CoffeeBreak is an e-newsletter distributed to Averett faculty and staff to keep them up to date on campus activities and information.

Please send information you would like included in CoffeeBreak via this form by 4:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13 for a Wednesday, Nov. 18 publication.

Samoilenko to Publish Book

Dr. Sergey Samoilenko, Chair of the Department of Computer Science/Computer Information Systems (CIS) and Associate Professor of CIS, has been contracted by Taylor & Francis Group to publish a book tentatively titled “Creating Theoretical Research Frameworks using Multiple Methods: Insight from ICT4D Investigations.”

Ehrhardt Presents at Conference

Alexis Ehrhardt, Executive Director of the Center for Community Engagement and Career Competitiveness, presented at the CICV Chief Business & Human Resource Offices Annual meeting on October 30 at Mary Baldwin College in Staunton. Her presentation was entitled “You Reap What You Sow – Employee Recruitment & Engagement.”

Student Accolades

The Student Life Department began recognizing students who go the extra mile in whatever they are doing on campus last fall. Each week during Student Life Staff meetings, staff members nominate students they want to recognize for their dedication to AU. Students are notified about the nomination and their chance to win a $50 Visa Gift Card. At the end of the semester, all of the names of those nominated are put into a bowl and the name of one lucky student is selected. This is the department’s way of letting the students know they appreciate all they do.

We would like to thank the following students for all their hard work to make the “Haunted House” such a huge success: Allie Crouse, Taylor Booze, Ryan Gardner, Adeline Bova, Allyson Payne, Darren Maracin, Jessie Gomes, Ryne Gammon, Chris Walton, Micah Andrews, Samantha Hall, Jake Comer, Gabe Verde, Alex Argentieri, Hannah Glover, Joelle Deese, Brandon Veasey, Kevin Watford, Olivia Cooper, Michael Necio, Victoria Ritchie, Erica Englehart, Allyson Dodson, Krystal Link, Kizuri Lamper and Anthony Jordan-Christman.

We would also like to thank Cari Beck ’14 and Amy Echeverria for everything they did to help.

Thanksgiving Break

The residence halls are open for Thanksgiving break and many of our students will be staying on campus. If you would like to host students to join you for Thanksgiving dinner, please call or email Sandy Bash at 791-5622. Our students would love a home cooked Thanksgiving dinner and to spend time with your family.

Averett Becomes an Employer of National Service

In September 2014, the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) launched Employers of National Service. This initiative builds a talent pipeline which connects AmeriCorps and Peace Corps alumni with leading employers to create recruitment, hiring and advancement opportunities. Through this initiative, employers have increased access to a dedicated, highly qualified and mission-oriented pool of potential employees. Averett is the second higher education institution in Virginia to become an Employer of National Service. By signing on, Averett has committed to indicate in relevant job announcements an interest in recruiting AmeriCorps members and returned Peace Corps volunteers. The university joins a diverse network of more than 250 other Employers of National Service.

Student Referrals

Attention all faculty and staff … as you interact with people every day remember you are the best advocates for our Graduate and Professional Studies (GPS) Program! Referrals are the most valuable tools to put students in our classroom. Now in its 28th year of serving the non-traditional learner, GPS has added several degree programs over the last three years. These degrees can be completed online and in some locations in the classroom.

For those that may not be as familiar with the degree programs offered a list has been provided: Associate of Science — Business Administration; Bachelor of Applied Science – Leadership Studies concentration; Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA); Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RNBSN); Bachelor of Science in Sociology & Criminal Justice (online only); Master of Business Administration (MBA); Master of Business Administration (MBA) — Marketing Concentration; Master of Business Administration (MBA) — Leadership Concentration; Master of Business Administration (MBA) — Human Resource Management Concentration; Master of Education (M.Ed.) — Curriculum and Instruction; Master of Education (M.Ed.) — Administration and Supervision, Virginia Endorsement Track; Master of Education (M.Ed.) — Special Education General Curriculum, K-12 – Virginia Endorsement Track; and Master of Education (M.Ed.) — Special Education General Curriculum, K-12 – Virginia Licensure Track.

Send referrals to Katherine Pappas, Director of Partnership Development, 434-791-7132 or 1-800-448-5233. Referrals can also be submitted online by clicking here.

Judges Wanted for Scholastic Bowl

Tunstall High School is still looking for judges for Scholastic Bowl competitions, specifically for math, science and history. They are interested in connecting with Averett to work together for some very talented students. Tunstall competes with a number of schools in the region and judges are needed from 5:45-8 p.m. on the following dates: November 16 and 30. Note that you do not have to volunteer for both nights.

Questions are sent to judges ahead of time so they can prepare accordingly. If you are interested, please contact Alexis Ehrhardt.

Sam’s Club Rep on Campus

Karen Shields, our Sam’s Club representative, will be on campus Wednesday, November 18 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in the dining hall.

EduRisk Online Courses

A reminder: if you recently received an email from EduRiskLearning.org with your temporary password and a link to the courses, please enroll in the Campus SaVE Act and Workplace Harassment courses in order for the University to remain compliant. This training is an important and integral part of our policy of maintaining an environment free from sexual harassment and discrimination and protecting our students from sexual assault.

All employees must complete these courses by December 1, 2015.

God’s Pit Crew Donation Drive

God’s Pit Crew is collecting donations for the flood survivors in South Carolina. Donations can be placed in the boxes in the following locations: second floor of Frith Hall, entrance of Main Hall and the Riverview Campus.

Donation boxes will be left out until Friday, November 20. Thank you to all who have already donated!

Boys & Girls Club Angel Tree

As Christmas nears, we would like to invite you to participate in the Boys & Girls Club Angel Tree Celebration! Stop by the CCECC and choose an ornament from the Angel Tree. Then on Wednesday, December 2, celebrate Christmas with the club members!

RSVP to Jewel Dale for the celebration by Friday, November 27, and come pick up your ornament before they are gone!

Open Enrollment for Insurance

Open Enrollment for health, vision, and dental insurance began Monday, November 9. Make sure you follow the online enrollment instructions sent to you via email on Tuesday, November 3. To get started, visit www.benefitsolver.com and login by entering your user name and password. If you are a first-time user, click on ‘Register’ to set up your user name, password and security questions. Our ‘Company Key’ is CICV (note: it’s case sensitive).

The Benefits Fair will be held in the Multipurpose Room on November 11 & 12, from 11:15 a.m.-5:15 p.m.