Averett CoffeeBreak 2-27-19

Posted on February 27th, 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, Mar. 1, for a Wednesday, Mar. 6, publication.

Tropical Storm Michael and Facilities Update

As was shared in last week’s CoffeeBreak, we have finally received approval from the insurance company on all of the needed repairs lingering from Tropical Storm Michael, and the general contractor has been working to establish a timeline for the work. These recovery efforts are scheduled to begin next Monday, Mar. 4, during Spring Break. Repairs will be addressed one building at a time, with the work beginning next week in Fugate Hall. Residence halls will be addressed first, followed by public spaces, classrooms, faculty offices and then all other affected areas. 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.

Also, in light of some recent student concerns, we wanted to provide a few updates as to progress being made around campus and within our internal processes. Expanded access to maintenance requests coming into SchoolDude has been granted to select employees in Student Life and Housing and Residence Life. This will allow for additional members of our staff to see incoming requests so they are aware of the needs in specific areas and can help track the project statuses. Additionally, these employees will meet weekly with our maintenance and housekeeping teams to help organize priorities and allow for any necessary in-person discussion. The regional manager of the Budd Group – our contracted third-party service for our campus beatification and housekeeping teams – has been engaged in the process and is involved with more detailed attention.

Inside our residence halls, we are finalizing notices for each bathroom with checklists on when they were last cleaned and when the next scheduled shift will come. These will include a mechanism for residents to submit an immediate work order via text or a QR code. The housekeeping team is undergoing additional training, and is using some new, more aggressive microbial cleaners to assist in mildew eradication. Our residential housing staff is also undergoing some additional training on more thorough inspection reports and maintenance requests reporting. Finally, our Student Life team is working on clarifying expectations within the Student Handbook.

One final reminder that all members of the Averett Family are asked to share in the responsibility of taking care of our campus community and spaces. If at 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 requests that can be accessed from either the Faculty/Staff tab on the website or from the Intranet.

Winston-Salem State Singing Rams

Arts@Averett is proud to welcome back the Winston-Salem State University Choir to wrap up Black History Month tomorrow, 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!

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 have received an invitation to your session – 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!

Healthy Solutions: Live and Learn

The Wellness Program will be hosting its first ‘Live and Learn’ event of the year- De-cluttering with Karen Nelson on Friday, Mar. 1, at 10:30 a.m. in the multipurpose room. With not being too far into the new year, there is still time to get organized! If you’d like to learn how to de-stress and de-clutter, please email [email protected] to RSVP.

 

 

Cheerleading Competition and Tryouts

The cheerleading team is competing this Saturday, Mar. 2, at the Christian Cheerleaders of America nationals in Fayetteville, N.C. Last year, the team took home the CCA national championship title!

Interested in joining the Averett cheerleading team? Do you know a student who wants to? Tryouts for the 2019-20 school year will take place on Sunday, Apr. 7, in the Grant Center at North Campus from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. If you are interested please contact Coach Samantha Sopko at [email protected] for requirements and more information.

Staff Social

There will be a staff social on Thursday, Mar. 7, at 4:45 p.m. at Crema & Vine, 1009 Main St. Finger food will be provided by Staff Council. Crema & Vine is a Cougar Nation Discount Program business and that means all other purchases (coffee, soda, wine or beer) are 15 percent off. We hope to see you there!

Rotary Group Study Exchange

After Hours Rotary in Danville is hosting five young professionals from Taiwan for a Group Study Exchange (GSE) from March 6-10. The group will be at Averett for an informational discussion on Friday, Mar. 8, from 9 to 10 a.m. in the multipurpose room. All faculty and staff are invited!

The meeting will be held as a round table discussion. The group will be learning about Averett and then those present will be able to ask the young professionals questions as well. The GSE members work in the computer science, business management, marketing and biotechnology fields. Light refreshments will be provided. Please join us! Contact Danielle Staub at [email protected] with any questions.

