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. 201201 Nearly every department has submitted a 2011-12 Assessment Plan. However, some departments need to complete the additional step of entering department mission, goals, objectives, targets and responsible individuals in Compliance Assist. This information must be submitted by Jan. 6. To input your information visit: https://averett.compliance-assist.com Once the information is complete in Compliance Assist, change the status under "Progress" for each item to "Submit to OIRE (plan)." Once all the plans are submitted, the support services assessment committee will review them to ensure that everything is correct in order to measure and report results by June 30. When all measures are complete, a concise narrative will be written by all departments on goals, objectives, targets and results. 201201 We have many crafty faculty and staff here at Averett. Whether it's homemade cards, purses, jewelry or trinkets - the talents on campus abound. Based on an idea that was submitted, Staff Council is piloting an Averett Craft Display during the four campus-wide coffee breaks on Jan. 11, Feb. 1, March 14 and April 4 from 8-9:30 a.m. in Jut's Café. Tables will be set up in Jut's so that folks can get their coffee and chat and view samples of our colleagues' talents. Click for more info... 201151 The Market, a division of Dan Valley Foods, is offering Averett employees a 10 percent discount Dec. 19-24 (normally, employees receive a 5 percent discount). Employees must present their employee ID at checkout to receive the discount. Market hours are Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m. It is open Christmas Eve from 7:30 a.m.-Noon. The Market is located on Kentuck Road. 201150 The fitness center on the Main Campus will be open Monday-Friday from 4-7 p.m. Dec. 12-22 and Jan. 3-11. If you have any questions, please contact Coach Pearce at ext. 15869. 201150 In an emergency, everyone needs to get important information as quickly as possible. Averett's E2Campus Alert System is an important emergency communications tool. This system is designed to send users a message via email and/or mobile phone in the case of a campus emergency. However, you must remember to register and then periodically update your account! Please go now to safety and either register for this beneficial service or update your information to be sure you don't miss critical alerts from Averett University. 201150 Happy holidays from the library staff! We hope you enjoy the newest issue of the Averett Library News. 201150 The bookstore will have special hours over the holidays. Below are the bookstore's hours through December. It will resume its regular store hours starting Jan. 2, 2012. Dec. 12-18 Monday-Friday 9-5 Saturday 11-4 Sunday 12-3 Dec. 19-25 Monday-Friday 9-5 Saturday Closed Sunday Closed Dec. 26-Jan. 1 Monday Closed Tuesday 11-4 Wednesday 11-4 Thursday 11-4 Friday Closed Saturday Closed Sunday Closed 201149 The faculty and staff annual giving campaign is nearing an end. Thank you to those who have already given. If you would like to make a gift before the end of the year there is still time to do so. For More Information 201149 Many thanks to everyone on campus who donated items to "Paws for a Cause" during the month of November. The pet drive collected more than 575 items - including food, blankets, treats, toys, bowls and cleaning supplies - for the Danville Area Humane Society and The Carolina Veterinary Assistance and Adoption Group. 201149 There is a new job posting on the web for a chief information officer (CIO). The CIO/director of information technology services will report to the chief financial officer/vice president for business and finance and will maintain effective and close working relations with the vice president for academic affairs and other president's council leaders at the University. For more information about this position visit Jobs @ Averett. 201149 Members of Averett's Chanticleer news magazine staff are hoping you will help them raise money for two area charities—The ARC of the Southside and Kids Path. The staff decorated a Christmas tree as part of the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research's "Decorating Trees for a Cause" program. The "Chanti-tree" features ornaments that reflect the students' work on the news magazine throughout recent semesters. Visitors to the Institute can view the trees daily from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., through noon December 22. Visitors then vote for their favorite by making a donation to that particular tree, with each penny equaling one vote. The tree collecting the most votes wins all of the proceeds. If their tree wins, The Chanticleer staff will donate the proceeds to The Arc of Southside and Kids Path. Members of The Chanticleer staff can sense the larger implications of being involved with such a project. "The Chanticleer is so much more than a monthly news magazine and we are ready to make our presence known in this area. Being involved with community outreach endeavors is of equal importance to the experience we obtain in the newsroom," said Editor-in-Chief Bobby Allen Roach. The Arc of Southside promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes. Services of the Arc of Southside include M.T. Sorrell residential facility, White Oak School