Campus Announcements
March 15, 2010
Campus Announcements is a digest of University events distributed each Monday and Thursday during the fall and spring semesters. The deadline for submissions is 5 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays.
To request a announcement go to http://www.tamucc.edu/fac_staff/submit.html and follow the sample submission guidelines. Events should be submitted more than one month in advance and will be placed in chronological order with special notices at the bottom. Marketing and Communications reserves the right to edit announcements. For more information, or for assistance in placing an announcement, contact Steve Paschal at ext. 2336 or 2420.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Travel Warning Issued for Northern Mexico: The U.S. State Department has issued a travel warning in response to the violence in Northern Mexico that last weekend claimed the lives of three Americans with ties to the U. S. Consulate. System Risk Management continues to support the position that no travel should occur to Northern Mexico and in particular, those areas noted in the travel warning. System Risk Management will continue to monitor the situation in Mexico and will communicate any significant changes. For more information, view the travel warning at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_mexico.html
University Center Spring Break Hours: The University Center hours for spring break are:
- Monday, March 15, through Thursday, March 18 – 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- Friday, March 19, through Sunday, March 21 – Closed
Dugan Wellness Center Spring Break Hours: The Dugan Wellness Center hours for spring break are:
- Monday, March 15, through Thursday, March 18 – 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Friday, March 19, through Saturday, March 20 – 3-7 p.m.
The Wellness Center will return to regular hours beginning Sunday, March 21. For more information, call ext. 2454; or go to http://recsports.tamucc.edu/.
Dining Services Spring Break Hours: For a complete list of Dining Services hours for each location during spring break, go to www.tamucc.campusdish.com.
Mary and Jeff Bell Library Spring Break Hours: The Mary and Jeff Bell Library hours for spring break are:
- Monday, March 15, through Thursday, March 18 – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Friday, March 19 – Closed
The library will return to regular hours beginning Saturday, March 20.
Dining Styles Survey: Campus Dining is conducting a Dining Lifestyles Survey to better understand campus lifestyles and preferences. By completing the survey you will provide valuable insight to help Campus Dining improve your overall dining experience. The survey takes 10-to-15 minutes to complete and responses are confidential. When you are finished you may choose to enter into a drawing to win a $250 Best Buy® Gift Card or one of two $25 Best Buy® Gift Cards. To take the survey, go to http://www.college-survey.com/txamcorpuschristi.
Faculty/Staff Barbeque: The annual Faculty/Staff Barbeque will be held on Tuesday, March 16, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the University Center, Lone Star Ballroom. Faculty and staff will need their SandDollar$ card to attend. Vendors, contractors and tenants may purchase tickets for $10 on the day of the event. For more information, call Sara Lopez at ext. 5518.
Center for Instruction Power Outage: There will be an electric power outage in the Center for Instruction on Friday, March 19, from 8-11 a.m. while AEP replaces an electrical transformer weather permitting. This outage will also include telephone service to the University Center, Faculty Center, field house and the Fulton Construction trailers. For more information, call Oscar Contreras at 361.687.4760.
Teaching Large Classes and Engaging Learners : The Faculty Renaissance Center will present a discussion on “Teaching Large Classes and Engaging Learners” on Monday, March 22, from 2-3 p.m. in the University Center, Tejas Room 106C. Do you teach a large class? Are you finding it difficult to engage your students? Get ideas from a panel of exemplary faculty who teach large classes about their instructional strategies? Don’t miss this opportunity to engage in conversation, share best practices tips for engaging today’s learners in large classes with the interdisciplinary panel of faculty members, and to connect with faculty from different colleges. Light refreshment will be provided. Register early at http://frc.tamucc.edu/events/displayEvent.php?Myevent=114. For more information, call Dr. Kakali Bhattacharya at ext. 6017; or Joseph Doan at ext 3865.
Financial Aid Fair: The Financial Aid office will hold a Financial Aid Fair on Tuesday, March 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Center for Academic Student Achievement. Financial aid experts will help students prepare the 2010-2011 FAFSA application and provide assistance with signing the Master Promissory Note for the Direct Loan Program. Students must bring 2009 tax returns and W-2 forms for themselves and their parents. Pizza and drinks will be available while supplies last. Students can also register to win a $500.00 scholarship. For more information, call ext. 2338.
