial consultants will be on-campus for group and one-on-one asset allocation advice sessions. 201321 • Thursday, July 11, 9 a.m., multipurpose room - The Footprints of God: Early Israelite Sanctuary Sites in the Eastern Desert of Manasseh. Presented by Dr. Ralph Hawkins, associate professor of religious studies at Averett • Thursday, July 18, 10 a.m. multipurpose room - Why 'Biblical Israel' was not Unique. Presented by Dr. John Laughlin, Professor Emeritus of Religion at Averett (1979-2011) • Thursday, July 25, 10 a.m., multipurpose room - Move It or Lose It! Presented by Ms. Barbara Kushubar, associate professor of physical education, wellness & sport science at Averett The Summer Series Seminars are open to all University faculty and staff. Join your coworkers and colleagues to learn more about the work of our faculty who will explore biblical history with us and offer us an opportunity for developing our wellness philosophy. Light refreshments will be served at all programs. 201321 The IT department is pleased to announce the availability of a secure site for the sharing of sensitive Averett information among employees: AUCloud at aucloud.averett.edu. AUCloud is housed on an Averett server, so feel free to use it to share documents between campuses, offices, departments, etc. A link is provided on the intranet home page and on the external website under Faculty/Staff, and your usual username and password are required to login. You can also map a drive on your computer to AUCloud - instructions are provided here. Employees are encouraged to participate in the hands-on workshop "AUCloud Basics" offered June 5 for guided instruction on mapping a drive, creating folders and uploading files, and sharing folders and files; visit this link to register. 201321 It's going to be a busy summer. We are hosting interns from the Danville Regional Foundation, Noblis and Dan Chem. The Pajulahti Summer Athletic Training Program will be here May 28-June 2 Upward Bound will be on campus June 4-July 3 Passport, Youth Camp with a Mission will be here the weeks of July 8, 15 and 22 Shining Stars will hold their program July 8-11 and 15-18 As you see these various groups around campus this summer, say hello and make them feel welcome. 201321 Faculty and staff interested in exploring the possibilities of using an iPad are encouraged to register for a one-hour, hands-on workshop, "iPad Introduction," at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, May 28. You'll get an introduction to the iPad, including a basic orientation, how to find and download apps, and some tips on using the iPad to enhance productivity and teaching and learning. Register here. 201321 Friday, July 5 has been designated a holiday this year so employees may enjoy a four-day weekend. 201320 Reminders to everyone that we have the May Coffee time in Jut's Café on Thursday, May 16, from 7:30-9:30 a.m. Come and have a beverage and pastry! The University Staff Meeting is also on Thursday, May 16, in the multipurpose room. The minutes from the last University Staff Meeting have been posted to the Intranet - please read them and send corrections to Linda Lemery prior to Thursday's meeting. 201320 There is still time to make a deposit for the Alumni Fall Foliage Cruise to New England and Canada Sept. 22-29. The deadline is May 20. Cost is $1545 per person double occupancy, round trip from RDU to Boston. We will be sailing on Royal Caribbean "Brilliance of the Seas." Call Larry Wilburn at 434-770-32850 or email him at lwilburn@averett.edu for additional information. 201320 The University's Sam's Club representative will be on campus Tuesday, May 14 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on the second floor of the Student Center outside of the multipurpose room. 201320 Back by popular demand, Instructional Technologist Kim McMurtry will offer more hands-on Prezi workshops. Get started making Prezi presentations with Prezi Basics at 10 a.m., Tuesday, May 28. Then in Prezi Intermediate at 10 a.m., Tuesday, June 4, learn to add audio and video, collaborate with others online, and embed a presentation in a Moodle course. Prezi, a cloud-based presentation software, is an alternative to PowerPoint. Its zoomable canvas can allow more nonlinear development of ideas than PowerPoint's slideshow. It also offers real-time online collaboration with up to 10 other people. See the complete workshop schedule and register today by clicking here. 201320 Effective June 3, the University's switchboard will be managed by Rose Holley and Robbie Hendrix in Averett Central. Currently, the switchboard is housed in the office of institutional advancement and handled primarily by Jennifer Hooper. Approximately 40 percent of the average calls to the University are transferred from the switchboard to Averett Central. Both Jennifer and Marion Breen will provide backup for the switchboard at peak times as needed. 201320 For the next three to four weeks, the Flight Center will be undergoing construction. Due to the extent of the construction, there will be limited internet, email and phone service. Please be advised emails and phone messages may be delayed in being returned. Your patience is appreciated during this time. 201319 The draft of the April 18 University staff meeting minutes has been posted to the Intranet. Please skim the minutes before our next University staff meeting on Thursday, May 16, and send any corrections to Linda Lemery so as to have posted the most updated draft possible. 201319 The Averett community is invited to attend the parent receptions for new student orientation in Jut's Café at 7:15 p.m. on Saturday, June 22 and Saturday, July 13. 201319 When you need to schedule a meeting between Averett employees, did you know that you can use Outlook Calendar to check their availability first? Learn this and other tips for enhancing your efficiency and productivity in this one-hour, hands-on workshop on the Main Campus at 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 16. This workshop is recommended for those who upgraded recently from Office 2003 to 2010. Register for this workshop and see the schedule of offerings here. 201319 Reminder, there's a Coffee Time from 7:30-9:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 16 (the same day as the University staff meeting). Hope to see you there! 201318 The position for the director of athletics has been reopened. For more information about this position, visit Jobs@Averett. 201318 The Schoolfield House Booksellers will have reduced hours for the summer beginning Monday, April 29 through Friday, Aug. 9. Monday-Friday: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday: 12 p.m.-3 p.m. 201318 Staff, do you need to collaborate with others to prepare documents or presentations? Faculty, would you like your students to work together to develop team papers, projects or presentations? Free cloud apps can allow group members to collaborate online by building a wiki, chatting synchronously, sharing files, drawing on a shared whiteboard and more! Or cloud apps can just be used for storage. Instead of carrying a flash drive to the classroom or from home to the office, access your course presentations and files online from anywhere. To learn more about cloud apps and gain some firsthand experience, register here for a one-hour workshop - Cloud Apps for File Storage and Sharing at 10 a.m., Thursday, May 9. 201318 The fitness center will re-open on Monday, May 6, and summer hours will be as follows: Monday-Friday, 4-8 p.m. Closed on the weekends For any questions, please email Carly Pearce at carly.pearce@averett.edu. 201318 Attention emergency coordinators, registration for advanced emergency management training is still open. The training will be held May 20-22, May 28-30 and June 3-5. All sessions will be held from 3-5:30 p.m. in Blount Chapel. Participants must attend all nine workshops as the modules are built on one another - the final workshop serves as the skills certification. If you have not already done so, send Kathie Tune an email to register for the May-June training program. 201318 The Averett Equestrian Center is happy to announce its first summer camp program, June 17-21, for students age 8-15. Whether your child has ridden before or is a complete beginner, our camp has something for every horse crazy kid out there! The day camp will run from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., and focuses on riding and horse care skills. Space is limited, so please contact Cricket Morris at (434) 770-2941 for a registration packet or more information. 201317 Plans are underway for the annual Summer Series of Something in July. Stay tuned for more information. 201317 The Main Campus will be buzzing this summer with a variety of projects taking place and visitors staying in the residence halls. In addition to the renovations at Pritchett, various classrooms and residence halls will be renovated. PASSPORT, youth camp with a mission, will be on campus during the month of July. Please help make these youth feel welcome - who knows, they might be an Averett cougar one day! 201317 Randy Lavinder of the Lavinder Group will be visiting the Richmond GPS office on Wednesday, May 1 from 3-5 p.m. and the Tidewater GPS campus on Friday, May 3, from 10 a.m.-noon. He is prepared to answer questions, address concerns, and discuss all of the University's insurance plans with you - dental, health, life and vision. You may email him in advance if you cannot meet with him on May 1 or May 3 at rlav@gamewood.net. 201317 The athletics department is hosting their annual summer camps beginning in June. To see the schedule of camps being offered, please click here. 201317 Tiffany Mitchell, academic advisor for the GPS Program, attended a Youth Empowerment event Saturday, April 20 to talk about education. Tiffany had the opportunity to talk to students about the traditional and IDEAL programs in addition to speaking with several adults about the GPS Program and our online offerings. Way to go, Tiffany! 201317 The 2013 Senior Class is in the midst of a senior class gift campaign. If you would like to make a gift to honor or recognize a senior, please contact Sam Ferguson, director of annual giving, for more information. 201317 Summer hours were announced during the campus-wide staff meeting Thursday, April 18. Beginning Friday, May 3 offices may close at 12:30 p.m. (there will be no lunch break since offices are closing early). Monday through Thursday are regular work hours. The last day for the reduced hours is Friday, July 26. 201317 Two positions are opening up on Staff Council this year and nominations are needed. If there is a staff member you would like to nominate, please check with them and make sure it's okay before doing so. All nominations should be submitted to Staff Council President Marsha Foster at marsha.foster@averett.edu by Friday, May 3. 201317 There will be a senior dinner on Thursday, April 25 at 6 p.m. on the lawn outside the Student Center. Please join the University as we celebrate our seniors for all of their accomplishments. 201317 The faculty/staff and retiree luncheon is tomorrow (April 25) at 12 p.m. in the dining hall. For those who will be recognized for their years of service, please sit toward the front to make it easier to reach the stage to receive your gift. Retirees will have a table reserved for them and their guests. 201316 There are two new staff positions that have been posted online - network administrator and mailroom assistant. For more information, or to apply for either of these positions, visit: Jobs@Averett. 201316 The Senior Class wants to purchase a bronze cougar statue to be placed on the Main Campus. Please support them by going to Sweet Frog on Friday, April 19, and tell them you are supporting the Averett Senior Class! A portion of the proceeds from that day will support the senior class' efforts. If you would like to make a gift in honor of a senior, please send it to Sam Ferguson, director of annual giving, noting 2013 Senior Gift and the name of the senior you are honoring. 201316 Thank you all for completing the Great Colleges to Work For survey. If you have not yet had a chance to complete the survey, please do so this week. The deadline is Friday, April 19. If you need to have it resent to you, contact Kathie Tune at ktune@averett.edu. 201316 Sam's Club representative Karen Shields will be on campus on Thursday, April 18 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the dining hall. 201316 A reminder to all designated emergency coordinators - if you have not selected your session (April 18 at 10 a.m. or 3:30 p.m.; April 19 at 10 a.m.), please contact Kathie Tune at ktune@averett.edu by Wednesday afternoon. 201316 Just a reminder the next University-wide staff meeting will be Thursday, April 18 at 11:15 a.m. in the multipurpose room of the Student Center. Hope to see you there. The minutes from the staff meeting have migrated to the Intranet. If you haven't located them already, here are step-by-step directions on how to find them: 1. Go to myinfo.averett.edu 2. Click Averett Fac/Staff Login (click here first) 3. Enter your usual login and password 4. Click Groups & Committees 5. Click Staff Council 6. Click the meeting minutes you want to read 7. When you're finished, click Logout (upper right corner) If the March 21 meeting minutes have not yet been posted by the time this issue of Coffee Break is published, they should be posted shortly. 201316 Nancy Clark's quilt exhibit in the library will conclude on May 1. Come and see these quilts while you still have the chance. In addition to the quilts in the display case, there is one quilt hung on the back wall of the library. Please congratulate Nancy on creating these lovely works! 201316 Please remember to RSVP by Thursday, April 18 (tomorrow) via the invitation for the Faculty/Staff and Retiree Appreciation Luncheon that will be held Thursday, April 25. We look forward to seeing you there as we celebrate members of the Averett family. 201316 Need a break from grading and the office routine, or just any excuse to stroll in fine spring weather? Visit Blount Library on your walk and browse our continuous book sale. Books recently removed from academic and leisure reading collections, plus duplicate gift books are available for $1 per hardbound volume and 50 cents per paperback. Book sale proceeds enhance library resources for Averett students. Please share information about this opportunity with your students. The sale starts April 17 and continues until our storage room is empty. We look forward to seeing you! 201316 Faculty, have you started using Moodle to support your face-to-face traditional courses yet? If not, explore the possibilities of leveraging our learning management system to enhance teaching and learning: • Eliminate paper handouts completely by providing your syllabus and learning materials online. • Extend class discussion and get students writing by using an online discussion forum as a homework assignment. • Have students submit their assignments electronically and grade them online using a rubric. Begin by registering for hands-on Moodle workshops. During the two weeks following Commencement, workshops are offered on the Main Campus in Moodle Basics, Gradebook (which includes setting up an assignment), Activities (with a focus on Chat and Forum), Rubrics and Quizzes. See the workshop schedule and register today by clicking here. 201316 New Student Orientation is right around the corner. Remember, the dates are: Saturday, June 22 and Sunday, June 23 Friday, July 12, Transfer Orientation Saturday, July 13 and Sunday, July 14 201316 The Campus Suicide Prevention Center of Virginia, in partnership with the Virginia Department of Health, will host the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training Program (ASIST) at Averett on May 8 and 9. ASIST is a two-day intensive, interactive and practice-dominated course designed to help people recognize risk for suicide, intervene to prevent immediate harm and link "at-risk" people to appropriate levels of care. ASIST is considered suicide prevention "first aid," and is used on university campuses by counselors, case managers, campus security, residence hall directors, campus ministry and all those (including faculty) who provide direct service to others within the campus community. Due to the support of the Virginia Department of Health's Division of Injury and Violence Prevention, this training is being offered at Averett at no cost to participants. If you would like to register for the ASIST training, you may do so by clicking here. If you have questions about this training, please contact Joan Kahwajy-Anderson at extension 15624 or at jkahwajy@averett.edu. 201315 Faculty and staff are invited to attend the groundbreaking for the renovations at Pritchett Auditorium Thursday, April 18 at 12:45 p.m. 201315 The next campus-wide coffee break will be Thursday, April 11 from 7:30-9:30 a.m. in Jut's Café. Mark your calendars! Hope to see you there. 201315 After participating in a city-wide day of community service last semester our students wanted to do it again. This semester The Day to Engage is Thursday, April 11 (tomorrow). Students can review a list of community partners, ask questions, and sign up by visiting the Success Center or going to www.danrivercenter.org/day-to-engage. A picnic will be held from 5-8 p.m. on the lawn outside the Student Center at the end of the day to celebrate. 201314 • Wellness Screenings: 7-10:30 a.m. in the multipurpose room of the Student Center Wednesday, April 3; Thursday, April 4; and Friday, April 5 for all eligible health plan participants. Register for an appointment time by logging in at www.gatewayhealth.com. • The Lavinder Group will be available for your questions and concerns on Thursday, April 4 from 8-10 a.m. and 3-5 p.m. in the SGA Conference Room of the Student Center. • The Great Colleges Survey is still open (reminders from ModernThink were sent on Friday, March 28) and available to anyone who has not completed their survey to date. For more information, or to have the survey resent to your email address, contact Kathie Tune, HR director, at ktune@averett.edu or (434) 791-7106. • Karen Shields, Sam's Club representative, returns on April 9 and 18 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the dining hall. Renewing with Karen allows members to pay the membership fee and receive a $10 gift card. 201314 Just a reminder that the next campus-wide coffee break will be on Thursday, April 11 from 7:30-9:30 a.m. in Jut's Café. Hope to see you there! 201314 The office of institutional advancement has hired a photographer to take pictures for an upcoming capital campaign publication. The photographer, who should be a familiar face to many, is Bobby Carlsen, a former Averett professor. He will be on campus Monday, April 8 through Wednesday, April 10. Remember to smile big and look pretty for the camera! 201314 We are delighted to announce that the GPS Program now has its own Twitter and Facebook pages! Please follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook today! We hope you enjoy connecting with the GPS team, our students and alumni in these new communities. 201314 The Schoolfield House Booksellers has expanded its clearance section! Select merchandise has been marked 25-75 percent off — including T-shirts, hoodies, sweatpants, gloves, winter hats, leggings, socks, umbrellas and much, much more! New items are added weekly! Bring your faculty/staff ID for an additional 10 percent off. 201314 The Gregory Career Services Center will hold a Career Fair on Wednesday, April 10 from 1-4 p.m. in the multipurpose room of the Student Center. Some of the companies attending include Infinity Global, Goodyear, BB&T, Lynchburg Police and Virginia State Police. Please encourage students in your classes to attend dressed professionally and to bring their résumés. For more information, please contact Petrina Carter pcarter@averett.edu. 201314 Instructional Technologist Kim McMurtry offers a hands-on workshop in Prezi Basics at 3 p.m., Wednesday, April 17. Prezi, a cloud-based presentation software, is an alternative to PowerPoint. Its zoomable canvas can allow more nonlinear development of ideas than PowerPoint's slideshow. It also offers real-time online collaboration with up to 10 other people. See the complete workshop schedule and register today. 201314 The deadline for submissions for the annual Outstanding Faculty and Staff awards is fast approaching. If you have not yet nominated someone, and you want to, you have until 4:30 p.m. Friday, April 5 to do so. The nomination form, along with the criteria, can be found by clicking here. 201314 Did you know? • Two service-learning classes are underway this semester: ENG299/War in Literature (Toni Gazda); and PE 304/Secondary School Physical Education (Michelle Liu) • Prospective service-learning classes for the fall semester: education (Aimee Brenner), freshmen IDS (Joan Kahwajy-Anderson) & business (Nancy Ryan) • Thanks to the generosity of the Danville Regional Foundation, Averett senior Samantha "Sam" Lupo has been appointed student ambassador and works on our campus to develop the presence and programs connected to community engagement and service-learning. Visit Sam at the front desk of the Student Success Center on MWF from 1-4 p.m. and ask her about upcoming events in our newly-launched initiatives! • More than 80 Averett students volunteered last semester in a city-wide day of community service and enthusiastically asked for a similar opportunity this semester! Get the word out: The Day to Engage is Thursday, April 11. Students can review a list of community partners, ask questions, and sign up by visiting Sam in the Success Center or going to www.danrivercenter.org/day-to-engage. A picnic will be held from 5-8 p.m. on the lawn outside the Student Center at the end of the day to celebrate. Please encourage your students to ENGAGE! 201313 Just a reminder that the minutes from the University Staff Meeting will be migrating to the Intranet. Stay tuned for more information. 201313 Please remember to submit nominations for the annual Outstanding Faculty and Staff awards. Nominating a faculty or staff member for this award is a great way to recognize a co-worker, instructor, peer or mentor who has had a significant impact on Averett. As you are writing up your nomination, please remember to give a detailed explanation as to why you are nominating this person. This will help the nominating committee in their deliberations. The awards will be presented on April 25 during a luncheon for faculty, staff and retirees. Visit the faculty/staff page for the criteria and nomination form. All nominations must be received by 4:30 p.m. Friday, April 5. Everyone is encouraged to participate! 201313 A Rotary Group Study Exchange (GSE) from Argentina will visit Averett Monday, April 1. Take some time to come meet our visitors from 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. in the dining hall. For more information about the group from Argentina, please click here. The Rotary GSE program is a unique cultural and vocational exchange opportunity for young professionals between the ages of 25 and 40. For four to six weeks, team members study the host country's institutions and ways of life, observe their own vocations as practiced abroad, develop personal and professional relationships and exchange ideas. 201315 There is a new position that has been posted online – instructor of mathematics. For more information, or to apply for this or other available positions, visit: Jobs@Averett. 