Averett University CoffeeBreak 2-28-2024

Posted on February 28th, 2024 by Bill Dyer

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, March 1, for a Wednesday, March 6, publication.

Averett Bookstore Information

LEAP YEAR – One Day Sale

Thursday, Feb. 29 – 20% off apparel and gifts. In-store and online.

Bookstore Hours March 4-8

Monday          9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Tuesday          9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Wednesday    9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Thursday        9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Friday            Closed


Belonging Webinar

Connections Are Everything: Fostering Campus Cultures of Learning, Belonging and Thriving

Date: Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2-3 p.m.

Registration Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/3517059452437/WN_cpvqltuNSKGNTKOJLN9ikg#/registration

Description: For five decades, research has demonstrated that student connections with faculty, peers and staff are critical to learning, identity, persistence and success during and after college. This is doubly true for first-generation students and students of color. Drawing on hundreds of interviews with students, faculty and staff, speakers will illuminate how institutional leaders at all levels can 1) foster institutional cultures that prioritize relationship-building and 2) assist students in developing practical strategies to build the constellations of relationships that will help them learn, belong and thrive.

Expected Learning Outcomes…

  • Discover how networks of student relationships with faculty, staff and peers are essential to learning, belonging, identity, retention and thriving.
  • Identify strategies campuses are employing to foster a sustained institutional culture focused on relationships, which must be nurtured by both grassroots innovations and top leadership.
  • Learn about free, open-access resources to help students develop strategies for relationship building, which is too often a “hidden curriculum” for first-generation college attendees.

The DEIB team invites faculty and staff to this professional development opportunity designed to help us all discover ways to promote learning and belonging at Averett.


Blount Library Book Club

This month we will be discussing “Sula” by Toni Morrison. Join us on Wednesday, Feb. 28 from 5-6 p.m. Refreshments will be provided. Visit the link to learn more.

For more information, click HERE.

 


The Great Colleges to Work for Survey is Coming Soon, March 4

Thanks to our valuable 2022 survey respondents, our results yielded valuable information that has allowed us to identify opportunities and make informed strategic decisions. By participating again this year, we will be able to track our progress thus far and decide on appropriate next steps. Our participation allows us to receive invaluable data that will be helpful as we strive to create the best workplace possible.

The survey is voluntary and completely confidential; our institution will not be able to trace results back to individuals. Your invitation to take the survey will come by email with the subject line “Great Colleges to Work For 2024 Faculty/Staff Survey.” To log into the survey, we will all have the same usernames but unique passwords. For this reason, you should not forward your survey to any colleagues. Your survey will be processed by ModernThink LLC, an independent management consulting firm focusing on workplace quality in higher education. They can be reached at (888) 684-4658 or at [email protected].

Thank you, in advance, for your participation. Please contact Kathie Tune, CHRO and survey coordinator, [email protected], or visit www.GreatCollegesProgram.com if you have any questions.


CPR & AED Training

Averett University received a grant that will allow more AED’s to be placed around campus and to allow our Averett family to receive training and certification. To have our staff prepared, there will be a Heart Saver class provided at the Danville Area Training Center. The class will include Adult CPR, AED and Adult Choking. These classes are just for Averett Employees and the cost are covered by the grant.  Once completed, you will receive a certificate of completion and knowledge that could potentially save someone’s life.

Please complete the below registration by clicking on the link or email [email protected]

Class 1 Wednesday, March 6

The class begins at 9 a.m. (please arrive 10-15 min early) and will last approximately 2 hours.

Link for 3/6/24 class

Class 2 Thursday, March 7

The class begins at 9 a.m. (please arrive 10-15 min early) and will last approximately 2 hours.

Link for 3/7/24 class


It’s Dr. Seuss’ Birthday

Celebrate reading during Read Across America Day. In partnership with Head Start Preschool, we invite you to join us for Read Across America Day on Wednesday, March 6 from 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Head Start will provide Dr. Seuss books to be read; or you can bring your favorite book to read.

Read Across America Week is celebrated March 2-6 — which begins on the birthday of the author, Dr. Seuss. The entire month of March is dedicated to reading and educating people about its benefits.

Sign up HERE to join the celebration. Transportation will be provided.