PREVIOUS ANNOUNCEMENTS
Spring Break Operating Hours: The Office of University Services, Campus Copies, Mail Services, Print Shop and SandDollar Office will be open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. from Monday, March 15, through Thursday, March 18. All offices will close from noon to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, March 16, to allow personnel to participate in the annual staff barbeque. Offices will be closed on Friday, March 19, and will resume regular hours on Monday, March 22.
Nominate an Outstanding Islander Today! Do you know a student, alumnus, professor or staff member who should be recognized for their accomplishments and achievements? Nominate them for an Outstanding Islanders profile today! Outstanding Islanders are featured on the University home page every month. Submit a nomination at http://www.tamucc.edu/profiles/pastprofiles.html and click on the “Nominate an Outstanding Islander” link. Provide the nominee’s name, contact information and why you believe the person is outstanding.
Installation of Identity Finder Software: The University’s IT administrators will install the “Identity Finder” desktop search tool on most campus desktops campus-wide through to Monday, March 15. The tool will enhance the ability to locate and protect confidential data. Once it is installed, users are expected to perform a desktop search for confidential information at least once a semester.
Volunteers Needed for Staff and Faculty Appreciation Luncheon: The Staff Advisory Council is seeking University employees to volunteer for the annual Staff and Faculty Appreciation Luncheon on Tuesday, March 16. To volunteer or for more information, call Sara Lopez at ext. 5518 or e-mail sara.lopez@tamucc.edu.
Accounts Payable Check Production: Due to Texas A&M University System Spring Break scheduling, the last check run for the week of Spring Break will be on Wednesday, March 17. For more information, call Mary Couteau at ext. 5780.
Family Fun Day: Sign up for a fun-filled day for the kids for Friday, March 19, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Dugan Wellness Center. This event is open to any TAMUCC faculty/staff/students with children 5 and up. For more information, call Lindsey Keller at ext. 2364; or e-mail Lindsey.keller@tamucc.edu.
Faculty/University-level Research Enhancement: The University Research Enhancement Committee invites all tenured and tenure-track faculty to apply for a University-level Research Enhancement Grant for FY2011. Of the total $110,000 allocation expected, 60 percent ($66,000) will be awarded by the University Research Enhancement Committee, with the remaining amount to be awarded at the college level. The average award amount is $8,200. The deadline for submitting university-level proposals is Monday, March 22, at 5 p.m. For more information, call Robin Ellis at ext. 2186; or go to http://research.tamucc.edu.
Employee Excellence Awards: The Staff Advisory Council (SAC) is accepting nominations for the Employee Excellence Awards until Tuesday, March 23. Employees may be nominated on the criteria categories of Excellence, Engagement, and Expansion. All forms can be downloaded from http://sacweb.tamucc.edu. Submit all forms to Stephanie Arevalo at stephanie.arevalo@tamucc.edu; or to Recreational Sports, Unit 5713. The Awards Ceremony will be held on Monday, April 19. For more information, call Stephanie Arevalo at ext. 2455.
Avoiding Phishing E-mail Scams: Information Technology Services will hold an “Avoid Phishing E-Mail Scams” training class on Tuesday, March 23, from 9-11 a.m. in Corpus Christi Hall, Room 106. Jonathan Payne and Kay Anderson will explain what phishing e-mails are and show ways to identify and avoid them. To register go to http://training.tamucc.edu/schedule.php. For more information, call ext. 2343.
The Documentary Experience: The University Cinema will screen the film “Standard Operating Procedure” (2008, 116 minutes) on Wednesday, March 24, at 7:30 p.m. in Bay Hall, Room 104. Directed by documentarian Errol Morris, this film investigates the notorious Abu Ghraib’s photographs and whether or not they constitute evidence of systematic abuse by the American military. This film also questions the possibility of the photographs documenting the aberrant behavior of a few bad apples. This film is for mature audiences and is free and open to the public. For more information, call ext. 2316.
Islander Dance Team Rehearsal Performance: Join in packing the stands as the Islander Dance Team holds a dress rehearsal performance on Wednesday, March 24, at 8:30 p.m. at the Moody Sustainers Field House. The Islander Dance Team will give the crowd a “first look” at their routine before heading to the national competition at the University of North Texas. The performance is free and open to the public. For more information, call Islander Dance Coach Melanie Lowry at 361.765.5684.