and The Hatcher Center. Kids Path is a specialized program for children living with serious, progressive medical conditions. In addition, Kids Path provides support for children and youth experiencing the grief associated with the illness or death of a loved one. Kids Path was founded by Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro. 201149 'Tis the season when inclement weather occurs more frequently. This is a friendly reminder of what you can do to stay informed of how inclement weather may impact Averett's schedule. We use a mix of media to inform students and employees of closings. Refresh your memory about how you can find out if Averett will be closed or delayed. Read more 201148 Take a time out from your holiday shopping, and feel free to bring the entire family. Join us on Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. in Jut's Café for a special Christmas celebration. Dr. Ann Garbett and friends will present "The History of the Chrismons" and Dr. Betty Heard will present "Christmas Readings for Children" (ages 4-9). The event is sponsored by the 1859-Coffeehouse Lecture Series. 201148 Earlier this month, the business office experimented with sending out individual emails to staff with the vacation/sick timesheet attached. Since the more efficient process was a success, it is being implemented. From now on, everyone needs to print and fill out the timesheet and obtain proper approval before resubmitting it to the business office by the fifth of each month. 201148 Wondering when you'll be paid in December? Below is the schedule, as previously released by the business office. Dec. 9, includes all employees that are normally paid on the tenth Dec. 20, includes all employees that are normally paid on the twenty-fifth 201148 Faculty, staff and their guests are invited to the home of Tiffany and Joe Franks on Thursday, Dec. 8 from 5-8 p.m. Please RSVP if you plan on attending to Jennifer Hooper or call her at 434-791-5600 by Dec. 1. 201148 The office of institutional research/institutional effectiveness will hold a cookie swap party on Monday, Dec. 12 from 12-1:30 p.m. in Main Hall 10. Bring your favorite cookies to share and take some new ones home with you. Eggnog and apple-berry slush will also be available. Please RSVP to Randy Fultman or Metta Alsobrook or you can call ext. 16898. 201147 Take a time out from your holiday shopping, feel free to bring the entire family, and join us on Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. in Jut's Café for a special evening to celebrate Christmas. Dr. Ann Garbett and friends will present "The History of the Chrismons" and Dr. Betty Heard will present "Christmas Readings for Children" (ages 4-9). The event is sponsored by the 1859-Coffeehouse Lecture Series. 201147 On Tuesday, Nov. 29, at 11:15 a.m., the student life office will host a special presentation of "Behind the Makeup" in the lounge area on the fourth floor of the Student Center. The presentation, which will feature excerpts from the original production, is in honor of the Beating Hearts display in the multipurpose room. "Behind the Makeup," which was written by Jewell Medley, executive director of the Halifax County United Way, tells the stories of women who are affected by domestic violence. The play was presented to sold out audiences at The Prizery in South Boston in October. 201147 From now through Dec. 1, The Beating Hearts: Stories of Domestic Violence display will be set up in the multipurpose room. Beating Hearts is a photographic project inspired by true stories of domestic violence. It was created by artist/photographer Kate Sartor Hilburn and writer/activist Terrie Queen Autrey, both of Louisiana. Please make an effort to stop by and check out this poignant display. 201147 Academic services for the GPS Central Region is sponsoring a coat drive to assist St. Joseph Villa in Richmond. Sarah Plaut is the project coordinator. Their goal is to collect 35 new and slightly new coats for children and adults who are clients of St. Joseph Villa. Coats will be collected until Dec. 6. For more information, contact Nancy Atkins or Sarah Plaut. Establish in 1834, St. Joseph Villa is the oldest and largest continuously operating children's nonprofit organization in Richmond. The Villa provides a variety of educational, residential and day programs to children and families dealing with autism, homelessness or physical and mental disabilities or behaviors that classify the child as being "at risk." 201147 The men's and women's basketball teams commit to playing the first part of their season during the Christmas break. They don't get the long Christmas break that the other students get and they work very hard. In order to give them a taste of home - groups and individuals have committed to providing meals for them when they are home. If you would be willing to help support the teams individually or with a group, please email Dan Hayes. 201147 The GPS Tidewater Region honored veterans, active duty military, reservists, families and supporters of our military by preparing and distributing red and blue bags of snacks to students in all clusters at the Chesapeake and Newport News campuses Nov. 7–10. On behalf of Averett University, the director of academic services, director of enrollment services, academic advisors, enrollment counselors and faculty coordinator thanked all students for their military service and expressed appreciation for those who support our armed forces. 