201315 The Southside Virginia Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) is hosting the Administrative Professionals' Day Luncheon on Wednesday, April 24 from 11 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at the Stratford Courtyard Conference Center. The luncheon costs $25 and Charles Majors, chairman of American National Bankshares, Inc. and chairman of American National Bank and Trust Company will be the guest speaker. If you're interested in attending, please register here by April 19. 201313 Le Triomphe de l'Amour (The Triumph of Love): the internationally acclaimed Ensemble Chaconne and the Ken Pierce Baroque Dancers will perform Thursday, April 4 at 7:30 p.m. in Pritchett Auditorium as part of the Arts@Averett Series. The concert is free and open to the public. Prepare to be transported to the glittering court of Versailles, with music and dance from the court of Louis XIV. Join the group for exquisite dance sets in period costumes and music by the great French composers Marin Marais, François Couperin and Jean-Baptiste Lully. 201315 Puppypalooza is back by popular demand on Thursday, April 11 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on the Student Center lawn. The Danville Area Humane Society is bringing the puppies. Playing with, and petting a puppy, is a great way to release stress. And with exams right around the corner, what better to let go of some of that tension? 201315 It is that time again! Our annual late night breakfast will take place on Thursday, April 18 at 10 p.m. We need people to cook, serve and clean-up for this event. If you are interested in helping, please email Lesley Villarose at lvillarose@averett.edu. 201315 Invitations went out by email last week for the faculty/staff and retiree luncheon on Thursday, April 25. Please remember to RSVP by April 18 via the invitation. If you did not receive the invitation, make sure you check your junk email folder. 201315 On Saturday, April 13 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. our student organizations are hosting our second annual club carnival on the lawn of the Student Center. This year we are incorporating a yard sale and swap that staff and faculty are invited to participate in. If you are interested in selling or swapping any items please email Lesley Villarose at lvillarose@averett.edu. 201313 Staff Council has taken the bulletin board outside Jut's Café and turned it into a place for Averett faculty, staff and students to post items they are looking to sell or give away. This bulletin board is not for use by outside vendors or for an employee's secondary or side business, craft business, business cards or any other posting that would constitute an employee's conflict of interest. The purpose and rules are posted on the bulletin board. All posting have to have the "poster approved" stamp from the dean of students' office or the residence life office. 201313 One of the hot topics in higher education is mobile learning technology, which is fueled by the availability of mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. (See this quick comparison of 1963 and 2013 educational technology in "EdTech" magazine. Today's college students have cell phones with at least texting capability, and many have smartphones; a 2010 Pew Research Center study found that 75 percent of 12 to 17 year olds own cell phones (you can view the study by clicking here). How could you leverage cell phones in the classroom? If you would like to learn how to leverage cell phones in the classroom, register for a demonstration and hands-on workshop that is being offered Thursday, April 4 at 11:15 a.m. Instructional Technologist Kim McMurtry will explore activities like brainstorming, polling, and interviewing in the classroom using basic cell phones and smartphones. Don't miss it! (And bring your phone!) 201313 Join your colleagues at the next campus-wide coffee break on Thursday, April 11 from 7:30-9:30 a.m. in Jut's Café. Have a cup of coffee or tea and a pastry, and chat with others for a few minutes. Hope to see you there! 201313 We are hosting this year's College and Career Readiness Summit on Saturday, April 20 from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. - this year's theme is Opening Doors to Opportunity. This one day summit will bring together 150 K-12 educators, college faculty, and other education professionals to create a shared regional vision for college and career readiness. Attendees will expand their current networks and learn about low-cost strategies to promote college and career readiness. The conference is free, but will be limited to the first 150 individuals who register. Breakfast and lunch are included and there will be prize drawings for two Kindle Fires (must be present to win). The conference agenda and registration form, along with session descriptions and speaker profiles, can be found by clicking here. 201313 The Schoolfield House Booksellers will be closed Saturday, March 30 and Sunday, March 31 in observance of the Easter holiday. 201312 The University's Sam's Club representative, Karen Shields, will be on campus today, Wednesday, March 20 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the dining hall. She will return Tuesday, April 9; and Wednesday, April 17. She will be renewing current memberships as well as have information for new accounts. A membership to Sam's is $40, and a $10 gift card comes with your new account or renewal. If you are renewing your membership or opening a new account, bring your payment in either cash or check, the debit machine is not available this week. 201312 In an ever-changing global economy, knowledge of other cultures is becoming more and more important. On Tuesday, March 26, Dr. Catherine Clark and Dr. Larry Wilburn will discuss international study as part of Averett's 1859-Coffeehouse Lecture Series. Wilburn will present the history of study abroad at Averett – its founding and initial programs. Clark will share the University's future goals, including the importance of international education in the 21st century and options for internationalizing the curriculum at small liberal arts colleges. The lecture, which is free and open to the public, will be held in the multipurpose room of the Student Center. 201312 It's time to honor our colleagues with the annual Outstanding Faculty and Staff awards. Nominating a faculty or staff member for this award is a great way to recognize a co-worker, instructor, peer or mentor who has had a significant impact on Averett. As you are writing up your nomination, please remember to give a detailed explanation as to why you are nominating this person. This will help the nominating committee in their deliberations. The awards will be presented on April 25 during a luncheon for faculty, staff and retirees. Visit the faculty/staff page for the criteria and nomination form. All nominations must be received by 4:30 p.m. Friday, April 5. Letters should be sent in confidence via email to awards@averett.edu. Everyone is encouraged to participate! 201312 The Faculty, Staff & Retiree Appreciation Luncheon will be held April 25 at noon in the Student Center dining hall. Be on the lookout for invitations, which will be arriving in your inboxes the first week of April (Make sure you check your junk mailbox too in case it goes there). We hope to see you there! 201312 We have partnered with Strategic Marketing Affiliates, Inc. (SMA) to help us better protect and promote our fast-growing brand. SMA is a leader in the collegiate licensing industry, representing more than 280 colleges and universities throughout North America. The new partnership will enable us to establish and manage a responsive and profitable licensing program for all of our promotional merchandise, on all 12 of our campuses and beyond. It will also help us protect the integrity of our institutional logos, and empower Averett to sell our trademarked merchandise more aggressively through local, regional and national retailers, as well as via e-commerce. 201312 Faculty, would you like your students to work together to develop team papers, projects or presentations? Staff, do you need to collaborate with others to prepare documents or presentations? Free cloud apps can facilitate collaboration online, allowing group members to build ideas using a wiki, chat synchronously, share files, draw on a shared whiteboard and more. Or just use cloud apps for storage. Instead of carrying a flash drive to the classroom or from home to the office, access your course presentations and files online from anywhere. To learn more about cloud apps and gain some firsthand experience, register here for a one hour workshop - Top 10 Cloud Apps for File Storage and Sharing – taught by Kim McMurtry at 11:15 a.m., Thursday, March 28. 201312 Just a reminder that the next University-wide staff meeting is Thursday, March 21 at 11:15 a.m. in the multipurpose room of the Student Center. Hope to see you there! Stay tuned for more information - the minutes from the University-wide staff meetings are migrating to the intranet. 201312 All Averett faculty, staff and students are allowed to play golf at South Hills Golf Club for cart fees (18 hole cart fee per person - $15; 9 hole cart fee per person - $10). Greens fees will be waived if playing after 11 a.m. on any day except holidays. You must present your Averett ID for the offer to be valid. Tee times are requested, but not required. 201312 During phase two of our intranet development process, content editors representing departments, offices, groups and committees are adding content to their pages so that internal employee information can be removed from the public website. Take a look at their progress here. The purpose of the Averett intranet is to share resources specific to employees, so employees will need to log into the site: 1. Click the "Averett Fac/Staff Login (click here first)" button 2. Type in your regular Averett username and password 3. Click the "login" button If your login fails, it might be because you didn't select "Averett Fac/Staff" first, so just click "Home" and try again. 201311 Keep on eye on your inbox, the Great Colleges to Work For survey sponsored by the Chronicle of Higher Education is coming soon! Kathie Tune, director of human resources, will be sending an introductory email from the human resources committee on Friday. The survey will be administered by ModernThink. 201311 J. Calvin McCray, professor emeritus at Michigan State University, will discuss his book, "Ebb Tide: Nancy Astor's Greatest Challenge" on Thursday, March 14 at 11:15 a.m. in Blount Library. The event is free and open to the public. While traveling abroad in 1958, McCray and his wife met Lady Astor, the first woman elected to the British House of Commons. The couple became life-long friends with Danville native, Nancy Langhorne Astor. In addition to the Coffee Talk at Averett, McCray will be at the Langhorne House on Saturday, March 16, from 2-5 p.m. for a book signing and discussion. For the complete list of upcoming Coffee Talks, please click here. 201311 To help Averett students maximize their course opportunities and to make the registration process smoother for everyone involved, the University is instituting a new late registration fee policy. The new policy applies to all full-time, continuing degree-seeking students, and the details are as follows: If returning students have not registered for 2013 fall semester courses and had them approved by their advisor by April 24 they will be charged a late registration fee of $50, which will be added to their next tuition payment statement. Returning students registering for 2014 spring semester courses are required to have their course registrations approved by their academic advisor by Dec. 4. If students are not registered by this time they will be charged a late registration fee of $50, which will be added to their next tuition payment statement. Please note: the new policy does not apply to students who are returning from leaves of absence, or students who are starting their first semester at Averett. 201311 Just a reminder you can access the University staff meeting minutes via Moodle. The draft version of the Feb. 21 minutes have been posted. Here's how to access them: Go to the Averett web page www.averett.edu; click MyAverett, then click Moodle; the Login is in the upper right corner of the screen; select login and fill in your user name and password (the usual ones for network access); click administrative updates and scroll down; click the staff folder, followed by the University staff meeting minutes file you want to read (agenda on the first page, followed by minutes); then logout when finished (upper right corner). If you need help accessing the minutes, please contact Dana Mehalko (ext. 17105 or dmehalko@averett.edu) or Linda Lemery (ext. 15636 or llemery@averett.edu). 201311 Come and join other faculty and staff at the next Campus-Wide Coffee Break on Thursday, March 14 from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. in Jut's Cafe. Grab a cup of coffee or tea and have a muffin and socialize for a few minutes. Hope to see you there! 201311 A stunning display of quilts by Nancy Clark, senior financial aid counselor, is currently on display at Blount Library. A seamstress from the age of four, Nancy joined the White Oak Mountain Quilt Guild in 1995, and has been quilting ever since. Please visit the library to view Nancy's first "one-woman quilt show." If it peaks your interest, join Guild members for National Quilt Day, Saturday, March 16, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at St. Luke's United Methodist Church. 201311 You know those nifty little how-to videos on the instructional technology site? Would you like to make tutorial videos like that? Or you could record your voice over a PowerPoint or Prezi presentation and provide it for your students through Moodle either for an online course or as a flipping-the-f2f-classroom lecture. It's easy, and the software is free! Visit camstudio.org to download CamStudio, an open source screencasting software, and register here for a one-hour hands-on workshop offered by Kim McMurtry at 3 p.m. March 13, or 11:15 a.m., March 14. Questions? Email Kim at kmcmurtry@averett.edu. 201311 The dean of students office is now accepting applications from students who are interested in serving on the university's conduct board during the 2013-2014 academic year. In the past we received a great response from students who were nominated by faculty and staff members. Please consider recommending students you advise, teach, or otherwise work with who you think would contribute positively to this aspect of campus life. You may either encourage students to stop by the dean of students' office for an application, or send their names to Bill Woodward and he'll reach out to them with the application materials. Students selected to serve on the board will be responsible for upholding community standards through the university's conduct process. The student board members also will review the current code of conduct and provide insight regarding the policies and procedures of Averett's discipline process. Feel free to direct students with questions to Bill on the fourth floor of the Student Center or have them contact him at woodward@averett.edu. Applications are due by 4 p.m. on Friday, March 29. 201311 Two new positions that are open at Averett have been posted online - a revised position for the director of autism studies and head tennis coach. Application review begins March 25. For more information, or to apply for either of these positions, visit: Jobs@Averett. 201311 Thank you for participating in the state-wide tornado drill on Tuesday, March 12. Drills like this provide us the opportunity to implement elements of our critical incident plan and see where we still need to make improvements. In an effort to be sure we are addressing this type of situation in the most effective and efficient way, the critical incident response team would like your feedback. Please send an email to Bill Woodward (woodward@averett.edu) with your responses to the following questions: 1. Did you receive enough information prior to the drill to know what was expected of you during the drill? If not, what additional information would have been helpful to you? 2. Was your designated shelter space sufficient in terms of space for the number of people? If not, what was lacking to make it a good shelter space? 3. Is there an alternate area on your floor or in your building that would serve as a better shelter location than the one designated to your area? If so, please explain the shelter location and where your office or classroom is located. 4. What about the drill went well from your perspective? 5. In what ways are you able and/or willing to help with the training programs as we continue to move forward with educating the campus community about our critical response protocols? 201311 Help AU's SAAC raise money for Danville's elementary schools now through March 22. Bring in your pennies and other loose change to support this great cause. Jars will be located throughout campus – the dining hall, Alumni Hall, admissions office, library, the bookstore and Pritchett Auditorium. In addition to jars being placed around campus, SAAC will also be raising money via a pie in the face competition. From March 18-22, jars with pictures of staff members and coaches (Carly Pearce, Joanne Spalding, Jamie Williford, Steve Hydas, Mike Dunlevy, Danny Miller, Ed Goodhines, Lesley Villarose, Phil Wilson and Liz Hickey) will be placed in the cafeteria during lunch. The person who raises the most money will receive three pies in the face on March 26 during SAAC's annual corn hole tournament on the lawn. 201310 Don't forget about the upcoming event hosted by the Women's Leadership Circle on Tuesday, March 12 at 7:30 p.m. in the multipurpose room. Lenora Billings-Harris, international diversity expert, will be speaking on "Women Leaders: Removing Barriers to Success." She will explore strategies, best practices and more from examples of powerful women making a difference. 201310 Staff can now access the University staff meeting minutes via Moodle. Here's how to access them: Go to the Averett web page www.averett.edu; click MyAverett, then click Moodle; the login is in the upper right corner of the screen; select login and fill in your user name and password (the usual ones for network access); click administrative updates and scroll down; click the staff folder, followed by the University staff meeting minutes file you want to read (agenda on the first page, followed by minutes); then logout when finished (upper right corner). 201310 The equestrian studies department has several events coming up over the next two months that are open to the public. If you've always wanted to learn more about our equestrian studies department, this is your opportunity to see them in action. • March 16, Dressage and Combined Test Show - open to the public for spectating and competing • April 3-5, United States Dressage Federation (USDF) Instructor Certification Workshop, these workshops are for instructors preparing to sit for certification exams from the USDF. The workshops are also open to auditors who wish to increase their overall depth and breadth of theory in dressage. USDF faculty and examiners will be coming from around the country and around the globe. Participants in this year's workshop, along with AU students, are from California, North Carolina, New Jersey and Connecticut. • April 13, Dressage and Combined Test Show – open to the public for spectating and competing 201310 The instructional technology web pages have moved and are now incorporated into the new intranet site. If you had set any bookmarks or favorites, they will need to be updated. In addition, since the intranet is password-protected, you will need to log in with your Averett username and password. The new intranet is located at myinfo.averett.edu. Visit the instructional technology pages for software how-to videos and register for hands-on workshops. Upcoming workshops include CamStudio (March 13 & 14), Moodle Gradebook (March 19), Moodle Activities (March 20) and Cloud Apps for File Storage and Sharing (March 28). 201310 Consultant BerryDunn conducted a comprehensive IT assessment at Averett last year, and one of the recommendations was that an intranet website should be established to improve internal communications and disseminate employee-specific information. The IT department has established an intranet site at myinfo.averett.edu using a content management system, which allows content editors in various departments and offices to edit their own content. The site is in its first phase of development. The President's Council has identified content editors for offices and departments, and this week, the content editors are receiving training and are beginning to add content to their pages. The intranet is password-protected, so employees will need to log in with their usual Averett username and password to view the site. Any issues related to the intranet should be reported to the IT HelpDesk using the category labeled "intranet." 201310 During the Honors Banquet, the student life office will be honoring members of the Averett community with their awards. They are looking for nominations in the following categories: Student leader of the year Advisor of the year Organization of the year Unsung Hero Please email Lesley Villarose at lvillarose@averett.edu if you have questions or you would like to fill out a nomination form. 201310 If you have not already done so, please sign up for the e2Campus Emergency Alert System. If you are signed up, make sure that your information is up to date to ensure that you receive any alerts. The University's emergency alert system is designed to send users a message via email and/or mobile phone in the case of a campus emergency. 201309 Averett is sponsoring a team in Bowl for Kids' Sake, the largest fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters. Petrina Carter, director of career services, is collecting donations to put the Averett team over the top. Stop by the Gregory Career Services Center to help support a great cause. Donations will be accepted through April 8. Some other ways to help: * volunteer to be a mentor to a child of your choosing * volunteer to assist BBBS staff, or with special events * host a mentoring moment meet and greet in your home 201309 The next University-wide staff meeting will be Thursday, March 21 at 11:15 a.m. in the multipurpose room of the Student Center. Please mark your calendars! Just a reminder: the minutes from the staff meetings have been posted on Moodle in the staff folder. Please access and read the minutes, and send any corrections to Linda Lemery. In future meetings, we will vote to approve or modify the minutes at the beginning of the meeting. This is a new procedure. If you don't regularly use Moodle and need a refresher on how to access the minutes, don't panic! Here's the refresher: Go to the University's web page and click on MyAverett, from there click the Moodle icon to login (the login is in the upper right corner). One you have logged in with your user name and password (the usual ones for network access) click administrative updates and scroll down to the staff folder. Click the file for the staff meeting minutes you want to read (agenda on the first page, followed by minutes beginning on the second page). Make sure you logout when you are finished (upper right corner). If you inadvertently delete this issue of Coffee Break and don't remember how to access Moodle, you can find the directions published in previous CB issues by going to the CB archive and clicking the announcements link. Contact Linda Lemery (ext. 15636) or Dana Mehalko (ext. 17105) if you have trouble accessing the minutes. 