NEO is One Week Away, March 6

The program is in its final stages and ready for our newest employees to arrive at the President’s Suite of the Frank R. Campbell Stadium on Wednesday, March 6, by 9:45 a.m.  The program begins at 10:00 a.m. SHARP! Looking forward to seeing everyone soon.  Call or email us with questions at [email protected].

To view the NEO program schedule, click HERE


POO! Don’t Let Cancer Scare You

On Saturday, March 16, join the UVA Cancer Center and VCU Cancer Center for FREE brunch and real talk about colon cancer. This session will bring awareness, share the impact in the Danville area and share ways you can take care of your colon health.

The event is from 9 a.m.-noon at the Institute for Advance Learning and Research. We will leave the CCECC at 8:30 a.m. If you are interested in attending and need transportation, please complete the form HERE.


Save the Date: March 21 Passport and Study Abroad Drive

Averett Study Abroad is hosting a Passport Booth on-campus for all students and staff! An official from the USPS will be available to process passport applications and renewals.

– Visit the U.S. State Department for required forms due when you apply in-person.

– Passport photo service available on-site (free).

– Learn about study abroad programs from our program sponsor.

– Plus… raffles, games and snacks.


Martinsville Speedway Offer to Averett Employees

To purchase tickets, click HERE.


Producing Purposeful AI Prompts

On behalf of the AI Committee, this month’s professional development topic is “Producing Purposeful AI Prompts.” Dr. Slade Lellock, assistant professor in the department of sociology and criminal justice, invites you to a short presentation on effective prompt-writing practices for use with ChatGPT and other artificial intelligence tools. The presentation provides tips for improving clarity, precision and creativity. Lastly, the presentation includes a hands-on demonstration on how to use ChatGPT itself as your own “prompt engineer.” Please follow the link provided to view the demonstration. If you have any questions about AI in higher education or requests for topics, please contact Leslie Kapuchuck ([email protected]).

Click HERE for the demonstration.


Counseling & Health Services Spring 2024 Events

Please share with your students! Counseling & Health Services has afternoon and evening programming tailored to the needs of Averett students. These events are educational and provide students with useful tools for coping with stress, building confidence in social situations and their overall health and wellness. We also have a Health Fair and another Blood Drive in the works as well. Stay tuned for more details.


Fringe Benefits at Averett University

The Fringe Benefits fact sheet is just one way to read about the competitive benefit programs offered at Averett University.  The fact sheet can be found HERE or on the SharePoint drive (the HR site) for your convenience.  Questions?  Contact Pam Paynter, Benefits Coordinator, [email protected] or Kathie Tune, CHRO, [email protected].


How to Locate your W-2 in Paylocity

On the Paylocity Website

Open Paylocity
Type in your Name
Go to Self-Service
Go to the Pay card (next to Announcements)
Check to see if you are signed up for a paperless version…see Paperless
Click More and in the drop-down box click Tax Forms
Follow the prompts to download, password protect, etc.

On the Paylocity App:  

Login
Go to full menu
Choose Pay
Click on Tax Forms (far right)
Click 2023.

Questions? Contact Kristi Phillips at [email protected]


SIS Workday for OIRE and RO

Every Monday until the launch of our new student information system, key members of critical areas (Cheryl Dalton/Dana Mehalko (IORE) and Kristi Gilliam /Ashley Bowman (RO)) will be spending the workday on all things SIS-related. All requests and emails will be responded to the following business day.

While they may be unavailable via phone, office visit or email on Mondays, should you need immediate assistance please reach out to the following members of their staff:

Registrar’s Office

Kriston Clayton, Assistant Registrar, at [email protected] or x15612

Chris Molina, Assistant Registrar, at [email protected] or x17231

Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Research

Richard Mills, Data Reporting Specialist, [email protected]


Averett Marketing Videos

The Averett University marketing team is thrilled to share the first glimpse of our University promotional videos. Click on the link below to experience the excitement and join us in spreading the word about the excellence that defines us.

First video in the series: “Averett Online: Master of Education


Important Links

Tuition Remission Form – Click HERE

Tuition Exchange Websites – tuitionexchange.org & cic.edu

Part-time Employment Form – Part-time-Employment-Form-2024.docx (live.com)

To Schedule A Virtual Meeting with A Retirement and Financial Planning Advisor – Select a Date & Time – Calendly

Wellness Portal – www.healthadvocate.com/AverettUniversity

Averett Employee Assistance Plan (Telus Health One) – one.telushealth.com