201147 Earlier this month, the business office experimented with sending out individual emails to staff with the vacation/sick timesheet attached. Since the more efficient process was a success, it is being implemented. From now on, everyone needs to print and fill out the timesheet and obtain proper approval before resubmitting it to the business office by the fifth of each month. 201147 Wondering when you'll be paid around the holidays? Below is the holiday schedule, as previously released by the business office. Nov. 23, includes all that are normally paid on the twenty-fifth of the month Dec. 9, includes all employees that are normally paid on the tenth Dec. 20, includes all employees that are normally paid on the twenty-fifth 201147 For the last few years, staff have participated in a service project. This year, we will be collecting items for the community toiletry drive from Nov. 25 to Dec. 21. All of the items collected will be donated to the community Christmas dinner, which is hosted by the city of Danville. Each office is asked to wrap a box with holiday wrapping paper and place the following items in it: toothpaste and mouthwash, dental floss, soap, feminine products, toothbrushes (adult/children), tissue, shampoos/conditioners, lotion and toilet paper. Please bring your completed boxes to the Office of Student Engagement Leadership Development on the fourth floor of the Student Center by Dec. 21. 201147 Faculty, staff and their guests are invited to the home of Tiffany and Joe Franks on Thursday, Dec. 8 from 5-8 p.m. Please RSVP by Dec. 1 if you plan on attending to Jennifer Hooper or call her at 434-791-5600. 201147 Late night breakfast for our students will take place on Thursday, Dec. 1 from 10-11 p.m. We need volunteers to help cook, serve and clean-up. If you are interested please email Lesley Villarose. 201146 This year, the Conway House (located on Mountain View Avenue diagonal to Alumni Hall) will be on the city's Christmas tour. Four to six people are needed to serve as docents Dec. 10 and Dec. 11 from 1-3 p.m. and 3-5 p.m. If you are interested in serving as a docent or you need more information please contact Debbie Flinn at ext. 15680 or dflinn@averett.edu by Dec. 5. 201146 Attention everyone! If you are bringing funds of any kind to student accounts for receipt, you must complete the event deposit report and attach it to the funds being submitted. If you have any questions, please call Jo Anne Francisco at 434-791-7182. The form can be found online at this link Business Forms under "Other" in the right hand column. 201146 The registrar's office has an immediate opening for a records specialist I position. If interested, review the requirements of the position and submit all credentials to Janet Roberson, registrar. For additional information, visit Jobs @ Averett. 201146 Stop by the "Paws for the Cause" collection center on the third floor of Frith Hall on Tuesday, Nov. 22 from 11 a.m. to noon for a cupcake and to see the donations being collected. 201146 This year's feast for the annual Christmas meal on Nov. 29 will have you salivating well before it's time to eat it. Check out the menu below (have a napkin handy to catch the drool). The meal costs $8.80 plus tax for faculty, staff and the community. Market: Chef carved frilled flank steak w/red wine au jus; shrimp & linguine alfredo; twice baked potatoes w/broccoli, bacon; cheddar cheese herb roasted root vegetables; and honey glazed carrots Vegetarian: Butternut squash; sage, & goat cheese lasagna; grilled vegetable medley Grill: Grilled smoked gouda & apple chutney on sourdough; turkey corndogs; sweet potato fries Pizza: Holiday Pizza Dessert: Decorate your own holiday cookies, sweet potato pie and cheesecake w/whipped topping 201146 It won't exactly be midnight when Averett Celebrates Christmas, but it will be dark outside. Make plans to join the University in its Christmas celebration on Nov. 29 at 7:30 p.m. in Pritchett Auditorium. The dining hall will be serving its annual holiday meal that evening and following the event there will be a reception outside the Student Center. 201146 Last week, the business office sent out individual emails to staff with the vacation/sick timesheet attached. This process was done as a test to see if the business office could email timesheets instead of printing, sorting and sending them through interoffice mailing. Since the process was a success, it will be implemented from here on out. From now on, everyone needs to print and fill out the timesheet and obtain proper approval before resubmitting it to the business office by the fifth of each month. 201146 Wondering when you'll be paid around the holidays? Below is the holiday pay schedule, as previously released by the business office. Nov. 23, includes all that are normally paid on the twenty-fifth of the month Dec. 9, includes all employees that are normally paid on the tenth Dec. 20, includes all employees that are normally paid on the twenty-fifth 201145 The Col. Stone Gregory Career Services Center will host a Career and Networking Fair on Tuesday, Nov. 15, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. The fair will be open to the public from 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Please encourage all students to attend the fair. Some of the companies scheduled to attend include: GSO Aviation, Greensboro Police Department, Telvista, Alliance Human Services; Hargrave Military Academy, Danville Public Schools, Edward Jones Investments and Piedmont Broadcasting Corporation. For more information contact Petrina Carter. 