201309 If you're having computer trouble, fill out the online help desk form for all IT requests/issues. Chris Hanks, coordinator of internet accounts, is now the help desk supervisor. If your issue has not been resolved in a timely manner, contact Chris for additional help. 201309 A new position has been posted online for a graphic designer. For more information, or to apply for this position, visit: Jobs@Averett. 201309 The University's Sam's Club representative, Karen Shields, will be on campus on Tuesday, March 19; Tuesday, April 9; and Wednesday, April 17 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the dining hall. She will renew current memberships and have information for new accounts. A membership to Sam's is $40, and a $10 gift card comes with your new account or renewal. 201309 Mark your calendars -- the next campus-wide coffee break will be March 14 at Jut's Café. (This is the Thursday after Spring Break.) The exact time will be announced later. See you there! 201309 All offices/departments need to include their postal code on all outgoing envelopes if the office/department is not already printed on the envelope. If mailing something internationally, sort that separately from mail that is staying stateside. For departments/offices with their own campus (Riverview, North Campus, etc.) use that mailing address if having something shipped to you. This will help prevent delay of the package arriving in a timely manner. If sending a package through UPS, it must be at the mailroom before 2:30 p.m. - 2:30 is the last pick up for the day. 201309 The Alpha Chi (AX) Honor Society is holding a book drive Feb. 20 through March 8 in support of literacy at local elementary schools. Please support this drive by donating new or very gently used books appropriate for first through fifth grade reading levels. Collection boxes are in Frith (on the third floor) and the library. AX students are also willing to collect books from any faculty or staff member at their offices. If you wish to have your donation collected from your office, please contact Dr. Gretchen Cohenour at gcohenour@averett.edu or call ext. 15767. We appreciate your support! 201309 The Women's Leadership Circle will host Lenora Billings-Harris, international diversity expert, on Tuesday, March 12, at 7:30 p.m. in the multipurpose room of the Student Center. Billings-Harris will speak on "Women Leaders: Removing Barriers to Success," and will explore strategies, best practices and more from examples of powerful women making a difference. The event is free and open to the public. 201309 The world-famous Harlem Globetrotters are coming to Averett University for one night - March 26. The Globetrotters are offering an exclusive discount to Averett faculty, staff, students and their friends and family. For a list of discounted ticket prices, please click here. For more information on ticket prices, group experience packages or how to order, please contact: Ashley Murry, group ticket sales specialist, or via phone at 602-707-7010. 201309 The dining hall and Jut's Café will have shortened hours during the week of spring break. Hours for the dining hall: Saturday, March 2, brunch, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.; dinner, 5-7:30 p.m. Sunday, March 3, brunch, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.; dinner, 5-7:30 p.m. Monday, March 4-Friday, March 8, continental breakfast, 8-10 a.m.; lunch, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.; dinner, 5-6 p.m. Saturday, March 9, brunch, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.; dinner, 5-6 p.m. Sunday, March 10, brunch, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; dinner will be served from 5-8 p.m. Hours for Jut's Café: Saturday, March 2, 7 p.m.-12 a.m. Sunday, March 3-Saturday, March 9, Closed Sunday, March 10, 7 p.m.-12 a.m. 201309 The University will be participating in the statewide tornado drill at 9:45 a.m. Tuesday, March 12. Stay tuned for more information. 201308 Hello, Staff The next University wide staff meeting will be Thursday, Feb. 21 at 11:15 a.m. in the multipurpose room. A draft of the Jan. 24 staff meeting minutes has been posted on Moodle in the staff folder. Please access and read the minutes, and send corrections to Linda Lemery by Monday, Feb. 18. We will vote to approve or modify the minutes at the beginning of the Feb. 21 meeting. (This is a new procedure.) If you don't regularly use Moodle and need a refresher on how to access the minutes, don't panic! Here's the refresher: Go to the Averett web page and click on MyAverett, then click Moodle login on the upper right side of the screen, select login and fill in your user name and password (the usual ones for network access), click administrative updates, scroll down and click the staff folder then click the University staff meeting minutes file that you want to read (agenda on the first page, followed by minutes beginning on the second page). Make sure that you logout when finished (upper right corner). Contact Linda Lemery (ext. 15636) or Dana Mehalko (ext. 17105 or dmehalko@averett.edu if you have trouble accessing the minutes. 201308 Joan Kahwajy-Anderson, director of counseling, will host a DVD presentation and discussion on "Depression: mild, moderate or severe and what you can do about it" on Monday, Feb. 25, from 3-4:30 p.m. on the second floor of Blount Library. See discover.averett.edu/coffeetalk, library hours or the Averett comprehensive calendar for spring 2013 Coffee Talks on research databases and topics of interest to the Averett community. 201308 Short how-to videos are available on the instructional technology website. All employees are encouraged to make use of the videos either as refreshers of hands-on workshops you attended or to learn something new. Video topics include Excel, Moodle, Outlook Email, Outlook Calendar, PC Self-Service, PowerPoint, Word, Windows 7 and Multimedia Projector. New videos are added regularly, so check back often! While you're there, check out the schedule of technology workshops and seminars workshops and seminars. Plus, if you missed a technology presentation at a faculty or staff meeting, the presentations are archived there. 201307 The equestrian department is trying to raise money to send its dressage and hunt seat teams to the nationals this year. The teams will be selling Paracord bracelets in Averett's traditional blue and gold colors for $10 each. All proceeds will go toward the team's travel and entry fee expenses on its road to the National Championships. Bracelets will be sold Feb. 25-28 on the second floor of the Student Center during lunch hours. For more information about the teams' fundraising efforts, read the story on the athletics website. 201307 The admissions office will welcome more than 130 prospective students and their families on Saturday, Feb. 16, during Scholarship Day. This prestigious day showcases those students who have been awarded the Presidential or Deans scholarships - the University's top two merit awards. If you see any of these students on campus, please make them feel welcome and assist them in any way since more than 60 percent of these students will enroll and join us on campus this fall. 201307 To help Averett students maximize their course opportunities and to make the registration process smoother for everyone involved, the University is instituting a new late registration fee policy. The new policy applies to all full-time, continuing degree-seeking students, and the details are as follows: If returning students have not registered for 2013 fall semester courses and had them approved by their advisor by April 24 they will be charged a late registration fee of $50, which will be added to their next tuition payment statement. Returning students registering for 2014 spring semester courses are required to have their course registrations approved by their academic advisor by Dec. 4. If students are not registered by this time they will be charged a late registration fee of $50, which will be added to their next tuition payment statement. Please note: the new policy does not apply to students who are returning from leaves of absence, or students who are starting their first semester at Averett. 201307 Come one, come all, to the next Cup of Joe event on Thursday, Feb. 14 from 7:30-9:30 a.m. in Jut's Café. Hope to see you there! 201307 Karen Shields, the University's Sam's Club representative, will be in the dining hall next Friday, Feb. 15, from 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. She will renew memberships and offer new registrations as well. 201307 Hello, Staff The next University wide staff meeting will be Thursday, Feb. 21 at 11:15 a.m. in the multipurpose room. A draft of the Jan. 24 staff meeting minutes has been posted on Moodle in the staff folder. Please access and read the minutes, and send corrections to Linda Lemery by Monday, Feb. 18. We will vote to approve or modify the minutes at the beginning of the Feb. 21 meeting. (This is a new procedure.) If you don't regularly use Moodle and need a refresher on how to access the minutes, don't panic! Here's the refresher: Go to the Averett web page and click on MyAverett, then click Moodle login on the upper right side of the screen, select login and fill in your user name and password (the usual ones for network access), click administrative updates, scroll down and click the staff folder then click the University staff meeting minutes file that you want to read (agenda on the first page, followed by minutes beginning on the second page). Make sure that you logout when finished (upper right corner). Contact Linda Lemery (ext. 15636) or Dana Mehalko (ext. 17105 or dmehalko@averett.edu) if you have trouble accessing the minutes. 201307 The support services assessment (SSA) committee has two new members - James Thurnes from the admissions office and Jeff Hubbard from facility management office. The other members of the committee are Elaine Day, Dana Mehalko and Metta Alsobrook. The SSA Committee is responsible for setting up the support services assessment due dates and assessing the unit/department assessment. There is an assessment webinar that has been created by Dr. Eric Moore, a professor at Longwood University. The webinar focuses on the critical thinking competency rubric, which was designed to assess critical thinking of students across the disciplines. In this session, Moore reports on his successful adaptation of the rubric for use in an honors ethics class. This session provides an explanation of how the rubric, with fairly simple modifications, can be easily adapted as an efficient grading tool in any class that teaches critical thinking. He also examines the question of whether honors students perform at a higher standard for critical thinking. To view the webinar, click here. 201307 The AU Cheerleader's will be selling homemade cupcakes, chocolate candy and long stem roses for Valentine's Day in the Student Center during lunch and dinner on Thursday, Feb. 14. Each item is $1 or you can purchase all three (cupcake, chocolate and rose) for $5. Please come out and support our cheerleaders. 201306 The next Cup of Joe will be Thursday, Feb. 14, from 7:30-9:30 a.m. in Jut's Café. Mark your calendars now. Hope to see you there! 201306 Each year faculty and staff are asked to nominate students they feel are eligible to receive the Whos Who Among Students in American Universities & Colleges acknowledgement. This acknowledgement is based on academic ability, community participation, academic and co-curricular leadership, citizenship, service, and future achievement potential. Students who have earned a 3.0 or higher and have 80 or more academic credits are eligible for nomination. There are two ballots – one for traditional undergraduate and IDEAL students and the other for GPS undergraduates. Instructions are included on the forms. Completed forms must be returned to Bill Woodward, dean of students, by Friday, Feb. 8. Nominated students will receive an invitation to complete the application for recognition. The completed applications will be reviewed by the Student Life committee for selection to receive this acknowledgement. Thank you for your participation in selecting students for this annual award. 201306 The cold of winter might seem like it will never leave. But summer isn't that far away. And summer means that it's time for the annual Summer Series of Something for staff and faculty. If you have an idea for this year's series, contact Kathie Tune, director of human resources at ktune@averett.edu or ext. 17106, and share your thoughts. 201306 Are you interested in teaching an online course at Averett? Participate in "Best Practices for Facilitating Online Courses," a three-week, asynchronous online seminar facilitated via Moodle by Instructional Technologist Kim McMurtry. Participants will apply Knowles' theory of andragogy to online teaching strategies, explore online learning theories and student-centered teaching, learn to enhance student engagement and build online community and understand how to establish virtual presence in online courses. Offered monthly, the next seminar begins Feb. 25. Please click here to register today. If you have questions about this seminar or other technology workshops, email Kim at kmcmurtry@averett.edu. 201306 Every day, we have students who are at risk of leaving our University for a variety of reasons. Many times these students are simply seeking solutions to issues, assistance, resources, or support and advice in order to persist. Each of us has an opportunity to help our students stay (remember, it takes a village). For any student you encounter who may be struggling, please contact Dr. Mary Vanderlinden, director of student success, immediately to share the student's name and information (ext. 15754 or mvanderlinden@averett.edu). We can't help a student if we don't know and can't intervene. Thank you for helping our students stay! 201306 On Saturday, Feb. 16, the office of student engagement will be sponsoring a trip to the International Civil Rights Center & Museum in Greensboro, N.C. We are looking for a chaperone to attend this with the students and to drive the Averett van. We'll leave Averett at 12 p.m. and return at 5 p.m. Please email Lesley Villarose if you would like to help, lvillarose@averett.edu. 201305 Two new positions have been posted online – academic advisor for the GPS Program in Richmond and an associate dean of student success for the GPS Program. For more information, or to apply for either of these positions, visit: Jobs@Averett. 201305 The Lavinder Group & Associates, our insurance brokerage company, will be on campus Friday, Feb. 1 from 8-10 a.m. and again from 3-5 p.m. in the SGA conference room (fourth floor of the Student Center) to answer any questions about health, dental and life insurance. The Lavinder Group will be visiting campus quarterly - this meeting being their first. They welcome individual appointments as well. Contact them at rlav@gamewood.net or mark.lavinder@averett.edu or call 434-792-4244. 201305 There are several dates from the registrar's office you need to be aware of in case students have questions. March 22 is the last day for seniors to order their caps and gowns for spring Commencement. It is also the day that pre-registration begins for the fall 2013 semester. The last day students will be able to pre-register for classes is April 24. The last day for seniors to apply for graduation is March 28. Please keep these dates in mind in case students have questions. 201305 If you are mailing something to someone off campus, there is a rule you need to keep in mind. All outgoing mail should contain one of the following on each envelope, postcard or mailing label: 1. Two digit account number (contact Rod Henderson if you do not know your number) 2. Your name 3. Department name Should any of your outgoing mail be returned, this information will enable the mail room to deliver the returned mail to the appropriate person/department. Remember that it is your responsibility to handle your mail correctly. 201305 Mark your calendars! Free cup of coffee/tea and muffin, in Jut's Café from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. on the Thursdays listed below for faculty, staff and graduate assistants. How can it get any better than free? February 14 March 14 April 11 May 16 (None in June, 2013) Come one, come all! Hope to see you there! 201305 Each year, faculty and staff are asked to nominate students they feel are eligible to receive the Who's Who Among Students in American Universities & Colleges acknowledgement. This acknowledgement is based on academic ability, community participation, academic and co-curricular leadership, citizenship, service, and future achievement potential. Students who have earned a 3.0 or higher and have 80 or more academic credits are eligible for nomination. There are two ballots – one for traditional undergraduate and IDEAL students and the other for GPS undergraduates. Instructions are included on the forms. Completed forms must be returned to Bill Woodward, dean of students, by Friday, Feb. 8. Nominated students will receive an invitation to complete the application for recognition. The completed applications will be reviewed by the Student Life committee for selection to receive this acknowledgement. Thank you for your participation in selecting students for this annual award. 201305 If you missed the PowerPoint Basics hands-on workshop last fall, here's your second chance; register today for the one-hour workshop offered at 3 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 6. Participants will learn to create a slideshow presentation with transitions, design an effective presentation (how to choose appropriate colors, fonts, etc.), insert images, apply themes and print handouts. You'll also get tips in using PowerPoint to enhance your message without compromising content. 201305 Faculty and staff are encouraged to register today for a one-hour workshop on iPad Apps, offered at 11:15 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 5, and Thursday, Feb. 7. Instructional Technologist Kim McMurtry will share her top ten apps for education and productivity. Bring your iPad to download them during the workshop and share your favorites, too. To register for the class, please click here. 201304 Greetings from the Residence Life Department, Resident assistants (RA) selection for the 2013-14 academic school year is right around the corner. RA selection is always a very exciting time of the year for us. We would like to extend an invitation to all faculty and staff to play an active role in the March 2013 RA selection process by submitting recommendations for possible candidates. Please nominate Averett students who excel in and out of the classroom and who possess strong leadership skills. All nominations need to be submitted by Feb. 4 to Rowland Tolliver at rtolliver@averett.edu. 201304 On Tuesday, Jan. 29, at 7 p.m. Averett theatre professors will present "Exploring the Present: Creating Theatre" as part of Averett's 1859-Coffeehouse Lecture Series. The event will be held in the Student Center multipurpose room and is free and open to the public. 201304 Dear Colleagues: On Friday, Jan. 25, you will receive your first paycheck of the new calendar year. Because of several changes between December 2012 and January 2013, it is very likely that your net check for January 2013 will be different from your net check for December 2012. As we all know, Congress narrowly avoided the "fiscal cliff" and as a result, there were some minor changes to the Federal Withholding Tax Tables. But there was also one item within the Congressional negotiations that has generally been overlooked. In 2010, Congress enacted a "tax holiday" which reduced the employee portion of the Social Security Tax from 6.2 percent to 4.2 percent. Congress allowed the tax holiday to expire on December 31, 2012, so you will see an increase to the FICA line on your paystub. If you have any questions regarding your January 25 paystub, please contact Tammy Wall, Pam Paynter or Andy Fitch in the business office. We will be more than happy to review it with you. 201304 Hear-ye, hear-ye! Come one, come all to the University-wide staff meeting on Thursday, Jan. 24 at 11:15 a.m. in the multipurpose room. 201304 The University's Counseling Center will offer a suicide prevention program for faculty, staff and students on Jan. 23, at noon in Frith 204; Jan. 24 at 4:45 p.m. in Frith 206; and Jan. 25 at 6:45 a.m. in Frith 205. *Please note that the times reported in last week's announcement were incorrect. The program features an informative documentary on college students who have attempted suicide and the effects of these attempts on family members and friends. Important suicide prevention information will be available, including a free faculty handbook (while the supply lasts). For further information, contact Joan Kahwajy-Anderson, director of counseling, at extension 15624 or at jkahwajy@averett.edu. 201304 The University's winter coat drive is underway! Now through Monday, Feb. 4, bring your new or gently used coats to the office of student engagement (fourth floor of the Student Center) to be donated to a local homeless shelter and the Salvation Army. 201304 Good news for those who made a New Year's resolution to exercise more. Averett is starting a Boot Camp! Boot Camp will be held Monday through Friday and is open to all faculty, staff and students. Interested participants should meet inside the Fitness Center on the Main Campus at 7 a.m. 201304 Look for more information to come. New Student Orientation: Saturday, June 22 and Sunday, June 23 Transfer Orientation: Friday, July 12 New Student Orientation: Saturday, July 13 and Sunday, July 14 Move-in for students who did not attend summer orientation: Friday, Aug. 16. All other new students move-in Saturday, Aug. 17. 201304 The Women's Leadership Circle at Averett is proud to welcome Danville native Gayle Goodson Butler, editor-in-chief of "Better Homes and Gardens" magazine, on Monday, Feb. 4 from 10-11:30 a.m. in Blount Chapel. Butler will deliver a talk on women, national media and her journey in publishing. There will be an opportunity to discuss her life, publishing, gardening and HG-TV. To RSVP, please email Debbie Flinn. 201303 Averett employees are invited to become a member of the Danville Family YMCA under a corporate membership. Danville employees who want to take advantage of this opportunity need to show their Averett ID or payroll stub to receive 100 percent off the joiner fee (a $50 savings) as well as 15 percent off the membership fees. Membership costs $27 a month for one adult, 18 and over ($300 annually); $44 for a family ($504 annually); and $27 for a senior, 60 and over, ($300 annually). The Men's Health Club is an additional $10 per month. 201303 Averett will celebrate one of this country's most influential dreamers on Monday, Jan.21 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day - during an admissions open house event from 9-9:45 a.m. in Pritchett Auditorium. This special program will feature the Averett Singers combined with the Averett Gospel Choir, Civil Rights era music and poems read by Averett students, the "I Have A Dream" address by Dr. King on video, and special words from Averett President Dr. Tiffany Franks. With permission from your supervisor please plan to attend and celebrate Dr. King's life, dream and legacy. 