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, Sept. 20, for a Wednesday, Sept. 25, publication.
First Week of Fresh Start!
Today, Sept. 18, the seven-week lifestyle management program, Fresh Start, begins at 1 p.m. in the multipurpose room. This week’s session will focus on connecting to what’s important. You will learn about the health benefits of maintaining a healthy weight, identify healthy habits you already have, assess your starting point for this journey, identify your “why” and create an action plan that supports your values.
Next week’s topic, the science of food, will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 25, at 1 p.m. in the multipurpose room. Dr. Lynise Green will be hosting the session live.
If you have any questions regarding the seven-week series and to RSVP for next week, please email Dana Dominguez at [email protected].
SET Weekly Events
Today, Sept. 18: Blood Drive from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. outside beside Carrington Gym. Contact Phillip Mitchell at [email protected] if you would like to sign up to donate blood.
Thursday, Sept. 19: Madden 20 Tournament at 7:30 p.m. Please make sure you register at www.imleagues.com/averett. If you have any questions or concerns, stop by the Student Engagement Office to speak with Phillip Mitchell or via email at [email protected].
Friday, Sept. 20: Fridays are Blue and Gold Day. Make sure you wear blue and gold to show your school spirit!
The Center for Spiritual Life
The Center for Spiritual Life offers many opportunities and resources for you to explore and deepen your faith, including:
–CSF Bible Study: Tuesdays at 8:30 p.m., Student Center 417, the Prayer & Meditation Room. All are welcome!
–Prayer & Meditation Room: Located in Student Center 417 and open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. This is a dedicated space for you to find quiet for prayer, meditation, reflection or study.
–Prayer Garden: Located between Fugate Parking Lot and behind the Admissions House, this is a dedicated space for you to find peaceful solitude for quiet reflection, meditation, study and prayer.
–Prayer Wall: Located in the Student Success Center, please reach out and connect with the Averett community by sharing a prayer request and praying for those you see posted.
–Averett CCM Ministers are in the Center for Spiritual Life and Prayer & Meditation Room every Tuesday and Friday from 10 a.m. until noon and by appointment. We invite you to come meet and pray with us!
For regular text message reminders for CSF, text the message “@csfaverett” to the phone number, 81010. For more information about the Center for Spiritual Life, please contact Averett Chaplain Skyler Daniel at [email protected].
Staff Meeting
Please join us for the staff meeting this Thursday, Sept. 19, at 11:15 a.m. in the multipurpose room. We look forward to seeing everyone there for the opening meeting of the year!
Arts@Averett: Charlotte’s Web & Dlanieous
Join us at Pritchett Auditorium on Thursday and Friday, Sept. 19-20, at 7 p.m., and Saturday, Sept. 21, at 11 a.m., as the Averett Theatre for Young People Series brings you Charlotte’s Web. Based on the beloved children’s novel by E.B. White, the show tells the story of Wilbur the pig, who is born the runt of the litter and thought too weak to live, and his friendship with Fern Arable, the little girl who saves him and adopts him. We then meet a few barnyard friends but most importantly, Charlotte the spider, who truly saves his life.
On Friday, Sept. 27, Averett is hosting “Dlanieous – Funk and Groove Review” in Pritchett Auditorium at 7 p.m. Admission is FREE. Dlanieous Band has rocked and continues to rock audiences at every event with soulful renditions of music from yesterday and today. Featuring soul, R&B, blues, beach, funk, Motown and original tunes. Small band, big sound. The band members are seasoned artists who have traveled the world.
Senior Pinning Ceremony
All faculty and staff are invited to attend the Senior Pinning Ceremony on Thursday, Sept. 26, at 4 p.m. at the Violet T. Frith Fine Arts Center. A reception will follow the ceremony at the President’s House.
Please respond to Mary Sullivan, [email protected], by this Friday, Sept. 20, if you plan on attending.
“Consumer Management in the Internet Age” Book Talk
Joshua Sperber, assistant professor of political science and history, will be giving a book talk at the Danville Main Library on Tuesday, Sept. 24, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The talk will be followed by a Q&A and refreshments. Click here for full details.
Fall Fiesta Staff Social
It’s time for the Fall Fiesta Staff Social! There will be a staff social on Thursday, Sept. 26, from 4:30-7:30 p.m. at Two Witches Winery & Brewery Co., 209 Trade St.
Staff Council will be providing tacos, chips and salsa from Los Tres Magueyes. Two Witches will have a variety of other beverages to purchase that will pair perfectly with your Los Tres Magueyes snack. We hope to see you there!
Study Abroad Fair
Spread the word! As part of Averett’s International Education Week, the Annual Study Abroad Fair will take place in the multipurpose room on Thursday, Sept. 26, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Students can meet study abroad alumni and program providers from around the globe, win free stuff and learn about how an international experience can work for their career!
In addition, representatives from service-learning, financial aid and career services will be there to help maximize study abroad opportunities. We will have a passport table on site, and refreshments will be served. Search for #AUStudyAbroad2019 on social media and click here to see the event on Facebook.
Kappa Delta Pi
The Education Department is happy to announce we are accepting new applicants into the Alpha Zeta Alpha Chapter of the Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society in Education. This honor society recognizes elite students and educators. For an undergraduate student to be inducted, he or she must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and have already taken at least three education courses OR have been inducted into the Teacher Education Program. For a graduate student to be inducted, he or she must have a minimum GPA of 3.25 and be enrolled in one of our M.Ed. programs for educators. Members will be initiated into the society on Monday, Nov. 4, at 6 p.m.