201145 Do you need to change your information online under AU People? Good news, you can do it yourself! It's a very simple process. Go to FindPeople Directory. username: directory password: update Then you can begin to update your information so that everyone knows where your office is located and how to get in touch with you. 201145 One of the University's affiliates, CAPA, is hosting an affiliate site visit to the CAPA London Center April 11-15, 2012. Information about the site visit, including a draft itinerary and an application to apply can be found online at: Affiliate Site Visits. The site visit will include various workshops with staff and faculty, opportunities to visit classes, housing and internship sites and interaction with students. CAPA will personalize the visit with major-specific internship site visits. The application deadline is mid-February, but it would be good to apply earlier as airfare to London in April tends to be higher due to the Easter holidays. For additional information, you can email Larry Wilburn or reach him at ext. 14993. 201145 The academic affairs office recently posted a position for an associate/assistant professor of business and an assistant professor of English. For information about these positions please visit Jobs @ Averett. 201145 Students in Dr. Deb DeMarey's biology, botany and coastal ecosystem classes are collecting donations for the Danville Area Humane Society and The Carolina Veterinary Assistance and Adoption Group. The following items are needed: dog and cat treats, dog and cat food (dry and canned), bowls, old blankets, old towels, toys (new or old), collars (new or old) and leashes (new or old). Collection boxes are set up on the third and fourth floors of Frith Hall, the dining hall and in Main Hall. For more information, email DeMarey at ddemarey@averett.edu or call her at ext. 15772. 201145 The dining hall will be serving its sumptuous holiday feast on Thursday, Nov. 17 from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. The menu of delectable eats includes: roasted turkey, apricot stuffed porkloin, homestyle bread stuffing, mashed Yukon gold potatoes with gravy, corn pudding, herb & bacon roasted brussel sprouts, pumpkin pie with whipped cream, sweet potato pie and molasses cookies. Lunch for that day is the regularly discounted price of $5.94 plus tax for faculty and staff. It is $8.80 plus tax for the public. 201145 Whether you're older and looking to retire soon or are younger and have just started your career, everyone wants to know that they will be able to retire in style. The hard part is knowing how to do it. On Wednesday, Nov. 9 you're in luck! From 4-6 p.m. in the conference room on the fourth floor of the Student Center, some experts will be on hand to talk about a retirement planning program. Topics include retirement funds, long-term care and Medicare. Companies that will have representatives on campus are Millenium Advisory Services Inc., BB&T Insurance Services and Valic Financial Advisors Inc. The representative from Valic will only be available at 5:30 p.m. for a general session. 201144 There are two staff positions and a faculty position open at the University. The academic affairs office has recently opened its search for an instructional technologist, and the business office is accepting résumés for a staff accountant. The academic affairs office has also posted a position for an assistant professor of history who has experience in any period or area of Asian history. For additional information, visit Averett Jobs. 201144 Whether you're older and looking to retire soon or are younger and have just started your career, everyone wants to know they will be able to retire in style. The hard part is knowing how to do it. On Wednesday, Nov. 9 you're in luck! From 4-6 p.m. in the conference room on the fourth floor of the Student Center, some experts will be on hand to talk about a retirement planning program. Topics include retirement funds, long-term care and Medicare. Companies that will have representatives on campus are Millenium Advisory Services Inc., BB&T Insurance Services and Valic Financial Advisors Inc. The representative from Valic will only be available at 5:30 p.m. for a general session. 201144 The library has cool tools for selecting new and notable interdisciplinary and curriculum-related books. Check out the Fiction Connection, Nonfiction Connection and Books in Print 2.0. Developing library collections for an academic program? Search in Choice Reviews Online, or create a personal log in and custom profile by subject, reading level and level of recommendation in choice reviews. Sign up to receive monthly reviews in your profile via email. Averett librarians invite faculty, staff and students to participate in book selection. To recommend a title, email a citation to the liaison librarian for your academic program, or to libselect@averett.edu. Be sure to send a complete citation with ISBN number. For serendipitous discoveries over morning coffee, we offer a web order form under the new sources tab discover.averett.edu/library. There is no need to complete the form if you download and email a citation from Books in Print or Choice Reviews. Happy reading! 