Averett CoffeeBreak 2-20-19

Posted on February 20th, 2019 by Danielle Staub

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 formFor the next CoffeeBreak, please submit by Friday, Feb. 22, for a Wednesday, Feb. 27, publication.

See Something, Say Something

All members of the Averett Family are asked to share in the responsibility of taking care of our campus community and spaces. If any any point you notice anything that needs attention, such as needed repairs or housekeeping items, please use the comprehensive, online software system for submitting Maintenance Fixit requests that can be accessed from either the Faculty/Staff tab on the website or from the Intranet.

Our facilities and housekeeping teams have been aggressively assessing and addressing any and all areas of concern recently raised by our students. They will continue to pay extra attention to the needs of the campus, but need your help in reporting concerns, so if you see something – anything – don’t assume someone is aware or that it has already been reported, please say something and report it.

Just this week, we have received approval from the insurance company on all of the needed repairs lingering from Tropical Storm Michael, so you will soon see work in numerous areas around campus. As with any construction project and such a large scope of work, there will be some minor disruptions, and your continued patience and understanding are much appreciated.

February Staff Meeting

The February Staff Meeting will take place tomorrow, Feb. 21, at 11:15 a.m. in the multipurpose room. After AU Guess Who and department announcements, we will be hearing directly from members of our Emergency Response Team about inclement weather protocol. That will be followed by new business, the Golden Bagel and of course, lunch in the café!

Congratulations to Debbie Hyler! She won the Golden Bagel in the month of January. Staff Council is always looking for Golden Bagel nominations. If you believe one of your co-workers has gone above and beyond in the month of January, please submit a nomination to [email protected].

 

Graduate Degrees at Averett University

Share this message with all of our graduating seniors: Sarah Hudson, graduate admissions counselor, will be on hand to discuss master’s degree opportunities tomorrow, Feb. 21, in the café from 1-4 p.m.

Students can learn more about:
• GPS’s $1,000 alumni scholarship
• Earning your master’s online or at one of our four campuses across Virginia!

Master’s Degrees include:
• Business Administration
• Criminal Justice Administration and Leadership
• Applied Data Analytics
• Accountancy
• Education Curriculum and Instruction
• Special Education with Licensure or Endorsement
• Education Administration and Supervision

For more information please contact Sarah Hudson, GPS graduate admissions counselor, at (540) 767-6040 or [email protected]. If you cannot stop by the table, you can schedule a call with Sarah by clicking here.

Soul Food Night in the Cafe

To celebrate Black History Month, join us in the Cafe for SOUL FOOD NIGHT! Menu: Smothered pork chops with onion gravy, collard greens, Hoppin’ John’s black eyed peas, mac and cheese, cornbread, sweet potato pie and banana pudding tomorrow, Feb. 21, from 5-9 p.m. in the dining hall. Sponsored by Bon Appetit, AFAM Studies and S.E.T.

Spiritual Life

Sunday, Feb. 24, is Averett Day at West Main Baptist Church from 11 a.m. until noon. Come be led in worship by Averett students, featuring musical performances by Averett Singers, a sermon from Junior LP Mua and many other Averett students and Averett family.

On Thursday, Feb. 28, Averett Chapel will have an encouraging message from Chaplain Skyler from 11:15-11:45 a.m. in Blount Chapel. All students, faculty and staff are invited!

 

TRUTH Talks

On Monday, Feb. 25, from 6-8 p.m. in Blount Chapel, the CCECC and Student Life are sponsoring “TRUTH Talk: Disability Services in Higher Education.” Refreshments will be served starting at 5:30 p.m.

There will be a panel of distinguished presenters who will discuss 1.) how we define disabilities in higher education, 2.) unique physical and mental health challenges students face in higher education, and 3.) challenges students face as they bridge into their career field.

“Our Town” and the Winston-Salem State Singing Rams

Come support the theatre department and attend an “Our Town” performance on February 21-23, 7 p.m. in Pritchett Auditorium. Faculty and staff get two free tickets and Averett students get in free. Regular tickets: $10 adults, $8 students/senior citizens (60+).

The classic three-act play by American playwright Thornton Wilder tells the story of the fictional American small town of Grover’s Corners between 1901 and 1913 through the everyday lives of its citizens.

Arts@Averett is proud to welcome back the Winston-Salem State University Choir to wrap up Black History Month on Thursday, Feb. 28, at 6 p.m. in Pritchett Auditorium. The Singing Rams are the oldest student organization on the campus of Winston-Salem State University. Admission is free for everyone.

God’s Storehouse “Empty Bowls” Fundraiser

God’s Storehouse in Danville is hosting its annual “Empty Bowls” fundraiser. The event is Friday, Feb. 22, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at God’s Storehouse at 750 Memorial Dr. Tickets are $15 per person and include one bowl of soup, bread/crackers and water, as well as a handmade pottery bowl created by local artists. Tickets are available at God’s Storehouse, Karen’s Hallmark, Woodforest Bank (inside Walmart) and Commonwealth Home Health Care.

The event is an international grassroots effort to fight hunger and serves as a visible reminder that people go to bed hungry each night. For more information, contact Drew Wilson at [email protected].