Better Angels Workshop

On Tuesday, Mar. 12, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. in the Carrington Conference Room on the 4th floor of the Student Center, the CCECC and Better Angels are offering a workshop on engaging political conversations in a democratic and effective way. This skills-based workshop will provide hands-on instruction on how to listen effectively, form political arguments and communicate those arguments in an effective manner. Click here to see the full flyer. Please RSVP to Dr. Billy Wooten at [email protected].

Danville Concert Association Tickets

The University has a limited number of tickets available for the next Danville Concert Association event. If you are interested in attending the Russian National Ballet performance on Sunday, Mar. 10, at 7 p.m. at George Washington High School’s auditorium, contact Marion Breen in Alumni Hall at [email protected] or call (434) 791-5675.

Tickets are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and there is an initial limit of two tickets per person.

Happy March Birthday!

Wishing you the nicest things that life can bring your way, And this is not just a Birthday wish…it’s meant for every day!

Host: President Franks and Joe Franks
For: Celebration for Faculty & Staff with March Birthdays
When: Wednesday, Mar. 13
Where: Main Hall Penthouse
Time: 1-2 p.m.

RSVP to [email protected]

Save the Date: 2019 Cougar Golf Classic

It’s almost time for the 2019 Cougar Golf Classic! This year the golf tournament will take place on Friday, June 14, with a 1 p.m. shotgun start at Goodyear Golf Club. Contact Brenda Taylor with any questions at [email protected].

 

 

Staff Council Nominations

Staff Council nominations for 2019-20 are now open! CLICK HERE for the fillable PDF. To ensure a balanced representation of all University departments on Staff Council, the council members are categorized into four (4) groups, with three (3) members serving in each group, as shown on the PDF. (Please note, one person from each group will be elected annually.) You are allowed to nominate any person from any department who is a full-time employee of Averett University and is not classified as a faculty member or a member of President’s Council.

Please make sure your nominee(s) will be willing to serve as a member of Staff Council and is also committed to the three-year term if elected. You do not have to nominate one from each group. For example, your nominees may all come from the same department. You are welcome to nominate as many individuals as you would like. Direct any questions to [email protected].

SOVAH Health Clinic

Not feeling well? Sovah Health Clinic is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to noon for Averett students, faculty and staff. The clinic is located on the 4th floor of the Student Center, above the cafeteria. It accepts walk-ins and offers routine care. Common services include but are not limited to: cold and flu symptoms, health maintenance and prevention, lab work, sport physicals, flu shots, TB skin tests, non-life threatening injuries, pap smears and depression. Appointments can be made by calling (434) 797-2828.

Navigating the New and Improved Wellness Portal

As many may have noticed, the new wellness portal is different than the previous one. Please take the time to explore the portal as it has many features for a customized wellness experience. If you have any questions, please email [email protected] for assistance.

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.

Golden Bagel Award

Congratulations to Patrick Henry, assistant head coach/offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach, for winning the Golden Bagel for the month of February!

If you want to nominate a co-worker who has gone above and beyond this month for the Golden Bagel Award, please email [email protected].

 

 

 

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New Student Profiles

Please take a moment to check out the new student profiles on the bottom of Averett’s homepage! There are 10 profiles that include seven traditional students and three GPS students. The Office of Marketing and Communications is always looking for new student profiles for the website and Cougar Connection. If you would like to nominate a student, please email Danielle Staub at [email protected].

GPS Student Spotlight

Meet Lyndsay Thorne, a student pursuing her Bachelor of Science in sociology and criminal justice degree who is expected to graduate in 2019.

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

“My motivation was my son. I started college in 1998 immediately after I graduated high school and I never finished due to my father’s terminal illness. I want to show my son that hard work pays off and that college is very important in today’s society and you are never too old to finish!”

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!

“The staff is supportive and helpful, comforting and kind.”

“It is easy to connect with lots of people, both teachers and students.”

“It is easy to access resources.”

“From my first day I had new friends.”

“Averett is like a home away from home.”

“I love the library.”

“The aviation program is great.”

“Teachers are really helpful. I can go to them any time and I like the office hours.”