Prospective students can apply for membership and pay society dues ($50/one year or $85/two years, plus $5 local chapter’s dues) by clicking here.
If you have any questions or would like to know more information about this society, please email Dr. Nancy Riddell at [email protected] or leave her a message at (434) 791-5741. We look forward to seeing our future educators succeed and grow! THE DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION IS Wednesday, Sept. 30.
Christmas Card Photo Shoot
Dr. Tiffany Franks requests all available students, faculty and staff to join her on the Student Center lawn on Tuesday, Oct. 1, at 11:15 a.m. for a photo shoot for this year’s University Christmas card. Every year, Averett sends a holiday card to more than 3,000 University donors and friends, and this year will be a huge group photo in the shape of a Christmas tree. Participants should wear the University’s navy blue and gold.
Flu Shot Clinics Coming Soon
SOVAH Regional Family Medicine will once again provide nurses for us to have a two-day flu shot clinic this fall on Tuesday, Oct. 1, and Wednesday, Oct. 2, from 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the multipurpose room.
Reserve your Spot: Danville Civil Rights Tour
On Saturday, Oct. 5, at 1 p.m., the CCECC and History United are excited to offer Averett’s first Danville Civil Rights Tour for faculty, staff and students. We have spots for 40 people on our trolleys and will leave from Main Hall promptly at 1 p.m. NPR will join us to run a very positive story on how Averett promotes diversity and inclusion through our various programming.
Sites on the tour include sections of Danville many have not seen:
1. The Danville Courthouse Complex and its connection to Bloody Monday
2. The green book houses on Holbrook Street
3. The Williams House (now the Williams Community Resource Center)
4. High Street Church
5. The Sutherlin Mansion Complex– the Museum will provide free admission and a talkback after the tour
If you are interested in learning about Danville’s historic connections to the Civil Rights Movement, please RSVP by clicking here.
Medicare Presentation
A Medicare workshop for anyone interested will be held by Carolyn B. Smith, president and CEO of The Marketplace Insurance Agency and ElderCare Associates, Inc., on Wednesday, Oct. 16, from 3-5 p.m. in the Carrington Conference Room. She will present a one-hour workshop and will have booklets available. Contact Kathie Tune at [email protected] or (434) 791-7106 with questions.
Interested in a Social Well-being Activity?
On Friday, Oct. 18, the wellness team will be hosting a social well-being activity: de-stressing with Chalk Couture. Chalk Couture is a chalking technique using silk screen stencils so that even those who are the least crafty can participate while socializing. The stencils provided focus on the upcoming holidays: Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Supplies must be ordered in advance for this event. If you’re interested, please send an RSVP to [email protected].
NEW DATE: Strategic Planning Roundtable Session
There is a new date for the Averett 2025 Roundtable Session for all faculty and staff. It will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 22, from 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Carrington Gym. Please mark your calendars.
National Preparedness Month
Throughout the month of September, as part of National Preparedness Month, the Emergency Response Team will be offering safety tips to help you prepare for any type of emergency situation.
This week’s tips are:
1. Keep some cash on hand in case of emergencies, since ATMs and credit card readers won’t always be available. Cash can help pay for immediate expenses like lodging, food and gas.
2. Snap photos of important documents and personal belongings to help you quickly file an insurance claim after a flood.
3. Download a group texting app so your entire circle of family and friends can keep in touch before, during and after an emergency.
The safety and well-being of our Averett community is important. Take action and be prepared!
For more tips and information on the University’s emergency procedures, click here.
Listen, Learn and Gain Experience in Broadcasting and Reporting
We are looking for students interested in broadcasting and reporting who wish to gain educational and practical experience this fall. There are opportunities to listen and learn before eventually gaining hands-on experience in sports broadcasting and sports reporting.
Please contact Zach Humphries at [email protected] if you are interested in hearing more about these opportunities. Thank you!
Your help is needed!
Averett 101 students need your assistance! Have you ever wished you could talk to your freshman self and give advice? Me too! As part of Averett 101, we are providing all freshmen the opportunity to learn the best way to present oneself in a professional setting, including how to dress professionally.
We need models! Some will wear professional clothing, others business casual, and some will wear inappropriate choices. We have multiple options for participation, please check all that apply. Please contact Angie McAdams, director of career competitiveness, at [email protected] with any questions.
Need tech help? IT HelpDesk Ticket!
Technology is an integral part of Averett’s day-to day-operations. It allows us to work with more efficiency and accuracy than ever before. However, when that technology fails, it causes frustrations and creates disruptions in business operations. The IT department understands and shares in these frustrations. When that report needs to get out, or that transcript needs to be printed, or just knowing that if someone misses a call, voicemail will be there.
To that end, the IT department cannot solve an issue of which they are not aware. This is why the HelpDesk system is so important. It is quicker to email or phone someone, but chances are they are not at their desk, so the phone call goes unanswered and the email sits in the inbox.
The HelpDesk system allows the IT department to prioritize and assign tickets to the appropriate “tech.” It also allows an “audit trail” for tracking the progress and status of issues. Phone messages and emails do not allow for this. Since each person within the department has unique duties and skills, they often are working on other issues that require immediate attention, where phone calls and emails are a distraction to IT’s operation flow. In light of all this, with the amount of time and resources ultimately saved with a ticket instead of a call or an email, the very few minutes it takes to create a ticket is well worth it. Click here to fill out a ticket!