201303 Dear Averett Community, During the faculty meeting scheduled for Jan. 22, we will begin with a combined meeting for all faculty and staff in Blount Chapel from 11:15 a.m. to 12:05 p.m. that will set the stage for our Sun Porch 2.0 sessions. Joanne Soliday, partner/owner of Credo (formerly Performa Higher Education), who has consulted with more than 200 independent colleges and universities, will share the results of her recent research on "thriving colleges." These findings will provide a helpful backdrop and framework for our upcoming Sun Porch sessions where all faculty and staff will be invited to "imagine the future" for Averett. Just as the Sun Porch sessions in 2009 were foundational to the development of our current strategic plan and to the University's progress these past four years, Sun Porch 2.0 will be instrumental in planning for the next five to seven years as we begin preparation of the 2014-2020 Strategic Plan. Everyone's involvement from the beginning will be so valuable to the planning process and to our combined efforts that facilitate continued success for Averett. Following Joanne's remarks, staff will depart and the faculty will remain to conduct their regular January faculty meeting business. The January staff meeting will still be held on Thursday, Jan. 24. Gratefully, Tiffany 201303 During the Christmas holiday, Moodle was upgraded. Minimum browser requirements for the new version are: Firefox 4, Internet Explorer 10, Safari 5, Google Chrome 11 or Opera 9. Improvements to Moodle include: -File picker: offers icons, table, and list views; drag and drop files; images display as true thumbnails -Blocks: can be dragged and dropped around the course page -Course resources: can be dragged and dropped around the course page; new editing icon allows quick editing of the title directly on the course page; to add a file, drag and drop it onto the course section; to add a folder of files, zip the folder and then drag and drop it onto the course section -Assignment module: has been significantly upgraded to combine the previous assignment types (upload a single file, advanced uploading of files, online text, offline activity) into a single assignment with editable settings -Course topics/weeks: can be dragged and dropped around the course page -Marking guide: a new grading method For more details and hands-on practice, participate in the What's New in Moodle 2.3.3 workshop offered at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 23, on the Main Campus. Additional upcoming Moodle workshops include sessions on Basics, Gradebook, Forum and Chat, and Rubrics. To see the complete workshop schedule and register for workshops, please click here. 201303 Due to Founders' Day, the University wide staff meeting has been moved to Thursday, Jan. 24. This month's meeting will be held in the multipurpose room of the Student Center at 11:15 a.m. 201303 Have you ever said, "Why didn't they ask me about Homecoming? I had a great idea." Dan Hayes would like to hear all of your ideas about Homecoming. Those ideas may or may not be tied to your desire to help out. Choose one of three times to come and share your ideas, or to ask how you can help! On Jan. 17 stop by Jut's Caf� during Cup a Joe from 7:30-9:30 a.m., or come by Alumni Hall at 3:30 p.m. or 5 p.m. Bring your ideas! 201303 To help Averett students maximize their course opportunities and to make the registration process smoother for everyone involved, the University is instituting a new late registration fee policy. The new policy applies to all full-time, continuing degree-seeking students, and the details are as follows: If returning students have not registered for 2013 fall semester courses and had them approved by their advisor by April 24 they will be charged a late registration fee of $50, which will be added to their next tuition payment statement. Returning students registering for 2014 spring semester courses are required to have their course registrations approved by their academic advisor by Dec. 4. If students are not registered by this time they will be charged a late registration fee of $50, which will be added to their next tuition payment statement. Please note: the new policy does not apply to students who are returning from leaves of absence, or students who are starting their first semester at Averett. 201303 The University's Counseling Center will offer a suicide prevention program for faculty, staff and students on Jan. 23, at 11:45 in Frith 204, Jan. 24 at 4:30 p.m. in Frith 206 and Jan. 25 at 6:30 a.m. in Frith 205. The program features an informative documentary on college students who have attempted suicide and the effects of these attempts on family members and friends. Important suicide prevention information will be available, including a free faculty handbook (while the supply lasts). For further information, contact Joan Kahwajy-Anderson, director of counseling, at extension 15624 or at jkahwajy@averett.edu. 201303 Faculty and staff are invited to attend this year's Founders' Day celebration on Thursday, Jan. 17 at 11:15 in Pritchett Auditorium. Two of our retiring faculty, Dr. Steve Ausband and Dr. Bill Trimyer, will be speaking. In addition, the University will recognize faculty and staff for their years of service. 201302 Averett's Graduate and Professional Studies (GPS) Program has launched an exciting new multi-media campaign aimed at the working adult market. The campaign, proudly "starring" Averett's own GPS students, was created and produced in conjunction with Averett's new marketing partner, Synergis Education. Elements of the campaign include 11 new billboards, targeted direct mail and online banner ads, and a new 30-second TV commercial. (To see the new TV commercial, please click here). The TV spot will run in staggered flights for a total of nine weeks in the Central Virginia (greater Richmond) market, and will air on early morning news (e.g. "Good Morning America," CBS "This Morning" and the "TODAY Show"), early evening news, and in prime time (e.g. the Academy Awards, the Grammy Awards, "Survivor," "The Amazing Race" and "Undercover Boss"). In addition to its new multi-media campaign, GPS is also launching several exciting new programs – again, in partnership with Synergis Education. Currently in the pipeline are: an accelerated masters of accountancy program to be offered on-campus as well as online; an RN to BSN program offered by Averett's nurse education department for working nurses; a BBA in health care administration; an MEd in administration and supervision; a bachelor of public administration; and more. To find out more about the programs GPS currently offers, please click here. 201302 Winter is upon us and that means there's a possibility for class delays or the University's closure. To stay abreast of Averett's schedule during any inclement weather, all faculty and staff (as well as students) are encouraged to sign up for campus alerts, which can be delivered via text message, email or both. Even if you've signed up in the past, your information needs to be updated every year. To access the form, please click here. Averett uses a variety of ways to inform faculty, staff and students about any delays or closings. To read more about the University's notification plan during inclement weather, please click here. 201302 Averett employees are invited to become a member of the Danville Family YMCA under a corporate membership. Danville employees who want to take advantage of this opportunity need to show their Averett ID or payroll stub to receive 100 percent off the joiner fee (a $50 savings) as well as 15 percent off the membership fees. Membership costs $27 a month for one adult, 18 and over ($300 annually); $44 for a family ($504 annually); and $27 for a senior, 60 and over, ($300 annually). The Men's Health Club is an additional $10 per month. 201302 Averett will celebrate one of this country's most influential dreamers on Monday, Jan.21 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day - during an admissions open house event from 9-9:45 a.m. in Pritchett Auditorium. This special program will feature the Averett Singers combined with the Averett Gospel Choir, Civil Rights era music and poems read by Averett students, the "I Have A Dream" address by Dr. King on video, and special words from Averett President Dr. Tiffany Franks. With permission from your supervisor please plan to attend and celebrate Dr. King's life, dream and legacy. 201302 There are three new jobs posted online - aerobics instructor, business professor for the traditional program and an adjunct position in English. For more information, or to apply for one of these positions, visit Jobs@Averett. 201302 The next Cup of Joe will be held Thursday, Jan. 17 from 7:30-9:30 a.m. at Jut's Cafe. Hope to see you there! 201302 Did you recently receive a new PC and/or Windows upgrade? Could you use an orientation to Windows 7 to help you manage your files and folders and use the interface efficiently? Register for a hands-on workshop offered by Instructional Technologist Kim McMurtry at 11:15 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 22. Upon completion of this one-hour workshop, participants will be able to manage windows, navigate and manage folders, and locate, copy and delete files. To see the complete workshop schedule and to register click here. 201302 Want to exercise, but don't want to do it alone? Linda Lemery is looking for an exercise partner(s) to either work out in the Main Campus Fitness Center or to walk during lunch, from about 11:40 a.m. to about 12:15 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, some Thursdays and Fridays. There is also the option of walking most days after work. If anyone is interested, call Linda at ext. 15636 or email her at linda.lemery@averett.edu. 201302 The University has several free tickets to the Saturday, Jan. 19 performance of the Harlem Quartet at 7:30 p.m. in Pritchett Auditorium. The tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. Contact Jennifer Hooper at ext. 15600 to reserve your tickets today. 201302 The softball team is holding its annual fundraiser. This year they are selling navy hoodies and crew neck sweatshirts adorned with the new Cougar softball logo. The hoodies are $20 and the crew necks are $15. Please help support the program and in return you will be warm when you cheer them on at their games! To place your order, or for more information, email softball@averett.edu. 201302 Seniors have given four years of their lives to learning at Averett. Eighty-seven days before graduation the alumni office holds its annual Senior Dinner to thank them for choosing Averett and to introduce them to what a good graduate is and prepare them for the next step. This year's dinner will be held Jan. 30 at 6 p.m. The meal is served by faculty and staff, which is one of the ways to help out. The second way to help is by encouraging seniors who graduating either this spring or fall to attend. Thirdly, the alumni office is looking for fabulous prizes to give away that evening. If you are interested in helping serve, or have a prize to donate, please contact Dan Hayes, director of alumni relations, at ext. 17252. 201302 Dear Averett Community, During the faculty meeting scheduled for Jan. 22, we will begin with a combined meeting for all faculty and staff in Blount Chapel from 11:15 a.m. to 12:05 p.m. that will set the stage for our Sun Porch 2.0 sessions. Joanne Soliday, partner/owner of Credo (formerly Performa Higher Education), who has consulted with more than 200 independent colleges and universities, will share the results of her recent research on "thriving colleges." These findings will provide a helpful backdrop and framework for our upcoming Sun Porch sessions where all faculty and staff will be invited to "imagine the future" for Averett. Just as the Sun Porch sessions in 2009 were foundational to the development of our current strategic plan and to the University's progress these past four years, Sun Porch 2.0 will be instrumental in planning for the next five to seven years as we begin preparation of the 2014-2020 Strategic Plan. Everyone's involvement from the beginning will be so valuable to the planning process and to our combined efforts that facilitate continued success for Averett. Following Joanne's remarks, staff will depart and the faculty will remain to conduct their regular January faculty meeting business. The January staff meeting will still be held on Thursday, Jan. 24. Gratefully, Tiffany 201301 Averett will celebrate one of this country's most influential dreamers on Monday, Jan.21 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day - during an admissions open house event from 9-9:45 a.m. in Pritchett Auditorium. This special program will feature the Averett Singers combined with the Averett Gospel Choir, Civil Rights era music and poems read by Averett students, the "I Have A Dream" address by Dr. King on video, and special words from Averett President Dr. Tiffany Franks. With permission from your supervisor please plan to attend and celebrate Dr. King's life, dream and legacy. 201251 Tony Robbins, self-help author and motivational speaker, said, "By changing nothing, nothing changes." Whose life are you trying to change? There are people around you every day whose life can be changed for the better with a college education. Please be an instrument of positive change for those persons and encourage them to consider enrolling for a degree program at Averett University (adult or high school student). Recruiting for Averett is as easy as forwarding a name, address and phone number to Dr. Stuart Jones, our vice president for enrollment management. We want to share the story of the life you are trying to change, so please remember to email Stuart at sdjones@averett.edu about your efforts to change a life. 201251 A special thanks to everyone for their work this year in improving the University's assessment process. For those who have not completed their 2012 assessment plan, the mission, goals, objectives and strategies should be entered into Compliance Assist as soon as possible (they were originally due Aug. 31). The fiscal year 2013 assessment plan, must be entered into Compliance Assist by Dec. 20. To enter your information into Compliance Assist, click here. 201251 Instructional Technologist Kim McMurtry will hold an open lab for faculty from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 4 in Frith 109. Faculty are encouraged to visit the lab during this time for assistance with any course-related software (Moodle, PowerPoint, DropBox, etc.). If you wanted to attend a hands-on workshop but missed it, this is a great opportunity to learn something new, ask questions and get ready for spring courses. Registration is not needed, just drop by! 201250 The Danville Chapter of the Alumni Association is hosting a Christmas Party on Monday, Dec. 17 at the Conway House from 5-7 p.m. If you are an alumnus who also works at Averett, please come by and meet other alumni and join us for some Christmas cheer! Bring a favorite snack or drink with you. For more information, contact Dan Hayes at ext. 17252. 201250 Dec. 10-14, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 15, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 16, 12-3 p.m. Dec. 17-21, 9 a,m,-4 p.m. Dec. 22-25, closed Dec. 26-28, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 29-Jan. 1, closed Regular business hours will resume on Wednesday, Jan. 2. 201250 You never know where prospective students lurk! Recently while shopping at Carytown in Richmond, Stuart and Terri Jones ran across a former Danvillian working in retail sales. The conversation led to her husband's desire to get a bachelor's degree in business. Stuart and Terri connected him to GPS admissions in Richmond. Fast forward a little, he is now enrolled in our BBA program at the GPS campus in Innsbrook. Whose life are you changing? Like Stuart and Terri, please tell someone about Averett (adult or high school student) or simply forward their name, address and phone number to Stuart himself so enrollment can contact them. Remember to also tell Stuart about your efforts to change a life by emailing him your story today so it can be included in the next Coffee Break. 201250 There is a new position open - director of annual giving programs - on the Main Campus. For more information, or to apply for this position, visit: Jobs@Averett. 201249 Averett employees are invited to become a member of the Danville Family YMCA under a corporate membership. Danville employees who want to take advantage of this opportunity need to show their Averett ID or payroll stub to receive 100 percent off the joiner fee (a $50 savings) as well as 15 percent off the membership fees. Membership costs $27 a month for one adult, 18 and over ($300 annually); $44 for a family ($504 annually); and $27 for a senior, 60 and over, ($300 annually). The Men's Health Club is an additional $10 per month. Membership to the Danville YMCA includes, at no extra cost - group exercise (land and water); yoga, prenatal yoga and pilates classes; group cycling, extreme interval, ZUMBA and African dance; indoor 25 yard heated pool; fitness center with cardio theatre (brand new state-of-the-art life fitness treadmills, ellipticals and bikes); weight room; babysitting service; two racquetball courts; gymnasium; outdoor running/walking track; outside playground; steam rooms; and free fitness orientations and 12-week fitness program with certified trainers. Swimming lessons, birthday party rentals, sports classes and personal training are fee-based programs. Members pay half the cost of non-members. For more information, check out www.ymcadanville.org. 201315 Are you interested in teaching online? Participate in Best Practices for Facilitating Online Courses, a three-week, asynchronous online seminar facilitated via Moodle by Instructional Technologist Kim McMurtry. Participants learn best practices for teaching online, including applying the theory of andragogy to online teaching strategies, exploring online learning theories and student-centered teaching and enhancing student engagement. Not only does this seminar give you a great foundation for effective online teaching, but it also gives you the opportunity to experience an online course from the student's perspective. Offered monthly, the next seminars begin May 6 and June 3. Please click here to register today. If you have questions about this seminar or other technology workshops, email Kim at kmcmurtry@averett.edu. 201249 Don't forget to join us next Tuesday night (Dec. 11) at 7 p.m. for our 1859-Coffeehouse Lecture. We are hosting "Christmas Readings for Children" (ages 4-9) in the multipurpose room of the Student Center. In addition to Christmas stories, there will be a surprise visit from Santa Claus. The event is free and open to the public. 201249 Incoming new and transfer students will participate in new student orientation Jan. 6-7. There are about 30 students who will be joining the Averett family in January. 201249 Have you forgotten when the next basketball game is? Or you're wondering if there's a flu clinic scheduled? Check the University's online comprehensive calendar for holiday closings, deadlines, athletic events, Arts@Averett events, etc. 201249 Due to the Christmas holiday, full time faculty and staff will be paid early in the month of December. Paychecks will be deposited on Dec. 21. 201249 Due to the growing number of graduate assistants on campus, Staff Council has made the decision to include graduate students on Staff Council to help serve this segment of the Averett family. This year, John Parkin, a hall director for residence life, and Molly Bateman, assistant women's basketball coach, have agreed to serve. 201249 In our humble opinion, Kim Prosser, GPS academic advisor at our Innsbrook campus, is raising her children right! Pictures of her children (ages 13 and 6) in Averett apparel reveal that she is already engraining into their psyche that fact that they will one day be Averett University students. In fact, she tells them they will be! We love it! Whose life are you changing? Like Kim, please encourage family members or friends to consider enrolling for a degree program at Averett (adult or high school student) or simply forward their name, address and phone number to Dr. Stuart Jones. Remember to also tell Stuart about your efforts to change a life by emailing him your story today. 201248 Reminder, our Sam's Club representative will be on the Main Campus tomorrow (Nov. 29) from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the dining hall. 201248 Remember, our monthly Coffee Time will be this Friday, Nov. 30, from 7:30-9 a.m. in Jut's Café. If you'd like to display a craft, please contact Charlotte Wilson (ext. 17147 or charlotte.wilson@averett.edu) or Linda Lemery (ext. 15636 or llemery@averett.edu) to reserve a space. 201248 Tiffany and Joe Franks cordially invite you and your spouse or guest to an Averett Family Holiday Celebration on Thursday, Dec. 6 from 5-8 p.m. at their home (500 Hawthorne Drive). Please RSVP to Jennifer Hooper at jchooper@averett.edu or 434-791-5600 by Thursday, Nov. 29. 201248 If your family is a fan of Christmas stories, our 1859-Coffeehouse Lecture next month is sure to be a delight. Join us at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 11 as we host "Christmas Readings for Children" (ages 4-9) in the multipurpose room of the Student Center. In addition to Christmas stories, there will be a surprise visit from Santa Claus. The event is free and open to the public. 201248 Faculty interested in honing their skills using Moodle and learning to use more Moodle features are encouraged to participate in hands-on workshops offered on the Main Campus Dec. 11-13. Choose from workshops covering Moodle basics, the gradebook, and the chat and forum activities. See the schedule for details and to register. 201248 Maybe you have a family member who would benefit from an Averett education! Wanda Haynes, administrative assistant to faculty, believes that to be the case. She recently referred her daughter-in-law to the admissions office as someone they could recruit. Thank you, Wanda, for trying to change a life! Whose life are you changing? Like Wanda, please encourage someone to consider enrolling for a degree program at Averett (adult or high school student) or simply forward their name, address and phone number to Dr. Stuart Jones. Remember to also tell Stuart about your efforts to change a life by emailing him your story today. 201248 The bookstore will be hosting its annual Faculty and Staff Appreciation Day Wednesday, Nov. 28 from 12-5 p.m. As a token of their appreciation, there will be a 20 percent total discount on select merchandise. Refreshments will be served. 201247 Tiffany and Joe Franks cordially invite you and your spouse or guest to an Averett Family Holiday Celebration on Thursday, Dec. 6 from 5-8 p.m. at their home (500 Hawthorne Drive). Please RSVP to Jennifer Hooper at jchooper@averett.edu or 434-791-5600 by Thursday, Nov. 29. 