Graduate Studies Open House: Graduate Studies and Research will hold its 7th annual Open House on Thursday, March 25, from 1-6:30 p.m. in the University Center, Lone Star Ballroom. There will be academic advisors, financial aid advisors, graduate students and professors on hand to answer questions about the University’s more than 25 graduate programs. This will be a fun-filled day with refreshments, door prizes, and discounts on application fees. Pre-register at http://gradschool.tamucc.edu/openhouse.html and be eligible for a special door prize drawing. For more information, call Selena Armendarez at ext. 2177.
Sophos Anti-Virus Informational Training Session: Information Technology Services will hold a “Sophos Anti-Virus” informational training session on Thursday, March 25, from 2-4 p.m. in Corpus Christi Hall, Room 106. This session focuses on providing users with an overview of Sophos anti-virus. To register, go to http://training.tamucc.edu/schedule.php. For more information, call Jonathan Payne at ext. 2343.
Judy Chicago in Glass Exhibit: The “Judy Chicago in Glass” exhibition will be on display from Thursday, March 25 through Sunday, May 30, at the Art Museum of South Texas, 1902 N. Shoreline Blvd. The 30-piece exhibition will include two-dimensional and three-dimensional works from cast glass to watercolor to mixed media. The Museum is open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $6 for adults, $4 for seniors aged 60 and over, $2 for students. Children 12 and under are admitted free. The Museum is affiliated with Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. For more information, call ext. 3500; go to www.ArtMuseumofSouthTexas.org.
Author's Day Poetry Reading: The Department of English will host a reading by award-winning poet Marian Haddad on Thursday, March 25, at 7 p.m. in the University Center, Bayview Room 320. The daughter of Syrian immigrants who was raised in El Paso, Texas, Haddad writes about her tri-cultural experience living on the United States-Mexico border. The reading, which will be followed by a book signing, is free and open to the public. For more information, call ext. 3457.
Judy Chicago Lecture: Artist and author Judy Chicago will lecture on “Rethinking Curriculum in Art: The Dinner Party as Path to Empowerment” on Thursday, March 25, from 7:30-8:30 p.m.in the Performing Arts Center. The lecture will focus on the importance of transforming art curriculum at the K-12 and university levels. The lecture is free and open to the public. For more information, call ext. 3500; or go to www.artmuseumofsouthtexas.org.
Kapuna Walk: The Student Government Association (SGA) and the Corpus Christi Area Alumni Club of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi will hold their first "Kapuna Walk" on Friday, March 26, from 6-8 p.m. Participants will meet outside in the area between the University Center and the Science and Technology building. The torch light walk will allow graduating seniors an opportunity to mark their transition from student to alumni status. Registration is required for seniors at the SGA office. Alumni and the public are invited to participate in walk. For more information, call Corpus Christi Area Alumni Chapter President Lee White 361.548.3141; or the SGA office at ext. 5745.
Leadership Scholarships; The Student Affairs Office has $1,000 scholarships available for 10 deserving Texas A&M-Corpus Christi students who have demonstrated leadership in student organization involvement, community service and/or employment during the 2009 calendar year. The deadline to apply is Monday, March 29. Applications are available at http://ucsa.tamucc.edu. Fore more information, call ext 5855; or e-mail Stephanie.Box@tamucc.edu.
Identity Finder: Information Technology Services will hold a training class on Monday, March 29, from 9-11 a.m. in Corpus Christi Hall, Room 106. This class focuses on how to scan your computer for files that may contain confidential information. To register, go to http://training.tamucc.edu/schedule.php or for more information, call Jonathan Payne at ext. 2343.
World Affairs Council Luncheon: Philip Wilcox, president of the Foundation for Middle East Peace, will speak on "Can Obama Rescue Peace in the Middle East?" at the World Affairs Council of South Texas luncheon on Wednesday, March 31, at 11:30 a.m. at the Congressman Solomon P. Ortiz International Center, 402 Harbor Dr. Early registration is $25 for members and active duty military in uniform; $32.50 for non-members; and $18 for students. There will be an additional $5 charge for tickets purchased after noon on Monday, March 29. All reservations must be pre-paid. For luncheon reservations and/or membership information, call 361.241.2018; e-mail martinj@worldaffairstexas.com; or mail your check to World Affairs Council, PO Box 260096, Corpus Christi TX 78426.