Sam’s Club Representative on Campus

Karen Shields from Sam’s Club will register new members and renew memberships on Tuesday, Feb. 26, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Dining Hall entrance. Remember, she can sign you up months in advance of your renewal date. She will have special offers for anyone registering with her that day. Email Kathie Tune at [email protected] for additional information.

 

Sun Porch Sessions

One year from now we will transition from our Averett 2020 strategic plan to Averett 2025, and as a way for Dr. Franks to gather with members of our campus community in small groups, she will be holding “Sun Porch Sessions” in late February and early March.

This will be a time for Dr. Franks to listen and learn from everyone as we work together to continually strengthen and propel Averett forward. You should receive an invitation to your session this week – please contact Cyndie Basinger at [email protected] if your schedule does not allow you to attend your designated session. See you on the Sun Porch!

RSVP to Spring New Employee Orientation Invitation

The Spring New Employee University Orientation is on Tuesday, Mar. 5, in the multipurpose room from 11:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. If you are a new employee (part-time or full-time faculty, staff or graduate assistant) who was hired since the August opening, or if you could not make it to the Fall New Employee Orientation, then plan on joining us this spring.

Invitations to the event will be coming soon via a Punchbowl email invite. The program will include lunch, an Averett history trivia game and updates from Dr. Tiffany Franks and her leadership team.

Mark your calendars and contact Kathie Tune, director of human resources, for additional information at [email protected]. We look forward to seeing you at the program!

Save the Dates: Summer New Student Registration

Summer registration for incoming freshmen will be May 31, June 21 and July 26. Faculty are needed to register freshmen for fall classes. Each date will include two, one-hour general advising/registration sessions, and faculty will be compensated. If you are able to represent your department on one or more of these dates, please contact Janet Roberson at [email protected], and Barb Kushubar at [email protected]. Thanks in advice for your help.

Foundation Student Resource Center (The Shed)

The CCECC and Student Life formally announce the opening of the Foundation Student Resource Center (the Shed) as part of Averett’s Cougar Cares program. We provide students with professional business clothing for career development opportunities as well as emergency food and hygiene items.

Students may access the resource center by visiting the CCECC between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. All visits are confidential. We only ask students to complete a one-question form on an iPad to let us know whether they need clothing, food and/or hygiene products so that we can keep a record of the inventory. Click here to see the full flyer with pictures.

Missing The Chanticleer?

Averett’s student news magazine, The Chanticleer, is now online. Visit www.averettstudentnews.org and check back often for updates.

 

Advising Tip

It is very important to keep in contact with your advisees throughout the school year. A quick email reminding them of important dates or events will help the advising process and help the students stay on track to graduation. Consider the following for this week.

1. Review any Academic Early Alert Grades students received.
2. Discuss experiences and problems to date.
3. Provide referral information if needed.

New Businesses Added to CNDP

Be sure to stop by and support the latest businesses to join the Cougar Nation Discount Program: Dell’anno’s Pizza Kitchen (316 Main St.), Dell’anno’s Pizzeria (10378 Martinsville Hwy), King Cropp (621 Main St.), Monk’s Pretzels (Danville Mall) and Ruffino’s Pizza (Danville Mall).

Each of these businesses is now offering current students, faculty and staff 10 percent off their purchase. Whether you’re in the mood for pizza, pasta or pretzels, these restaurants have something for everyone!

If you know of any businesses in the Danville area that would be interested in participating, please contact Katie Johnston at (434) 791-5877 or [email protected]. Go Cougars!

Averett Central Satisfaction Survey

Averett Central has created a survey asking for feedback to see how we can grow our department and adjust, if necessary. This survey asks about how useful the office of Averett Central is to the Averett Community. The information obtained from students will be confidential and participation is voluntary.

The survey is only open to currently enrolled traditional students and should take around two to three minutes to complete. Students are only allowed to complete the survey once and we will be taking responses until Thursday, Feb. 28, at 4:30 p.m.

There will be a single drawing for one student to win (1) $25 gift card to Me’s Burgers and Brews, (1) $10 Starbucks gift card, and some Averett swag from the Bookstore.

Here is the link to share with your students and thank you for helping to remind them! If students, faculty or staff have any questions, feel free to stop by Averett Central or give us a call at (434) 791-5600. Thank you so much for all you do.

Thank You

Thank you to the community for the condolences and prayers expressed to me over the death of my mother. Such an outpouring of love and care warmed my heart and demonstrated the truly caring and family atmosphere of Averett University.

Sincerely, Dr. Fulop

cb_spotlight

GPS Student Spotlight

Meet Matthew Fielding-Rivera, a student pursuing his Bachelor of Business Administration degree who is expected to graduate in 2021.

What is your motivation for obtaining your degree here at Averett University? 

“My motivation for getting my degree at Averett is not only for me, but for my future family. I am going to be settling down in a couple of years with the love of my life. That means I need to do all I can to make sure I take care of and put my family first. Plus, who doesn’t want their name framed on a diploma with that classy Old English font?”

 

Averett 101: 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 the spring, we will be sharing some of the comments students shared with Dr. Franks and Joe about Averett!

“I like the penthouse.”

“I like the small size and people are friendly.”

“At Averett, I feel like I belong and I am part of something.”

“The staff is super friendly.”

“There is a community feel around campus.”

“Everybody is accepting.”

“Everybody seems to support each other.”