201247 Averett employees are invited to become a member of the Danville Family YMCA under a corporate membership. Danville employees who want to take advantage of this opportunity need to show their Averett ID or payroll stub to receive 100 percent off the joiner fee (a $50 savings) as well as 15 percent off the membership fees. Membership costs $27 a month for one adult, 18 and over ($300 annually); $44 for a family ($504 annually); and $27 for a senior, 60 and over, ($300 annually). The Men's Health Club is an additional $10 per month. Membership to the Danville YMCA includes, at no extra cost - group exercise (land and water); yoga, prenatal yoga and pilates classes; group cycling, extreme interval, ZUMBA and African dance; indoor 25 yard heated pool; fitness center with cardio theatre (brand new state-of-the-art life fitness treadmills, ellipticals and bikes); weight room; babysitting service; two racquetball courts; gymnasium; outdoor running/walking track; outside playground; steam rooms; and free fitness orientations and 12-week fitness program with certified trainers. Swimming lessons, birthday party rentals, sports classes and personal training are fee-based programs. Members pay half the cost of non-members. For more information, check out www.ymcadanville.org. 201247 The Schoolfield House Booksellers will be closed Thursday, Nov. 22-Sunday, Nov. 25 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. 201247 If you want to renew your membership to Sam's Club, establish a membership or have a question, the University's Sam's Club representative will be on the Main Campus Thursday, Nov. 29 from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. in the dining hall. 201247 Karen Nelson, staff member, recently referred a local area high school senior to the traditional admissions office. With some encouragement from Karen, the student has applied for admission to Averett and the admissions team is now connected with her and assertively recruiting her. It was that simple! Thank you, Karen! Whose life are you changing? Like Karen, please encourage someone to consider enrolling for a degree program at Averett (adult or high school student). Recruiting for Averett is as easy as forwarding a name, address and phone number to Dr. Stuart Jones. Or even simpler, send your friend to the Averett website. Remember to tell Stuart about your efforts to change a life by emailing him your story today. 201247 The next monthly Coffee Time will be Friday, Nov. 30, from 7:30-9 a.m. in Jut's Café. Please mark your calendars to come and enjoy coffee and a roll with your colleagues. If you'd like to display a craft, please contact Charlotte Wilson (ext. 17147 or charlotte.wilson@averett.edu) or Linda Lemery (ext. 15636 or llemery@averett.edu) to reserve a space. 201247 Short how-to video clips are available on the instructional technology website. All employees are encouraged to make use of the videos either as refreshers of hands-on workshops or to learn something new. Videos are available in Excel basics, Moodle basics, Moodle gradebook, Outlook Email basics and intermediate, Outlook Calendar basics, PC Self-Service basics for faculty, PowerPoint basics, PowerPoint audio and video, Word intermediate and Multimedia Projector basics. New videos are added regularly, so check back often! While you're there, check out the schedule of technology workshops and seminars at myinfo.averett.edu/InstructionalTechnology/UpcomingWorkshops. Upcoming workshop topics include Outlook Calendar and Moodle. 201247 Meaghan Byrne '08, one of our new equestrian studies associates, along with several students in the equestrian studies department have created a newsletter they will be publishing four times a year. The newsletter will feature news on upcoming events, exciting changes and additions in the department, show results and more. To view the first edition, click here. 201246 Exams are just around the corner and so is our annual late night breakfast. If you've never participated before, it's a great time to interact with our students. Volunteers are needed Thursday, Nov. 29 from 10-11:30 p.m. to flip pancakes, pass out food and clean-up! If you are interested in participating, please email Lesley Villarose at lvillarose@averett.edu. 201246 Reminder: Averett President Dr. Tiffany Franks will give her annual state of the university address next Tuesday, Nov. 20, at 11:15 in Blount Chapel prior to the regularly scheduled faculty meeting. Everyone is encouraged to attend. 201246 It's basketball season! Come cheer on the men's team for their first home game on Friday, Nov. 16 at 7:30 p.m. as they take on Montreat College. Then on Saturday, Nov. 17, there are back to back games with the men's team competing against Virginia University of Lynchburg at 3 p.m. Then the women take the court for their first home game at 5:30 p.m. against Montreat College. Faculty and staff can attend the games for free. 201246 Bon Appétit began their winter hours of operation on Monday, Nov. 12. The dining hall is open Monday-Friday from 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Breakfast is served from 7:30-10 a.m.; lunch from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; and dinner from 5 p.m.-8 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday the dining hall is open from 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Brunch is served from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and dinner is served from 5 p.m.-7:30 p.m. 201245 On Wednesday, Oct. 31 the lunch hour was filled with the excitement of the Annual Halloween Costume Contest. This year the event drew approximately 50 participants from around campus. Prizes were award in the following categories: 1st and 2nd Place - Best Group (Faculty/Staff), 1st and 2nd Place Individual (Faculty/Staff) and Best Student Costume. Staff Council wants to thank all faculty, staff and students who participated, making the event one to remember. 2012 Halloween Costume Contest Winners 1st Place - Best Group Toy Story - Institutional Advancement 2nd Place - Best Group Scooby Doo and Gang - Riverview Campus 1st Place - Best Individual MC Wonderbread - Drew Wilson 2nd Place - Best Individual Aladdin - Robbie Hendrix Best Student Costume Cat Woman - Julisa Walters 201315 Just a reminder the next University-wide staff meeting will be Thursday, April 18 at 11:15 a.m. in the multipurpose room of the Student Center. Please mark your calendars. The minutes from the staff meeting have migrated to the Intranet. If you haven't located them already, here are step-by-step directions on how to find them: 1. Go to myinfo.averett.edu 2. Click Averett Fac/Staff Login (click here first) 3. Enter your usual login and password 4. Click Groups & Committees 5. Click Staff Council 6. Click the meeting minutes you want to read 7. When you're finished, click Logout (upper right corner) If the March 21 meeting minutes have not yet been posted by the time this issue of Coffee Break is published, they should be posted shortly. 201245 The dining hall will host its annual Thanksgiving celebration on Tuesday, Nov. 13. The lunch price for faculty and staff is $10.11 (tax included). This year's menu will feature herbed rubbed rotisserie turkey with rich turkey gravy, cornbread and regular bread stuffing, farmed rainbow trout filet with garlic beurre blanc, cheese ravioli with a spiced butternut squash cream sauce and toasted walnuts and a variety of homemade desserts. 201245 This month, Averett will interview two candidates for the director of autism studies position. Please join us for open sessions for faculty and staff on Thursday, Nov. 8, 11:15 a.m.-12 p.m. in Frith 205 and Friday, Nov. 16, 3-3:45 p.m. in Frith 406. To view a copy of the candidate's CV in advance of each meeting, contact Elaine Day. If you are unable to attend the open session, please refer interview questions to any member of the search committee - Dr. Janet Laughlin, Dr. Pamela Riedel, Dr. Stephen Ausband, Dr. Jean Hatten or Elaine. 201245 Shawn Dolph, a GPS student in Lynchburg pursuing his BBA, loves his Averett experience so much he has successfully recruited two friends to join him in the program. Two lives are being changed…make that three, counting Shawn. Whose life are you changing? Like Shawn, please encourage someone to consider enrolling for a degree program at Averett (adult or high school student). Recruiting for Averett is as easy as forwarding a name, address and phone number to Dr. Stuart Jones. Or even simpler, send your friend to the Averett website. Remember to tell Stuart about your efforts to change a life by emailing him your story today. 201245 Do you use a projector in your classroom and have difficulty with it? Or do you need to connect your computer to a projector for presentations and you're not sure how to do it? Register now for a 30-minute workshop offered by Instructional Technologist Kim McMurtry, at 11:15 a.m. on Nov. 13 and again on Nov. 15. See the schedule here for complete details and to register. 201245 The academic support services office and its tutor training program have received certification from the College Reading and Learning Association's (CRLA) – International Tutor Training Program. There are about 820 institutions world-wide that have achieved this distinction. The approval from CRLA signifies that the work of academic support meets internationally recognized standards of quality, and tutors may now become CRLA certified para-professional tutors once they've completed their training. Be sure to congratulate Holly Kilby, director of academic support, and her team of tutors when you see them. 201245 Averett President Dr. Tiffany Franks will give her annual state of the university address on Tuesday, Nov. 20 at 11:15 in Blount Chapel prior to the regularly scheduled faculty meeting. Everyone is encouraged to attend. 201244 Dr. Matt Penney, a historian for the CIA, will give a lecture Nov. 8 at 7 p.m. in Blount Chapel. Penney will be speaking about the agency's activity since WWII and will discuss myths versus reality when it comes to the CIA's activity. 201244 Come one, come all! The annual Halloween costume competition will be held Wednesday, Oct. 31 at noon in the dining hall (lunch is not included). Prizes will be awarded for first and second place for department and individual. There will also be a new category, for best student costume. Come and join the fun. If you have any questions, please contact staff council representatives Lisa Stewart (ext. 17186) or Dana Mehalko (ext. 17105). 201244 One of the goals of the student life and engagement strategic planning committee is to ensure that student voices are being heard on various university committees. Here are a few ways you can help achieve this goal: 1. If you are the chair of a campus committee, please consider the ways in which you seek student input for the topics being discussed - especially if they directly impact the student experience on campus. 2. Please notify Dean of Students Bill Woodward by Nov. 12 (woodward@averett.edu), of the names of students who are currently serving on your committees. This will help show how many students are already involved in this way on campus. 3. As you work with students through your classes, offices and/or teams, encourage them to get involved in the committees on which you serve. 4. If you know of students who would be great additions to committees, but aren't sure what the options are for them, feel free to forward their names to Bill by Nov. 12 and he will meet with them to identify a good match. 5. If you are looking for students to join your committee, you can reach out to either the other faculty and staff in your area, or Bill, who will work with the student leaders on campus to share the committee assignments with them. Giving our students an opportunity to serve on university-wide committees is mutually beneficial. Averett can grow according to the needs and expectations of our students, and the students will gain valuable experience by seeing how decisions are made. 201244 Do you need technology training? What kind of technology workshop would you like to attend? Instructional Technologist Kim McMurtry is planning offerings for the spring semester. If you have a suggestion, please email her today at kmcmurtry@averett.edu. The schedule of upcoming hands-on workshops is available here, and short how-to video refreshers of previous workshop topics can be found here. If you missed a workshop and would like training, please contact Kim to schedule another workshop or a personal training session. 201244 Attention all faculty and staff! Please be aware that on Tuesday, Nov. 13 and Thursday, Nov. 15 from 11:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m. the nurse education department will be in the multipurpose room to share information regarding the proposed nursing program. If you know of a student who is interested in pursuing a degree in nursing, please share this information with them. 201244 Kathy Ross is trying to change a life! Kathy, administrative assistant in the department of education, recently referred the daughter of one of her friends. Admissions has already contacted this prospective student thanks to Kathy! Whose life are you changing? Like Kathy, please encourage someone to consider enrolling for a degree program at Averett (adult or high school student). Recruiting for Averett is as easy as forwarding a name, address and phone number to Dr. Stuart Jones. Or even simpler, send your friend to the Averett website. Remember to tell Stuart about your efforts to change a life by emailing him your story today. 201244 On Thursday, Nov. 15 from 7-10 p.m. several of our student organizations will host a pep rally in the Old Gym to celebrate our sports teams. During the rally, there will be two basketball games versus our student-athletes. We are looking for faculty and staff to participate on two teams. If you are interested in playing, please email Lesley Villarose at lvillarose@averett.edu. 201244 Faculty are invited to attend a service learning workshop Monday, Nov. 5 from 2:30-4:30 p.m. in the multipurpose room of the Student Center. The workshop, How to Craft and Draft a Service-Learning Syllabus, will be led by Dr. Barbara Jacoby, the faculty associate for leadership and community service-learning at the University of Maryland. For questions about the workshop contact Rachel Covington at 799-2176 or rcovington@drfonline.org. 201244 During the Homecoming football game Saturday, Oct. 20, fans were encouraged to bring canned goods to support God's Storehouse. The cans, which totaled 186 and weighed 270 pounds, were delivered Oct. 22. Thanks to all who supported this great cause! 201244 How can you help Averett's Virginia students afford the cost of attending our university? Send an email to our state legislators and the governor thanking them for the Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (VTAG) and asking for it to be funded for next year at $3,200. As our faculty and staff, you can share the successes of our students and how this money replaces some loan debt for the students and their families. This fall, students were awarded $2,800 for the 2012-13 academic year. It is critical for next year that we show Governor McDonnell how vital VTAG funding is to our students, families, colleges and communities and why VTAG funding should be increased in his budget. Use this web link to send your emails: http://www.capwiz.com/naicu/va/home Raise up Averett University and let your voices be heard! Thank you! The Admissions and Financial Aid Teams 201243 The University has 10 tickets available for a performance by the National Symphony Orchestra of Cuba on Monday, Oct. 29 at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium at George Washington High School. The tickets are available on a first-come, first-serve basis by calling the switchboard at ext. 15600. 201243 A new position has been posted online for a student financial services counselor. For more information, or to apply for this position, visit: Jobs@Averett. 201243 The University is now collecting candy for the annual Halloween extravaganza on Oct. 31 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. in front of Main Hall. Boxes have been set up in the Student Center by the dining hall as well as outside of the switchboard office in Main Hall. Candy may also be dropped off at Lesley Villarose's office on the fourth floor of the Student Center. All candy is appreciated! If you are interested in helping pass out candy to the neighborhood children, please contact Lesley at lvillarose@averett.edu or at ext. 15627. 201243 The University is once again hosting a morning coffee period for faculty and staff once a month. This month, make plans to grab a cup of coffee any time between 7:30 a.m.-9 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 26 in Jut's Café. If you would like to display a craft that morning, please contact Charlotte Wilson at ext. 17147 or via email charlotte.wilson@averett.edu or Linda Lemery at ext. 15636 or via email linda.lemery@averett.edu as soon as possible. 201243 Dr. Nancy Atkins, regional director for GPS academic services, recently shared "the good word" about Averett during her participation at a community "We Care" event in Richmond. She collected five names (count them...FIVE) of prospective students and gave them to the enrollment team. She's trying to change lives! Whose life are you changing? Like Nancy, please encourage someone to consider enrolling for a degree program at Averett (adult or high school student). Recruiting for Averett is as easy as forwarding a name, address and phone number to Dr. Stuart Jones, just like Nancy did. Or even simpler, send your friend to the Averett website. Remember to tell Stuart about your efforts to change a life by emailing him your story. 201243 Bon Appétit Management Company is pleased to announce that it is now offering an easier way for you to reconcile bills from catering events. They are now accepting Averett issued purchase cards and credit cards as payment for catering invoices. All it takes is a phone call to bookkeeper, Barbara Styons, at ext. 17307, and she will take your information over the phone. It's that easy. 201243 Considering using Moodle next semester? Or need a refresher course? Instructional Technologist Kim McMurtry is offering a Moodle Basics hands-on workshop at 3 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 30. Participants will work through the basic steps in setting up a course in Moodle, including uploading a syllabus and other resources, setting up a discussion forum, and using the gradebook. See the complete workshop schedule and register here. 201243 Living in the Heart of Virginia on WSET Ch. 13 recently caught up with Dr. Stuart Jones, vice president for enrollment management. Watch the segment here. 201243 Come one, come all! The annual Halloween costume competition will be held Wednesday, Oct. 31 at noon in the dining hall (lunch is not included). Prizes will be awarded for first and second place for department and individual. There will also be a new category - best student costume. Come and join the fun. If you have any questions, please contact staff council representatives Lisa Stewart (ext. 17186) or Dana Mehalko (ext. 17105). 201243 Aramark is conducting their yearly survey of campus. This survey will help them better understand our campus lifestyle and preferences. By sharing your thoughts, they can gain valuable insight that will help improve our overall campus experience. If you have not already taken the survey, please take a few minutes to do so before Friday, Oct. 26. You could win a $150 Visa virtual gift card or one of three $50 Visa virtual gift cards. 201242 The University is now collecting candy for the annual Halloween extravaganza on Oct. 31 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. in front of Main Hall. Boxes have been set up in the Student Center by the dining hall as well as outside of the switchboard office in Main Hall. Candy may also be dropped off at Lesley Villarose's office on the fourth floor of the Student Center. All candy is appreciated! If you are interested in helping pass out candy to the neighborhood children, please contact Lesley at lvillarose@averett.edu or at ext. 15627. 201242 The University is once again hosting a morning coffee period for faculty and staff once a month. This month, make plans to grab a cup of coffee any time between 7:30 a.m.-9 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 26 in Jut's Café. If you would like to display a craft that morning, please contact Charlotte Wilson at ext. 17147 or via email charlotte.wilson@averett.edu or Linda Lemery at ext. 15636 or via email as soon as possible. 201242 Dr. Nancy Atkins, regional director for GPS academic services, recently shared "the good word" about Averett during her participation at a community "We Care" event in Richmond. She collected five names (count them...FIVE) of prospective students and gave them to the enrollment team. She's trying to change lives! Whose life are you changing? Like Nancy, please encourage someone to consider enrolling for a degree program at Averett (adult or high school student). Recruiting for Averett is as easy as forwarding a name, address and phone number to Dr. Stuart Jones, just like Nancy did. Or even simpler, send your friend to the Averett website. Remember to tell Stuart about your efforts to change a life by emailing him your story. 201242 Bon Appétit Management Company is pleased to announce that it is now offering an easier way for you to reconcile bills from catering events. They are now accepting Averett issued purchase cards and credit cards as payment for catering invoices. All it takes is a phone call to bookkeeper, Barbara Styons, at ext. 17307, and she will take your information over the phone. It's that easy. 201242 Considering using Moodle next semester? Or need a refresher course? Instructional Technologist Kim McMurtry is offering a Moodle Basics hands-on workshop at 3 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 30. Participants will work through the basic steps in setting up a course in Moodle, including uploading a syllabus and other resources, setting up a discussion forum, and using the gradebook. See the complete workshop schedule and register here. 201242 Living in the Heart of Virginia on WSET Ch. 13 recently caught up with Dr. Stuart Jones, vice president for enrollment management. Watch the segment here. 201242 Come one, come all! The annual Halloween costume competition will be held Wednesday, Oct. 31 at noon in the dining hall (lunch is not included). Prizes will be awarded for first and second place for department and individual. There will also be a new category - best student costume. Come and join the fun. If you have any questions, please contact staff council representatives Lisa Stewart (ext. 17186) or Dana Mehalko (ext. 17105). 201242 Aramark is conducting their yearly survey of campus. This survey will help them better understand our campus lifestyle and preferences. By sharing your thoughts, they can gain valuable insight that will help improve our overall campus experience. If you have not already taken the survey, please take a few minutes to do so before Friday, Oct. 26. You could win a $150 Visa virtual gift card or one of three $50 Visa virtual gift cards. 201242 As of Jan. 1, 2013, Averett will be a corporate sponsor of the Danville YMCA courtesy of the Lavinder Group. This means there are no joiner fees for any Averett employee, and there is a 15 percent discount off your monthly membership fee. An Averett ID is required to take advantage of these benefits. 