Women’s Center Faculty Luncheon: The University’s Women’s Center for Education and Service and the Faculty Renaissance Center Committee will host a luncheon at Desiree’s by the Bay on Wednesday, March 31, at 11:30 a.m. at The Art Center of Corpus Christi, 100 Shoreline Dr. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased until Friday, March 26 at the Women’s Center in the University Center, Room 303. For more information, call ext. 2792.
World Affairs Council Speaker on Campus: Philip Wilcox, president of the Foundation for Middle East Peace, will speak on “Can Obama Rescue Peace in the Middle East?” on Wednesday, March 31, from 4-5 p.m. in the University Center, Room Bayview 320. Wilcox has served at U.S. Embassies in Laos, Indonesia, Bangladesh and Jerusalem. RSVP for event by clicking here. For more information, e-mail maria.jaramillo@tamucc.edu.
The Documentary Experience: The University Cinema will screen the film “Bright Leaves”(2003, 107 minutes) on Wednesday, March 31, at 7:30 p.m. in Bay Hall, Room 104. This documentary film by Ross McElwee describes a journey taken across the social, economic, and psychological tobacco terrain of North Carolina by a native Carolinian whose great-grandfather created the famous brand of tobacco known as "Bull Durham." The screening is free and open to the public. For more information, call ext. 2316.
Blindness Sensitivity Training: The Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services, Division for Blind Services (DBS) is offering a one-hour diversity presentation regarding blindness and visual impairments on Friday, April 2 at 12:30 p.m. in the University Center, Lone Star Ballroom. Staff from DBS will provide basic etiquette tips that will make your day-to-day contacts with a student and/or someone you know who is visually impaired easier, more relaxed, and truly helpful. For more information, call Maria De Leon at ext. 5816.
Oso Bay Biennial XVI Exhibition: The Department of Art presents the Oso Bay Biennial XVI Exhibition through Saturday, April 3. The Biennial began more than 30 years ago as a means to showcase alternative approaches to art. The exhibition will include shows at the Weil and Islander Galleries. All events are free and open to the public. For more information, call Olivia Ross at ext. 3756. For a complete list of events, go to http://cla.tamucc.edu/art/galleries.html.
The Documentary Experience: The University Cinema will screen the film “The Devil Never Sleeps”(1994, 82 minutes) on Wednesday, April 7, at 7:30 p.m. in Bay Hall, Room 104. Filmmaker Lourdes Portillo returns to the land of her birth to investigate her uncle's identity and death while finding clues in old tales of betrayal, lust, and supernatural visitation. The screening is free and open to the public. For more information, call ext. 2316.
Walk Across Texas: Recreational Sports is supporting the Walk Across Texas program, encouraging people of all sizes, shapes and athletic ability to take important steps to help improve their health and well-being. This program will run through Saturday, April 10. Teams can consist of friends, family and/or co-workers and participants are eligible to receive Recreational Sports prizes. For more information, e-mail Chris Dillon at chris.dillon@tamucc.edu; or go to www.brazoswat.com.
Volunteers Needed for Special Olympics Young Athletes Program: Volunteers are needed to help with advance planning and day-of-event activities for the Special Olympics Young Athletes Program on Saturday, April 10, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Dugan Wellness Center. For more information, call Misty Kesterson at ext. 3299; or e-mail misty.kesterson@tamucc.edu.
The Documentary Experience: The University Cinema will screen the film “Latin Kings: A Street Gang Story”(2003, 75 minutes) on Wednesday, April 14, at 7:30 p.m. in Bay Hall, Room 104. Director Jon Alpert embarks on a “biography” of the infamous New York gang’s ex-leader, Antonio “King Tone” Fernandez. This film was originally telecast as part of HBO’s American Undercover anthology. The screening is free and open to the public. For more information, call ext. 2316.
The Documentary Experience: The University Cinema will screen the film “Blue Vinyl”(2002, 97 minutes) on Wednesday, April 21, at 7:30 p.m. in Bay Hall, Room 104. In this film by Judith Helfand and Daniel Gold, they go through their travels from all over the world to point out how vinyl has caused numerous health problems. This film was screened at the 2002 Sundance Film Festival, and aired as part of HBO’s America Undercover series. The screening is free and open to the public. For more information, call ext. 2316.
The Documentary Experience: The University Cinema will screen the film “Waltz with Bashir”(2008, 87 minutes) on Wednesday, April 28, at 7:30 p.m. in Bay Hall, Room 104. This mystery film directed by Ari Folman began one night at a bar when an old friend told him of a recurring nightmare in which 26 vicious dogs chase him. The two men conclude that there’s a connection to their Israeli Army mission in the first Lebanon War of the early eighties. This film is for mature audiences and is free and open to the public. For more information, call ext. 2316.