201144 Thank you to all who have participated in our annual faculty and staff giving campaign so far. We are now four weeks in and currently more than 35 percent of our faculty and staff have given during the campaign. Your gifts send a powerful message to other donors and your generosity inspires them to continue supporting Averett and our students. 201143 Simplex Grinnell will be on campus Thursday, October 27 for the yearly inspection of all fire pumps system from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. During this time, Simplex Grinnell will have fire hoses on site in order to properly test the fire pumps in Main Hall, Student Center, Frith Hall and the apartments. Be aware that while they are testing the fire pumps there maybe some water discoloration (water may be muddy). This will be normal for the duration of the fire pump test. 201143 Staff Council is always looking for feedback about the meeting and suggestions for future programs. If you have feedback or suggestions, please take a few minutes to complete this short online submission form. You can also use this form to submit questions you would like to have answered or concerns you may have that can be addressed at future meetings. Submission Form 201143 Halloween is just around the corner! Faculty and staff are invited to participate in our annual Halloween costume contest, which will be held on Monday, Oct. 31. The parade of costumes and judging will take place in the dining hall at 12:20 p.m. Prizes will be given for the best individual costume and best office/department costume. 201143 Have you moved offices, or maybe had a title change recently? Don't forget that while you are settling into your new digs or polishing up your nameplate that your information in FindPeople is waiting for you to let the rest of Averett know who and where you are! Please go today to the FindPeople Directory. Login: directory; password: update Check your information and make changes where needed so ALL of Averett can keep up with the changes that shape our campus. 201143 If you're looking for a new book, and the library doesn't have it, there is an online form you can fill out to request the book. You can find the form here. 201143 The University has a limited number of tickets for the performance of Taylor 2 Dance Company on Nov. 5. Tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you're interested in tickets, please contact Jennifer Hooper at ext. 15600. The performance by Taylor 2 Dance Company is a part of the Danville Concert Association's season. 201143 If you have a senior in your class who is planning on graduating in December, kindly remind them that the deadline to apply for graduation is Nov. 10. Seniors need to fill out and submit the forms to the registrar's office. 201143 I have the privilege and honor of crafting a diversity statement that best represents the Averett faculty, staff and students. I am therefore creating a task force of volunteers to assist in drafting the statement for the Averett community. If you would like to be a part of this very important task force, please email me noting your interest. We will meet sometime during the week of Oct. 24-Oct. 28 to open discussion, brainstorm ideas, and ultimately, create a diversity statement that will serve as the foundation for upcoming diversity/multicultural initiatives. Thank you in advance for your assistance, Kathie Tune VP of Human Resources 201142 Please share with your students the following information: In March 2012, the Virginia Council of Teachers of Mathematics (VCTM) will award one or two $2,000 scholarships to prospective mathematics teachers. Candidates must be Virginia residents who are full-time students at a Virginia college or university and are planning to graduate in fall 2012 or spring 2013 or summer 2013. Students must be enrolled in a degree-seeking program with a concentration in mathematics or a major in mathematics and planning to teach mathematics in a Virginia school. All applicants who plan to teach at elementary, middle school, high school, and college levels are eligible. Students who apply must submit recommendations from two faculty members as part of the application process. These recommendations will help ensure recognition for candidates of merit. Applications are due January 1, 2012; transcripts, including fall 2011 grades, are due January 15, 2012. For more information, visit the VCTM website at www.vctm.org 201142 As the University moves forward, faculty and staff will be operating in a "culture of continuous improvement." A new committee has been formed that will help lead the charge to achieve better processes and metrics that will assess student learning outcomes across all departments. The members of the academic program assessment (APA) committee are: Dr. Gary Tucker, Dr. Patty Horne, Dr. Jason Robertson, Dr. Gene Steadman and Dr. Metta Alsobrook. Click here for more information 201142 Please join President Franks for the State of the University address on Tuesday, Oct. 25, from 11:15-11:45 a.m. in Blount Chapel. 