201242 Antoinette Gazda, a visiting instructor in the English department and the coordinator of service-learning, will host a Q&A session on her experiences as a professional actor in "How to Break into the Film Business." Topics will include (but are not limited to) getting an agent, the importance of headshots and résumés, on (and off) set protocols, auditioning in the 21st century and more. You ask questions, she'll provide answers based on her wild 15-year roller coaster ride in the business. For more information, contact Elaine Day or visit the website. 201242 In response to interest from staff, Staff Council has found a way to provide staff members access to the minutes from the campus-wide monthly staff meeting. The minutes from the Sept. 20 meeting have been posted to Moodle for any staff member who is interested in reading what was discussed. To access the information, go to Moodle Login under the faculty and staff link; login in the right hand corner at the top of the page using the login you use to log into your computer; and then, once you're logged in, click "administrative updates" and scroll down to "staff council." 201242 Are you interested in teaching online for Averett? Register here for a three-week online seminar in best practices for facilitating online courses conducted by Instructional Technologist Kim McMurtry. The seminar will be conducted via Moodle and requires approximately three hours of commitment each week. Topics include developing online community and engaging adult online students. This seminar is offered Nov. 5-24 and again Nov. 26-Dec. 15. See the complete schedule for all seminar and hands-on workshop opportunities. 201242 Dr. Matt Penney, a historian for the CIA, will give a lecture Nov. 8 at 7 p.m. in Blount Chapel. Penney will be speaking about the agency's activity since WWII and will discuss myths versus reality when it comes to the CIA's activity. 201242 Come one, come all! The annual Halloween costume competition will be held Wednesday, Oct. 31 at noon in the dining hall (lunch is not included). Prizes will be awarded for first and second place for department and individual. There will also be a new category, for best student costume. Come and join the fun. If you have any questions, please contact staff council representatives Lisa Stewart (ext. 17186) or Dana Mehalko (ext. 17105). 201242 Feleta Morton, associate registrar, is trying to change a life by recruiting a student - actually it's her daughter. She recommended we contact her daughter about enrolling in the MBA program at Averett - and that's exactly what we are doing. Whose life are you changing? Please encourage someone to consider enrolling for a degree program at Averett (adult or high school student). Recruiting for Averett is as easy as forwarding a name, address and phone number to Dr. Stuart Jones, just like Feleta did. Or even simpler, send your friend to the Averett website. Remember to tell Stuart about your efforts to change a life by emailing him your story. 201315 The Danville Speech and Hearing Center's annual golf tournament now honors one of Averett's own - Dr. Betty Heard, professor emeritus of English. The Greenberg/Overcash/Heard Memorial Golf Tournament will be held Friday, June 7 at Caswell Pines Golf Club. Heard was an active supporter of the Speech and Hearing Center, serving as a member of the board, as treasurer and helping with the golf tournament. Anyone interested in supporting or participating in the tournament can call the Danville Speech and Hearing Center at 793-8255. 201241 This year, the University is sponsoring a banner competition in celebration of Homecoming for clubs, organizations and offices. Interested parties can come to the office of student engagement and leadership development beginning Monday, Oct. 15 to pick up pre-cut banner paper. Groups are encouraged to create a banner that incorporates Cougar spirit. The banners will be hung at the North Campus on Saturday, Oct. 20 to be judged by a panel. The winning club will get $100 towards a program, and the winning office will receive a free breakfast. Both awards are courtesy of the office of alumni relations. 201241 Would you like to create more engaging slideshow presentations with audio and video? PowerPoint Audio & Video hands-on workshops will be offered by Instructional Technologist Kim McMurtry Oct. 23-25. Click here to see the complete workshop schedule and to register. 201241 The ability to cast a ballot for the President of the United States for the first time can be a truly exciting time for our students who have recently turned 18. To vote in the Nov. 6 elections, individuals must be registered to vote by October 15. Please help spread the word to our students about the process for registering to vote. To register in Virginia, visit the State Board of Elections website at www.sbe.virginia.gov. 201241 Congratulations are in order for the recently elected Student Government Association (SGA) senators! The four first-year students who were elected by their peers to represent their voices in SGA are: Kevin Jang David Kelly Kayla Sanon James Watson-Dare They join the executive board of: President Alexander Hattwick Vice President Lesley Cole Treasurer Ashley Monroe Secretary Joshua Taylor Pictured left to right: Kayla Sanon, James Watson-Dare, Joshua Taylor, Kevin Jang, Lesley Cole, Alex Hattwick, Ashley Monroe and David Kelly in the front. As you see these students around campus, please show your appreciation for their efforts to serve the Averett community. 201241 The University is hosting a reception at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 11 in Blount Library as part of the 150th anniversary celebration of the life of Frederick Delius. Faculty and staff are invited to attend this free event. During his short time in Danville, Delius met Robert Phifer, who taught in the music department at what was then Roanoke Female College (now Averett University), and Phifer recruited Delius as an instructor. 201241 The University is now collecting candy for our annual Halloween extravaganza on Oct. 31 from 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. in front of Main Hall. Beginning this week, boxes have been set up in the Student Center by the dining hall as well as outside of the switchboard office in Main Hall. In addition, staff may bring their contributions to the campus wide staff meeting on Thursday, Oct. 18. All candy is appreciated! If you are interested in helping pass out candy to the neighborhood children, please contact Lesley Villarose at lvillarose@averett.edu or at ext. 15627. 201241 Aramark is conducting their yearly survey of campus. This survey will help them better understand our campus lifestyle and preferences. By sharing your thoughts, they can gain valuable insight that will help improve our overall campus experience. Take the facility services survey by Oct. 26 and you could win a $150 VISA virtual gift card or one of three $50 VISA virtual gift cards. 201241 As we continue our efforts to provide outstanding service to our students and constituents please remember two important things so that they don't get the "run around." 1) If you don't know the answer to a question, don't send the customer someplace else. Bookmark the Averett Central WIKI site, which provides answers to the majority of student/parent questions you may receive. Please refer to it in order to answer questions "then and there" for your customers. 2) If you still need assistance with answers to customer questions, call Averett Central at ext. 15614 and let them help. It's that easy...and it's that important. 201201 This week, Chaplain Jamie Williford talks about new transitions and how they are often overwhelming. New Transitions 201201 The Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce is hosting a customer service workshop on Thursday, Sept. 13 from noon-1:30 p.m. at the Stratford Courtyard Conference Center (149 Piney Forest Rd.). The cost to attend is $20 per person and includes lunch. If you would like to attend register online or call the Chamber at (434) 836-6990. 201201 Karen Shields, the University's Sam's Club representative, will be on campus Monday, Sept. 24 and Thursday, Sept. 24 to register new customers and renew memberships expiring in September or October 2012. She will be set up in the dining hall from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. 201201 Instructional Technologist Kim McMurtry invites you to register for a hands-on workshop on Moodle activities, Sept. 11 and 13 at 11:15 a.m. on the Main Campus. This one-hour workshop provides an overview of each of the 11 activity options in Moodle 2.2, with in-depth focus and practice on Chat and Forum. See the schedule of upcoming workshops to register. If you're interested but can't attend, contact Kim to schedule an extra workshop or a personal training session. 201201 The Downtown Danville Association, Danville Regional Foundation, Danville Industrial Development Authority and the City of Danville are conducting a community opinion poll to engage the community in making plans for the old Downtowner site. They want to hear from you. Please take the time to offer your opinion. Survey 201201 The GPS Program here in Danville is collecting school supplies in support of the Fill the Bus Campaign conducted by First State Bank. A collection box will be located at the Riverview Campus next to the security desk until Thursday, Aug. 30. Items requested include Ziploc bags, paper, pencils, rulers, tissues, erasers, scissors, notebooks, hand sanitizer, crayons, Clorox wipes and glue sticks. Please help us fill our box to help area children have the school supplies they need for this year. The school supplies will be delivered to First State Bank on Aug. 30. 201201 The dean of students' office is searching for students to serve on the Averett University Conduct Board. Please consider recommending students you advise, teach, coach, or otherwise work with whom you think would contribute positively to this aspect of campus life. You can send the names to Bill Woodward by Wednesday, Sept. 5 and he will send them application materials. Ideally, there will be a board of students who represent the entire student body - even students who have previously made their way through the conduct system are eligible to apply. Students selected to serve on the board will be responsible for upholding community standards through the University's conduct process. The student board members also will work with the faculty and staff serving on the board to review the current code of conduct and provide insight regarding the policies and procedures of Averett's discipline process. Staff members who are interested in serving on the conduct board should contact Bill by the above date, as well. 201201 University offices will be closed Monday, Sept. 3 in observance of Labor Day. Classes and office hours will resume Tuesday at their regularly scheduled time. 201235 Faculty and staff are encouraged to participate in Moodle hands-on workshops offered by Instructional Technologist Kim McMurtry. August and September workshops focus on Moodle Basics, Moodle Gradebook and Moodle Activities. See the schedule for workshop descriptions and registration. 201235 On Tuesday, Aug. 21, we officially opened our 154th academic session. It's going to be a great year, and already exciting things are planned that you'll want to make note of. Make sure you watch the calendar for upcoming events. For those of you who are new, and as a refresher for those who have been here a while, Coffee Break is a newsletter for faculty and staff that comes out on Wednesdays. The deadline for each issue is the Wednesday before you want your announcement to run. All non-emergency announcements (births, new people in your department, workshops, etc.) should be submitted via the online form. 201234 This is a special edition of Coffee Break to introduce new members of the Averett family. As you pass these people around campus, please introduce yourself and make them feel welcome. 201233 Always wanted to be crafty and creative? Start with something easy, like making puzzle pins and earrings. There will be a class held from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Sept. 22 in the multipurpose room in the Student Center. Participants need to bring a bottle of tacky glue (not super glue), a pair of tweezers and a small towel. The class is $15, and the kit is $4. To register for the class, call Gloria Robertson at ext. 15638. 201233 Instructional Technologist Kim McMurtry will hold an open lab for faculty from 1:30-3 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 20 in Frith 207. Faculty are encouraged to visit the lab during this time for assistance with any course-related software (Moodle, PowerPoint, DropBox, etc.). 201233 Just a reminder to all faculty and staff: Averett Central is the one stop shop for any and all visitors to campus. If there is a parent, student, faulty, or staff member who doesn't know where a location on campus is, where a class is being held, or just has general questions, please direct them to Averett Central. Also, please be reminded that we are only as efficient as the information we receive. If there are any updates to your policies and procedures please inform Robbie Hendrix or Rose Holley. 201232 Faculty are invited to a free Service Learning Workshop on Tuesday, Aug. 14, to learn about embedding service learning into course content and syllabi. The workshop will be held at Danville Community College in Oliver Hall (Temple 110) and will be facilitated by Barbara Jacoby of Barbara Jacoby Consulting. A light lunch will be available at 12:30 p.m., with the workshop offered from 1-4 p.m. Please RSVP to Rachel Covington by Friday, August 10. This workshop is made possible by the Danville Regional Foundation. 201232 On Tuesday, Aug. 21 at 3 p.m. the University will celebrate the opening of our new Health Sciences Innovative Practice Center at the Riverview Campus. All faculty and staff are invited to attend this exciting event. If you plan to attend, please RSVP to Jennifer Hooper by Aug. 10. 201232 Faculty are encouraged to take advantage of hands-on Moodle workshops offered by Instructional Technologist Kim McMurtry. Staff who support faculty are also welcome to attend the training. See the schedule for dates and registration. In addition, there will be an Open Lab for Faculty, 1:30-3:00 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 20, in Frith 207. Faculty are invited to visit the lab during this time for assistance with any course-related software (Moodle, PowerPoint, DropBox, etc.). 201232 The last day to RSVP for opening events is Aug. 9 via the invitation. On Thursday, Aug. 16, a breakfast buffet will be served from 8-9:15 a.m. During the breakfast we will welcome new members of the Averett family and hear important campus updates. Following the breakfast there will be a faculty meeting beginning at 9:30 a.m. in the multipurpose room and then a staff meeting will be held there beginning at 1:15 p.m. At the end of the day Dr. Franks and Joe Franks will host a reception at their home (500 Hawthorne Drive) for faculty and staff and their spouses or guests. 201232 We are still looking for volunteers to be a part of our move-in crew for our returning students. Sunday, Aug. 19, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. If you are interested in helping our students move-in, please contact Lesley Villarose at lvillarose@averett.edu with times that you are available. 201231 If you expect to receive a fax in the Business Office, (fax number 791-5601), please tell the sender to include your name on the cover sheet. Without your name we may not be able to figure out where the fax should go. Thank you! The Business Office 201231 Faculty and staff are encouraged to take advantage of hands-on workshops offered by Instructional Technologist Kim McMurtry. August workshop topics include Outlook Email and Moodle. Schedule and registration 201231 The Summer Series of Something wraps up Thursday, Aug. 2, at noon when Petrina Carter, director of career services presents “Diversity Initiatives at Averett University” in the multipurpose room of the Student Center. A boxed lunch will be available. 201231 Attendance is strongly encouraged for a meeting and workshop for hiring managers and administrative assistants scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 7 from 9-10:30 a.m. in the multipurpose room of the Student Center. The workshop agenda will include hiring processes for part-time employees (student and non-student), time sheets, required documents, payroll law and timetables and new employee orientation. Email your questions in advance to Tammy Wall at twall@averett.edu in order to add them to the roundtable discussion session. The workshop will be presented by Andy Fitch, controller and Kathie Tune, VP for human resources and facilitated by Tammy Wall, senior accountant. Please note that updated versions of the part-time agreement and tuition benefit form have been posted to the web. 201231 Please remember to RSVP by Aug. 9 for opening events on Thursday, Aug. 16 via the invitation. A breakfast buffet will be served from 8-9:15 a.m. During the breakfast we will welcome new members of the Averett family and hear important campus updates. Following the breakfast there will be a faculty meeting beginning at 9:30 a.m. in the multipurpose room and then a staff meeting will be held there beginning at 1:15 p.m. At the end of the day Dr. Franks and Joe Franks will host a reception at their home (500 Hawthorne Drive) for faculty and staff and their spouses or guests. 201231 All new faculty and staff members are invited to attend the New Employee Orientation Program on Friday, Aug. 17, from 8:45 a.m.-2:15 p.m. Please plan on joining us for the day's events. A full schedule of the day can be found under new employees and hiring on the human resources human resources web page. Supervisors and department chairs, please encourage all of your faculty and staff to attend. 201231 On Tuesday, Aug. 21 at 3 p.m. the University will celebrate the opening of our new Health Sciences Innovative Practice Center at the Riverview Campus. All faculty and staff are invited to attend this exciting event. If you plan to attend, please RSVP to Jennifer Hooper by Aug. 10. 201230 Please note that Friday, July 27 is the last day for summer hours. Regularly scheduled hours return on Friday, Aug. 3. 201230 In the July Make it Happen meeting the new Community Outreach and Enrollment co-chair, Joel Nester, presented their new objectives, one of which is enrollment. In order to reach the traditional goal of 1,000 students by fall 2013 they have set a goal of having 390 quality freshmen students enrolling. In order to reach this goal, the University will offer a new nursing program, hire a Baptist General Association of Virginia ambassador, hire additional admissions counselors and increase international student enrollment through cooperative programs. New Sun Porch sessions will start in November. 201230 Always wondered where the Equestrian Center is? This week, you have a chance to find out. The Summer Series of Something will be held at the Equestrian Center Thursday, July 26 from 9-10 a.m. Ginger Henderson, assistant professor and chair of the equestrian studies program, and Kit Oakes, facilities manager, will serve as tour guides. Van transport from the Student Center parking lot will be provided. Plan to board the van by 8:45 a.m. 201230 The GPS Program is hosting a number of networking opportunities Wednesday, July 25 in Forest at 315 Brook Park Place. There is a lunch and learn hosted by Marietta Sanford from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Later that evening from 5:30-7 p.m. Lynchburg City Manager Kimball Payne will speak. For more information contact Lee Ann Mahan at 797-8458 or email her at leeann.mahan@gps.averett.edu. 201230 Last week, the University received approval from SACS to offer the bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree. The approval was granted with no stipulations or concerns, which is testimony to all of the hard work that has been put forth to reach this milestone. Averett will begin offering the BSN degree to registered nurses, and the first class will launch Aug. 22. We are still awaiting approval from the Virginia Board of Nursing to offer a full baccalaureate nursing program for students entry-level into practice and we anticipate a decision by January. 201229 Senator Mark Warner will be on campus Friday, July 20 from 2-3 p.m. in the dining hall of the Student Center for a roundtable discussion. Warner will give updates on his efforts to promote job creation and economic recovery by encouraging more startup businesses and expanding the reach of broadband into rural regions. He will also take time to answer questions. Due to space limitations, RSVP’s are required. Please RSVP with your name, organization or business address, phone and email to Drew Densmore with the senator’s office at Drew_Densmore@warner.senate.gov or by calling 540-857-2676. 201229 Two new positions have just been posted online: staff accountant/payroll and benefits and systems administrator. For more information, or to apply for one of these positions, visit: Jobs@Averett. 201229 The open position for the administrative assistant in the education department has been filled. Thank you to all who expressed interest. Dr. Pam Riedel, education professor 201229 Following a charge from president’s council, the leadership forum is in the process of drafting a grant proposal related to an issue identified at a retreat this spring - promoting a liberal arts education in the marketplace. Please join us for a Library Coffee Talk Series on this topic at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 12, Tuesday, July 24 and Monday, Aug. 6. Faculty, staff and students are welcome to participate in one or all three sessions. Prior to attending the talk, there is a recommended reading for more about this initiative. For more information contact Elaine Day via email at elaine.day@averett.edu. 201229 The office of student engagement and leadership development is looking for volunteers to attend and help with the following events: Trip to the North Carolina Zoo Saturday, Sept. 22, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Glow Casino Night Friday, Oct. 5, 8 p.m.-Midnight Trip to Scarowinds Friday, October 26 If you are interested in being a part of these events please email Lesley Villarose at lvillarose@averett.edu. 201229 Full-time and adjunct faculty are encouraged to participate in upcoming Moodle workshops in basics and gradebook offered by Instructional Technologist Kim McMurtry. Staff who support faculty or use Moodle are also welcome. See the schedule for workshop descriptions and registration. If you cannot attend a scheduled workshop, email Kim at kmcmurtry@averett.edu to request an additional workshop or a personal training session. 201229 The Summer Series of Something continues Thursday, July 19 at 11:15 a.m. in Blount Chapel with a presentation by Dr. David Hoffman, professor of English and communications studies. Hoffman will present his photo journal of Danville’s River Walk Trail. Light refreshments will be available. 201228 This year’s Summer Series of Something starts off with a word from motivational speaker Dr. Joey Faucette, who will be sharing from his #1 Amazon bestseller “Work Positive in a Negative World” at 11:15 a.m. Thursday, July 12 in Blount Chapel. Facuette is the founder of Listen to Life, a company that coaches people to redefine their reality and fulfill their business dreams. He is the host of the syndicated radio show, Listen to Life, writes a syndicated newspaper column of the same name, and blogs from www.ListentoLife.org, which is read in more than 50 countries. 