Spring Commencement Ceremonies: Due to the increasing number of graduation candidates, the President’s Cabinet voted to have two ceremonies for the Saturday, May 15, spring commencement. The smaller group will be in the morning in an effort to clear out traffic for the afternoon ceremony.
- The first ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 15, at 9:30 a.m., at the American Bank Center. Colleges include the College of Education and the College of Liberal Arts. Deans and the platform party will be required to attend both ceremonies. Faculty members are only required to attend during their scheduled time.
The second ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 15, at 2:30 p.m. at the American Bank Center. Colleges include the College of Business, the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, and the College of Science and Technology. Deans and the platform party will be required to attend both ceremonies. Faculty members are only required to attend during their scheduled time.
SPECIAL NOTICES
Change in Business Reply Mail (BRM): Beginning Monday, March 1, preprinted BRM materials need Permit #117 printed on the mailing piece. Permit #403 is no longer valid. The U.S. Post Office will honor materials already in circulation and/or current supplies on hand for a period of time. The University Print Shop can assist you in printing any new BRM materials with the correct permit number. For more information, call Mail Services at ext. 2684; or ext. 2694.
Update to Expenditure Guidelines: The University’s Expenditure Guidelines have been updated. These guidelines include important information on how to process a variety of expenditures including alcohol purchases, meal reimbursements, catering and food purchases, sponsorships, awards, membership dues, etc. The chart covers allowed payment methods, required approval, required forms, types of accounts that may be used and dollar limits. The Guidelines are available on the Accounts Payable or Accounting Web sites under reference material. For more information, contact Becky Torres at ext. 2775.
Recycle Your Rechargeable Batteries and Cell Phones: The Environmental, Health & Safety Office has partnered with Call2Recycle® to make recycling rechargeable batteries and cell phones more convenient and accessible for the campus community. Faculty, staff, and students are eligible to contribute items. Rechargeable batteries and cell phones are welcomed as long as they qualify under the guidelines found at http://safety.tamucc.edu/. For more information, contact David Nuckels at ext. 5585; or e-mail David.Nuckels@tamucc.edu.
Pay Stubs and Direct Deposit: As part of the shared services cost cutting initiative, all members of the Texas A & M University Systems will discontinue the printing of pay stubs on direct deposits for employees, effective with the Thursday, April 1 monthly pay date. All pay stubs are available through SingleSignOn on HRConnect. For more information, call Melissa Wright at ext. 2408.
Image Gallery: Do you need assistance in updating your Web site or printed materials using the University’s new graphic marks? And, what about a colorful a photo depicting campus life? New graphic marks and photos are available on the University’s Web site at http://imagegallery.tamucc.edu. To view the Guide for Designers, go to http://designguide.tamucc.edu. Marketing & Communications is responsible for maintaining adherence to the proper use of the marks on all materials including stationery, signage, Web banners and other identifying marks and can provide guidance. For assistance, call ext. 2420.
CHOICES Crew: The Islanders Impacting CHOICES program is accepting student nominations from staff and faculty for the CHOICES Crew. This is a peer educator program, funded by the NCAA CHOICES grant, utilizing students and student athletes to educate student athletes and the student body at large about the importance of making healthy choices. The Crew will be committed to promoting healthy choices and reducing alcohol abuse on campus. To nominate a student, e-mail his or her name and contact information to Claudia.Ayala@tamucc.edu. The student will be contacted and asked to complete an application if interested in joining the team. For more information, contact Claudia Ayala at ext. 2703.
SACS Accreditation Reaffirmation Web Site: The Web site developed by Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi in support of its application for reaffirmation of accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) is available for viewing on the Academic Affairs Web page at http://sacs.tamucc.edu and at https://tamucc.xitracs.net/sacs.
To get your event on Campus Announcements
To request an announcement go to http://www.tamucc.edu/fac_staff/submit.html and follow the sample submission guidelines. Events should be submitted on more than one month in advance and will be placed in chronological order with special notices at the bottom. Marketing and Communications reserves the right to edit announcements. For more information, or for assistance in placing an announcement, contact Steve Paschal at ext. 2336, or ext. 2420.