201142 Staff Council is always looking for feedback about the meeting and hearing suggestions for future programs. If you have feedback or suggestions you would like to submit, please take a few minutes to complete this short online submission form. You can also use this form to submit questions you would like to have answered or concerns you may have that can be addressed at future meetings. Submission Form 201142 Halloween is just around the corner! Faculty and staff are invited to participate in our annual Halloween costume contest, which will be held on Monday, Oct. 31. The parade of costumes and judging will take place in the dining hall at 12:20 p.m. Prizes will be given for the best individual costume and best office/department costume. 201142 If you are interested in teaching IDS 106 or IDS 200 and/or brushing up on your reading strategy skills, join Drs. David Hoffman, Bill Trimyer and Mary Vanderlinden for Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) instruction training on Thursday, Nov. 10 from 6-8 p.m. (location to be announced). The program will provide a brief review of Averett's QEP and the focused critical reading strategies. The program will be interactive and enjoyable! A $100 stipend will be given to those who are new to AU, or who have never been to QEP training, and who are interested in teaching an IDS 106 or 200 class. A second $100 stipend (and regular pay) will be given the semester you teach the course. Please contact Mary Vanderlinden if you plan on attending. We look forward to your participation! 201141 If you're interested in attending the Spectrum Brass Concert on at 7:30 p.m. Friday (Oct. 14) there are a few tickets available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please call Marion Breen at ext. 15675 to get a ticket. 201141 Thursday, Oct. 13 & Friday, Oct. 14 Breakfast: 8 a.m.-9 a.m. Lunch: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Dinner: 6 p.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15 Brunch: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Dinner: 5 p.m.-6:15 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16 (normal hours) Brunch: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Dinner: 5 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Services open over Fall Break are the grill (burgers, hot dogs, chicken breast, French fries), pizza, salad bar, and the deli. For dinner on Sunday, Oct. 16, all stations will be open. 201141 Closed Oct. 13-15 Re-open Sunday, Oct. 16, 7 p.m.-12 a.m. 201141 Please join the Campus Activities Board for a special night of mystery on Saturday, Oct. 22 at 8 p.m. in the back dining hall. For more information, please contact Lesley Villarose. 201141 The Gregory Career Services Center will present The Skill of Meal Etiquette during a dinner at 6 p.m. on Nov. 3. The dinner gives students the opportunity to practice what they learn during etiquette workshops they attend during October. Career Services is in need of volunteer faculty and staff members to assist with dinner. If you are interested, please contact at Petrina Carter or ext. 15629. 201141 Staff Council is always looking for feedback about the meeting and hearing suggestions for future programs. If you have feedback or suggestions you would like to submit, please take a few minutes to complete this short online submission form. You can also use this form to submit questions you would like to have answered or concerns you may have that can be addressed at future meetings. Submission Form 201141 Win a $150 Ticketmaster gift card or one of three $50 Visa gift cards just by filling out a survey from Averett facilities. The survey began Oct. 10 and runs until Oct. 21. Survey 201141 The University is once again celebrating Halloween with the Danville community. Please join us on Monday, Oct. 31 from 6-9 p.m. in front of Main Hall to help pass out candy and to enjoy other activities such as face and pumpkin painting. If you are interested in attending and helping, please contact Lesley Villarose. We will begin collecting candy on the fourth floor of the Student Center and in the lobby of Main Hall on Monday, Oct. 17. Any candy you can provide would be very helpful. 201140 Faculty, staff and students can subscribe to the digital New York Times at a special rate for unlimited access. The special new rates will save up to 50 percent on any of the digital subscription options. To learn more, visit: New York Times subscriptions. 201140 The University is continuing its efforts to encourage, counsel and celebrate administrative offices in an ongoing culture of improvement. To that end, a new committee has been created – the Support Services Assessment Committee (SSAC), which includes Dr. Metta Alsobrook (chair), Elaine Day, Marsha Foster, Janet Schwalenberg and Joey Wilkerson. Why? So staff can realize their highest aspirations for the University, one-step-at-a-time. How? Through the expertise of every employee – our goals, objectives, measurements and reflection. Leadership and directors are already in motion. They cannot accomplish lasting improvements in isolation, so please contribute your thoughts to the 2011-12 assessment plans for administrative and educational support. Last year's assessment reports and this year's assessment plans are due to the institutional research and effectiveness office by Oct. 15. More will be revealed at the October staff meeting. 