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. For the next CoffeeBreak, please submit by Friday, Mar. 8, for a Wednesday, Mar. 13, publication.
Staff Social
The staff social is tomorrow, 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 are 15 percent off. If you can only stop by for a little while, that’s okay! 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 9-10 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. 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.
Sam’s Club on Campus
The Sam’s Club representative will be returning to Campus Tuesday and Wednesday, March 12 and 13. Back by popular demand, Karen Shields will return to the dining hall with opportunities to join the club or renew your Sam’s Club membership. Basic is $45 and Plus is $100. She will be on campus for two days from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
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]
SGA Leadership Awards
It’s nomination time! Nominations for the SGA Leadership Awards are due to Jill Adams by Friday, Mar. 15. Please nominate a student that you feel deserves to be recognized! Click on the year of the student you want to nominate for the correct form. There is also a separate award for the Unsung Hero.
- Freshman Student Leader of the Year Award 2019
- Sophomore Student Leader of the Year Award 2019
- Junior Student Leader of the Year Award 2018
- Senior Student Leader of the Year Award 2019
- Unsung Hero Award 2019
Direct all questions to Jill Adams at [email protected].
Arts@Averett: Little Bread Hen Puppet Show
Inspired by the classic tale of The Little Red Hen, this version reveals the truth about what really happened that fateful day when a chicken decided to bake a loaf of bread. Were the other farm animals just lazy or was there something else stewing in the barnyard?
Bring the children and join us for the Little Bread Hen Puppet Show on Friday, Mar. 15, at 7 p.m. in Pritchett Auditorium. Admission is free!
TRUTH Talk: Reducing Crime in Our Communities
Averett’s Criminal Justice Club and the CCECC are co-sponsoring a “Policing in the 21st Century Speakers’ Forum: Reducing Crime in Our Communities” on Wednesday, Mar. 20, in Blount Chapel from 6-8 p.m. Click here to see the full flyer.
Refreshments will be served starting at 5:30 p.m. Captain Pace and Captain Thompson from Danville Police Department will serve on a panel to outline new strategies to reduce crime in our communities. T.R.U.T.H. Talks are designed after a national program to engage college campuses and local communities on issues of diversity and inclusion of all types. These forums provide a structured and safe-space environment for all involved to voice their concerns and praises.
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. Nominations are due on Thursday, Mar. 21, by the end of the day. Direct any questions to [email protected].
5th Annual Engage Showcase
It is that time of year, again—The Engage Showcase! This is time for you and your students to celebrate and share your community work.
Would you and your students be interested in hosting a table to discuss engagement in the community? There will be 18 Averett tables in the Frith Lobby for the Engage Showcase on Tuesday, Apr. 16, from 5:30-7:30 pm. Students should bring tangible evidence of their work via photos, videos or products made for the community partner. We seek genuine conversation and ask that students bring what they used to connect with the community partner. If they cooked a meal, then bring some of the ingredients. If they put on an event, then bring some of the favors and promotional flyers, and so on. Please fill out this form with your interest by Sunday, Mar. 24.
Awards: Nominate a student, community partner or colleague that stands out in their community work! To nominate an Outstanding Engage Leader, please visit the criteria for award nominations and the award nomination form. All applications must be submitted by Sunday, Mar. 24.
Save the Date: International Education Programs
The Averett Study Abroad office and the Study Abroad Association are offering an in-depth faculty workshop for professors who are interested in developing and customizing International Education programs. This opportunity encourages participants to get engaged, ask questions, and become comfortable and confident with the idea of taking students abroad. Interested staff are also welcome! Click here to learn more about study abroad.
Please join us on Tuesday, Mar. 26, in Frith 205 at 11:15 a.m. Refreshments provided. RSVP preferred. Contact Dr. Catherine Clark at [email protected] with any questions.
Cheerleading Tryouts
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.
Healthy Solutions
Join us for a five-week course! Live and Learn: Understanding Stress will run from Wednesday, Mar. 13, until Wednesday, Apr. 10. Please reserve your spot by emailing [email protected].
In this course, you will:
• Learn What Stress Is, Where It’s Coming From
• Learn How Stress Affects Your Health
• Determine How Vulnerable You Are To Stress
• Find Out If You Are Burned Out
• Learn How Food Can Help Or Hurt Your Ability To Be More Resilient To Stress
• Learn Strategies, Techniques, Tips And Tools To Help You Manage Stress And Build Resilience
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].
Retirement Plan Changes
The Transition Guides have been mailed with information to read, review and evaluate. Questions? Remember to contact the Millennium Advisory Services, Inc. The group has dedicated advisors to serve as our guides when making informed decisions about your financial and retirement plans.
5340 Twin Hickory Rd.
Glen Allen, VA 23059
Office: (804) 346-1040
Toll-Free: (877) 435-2489
Fax: (804) 346-1044
Millennium Advisors will be sending additional information once the transition is complete.
City of Danville: New Emergency Alert System
The City of Danville has launched CivicReady, which is an enhanced emergency preparedness and mass notification system that will send immediate alerts to citizens who join the system. Upon joining, citizens can choose to receive their alerts by email, text and a phone call, so they never miss communication about an emergency alert, severe weather warning or community event in the area.
A full news release is posted to the City’s website and you can view it by clicking here. To join by using a mobile device, go to danvilleva.regroup.com/signup. To join by using a desktop computer, go to www.danvilleva.gov/notify.
GPS Student Spotlight
Meet Jermaine Kidd, a student pursuing his Bachelor of Applied Science in leadership studies degree who is expected to graduate in 2020.
What is your motivation for obtaining your degree here at Averett University?
“I completed my associate’s degree back in 2012, so going back to school and obtaining a bachelor’s degree has always been a goal of mine. I must admit, procrastination has been an enemy of mine for years. I finally decided to stop procrastinating and take the necessary steps to achieve that goal. My motivation for achieving this goal is that it will open doors to many desirable opportunities in a career I wish to pursue. It will also provide an increased earning power which will enable me to better provide for my family.”
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 culture on campus and feel I belong. It’s easy to have conversations with people.”
“The professors want you to succeed.”
“I like the small class size.”
“Aviation is fun.”
“I like the tutors.”
“I have easy going professors and friends.”
“My advisor is great.”
“Faculty are very supportive.”
“There is a good distance from class and my dorm.”