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. Please submit by Friday, Feb. 16, for a Wednesday, Feb. 21, publication.
GPS Student Spotlight
Meet Meredith Burger, a student pursuing her Master of Business Administration degree who is expected to graduate in 2019. To see her on the GPS blog, click here.
QUESTION: What is your motivation for obtaining your degree?
ANSWER: “I wanted to shore up my current knowledge, skills and abilities, and challenge myself to do more/be more. I feel that a graduate degree will also show my children, who are teenagers, the importance of higher education and that you can do anything if you put your mind to it.”
Averett: From the Eyes of Freshmen
During every Averett 101 class each fall semester, the students go to the president’s house and enjoy a dinner with Dr. Franks and her husband, Joe. During that time, Dr. Franks asks the students what they love about Averett and if they have any concerns. During this spring semester, we will be sharing some of those positive comments with you. Enjoy!
“Close knit community – my mom went here (from Danville).”
“I’m far from home and I feel supported.”
“I love the art studio in the pool.”
“Collaboration between teachers and students – cooperation and involvement.”
“RA’s are really helpful – they showed me around.”
“LiveSafe App.”
Athletic Training Student of the Month
Amber Triplett is the Athletic Training student of the month. Amber has displayed an outstanding amount of dedication commuting from Martinsville, Va., to make her clinical rotation with Averett’s Women Basketball Team.
Her professors have expressed the excellence she has displayed in the classroom in her junior-level courses. Not only has she been a tremendous student, but she has served as a leader for the other Athletic Training students by lending a helping hand in teaching multiple proficiencies. Amber has shared her experiences from working with her high school Athletic Trainer to bring a new perspective.
Courtney Haid, assistant athletic trainer, commended Amber’s willingness to come in ready and willing to listen. Haid says these are key traits that have allowed Amber to develop into a dedicated, prosperous student.
In the future, Amber strives to pass her Board Exam and become an ATC. If you see her, please give her a “congratulations” and a “keep it up!”
Staff Meeting
There will be a staff meeting tomorrow, Feb. 15, at 11:15 a.m. in the multipurpose room. This month, after departmental announcements, we will hear from the National Bonner Leaders on campus. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and see how are students are getting involved in the community. Please join us and then enjoy lunch in the café!
We want to congratulate Christy Davis, assistant director for GPS admissions, for winning the Golden Bagel award for the month of January! There will be a new staff member of the month announced tomorrow and we continue to encourage you to submit your Golden Bagel nominations to [email protected].
Paid Internship Opportunities for Students
Tomorrow, Feb. 15, Debbie Murray from the Virginia Space Grant Consortium will be on campus with information about paid internship opportunities in the STEM fields. If you (or any of your students) are interested in learning more about these opportunities, please contact Chloe Mayhew at [email protected] or (434) 791-7114.
BSU: “Why Do We Have a Black History Month?”
Join the Black Student Union (BSU) tomorrow, Feb. 15, at 6 p.m. in the multipurpose room for a discussion panel on Black History Month.
Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing the central role of blacks in U.S. history. The event grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month. Other countries around the world, including Canada and the United Kingdom, also devote a month to celebrating black history. However, many people feel that Black History Month is American history and should not be singled out.
If you would like to be a part of this panel, please contact Kennsel Anderson at [email protected].
“Les Liaisons Dangereuses”
Averett’s Theatre Department will perform “Les Liaisons Dangereuses.” From the sumptuous private drawing rooms of 18th-century Paris to the decadent estates and chateaus of the French countryside, La Marquise de Merteuil and Le Vicomte de Valmont hatch a long-distance plan of vengeance and seduction.
Come support the theatre department tomorrow, Feb. 15, through Saturday, Feb. 17, at 7 p.m. each night in Pritchett Auditorium. Students get in free, faculty and staff get two free tickets. This performance includes mature content.
Arts@Averett: Black History Month Event
In honor of Black History Month, Arts@Averett will host The Winston-Salem State University Choir on Thursday, Feb. 22, at 7 p.m. in Pritchett Auditorium. The event is free and open to the public. The choir is the oldest student organization on the campus of Winston-Salem State University.
Under the leadership and baton of Maestra D’Walla Simmons Burke, the choir has traveled to the Bahamas, Czech Republic and South Africa, performing with major symphony orchestras including the D’Vorak Symphony Orchestra, Colour of Music Symphony Orchestra and Gateways Festival Orchestra to name a few. They have recorded nine CDs, performed at Carnegie Hall, John F. Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Alice Tully Hall of the Lincoln Center and have been nominated for a Grammy.
ADA Reminder for Faculty/Staff
The Student Success Center wants to remind everyone about the University’s ADA accommodations.
1. A student can qualify for ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accommodations if a student submits appropriate documentation of a disability to Academic Support.
2. Professors are notified of academic accommodations as soon as a student signs a release form with Holly Kilby (this form should be signed at the beginning of every semester/summer term). Typically, the notification sent to professors includes only the accommodations, and the actual diagnosis is withheld.
3. As a friendly reminder, confidentiality must be maintained. Please only discuss accommodations with a designated student in an environment that allows for confidentiality.
For questions or concerns, contact Holly Kilby at [email protected] or (434) 791-5788.
Save the Date: TIAA on Campus
The TIAA representative will be on campus Thursday, Apr. 12, and Friday, Apr. 13. No matter where you are in life—just getting started or planning for retirement—a session with Matt Meade can help you create a plan for your goals. And, it’s at no additional cost as a part of your retirement plan.
You’ll get answers to these questions and more: Am I invested in the right mix of investments to help meet my goals? Am I saving enough to create the retirement income I need? How do I take income from my retirement account once I stop working? Register for one of the sessions by clicking here. To see the full form, click here.
All employees of Averett University who receive compensation reportable on an IRS Form W-2 are eligible to participate in the Plan. The first day of each month of the Plan year is considered an open enrollment period for employees. Contact the HR/Benefits office for additional information.