201140 Staff Council is always looking for feedback about the meeting and hearing suggestions for future programs. If you have feedback or suggestions you would like to submit, please take a few minutes to complete this short online submission form. You can also use this form to submit questions you would like to have answered or concerns you may have that can be addressed at future meetings. Submission Form 201140 To everyone who volunteered or participated in Homecoming, thank you! All of the alumni had a great time. Homecoming is a big event and it cannot work without everyone's assistance. Your help is much appreciated! Put Homecoming 2012 on your calendar for Oct. 19-21. - Dan, the alumni guy 201140 Get them here first! The dates for summer orientation 2012 are: Saturday, June 23-Sunday, June 24 Saturday, July 14-Sunday, July 15 Please contact Lesley Villarose with any questions or concerns. 201140 Jut's Café has new hours, which started Oct. 3. The new hours are: Monday-Thursday 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.-10:00 p.m. Friday 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.-12:00 a.m. Saturday-Sunday 7:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m. 201139 Faculty and staff are invited to Jake's on Main Friday, Sept. 30 at 4 p.m. Come celebrate the Friday after payday! 201139 The entire campus community is invited for coffee in Jut's Café on the first Wednesday of every month this semester starting Wednesday, Oct. 5, from 8-9:30 a.m. Come meet and mingle with your colleagues and our students during this midweek break. The first coffee is sponsored by the office of institutional advancement and is the kick-off for the faculty and staff campaign. 201139 Faculty and staff are invited to meet with President Franks, Chaplain Jamie Williford and Professor Dr. Gary Tucker for a dialogue about efforts to renew Averett's relationship with the Baptists on Wednesday, Oct. 5 at 9:30 a.m. in the Student Center Multipurpose Room. Every faculty and staff member who has an interest in this process is encouraged to attend and learn more. On Sept. 13, the Baptist General Association of Virginia (BGAV) voted unanimously for a renewed relationship with Averett. This recommendation will be acted upon by the Mission Board at its Oct. 4 meeting. If approved on Oct. 4 by the Mission Board, Averett's Board of Trustees (BOT) will discuss a plan of action at their semi-annual meeting in October. If the BOT approves, the final step is approval at the annual meeting of the BGAV in November. Please contact Karen Ward either by email or at ext. 15671 if you plan to attend this session. If you are unable to attend, but are interested in attending a later session, please let her know that as well. Thanks and we hope you will join us. -Tiffany Franks, Gary Tucker and Jamie Williford 201138 This is a reminder that, per Averett policy, pets are not allowed on campus - in our offices or campus buildings. We know this will be a hardship for some and therefore, would ask that this go into effect on Oct. 1. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. 201138 The communications office has hired Harrison Francis as its new web assistant. If you have anything that needs to be posted or changed on the University's website please email your changes to webmaster@averett.edu. Thank you for your cooperation as we work to better serve the University's web needs. 201138 Volunteers are needed to participate in Danville's first ever River District Festival that will take place on Saturday, Oct. 8 from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. in the River District area of Danville. If you are interested in learning more information or if you would like to sign-up to volunteer please email Lesley Villarose. 201138 Show your support of Averett athletics, more specifically, the football team, by voting for Head Football Coach Mike Dunlevy in Liberty Mutual's annual Coach of the Year contest. You can vote daily at www.coachoftheyear.com. 201138 The Homecoming Hometown Party is just over a week away. It is not just for "Averett people," so feel free to invite friends from the community to join us Friday, Sept. 30 from 6:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. If you would like to sell tickets to your friends, please contact Dan Hayes. The entire weekend is available for you, your family and friends, please make plans to be here and see our alumni. They want to see you. 201138 Are you proud to be a Cougar? Prove it! On Friday, Sept. 30, faculty and staff are encouraged to sport their colors as part of Homecoming weekend festivities. 201138 The Bloodmobile will be on campus Wednesday, Sept. 28 from 10 a.m.-3 pm. in the parking lot of the Student Center. Please email Lesley Villarose to sign up for an appointment to donate! 201138 The Fall 2011 issue of Averett Today, the University's magazine, is now available in hard copy format and online. View it Here 201137 Chick-fil-A has teamed with the department of athletics this fall to get a free Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich into the hands of everyone who attends a football game. To make sure you have an opportunity to receive a free sandwich, pick up a ticket at the gate and then cheer like mad (chanting eat more chicken would work) for the team to score at least 35 points. If the team scores 35 points or more, the bearer of the football ticket can receive a free chicken sandwich at either Danville Chick-fil-A location (Piedmont Mall or Riverside Drive). 