201228 Hello Cougars! Can you believe that our students will be coming back to campus in just a few weeks? We are looking for volunteers to be a part of our move-in crew for our athletes and our returning students. The dates and times are: Wednesday, Aug. 8, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. - football players Sunday, Aug. 19, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. - returning students If you are interested in helping our students move-in, please contact Lesley Villarose at lvillarose@averett.edu with times that you are available. 201228 Having trouble figuring out some of your computer programs? You’re in luck! Over the next two months hands-on workshops are being offered on a variety of programs including Outlook email: basics, Outlook email: intermediate and Moodle: basics. See the complete schedule for workshop descriptions and registration. If you cannot attend a scheduled workshop, email Kim McMurtry, instructional technologist, at kmcmurtry@averett.edu to request an additional workshop or a personal training session. 201228 Rebecca Ryan of Next Generation Consulting will speak on “Workforce Trends and Bridging the Generation Gap” during a breakfast Wednesday, July 18 from 7:30-9 a.m. at the Institute. There is no cost to attend, but reservations are required and must be made by Friday, July 13. Ryan is a former professional basketball player and an Entrepreneur of the Year. Her firm, Next Generation Consulting, has conducted interviews, focus groups and surveys with more than 40,000 young professionals since 1998. To register for the breakfast, click here. 201226 The assessment report for fiscal year 2011-12 needs to be completed by Saturday, June 30. Please enter the information into Averett’s Compliance Assist. If you have any questions, please contact Metta Alsobrook. 201226 Each year we look forward to publication of the Averett Journal, and this year's journal again has met our expectations of being a success! If you have never submitted to the Averett Journal, this is your chance to shine, as we are now taking submissions for short stories, essays, poetry and photography for the next volume. To submit, please email Alana Baker for guidelines. We look forward to reading your submissions! 201226 On Thursday, June 28, Lone Star Steakhouse will be holding a fundraiser during lunch and dinner to support Habitat for Humanity. Present a Habitat flyer to your server and 15 percent of the sales will go to the nonprofit organization. For a copy of the flyer, contact Alexis Ehrhardt or Michael Parsons. 201226 The Schoolfield House Booksellers will be closed Wednesday, July 4 in observance of the holiday. Happy Independence Day! 201225 The opening of fall semester for faculty and staff will begin with a breakfast on Aug. 16 at 8 a.m. in the dining hall. More information to come later this summer. 201225 Upward Bound is on campus now through June 29 Softball camp is on campus June 26-27 (overnight) Passport, Youth Camp with a Mission, will be here during the month of July - 300 youth a week Shining Stars will be on campus July 16-26 201225 Summer Series of Something begins July 12 with an inspirational message from Dr. Joey Faucette of Listen to Life. Then on July 19, Dr. David Hoffman will share pictures from his walks on the Riverwalk Trail; on July 26 there will be a visit to the equestrian center; and on Aug. 2 Petrina Carter will give a talk about diversity. 201225 There will be a diaper shower at 4:30 p.m. June 25 for Marquita Graves, administrative assistant to the vice president for academic affairs, right behind the Student Center at the home of Metta Alsobrook (310 Townes St.). Please RSVP to Randell Fultman. Marquita is registered at Wal-Mart and Target. 201225 If you would like to have a work study in your office in the fall, get your request in to Petrina Carter as soon as possible. 201225 Bill Woodward is working on three newsletters for the month of July – parent, new student and returning student. If you have information you would like to be included please email it to him by the end of June. 201224 Faculty and staff are invited to participate in a hands-on workshop by Instructional Technologist Kim McMurtry on Excel 2003, 2007 and 2010: Basics. Participants will explore how to use Excel to enhance efficiency and productivity in their work, from maintaining a department budget to creating a grade book. This one-hour workshop will be offered June 20-28 in the Frith 207 computer lab. Visit the instructional technology page to register for this workshop or upcoming ones. If you have questions about this workshop, email Kim at kmcmurtry@averett.edu. 201224 Library Coffee Talks continue with: ARTstor Digital Library (Dr. Patrick Wasley), Wednesday, June 20, 2:30 p.m. American History in Video (Kevin Harden), Tuesday, June 26, 2:30 p.m. Please join us for coffee, tea, scones, and stimulating conversation. For information, email Elaine Day, elaine.day@averett.edu. 201224 New Student Orientation is approaching quickly! Please join us in welcoming our new students to Averett. Summer orientation dates are: Saturday, June 23 and Sunday, June 24; Friday, July 13 (transfer students); and Saturday, July 14 and Sunday, July 15. For the tentative June schedule, click here. 201224 Join the alumni office for one of its summer events. If you were thinking about going to one of the following places, you can save some money and meet some new Averett folks, too. Saturday, June 23, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., picnic in Chesapeake - details on the alumni page. Please RSVP to alumni@averett.edu so that we have food for you! Saturday, June 30, Averett Day at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg - register here Saturday, July 21, Little Island Park in Virginia Beach on the Sandbridge, Free - register here Saturday, Aug. 11, Averett Day at Emerald Pointe Water Park in Greensboro, N.C. - register here. 201223 I hope everyone is having a lovely summer! Just a reminder the bookstore is operating on summer hours, which are listed below. Also, we will be closed Saturday June 16 - Sunday June 17 in observance of Father's Day. Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Sunday, 12:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. Cari McGregor Bookstore Manager 201223 Faculty, staff and students are invited to the first ever Blount Library Coffee Talks. The talks will be held in the library and will last 20 minutes (coffee, tea and scones are provided courtesy of Averett Library Friends). Thursday, June 7, 2:30 p.m., "Children's and Young Adult Literature" (Jennifer Robinson) Monday, June 11, 2:30 p.m., "Collection Development, or The Great Purge and Renewal of 2012" (Jim Verdini) Wednesday, June 20, 2:30 p.m., "ARTstor Digital Library" (Patrick Wasley) Tuesday, June 26, 2:30 p.m., "American History in Video" (Kevin Harden) Weekly Coffee Talks will continue throughout the year, with topics and dates announced in CoffeeBreak. Guest speakers are welcome! For more information, contact Elaine Day. 201223 All faculty and staff are invited to participate in a hands-on workshop by Instructional Technologist Kim McMurtry on Excel 2003, 2007 and 2010: Basics. Participants will explore how to use Excel to enhance efficiency and productivity in their work, from maintaining a department budget to creating a grade book. This one-hour workshop will be offered June 19-28 in the Frith 207 computer lab. Visit the instructional technology page to register. If you have questions about this workshop, email Kim at kmcmurtry@averett.edu. 201223 The offices of institutional advancement, along with enrollment, have contracted to work with the Averett Social Media Group (ASMG) - created and led by William Sehlin, an AU student. The group will shoot a series of videos over the course of the next year for Averett's website and YouTube. These videos will be important marketing pieces for the University designed to attract prospective students and potential donors. Please know that you will see William and other ASMG members across campus video taping various activities. We hope you will give them your full cooperation, including interviews they may want to do with you on camera. Thank you. 201223 A Cougar Challenge Camp for fourth graders is being held June 4-15 at the North Campus. The day begins at 9 a.m. with students working on physical fitness and personal/social responsibility in the morning and then in the afternoon they will spend time working on engineering challenges and problem-based learning. 201222 There are several new positions open at Averett including director of autism studies and two positions in nurse education. For more information, go to www.averett.edu/jobs. 201222 All faculty and staff are invited to participate in a hands-on workshop by Instructional Technologist Kim McMurtry on Outlook: Calendar Basics. Participants will explore how to use Outlook Calendar to enhance efficiency and productivity. This one-hour workshop will be offered June 5-14 in the Frith 207 computer lab. Visit the instructional technology page to register. If you have any questions about this workshop or would like to suggest topics for future workshops, email Kim at kmcmurtry@averett.edu. 201221 Averett's Less is More Team came in first in Danville in both weight loss and in activity minutes for the 2012 Live Health America initiative! Go, team! 201221 All faculty and staff are invited to participate in a hands-on workshop by Instructional Technologist Kim McMurtry on Outlook: Calendar Basics. Participants will explore how to use Outlook Calendar to enhance efficiency and productivity. This one-hour workshop will be offered in the Frith 207 Computer Lab on: Outlook 2003: Calendar Basics, 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 30 Outlook 2003: Calendar Basics, 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, June 5 Outlook 2007: Calendar Basics, 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, June 6 Outlook 2007: Calendar Basics, 3:00 p.m., Thursday, June 7 Outlook 2007: Calendar Basics, 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 12 Outlook 2010: Calendar Basics, 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 13 Outlook 2010: Calendar Basics, 10:00 a.m., Thursday, June 14 Limited seating is available, but should these workshops fill up, additional dates will be offered. Please register here to reserve your seat. If you have any questions about this workshop or would like to suggest topics for future workshops, please email Kim at kmcmurtry@averett.edu. 201221 With Averett's enrollment goals in mind, our Webmaster Amelia Brantley and a team of five set out to redesign the admissions portion of the website to better serve online visitors. Launched on Friday, May 11, the new site features a self-identifying navigational structure that guides prospective students through the admissions process in a more personal way. In addition, there are new graphics and videos made commercially and in-house and a new online 'map to admission.' We invite you to visit the new admissions site and check out the changes. 201220 The Cougars will have two new opponents to compete against during the 2013-14 academic year. To see who our new opponents will be click here. 201220 Opera Experience Southeast, based out of Rock Hill, S.C., will perform La Bohème at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 20 in the auditorium at George Washington High School. Tickets, which will be sold starting at 2 p.m. on the day of the performance, are $25 for adults and $10 for students. 201220 The Fitness Center is open this summer through July 27. The hours are: Monday-Thursday, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Friday, 12:30-2:30 p.m. 201220 The regularly scheduled campus staff meeting will be held Thursday, May 17 at 11:15 a.m. in Blount Chapel. Lunch will be provided afterwards. 201218 The University has two positions open that it is looking to fill - a faculty position in the equestrian studies department and a staff position in admissions. For more information about these positions visit JOBS@Averett. 201218 The Danville Concert Association is hosting a performance by the Los Angeles Piano Quartet at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 12 in Pritchett Auditorium. A limited number of free tickets are available on a first-come-first-serve basis. Please contact Jennifer Hooper if you are interested in attending. 201218 Crystal Harris from the health and life services division of BB&T will host a webinar discussing the how to's of Social Security and Medicare May 10 from 9-10 a.m. in the conference room on the fourth floor of the Student Center. Harris will provide a timeline for anyone planning to retire, applying for Social Security and Medicare benefits. 201218 The Schoolfield House Booksellers will be closed Saturday, May 12 and Sunday, May 13 in observance of the Mother's Day holiday. It will also be closed Saturday, May 26 through Monday, May 28 in observance of Memorial Day. As a reminder, summer hours begin Monday, May 14 and are as follows: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, 12 p.m.-3 p.m. 201217 April is awareness month for elder abuse, sexual assault and child abuse. In an effort to bring awareness to these causes, the YWCA of Central Virginia and HAVEN of the Dan River Region will hold an Awareness Walk to End Violence this Saturday, April 28 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. The walk will start downtown in front of the Courthouse and up Main Street to Averett where walkers will rest and have a snack before heading back to the courthouse. Anyone interested in walking or volunteering during the event should contact Karen Ingram, Danville/Pittsylvania County domestic violence victim's advocate, at kingramywca@yahoo.com. 201217 Recently, a number of our students participated in a national survey (NSSE) that asked them about their college experience, how much time they spend studying and the types of interactions they have with faculty. To gain information on the faculty perspective on these issues, Averett will be participating in the Faculty Survey of Student Engagement (FSSE), which is designed to measure faculty expectations for student engagement. The web version of the survey will be available at www.fsse.org in a few weeks. For more information about FSSE, including copies of the surveys, please visit www.fsse.iub.edu. 201217 The alumni office and Liberty Mutual are hosting a breakfast for Averett alumni who work at the University on Friday, April 27 from 8-9:30 a.m. in Jut's Café. This is a chance to recognize those who serve Averett as both an employee and an alumnus. 201216 If you have not already done so, and thanks to those who have, please RSVP by tomorrow (April 19) for the Faculty, Staff & Retirees Appreciation Luncheon on April 26 at noon. 201216 Lewis Giles, our AFLAC representative, will be available for questions, answers and enrollments on Thursday, May 17 from 1-5 p.m. in the Student Center. Mark your calendars now! 201216 Crystal Harris from the health and life services division of BB&T will host a webinar discussing the how to's of Social Security and Medicare May 10 from 9-10 a.m. in the conference room on the fourth floor of the Student Center. Harris will provide a timeline for anyone planning to retire, applying for Social Security and Medicare benefits. 201216 During the March Make It Happen meeting the community outreach and enrollment committee as well as the student life committee gave their reports. The community outreach and enrollment committee is researching the effectiveness of four-year guaranteed tuition on enrollment and retention at universities comparable to Averett and whether this would be an effective tool to use here. In addition, they will be surveying faculty, staff and students to determine their involvement in community activities. The student life committee reported that a website is being created for SGA that includes an online feedback form for program suggestions. In addition, the SGA is working with the communications office to develop a newsletter similar to Coffee Break. The committee will also be conducting a survey of students to evaluate their involvement on University committees. There will be a strategic planning workshop for sub-committee co-chairs and members on April 19. 201216 Pay dates for the second quarter of 2012: April 10 - Semi-Monthly Payroll April 25 - Semi-Monthly and Full- time Faculty and Staff May 10 - Semi-Monthly Payroll May 25 - Semi-Monthly and Full- time Faculty and Staff June 8 - Semi-Monthly Payroll June 25 - Semi-Monthly and Full-time Faculty and Staff All timesheets are due by the fifth of each month. 201216 The Schoolfield House Booksellers will be open Friday, April 27 until 8:00 p.m. for graduates and their families. Its hours for the summer will be reduced beginning Monday, May 14. Their regularly scheduled hours will resume Monday, Aug. 6. The summer hours are listed below. Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Saturday 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday Noon-3 p.m. 201215 On Saturday, April 14 Averett, along with the Center for Pediatric Therapies, Inc., will hold Zumba for Autism at the Grant Center from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. The event will benefit the Dan River Autism Awareness 5K, which is being held April 21. For more information about Saturday's event visit www.averettcougars.com. 201215 Reading Day is fast approaching and so is the late night breakfast, which will be held Thursday, April 19 from 10-11:30 p.m. in the dining hall. If you are interested in cooking or serving at the breakfast contact Lesley Villarose to volunteer. 201215 The Southside SHRM group (affiliate of the Society for Human Resource Management) will host a luncheon in recognition of Administrative Professionals Day on Friday, April 27 at the Stratford Courtyard Conference Center. There will be door prizes and a special gift for each guest. The cost for the program and lunch is $25 per person. Register by contacting Ellen McGregor at ellen.mcgregor@goodyear.com. 201215 After Averett's staff was called out at the March meeting for an abysmal showing in last year's efforts to raise money for Pennies for a Purpose, the Institutional Advancement team rose to the challenge this year, collecting $76.28 for the Special Olympics. All total, the campus community raised $231.10 for this special cause. Way to go everyone! 201215 Last week, invitations were emailed to faculty and staff regarding the Faculty, Staff & Retirees Appreciation Luncheon on April 26 at 12 p.m. If you have not already done so, please remember to RSVP by April 19 to awards@averett.edu. 201214 The bookstore will be closed Sunday April 8 in observance of the Easter Holiday. 201214 The intramural sports department invites all staff and faculty to participate in the second annual Staff and Student Softball Game Friday, April 20 at 6 p.m. on the women's softball field. The first fifteen staff and faculty members to sign-up will be placed on the team roster. The team will also need assistant coaches. To sign-up or for more information please contact Rowland Tolliver or Carl Bradsher. The faculty and staff team will practice April 18 and 19 at 6 p.m. If it rains on game day, the game will be made up on Saturday, April 21 at 2 p.m. After the game there will be a reception with food and refreshments. All staff and faculty members are encouraged to bring their families and lawn chairs to cheer on the team. 201214 The Southside SHRM group (affiliate of the Society for Human Resource Management) will host a luncheon in recognition of Administrative Professionals Day. The luncheon is open to the public and will be held on Friday, April 27 at the Stratford Courtyard Conference Center. Registration will begin at 11:00 a.m. and lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. Dr. Tiffany M. Franks will be the guest speaker. There will be door prizes and a special gift for each guest. The cost for the program and lunch is $25 per person. More details to come. 201213 A community blood drive is scheduled for Wednesday, April 4, from 10 a.m.-3:00 p.m. The Bloodmobile will be parked in the Dining Hall parking lot. For more information, contact Lesley Villarose, ext. 15627. 201214 On Tuesday, April 10 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. the Danville Area Humane Society will have puppies on the Student Center lawn for a bit of de-stressing, ball throwing fun. AU employees can also join the festivities by bringing their own canine friends to campus for the day. If you're interested in participating and/or bringing your own pooch, contact Mary Vanderlinden. 201214 Author Dr. Casey Clabough will conduct a reading from his forthcoming historical novel "Confederado: A Novel of the Americas" in Blount Chapel, April 10 at 7:30 p.m. Clabough is an associate professor of English at Lynchburg College. The event is free. A book signing will follow the reading. Please encourage all students to attend. 201214 Be on the lookout for your invitation to the Faculty, Staff & Retirees Appreciation Luncheon which is Thursday, April 26. Invitations will arrive via email from punchbowl later this week. 201214 The annual Outstanding Faculty and Staff awards will be issued on April 26, during a luncheon for faculty, staff and retirees. Nominating a faculty or staff member for this award is a great way to recognize a co-worker, instructor, peer or mentor who has had a significant impact on Averett University. Visit the faculty/staff page for more information about the award. All nominations must be received by 4:30 p.m. Friday, April 6. Nominations should be sent in confidence via e-mail to awards@averett.edu. Everyone is encouraged to participate! 201213 Amelia Brantley, web master, and Harrison Francis '09, web assistant, are working to create a website that is mobile friendly. In order for them to develop a mobile site that will serve everyone they have created a survey to best determine everyone's mobile needs. Please take a moment to complete the survey, which will be available through April 15. 201213 Ten students from our musical theatre class will sing and dance 15 Broadway songs numbers including "Hairspray," "Les Miserables," "Wicked" and "Spamalot" on Friday, March 30 and Saturday, March 31 at 7:30 p.m. in Pritchett Auditorium. The performance costs $5. Guest director for the production are alumnus' Corbin Campbell '01, and guest musical director is Greyson Clifton '07. 201213 There is a new job posting on our website for a networks and systems administrator. For more information about qualifications and duties please visit Jobs@Averett. 201213 The deadline to submit textbook orders is Monday, April 2. If you have already turned in your information - THANK YOU! Any orders received on or by this date will be entered to win a fabulous prize, so please get your orders in as soon as possible. You may submit textbook orders to Dana Nelson, via fax (434-791-4988), interoffice mail, carrier pigeon or just drop the order by the bookstore. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. 