201137 Read the Averett Library News, Vol. 5, No. 2 (Summer 2011) for reviews of American History in Video, Mapping Local Knowledge, the ASLE Conference on Literature and the Environment and a perspective on print and digital libraries. 201137 Homecoming weekend is fast approaching. If it's not already on your calendars, (Sept. 30-Oct. 2) mark it now. As faculty and staff members, you are an important part of the Averett experience for our alumni. Please make plans to attend as many Homecoming events as possible. Special reunions include English and education majors, Averett in the 1990's, CSU/BSU and alumni that traveled with Dr. Ed Fisher on his summer trips. A full schedule is available on the web, but the big items are: 1) Friday night, 6:30 p.m., Homecoming Hometown Party at the Community Market. Tickets are $25 per person, child care is available at the Danville Science Center for $20 (if you sell 10 tickets, you get a free ticket). We will need volunteers to help with the event by helping watch the door or serve beverages. 2) Saturday morning tailgate party, club carnival and football game vs N.C. Wesleyan at 1 p.m. Come and support current students, see alumni and watch what promises to be a great game. If you would like to help with Homecoming to make it great for Averett, Danville and the world, please contact Dan Hayes, the alumni guy. 201137 Calling all researchers, reviewers, creative writers, photographers and poets! It's time to dust off your academic and creative work or to start working on that new project you've been putting off. The deadline for submissions to the 2011-2012 Averett Journal is Oct. 18. We would love to your submission before then if possible (Hint: Please don't put this off.). We are accepting work in the categories of: research and application, poetry, short stories, essays, book reviews and photography. If you have questions, please feel free to contact Susan Huckstep or Steve Ausband. We look forward to another great edition of the Averett Journal. 201137 The Averett community is invited to attend a Community Resource Fair on Tuesday, Sept. 20 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the multipurpose room of the Student Center. Non-profit agencies such as the Boys and Girls Club, the United Way and Goodwill will be in attendance. Come find out how you can volunteer in the community! 201136 The Virginia State Fair starts Sept. 29 and runs through Oct. 9. Averett employees who are interested in attending may receive a discounted price now through Sept. 23 only. Go to the Virginia State Fair's website, click on tickets, then click get your state fair tickets now, then click on anytime-walk around tickets and then enter the promotion code EMPLOYER (case sensitive). 201136 Please help us keep the appearance of the windows and walls of our buildings neat and tidy. For departments and offices that post information around campus, please be sure to review the posting policy on pages 33 and 34 of the student handbook. Postings not in approved locations may be removed. The student handbook can be found online by following the provided link. 201136 The Alumni Board is seeking nominations of outstanding alumni. If you know of an alumnus/alumna who has shown outstanding service to Averett, in the community or at work please send your nomination to the Alumni Office. 201136 You are invited to view the details of the 2012 Averett Tour of Ireland on the study abroad page. The tour is from June 1-11 and there are discount incentives of 15 percent on the land portion when paid by Sept. 9. Lesser discounts are available after that. Please think about joining the group and bringing a friend along. Also, the study abroad fair is Sept. 8. Come for a visit and sign up for the door prize. Call Larry Wilburn at ext. 14993 for further information. 201136 Applications for student positions on the Student Conduct Board are currently available in the dean of students office. Please think about students you know and encourage those you think would serve well in this position to apply (A majority of the candidates we had last year came from faculty and staff recommendations!). I am also looking for staff members interested in being part of this important campus process. Please send names of students to Bill Woodward at ext. 17103 or email him. 201136 Faculty and staff are invited and encouraged to join with President Franks, Jamie Williford and Dr. Gary Tucker for a dialogue about efforts to renew Averett's relationship with the Baptists on Thursday, Sept. 15 at 10:15 a.m. in the conference room on the fourth floor of the Student Center. We want to meet with every faculty and staff member who has an interest in this process and will hold as many community dialogues as necessary to meet the level of interest. Because dialogue is easier in smaller groups, we ask that you contact Karen Ward either by email or phone, ext. 15671 if you plan to attend this session or another to be scheduled in the coming weeks. Thanks and we hope you will join us. Tiffany Franks, Gary Tucker and Jamie Williford 201130 Averett will officially open its 153rd academic session with Opening Convocation at 11:15 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 23 in Pritchett Auditorium. President Tiffany Franks will deliver the opening address.