201213 Averett is participating in "The Chronicle's" Great Colleges to Work For Program, a study designed to gather benchmarking data within higher education and recognize institutions that have built great workplaces. Part of the program involves an employee survey that was emailed by Modern Think with a unique login code to everyone's Averett email on March 18. The deadline to complete the survey is Friday, April 13. If you have any questions please contact Kathie Tune. 201213 Holly Kilby, director of academic support, is looking for tutors for the fall. If you have a student you can recommend, please contact her at ext. 15788 or by email. 201213 It is time to begin thinking about who the newest members of Staff Council will be. This year, JoAnne Francisco, Diane Gosney, Angie Bowers and Joey Wilkerson will rotate off. Remaining members are Marsha Foster, Petrina Carter and Matt Nidiffer. If you would like to nominate yourself or anyone else, please contact Joey Wilkerson at ext. 17112 or mwilkers@averett.edu. Nominations will be accepted through Thursday, April 19. Voting will begin following the April staff meeting. 201213 April is Autism Awareness Month and Averett is celebrating World Autism Awareness Day on April 2 by "Lighting It Up Blue." Averett's Main Hall columns will feature blue spotlights to help shine a light on autism. Light It Up Blue, in its third year, is a unique global initiative to help raise awareness about the growing public health concern that is autism. Iconic landmarks around the world will Light It Up Blue to show their support and Averett is proud to be a part of this movement. 201212 Mark your calendars for the University's final 1859-Coffeehouse Lecture Series event of the semester, which will be held Tuesday, March 27 at 7:00 p.m. in Jut's Café. Dr. Bill Trakas will present "The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the Crusades" and Dr. William Trimyer will present "Customs and Definitions of Religions." The event is free and open to the public. 201212 The last campus-wide Coffee Break and Craft Display will be on Wednesday, April 4. This is your last chance to showcase your craft skills. If you'd like to exhibit, register here. Thanks to the exhibitors at the first three displays - you have amazing skills! We've really enjoyed learning more about all of you. 201212 The University has a standard template for all external letters. You can find this template on the University's website under Faculty/Staff Forms >Other >Letter Template. Please use this format for all external letters. 201212 The annual Averett Student Art Show opens Saturday, March 24 in the multipurpose room of the Student Center and will be on display through April 14. Stop by and see what our art students creating. 201212 If you've always been curious about the opera, but haven't been sure about sitting through a long concert, tonight's Arts@Averett event might be right for you. This evening, at 7:30 p.m. in Pritchett Auditorium the Virginia Opera will perform "An Evening of Opera and Broadway." The concert features soaring opera arias and popular Broadway melodies. It is free and open to the public. 201212 The Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) is raising money for Danville's Special Olympics. They have placed "Pennies for a Purpose" jars around campus to collect loose change. Last year, the admissions office raised the most money – about $40. Money will be collected and counted by March 31. In addition to collecting money in the jars, SAAC is holding a corn hole tournament on March 23 at 5 p.m. in the parking lot of the Averett Commons Apartments. It costs a dollar per-player per-game. All money goes towards "Pennies for a Purpose." Free food will be provided. Faculty and staff are invited to attend and show off their skills. 201212 Career Services will sponsor a Polished by Professionals mock interview and résumé review program on Tuesday, March 27, in the Student Center's multipurpose Room from 1-4 p.m. This program utilizes alumni and community members to conduct résumé reviews and mock interviews for students as well as provides a networking opportunity. Then on March 28, the Career Premiere Job & Internship Fair will take place at the Salem Civic Center from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Averett, in collaboration with other schools including Radford University, Ferrum College and Bridgewater College, is hosting the event, which is open to students from these schools only. More than 40 employers are signed up, although more are expected. For more information on companies attending the fair, log on to www.careerpremierefair.com. Transportation will be provided on a first-come first-serve basis. Students may sign up in Career Services or by emailing Petrina Carter. 201212 As part of our "One Averett" strategy, Dr. Stuart Jones will now manage all of Averett's enrollment efforts, including those for Graduate and Professional Studies (GPS) and the Individually Designed Education for the Adult Learner (IDEAL) programs. The GPS enrollment team members around the state will report to Jones. This restructuring also enables Dr. Michael Parsons and his team to focus more on innovative program development and student services, which will be key to increasing enrollment in Averett's adult learner programs in the long term. Parson's team will now include the IDEAL program as part of the strategic effort to expand Averett's already strong array of off-campus, accelerated and distance education programs. For more information about the change click here. 201211 The aviation program has two events coming up later this month that faculty and staff are invited to attend and participate in. At 4 p.m. Friday, March 23 The Flight Operations Center will be named in honor of Dr. George J. Falk who served as the director of financial aid for many years and is credited with being the driving force behind starting the aviation program. Please join us for the ceremony and open house at the flight center. In addition to the dedication of the Dr. George J. Falk Flight Operations Center on Friday, several alumni from the program will be on campus to pass on their knowledge to current students in the program. At 1 p.m. at the Goodyear Golf Course on Saturday, March 24, several Averett alumni are hosting a golf tournament to support the Averett flight team's trip to the national NIFA competition. If you are interested in joining, please call Dan Hayes at ext. 17252 for details. 201211 There's a new job posting for the GPS Program in Richmond. For details on the academic advisor position click here. 201211 Liberty Tax Service is holding "Educator Appreciation Days" during the month of March. They are offering educators and school employees free tax preparation for new customers, and 30 percent off for all returning customers until March 31, 2012. Call 434-793-1090 or 434-797-1036 for more information. 201210 On Tuesday, March 13, pianist William Chapman Nyaho will perform at 7:30 p.m. in Pritchett Auditorium. Chapman Nyaho is the featured performer for the Julian and Elnora Light Memorial Concert Series. For more information about Chapman Nyaho's performance click here. 201210 A reminder to exhibit your crafts as part of the Averett Craft Display at the next campus-wide coffee break on Wednesday, March 14, from 8:00-9:30 a.m. Register as an exhibitor using this form. Contact Linda Lemery at ext. 15636 or Charlotte Wilson at ext. 17147 with questions. If you cannot exhibit, come by for coffee and a snack! Hope to see you there. 201210 Karen Shields, our Sam's Club representative, will return to campus on Monday, March 19 and Wednesday, March 21 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the dining hall. 201210 In an effort to support The Flying Cougars' trip to the National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA) competition, a group of aviation alumni are hosting a golf tournament Saturday, March 24 at 1 p.m. at the Goodyear Golf Course. The cost of the tournament is $50, which covers a cart and a donation to the team. If you would like to participate, please contact Jeff Gilliam '89 at jeffkris4@verizon.net or Dan Hayes at dhayes@averett.edu by March 9. 201209 We only have two more campus-wide coffee breaks with the accompanying Averett Craft Displays left for this whole semester! The next coffee break/craft display is March 14 from 8:00-9:30 a.m. Please consider exhibiting -- just complete this registration form to display your crafts. Questions? Contact Linda Lemery at ext. 15636 or Charlotte Wilson at ext. 17147. Hope to see you there! 201209 The Schoolfield House Booksellers will be open the following hours for spring break (March 5-11): Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Saturday 11 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Sunday 12 p.m.-3 p.m. Have a wonderful spring break! 201209 The academics strategic plan committee presented at the monthly Make it Happen meeting Feb. 14. Brian Turner, chair of the faculty development committee, is drafting the faculty development process to have it completed by April. The committee is creating in-house professional development opportunities for faculty, including seminars or workshops. The committee also proposed a web page devoted to faculty resources. The committee will be working with Elaine Day to create the faculty online resources web page because the library already has the ability to create a web resource center. Danny Miller asked committee co-chairs to think about next year's objectives, and Dr. Franks said that the next sun porch sessions will begin this fall. The community engagement and enrollment, building and properties and student affairs committees will present next month. 201208 The previously advertised search for an administrative assistant position in the office of the vice president for academic affairs has been closed with no hire and the job description has been rewritten and reposted. Dr. James Caldwell, chair of the department of biological and physical sciences, has posted a position opening for an assistant professor. For additional information on both of these positions visit JOBS@Averett. 201208 Want to exhibit your work in the next Averett Craft Display? It'll be March 14 from 8-9:30 a.m. at the campus-wide Coffee Break in Jut's Café. Register Here Questions? Contact Linda Lemery at ext. 15636 or Charlotte Wilson at ext. 17147. Hope to see you there! 201208 If you need to reserve a room in the Galesi Family Student Success Center contact Holly Kilby, director of academic support, at ext. 15788 or hkilby@averett.edu. 201208 The office of institutional research and effectiveness has a new form available online for submitting data requests. To submit your request using the new form click here. 201208 Nominations are now being sought for several student leadership awards. The awards are: Advisor of the Year Award Student Leader of the Year Award Outstanding Student Organization Award Unsung Hero Award Nomination forms are available in the office of student engagement and leadership development, room 417, in the Student Center (fourth floor). The forms are due Thursday, March 1 and may be returned to Lesley Villarose. 201208 Wrapping up its Black History Month activities, the University will hold a gospel music night at 7 p.m. Feb. 28 in Pritchett Auditorium. There will be a variety of performances including Shekinah's Judah, an African dance ministry by a group comprised of Averett students; "Still I Rise," a poem read by Averett student Taylor Harris and an interpretative dance performed by Shaundra Thomas; the Averett Gospel Choir; and Shiloh Baptist Church Praise Dance Ministry. 201207 Are you preparing a contract that needs to be certified? Or perhaps it's a deed? Good news, you don't have to go downtown to have a document notarized. Here is the list of University employees you can contact for notary services: Angie Bowers - ext. 15669 Donna Gourley - ext. 15678 Terri Jones - ext. 15650 Karen Nelson - ext. 17269 Karen Ward - ext. 15671 201207 The office of undergraduate admissions will host its Annual Scholarship Day on Saturday, Feb. 18. This year's scholarship competition will feature more than 150 presidential and dean scholarship winners, up significantly from last year. With help from Dr. Franks, the president's council and faculty and staff, we will have more than 350 students and parents on our grounds to make sure Averett is the right fit. A big thanks goes out to all of those involved with making this event great! 201207 A hiring fair for veterans, active duty military members, Guard and Reserve members and eligible spouses at the Richmond Raceway Complex is planned for Feb. 21, from 9 a.m.-Noon. The event is free but requires pre-registration. To register, go to U.S. Chamber of Commerce Hiring Our Heroes or for information email: hiringourheroes@uschamber.com. 201207 Apostle Lawrence G. Campbell Sr. '73 founder and pastor of Bible Way Cathedral in Danville will give a presentation on the Danville Civil Rights Movement on Wednesday, Feb. 22 at 6 p.m. in Blount Chapel. Campbell will speak of his personal experiences during that turbulent time and his hopes for the community now and in the future. 201207 The University will hold a health awareness day on Wednesday, Feb. 22 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. in the multipurpose room of the Student Center. General health information will be distributed. The Sickle Cell Anemia Association is providing a free screening while supplies last from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 201207 The University is hosting a variety of activities this month in celebration of Black History Month. On Thursday, Feb. 16 from 6-8 p.m. in Blount Chapel Nguzo Saba, an African American drum and dance troupe in Danville will perform. Nguzo Saba performs a variety of selections from West African and American drumming and dance. Also that evening, Emma C. Edmunds, a Civil Rights historian, will give a presentation on the Danville Civil Rights Movement. The presentation will include interviews and discussion in a Power Point format. Edmunds is the principal researcher for "Mapping Local Knowledge: Danville, Va. 1945-75." 201207 On Tuesday, Feb. 21, The Schoolfield House Booksellers will close at 4 p.m. due to its end of the year inventory. 201206 Once again, the Danville area is holding a Community Read. This year there are two books, "Letters to a Young Sister" and "Letters to a Young Brother," both by Hill Harper. The books are $10 for both at The Schoolfield House Booksellers. Harper will speak at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 24. 201205 Remember that the campus-wide coffee break is today from 8-9:30 a.m. Come take a break and browse the Averett Craft Display while you're at it! If you'd like to exhibit during the March 14 Averett Craft Display, please contact Charlotte Wilson at ext. 17147 or charlotte.wilson@averett.edu or Linda Lemery at ext. 15636 or llemery@averett.edu. 201205 Last call for anyone interested in participating in the 2012 Live Healthy America 100-Day Wellness Challenge. To join a team contact Linda Lemery. 201205 The counseling center staff is offering a four week stress relief program. It begins Tuesday, Feb. 7 at 12:10 p.m. in the counseling center. This program includes breathing exercises, guided imagery, progressive relaxation, gentle stretching and more. To register call ext. 15624 or email Joan Kahwajy-Anderson. Participation is limited to eight individuals. Additional dates may be made available if needed. 201205 It might seem presumptuous to be talking about Homecoming in February, but it will be here before you know it. This year Homecoming will be October 19-21. If you would like to see something added to the schedule or invite a group of alumni with whom you share something special, please call or email Dan Hayes. 201205 Tickets for the Dailey & Vincent bluegrass concert on Monday, March 26 are now available for pre-order. Tickets are $7.50 and there is a limit of 10 tickets per person. Tickets will be released at 6:45 p.m. if they have not been picked up before then. Seating is general admission. To pre-order your ticket call Ashley Gayles at ext. 15620. Doors will open at 6 p.m. and the concert will begin at 7 p.m. 201204 The Jan. 11 Averett Craft Display was a terrific success. Thanks to the 12 exhibitors who displayed their amazing work! If you'd like to exhibit your crafts at the next campus-wide coffee break on Feb. 1, click here for the registration form. For more information, call Linda Lemery at ext. 15636 or Charlotte Wilson at ext. 17147. 201204 Interested in losing weight or increasing your physical activity? Join Live Healthy America and take on the 100-day challenge! If you're interested in joining a team, please contact Linda Lemery at ext. 15636. For more details, check the January 11 issue of Coffeebreak or read about the program at www.livehealthyamerica.org. 201204 Join your Averett colleagues at Jake's on Main, Friday, Jan. 27 from 4 p.m. until . . . 201204 Karen Shields, a Sam's Club representative, will be in the dining hall on Wednesday, Feb. 1 and Thursday, Feb. 2 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. for membership renewals and registrations. They take cash, check, Discover, Mastercard, Sam's Club and Visa Debit. If you have any questions, or problems with your card or gift card, please call Karen at 434-797-3029. 201204 Make plans to attend the third lecture in the 1859-Coffeehouse Lecture Series on Jan. 31 at 7 p.m. in Jut's Café. Vince Kania will present "Federal Taxation - The Real Story" and Dr. Becky Clark will present "Letting Their Hair Down: Community in the Barber Shops and Beauty Salons of Film." 201204 There are a limited number of free tickets for a performance by the Tschaikowski St. Petersburg Symphony Orchestra, whose appearance is sponsored by the Danville Concert Association. The concert is Friday, Feb. 3 at 7:30 p.m. at George Washington High School. For tickets, please contact Jennifer Hooper at ext. 15600. 201204 Many thanks for your contribution of 496 pounds of food to God's Storehouse! Your kindness and generosity is helping us reach out to those in need. May God bless you! Becky Wales, director 201204 Averett Central is where students request, retrieve and receive information pertaining to the campus. We are here to represent your department and give students accurate information. However, we are only as accurate as the information we receive. Please notify us of any policy changes, events (including times/dates) and any other changes you may have within your department. Both Averett Central and students thank you for up to date information. 201203 The office of residence life needs help. It is time for them to hire resident advisors (RAs) for 2012-13. They are soliciting nominations of students who have the maturity, time management/organizational and leadership skills to be great student leaders for our residential students. Please submit your nominations (names) to Marsha Foster or contact the office of residence life at ext. 15622. 201203 Dr. Janet Laughlin invites qualified applicants to apply for the newly added full-time administrative assistant position in the Vice President of Academic Affairs (VPAA) office. For more information, visit Averett Jobs. 201203 The Jan. 11 Averett Craft Display was a huge success. Thanks to the 12 exhibitors who displayed an amazing span and depth of work! If you'd like to exhibit your crafts at the next event, registration forms (scroll toward the bottom of the link) are now being accepted for the Feb. 1 craft display during the campus-wide coffee break from 8-9:30 a.m. For more information, call Linda Lemery at ext. 15636 or Charlotte Wilson at ext. 17147. See you there! 201203 If you're interested in joining Averett's Live Healthy America team, please contact Linda Lemery at ext. 15636 or llemery@averett.edu. For more details, check the Jan. 11 issue of Coffeebreak or read about the program at Live Healthy America. 201203 It's been four long years and the end is finally in sight. At 6 p.m. on Feb. 1 the alumni office will host a senior dinner, celebrating the countdown to graduation. As is the tradition, the alumni office is looking for faculty and staff who have worked with the students to act as servers for the dinner. If you are willing to help, please email Dan Hayes. Note: The date in last week's Coffee Break was incorrect. 201203 On Thursday, January 19, Averett will introduce a redesigned web site. The new site is vastly improved in several key areas, and is designed to make a positive visual impression on all site visitors. Thank you, for your support of our improved site. You will find most of the information you use on a daily basis under the “Fac/Staff” heading in the top navigational menu. Please submit any feedback (compliments, questions, etc.) about the new page online at: www.averett.edu/coffeebreak/feedback.php. For more information about the new website click here. 201203 Please make plans to join us Thursday, Jan. 19 at 11:15 a.m. in Pritchett Auditorium for the University's annual Founders' Day celebration. The Rev. John Upton Jr. '74, will be this year's featured speaker. Along with recognizing faculty and staff for their years of service, there will be an exciting announcement during the event. 201202 Mark your calendars now for upcoming spring staff events! Jan. 11 - Campus Coffee Break Jan. 19 - Founders' Day Jan. 26 - University Staff Meeting Feb 1 - Campus Coffee Break Feb 16 - University Staff Meeting March 14 - Campus Coffee Break March 15 - University Staff Meeting April 4 - Campus Coffee Break April 19 - University Staff Meeting Details about each event can be found on the University's online calendar. 201202 From Jan. 17 to Jan. 27 the office of student engagement and leadership development will be collecting new and gently used winter coats to deliver to a local homeless shelter. Please bring your coats to the office, which is located on the fourth floor of the Student Center. For more information, please contact Lesley Villarose at ext. 15627. 201202 The Live Healthy America 100-day challenge involving weight loss and/or increased physical activity will run January 23 through May 1. This year, Linda Lemery is captaining the Averett Less is More team, and there are eight team member slots open. If you're interested please contact Linda at ext. 15636 or llemery@averett.edu. "Being a part of this loose network of support really helped me move toward achieving my own weight loss and physical activity goals over the past two years," Linda said. "It helps to have support." Cost of participation is $20. Members get a t-shirt, access to the website and team support. The entire $20 goes to the Live Healthy America initiative. 201202 Each year the alumni office hosts a senior dinner for traditional students. This year's dinner will be Feb. 2. During the dinner we plan to give out fabulous prizes to the seniors as they prepare for their final 87 days of being a student. If you have a fabulous prize you would like to donate to the cause (a giftcard to a local business, something Averett related, etc.), please contact Dan Hayes at ext. 17252 or stop by Alumni Hall. Students will be receiving invitations to come if they are graduating in 2012. 201202 The newly designed Averett website is scheduled for a Jan. 19 launch. The new site will feature a much improved navigational system, a more organized and clean directory structure along with a whole new look! NOTICE: There will be a quiet period for changes to the web from close of business on Wed., Jan. 11 – Jan. 18. Any requests for website changes submitted after 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 11 through Jan. 18 will NOT go into effect until AFTER the launch on Jan. 19. See next week's Coffee Break for a preview of the redesign.