Islander Briefs

FEATURED NOTE:    

Feb. 11: ‘Hoops for Blue Scholars:’ Islanders Athletics and the Corpus Christi Police Department are asking University staff and faculty to take part in the “Hoops for Blue Scholars” Campaign. For every field goal the Islanders men’s basketball team scores against Sam Houston State on Saturday, Feb. 11, at 1 p.m. at the American Bank Center, faculty and staff can make a pledge per hoop to fund a scholarship that supports the Corpus Christi Police Department. For more information, go to http://hoops.tamucc.edu.

HOURS/SERVICE CHANGES

No Announcements

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT/PROTOCOL CHANGES

Feb. 14-15: Office of Distance Education Workshops: The Office of Distance Education is hosting identical workshops on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in January and February from 9-10 a.m. in Corpus Christi Hall, room 123. Because the same workshop will be held both days, choose the day that works best with your schedule.

Workshop Topics by Week:

• Tuesday, Feb. 14, or Wednesday, Feb. 15: “Mapping a Course for Online Delivery”

 For more information, call Allison Walker at ext. 2122; or email Allison.Walker@tamucc.edu. For a complete list of workshops for the spring semester, click HERE.

 IRB Review Process Efficiencies: IRB protocols will only be accepted in electronic format beginning Jan. 1, 2012. Protocols can be downloaded in PDF format at http://research.tamucc.edu/compliance/irb/irbForms.html. Initial protocol submissions may be emailed with digital signatures. Original signatures will be needed after any necessary revisions, and before final approval is granted. The research compliance officer will contact the principal investigator on the protocol for final signatures when needed. Signature pages may then be scanned and emailed to Research Compliance Officer Erin Sherman at erin.sherman@tamucc.edu. For more information, call ext. 2497.

THINGS TO DO

Feb. 9-10: “The Vagina Monologues:” The award-winning play “The Vagina Monologues” will be presented on Thursday, Feb. 9, and Friday, Feb. 10, at 7 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. General admission tickets are $8; or $4 for students with their SandDollar$ ID. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the V-Day 2012 Spotlight Campaign on the women and girls of Haiti. For more information, contact Amber Marcil at ext. 2792, or email amber.marcil@tamucc.edu; or Angela Walker at ext. 2612, or email angela.walker@tamucc.edu.

Through Feb. 10: Donate Clothing for the Business Suit Sale: The Honors Program and Career Services are seeking donations of appropriate business attire to be sold to students at a very reasonable cost during the Business Suit Sale on Tuesday, Feb. 21. Clothing items must be in good shape and in current style.  Only clothing items such as suits, shirts, ties, dresses, skirts, slacks, blazers, blouses, etc. will be accepted.  No shoes or other accessories are needed.  Clothing can be dropped off in the Honors Group Study Room, Corpus Christi Hall, room 260. For pick up information, call ext. 3926.  For more information, email Stephanie.Box@tamucc.edu, or Patricia.Chastain@tamucc.edu.

Feb. 11: Island Day: Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi will hold an “Island Day” for prospective undergraduate students and their families on Saturday, Feb. 11. Check-in begins at 8 a.m. The program starts at 9 a.m. During the event specifically designed for prospective students to learn about campus life as an Islander, attendees will have the opportunity to:

• Take a guided tour of campus with Island Ambassadors
• Learn about the University’s top-rate programs
• Explore academic interests with the University’s outstanding faculty
• Learn about the array of services provided to students
• Discover the many ways to get involved with University life
• Speak with admissions counselors, financial assistance representatives, and campus housing associates

The cost is $10 per person, which includes lunch and program materials. To register for Island Day, go to https://enrollat.tamucc.edu/islandday/islandday_ind.php. . For more information, call ext. 6051.

Feb. 11: Valentines Fun Run: The Islanders Track and Cross Country team will hold the 11^th annual “Valentines Fun Run” on Saturday, Feb. 11. Registration starts at 7 a.m.in front of the Moody Sustainers Field House. The run begins at 8 a.m. Early registration forms may be picked up in the Classroom East Building, room 210; or requested by email. The event is open to all faculty, staff, and students. The entry fee  is $10 for individuals; and $15 for couples competing as a team. For more information, contact Shawn Flanagan at ext. 3212, or email Shawn.Flanagan@tamucc.edu.

Feb. 13: Congressional Field Hearing: The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee will hold an official congressional field hearing on “Exploring all the Energy Options and Solutions: South Texas as a Leader in Creating Jobs and Strengthening the Economy”  on Monday, Feb. 13, at 9 a.m. in the Performing Arts Center. The hearing, which will allow Members of Congress to hear testimony from experts about energy production in South Texas, the job creation it provides, and government red tape that impedes production efforts, is open to the public.

Feb. 13: Get the Job Workshop: The ELITE Graduate Program will hold a “GA-101: Get the Job!” workshop on Monday, Feb. 13, from 5-6 p.m. in the University Center, Tejas Room 106A. Have you ever wondered how other graduate students get the best graduate assistant positions? Get your foot in the door with this informative workshop and find out all there is to know about landing one of these jobs. For more information, call ext. 2510; or email Elizabeth.benson-landau@tamucc.edu.

Feb. 13-16: Tunnel of Oppression: The Islander Cultural Alliance will present its second “Tunnel of Oppression” program from Monday, Feb. 13, through Thursday, Feb. 16, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the University Center, Lone Star Ballroom. The program highlights selected groups that have been or are being oppressed. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call ext. 2539.

Feb. 14: CASA Open House: The Center for Academic Student Achievement (CASA) will hold an open house for Islanders to meet tutors, writing consultants, and academic insight mentors on Tuesday, Feb. 14, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Glasscock Building, room 107. There will be games, prizes, and free food. For more information, call ext. 5933.

Feb. 15: ‘Working with Teams’ Brown Bag: Human Resources and MHNet, the University’s Employee Assistance Program provider, will host a “Working with Teams” brown bag on Wednesday, Feb. 15, from noon to 1 p.m. in the University Center, Tejas Room 106C. Sometimes we work solo and sometimes we are part of a team.  Bring your lunch and learn how to organize teams, develop team goals and objectives, and identify the roles of the team members. We will also examine the characteristics of good team building, assess the team’s current stage of development and the best way for your team to focus and function. For more information, email cindy.hanson@tamucc.edu.

Feb. 15: Cheer and Dance Clinic: The Islander Spirit Teams will hold their fourth annual Cheer and Dance Clinic for children ages 5-12 on Wednesday, Feb. 15, at the American Bank Center. Registration starts at 5 p.m. The cost is $10 which includes admission to the Islander’s women’s basketball game against Texas State beginning at 7 p.m. Watch your child be an Islanders cheerleader for a game. For more information, go to www.goislanders.com.

Feb. 16: Renaming Ceremony for College of Science and Engineering: The campus community is invited to a renaming ceremony for the College of Science and Engineering on Thursday, Feb. 16, at 10 a.m. in the Engineering Plaza, adjacent to the University Center. See the new unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and other equipment that the College utilizes for meeting the demands for innovative jobs, and building on the expertise and research of University scientists in the Gulf of Mexico. For more information, call ext. 3324. 

Feb. 16: Cadet Leadership Forum: The ROTC Islander Battalion will hold a Cadet Leadership Forum with retired Maj. Gen. “Sandy” Sanders on Thursday, Feb. 16, at 11 a.m. in the University Center, Oso Room 221. Sanders, deputy port director for Operations, Communications and Business Development at the Port of Corpus Christi, will speak on “Building and Developing Professional Relationships.” A limited amount of free pizza will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. The forum is free and open to the public.

Feb. 17: Finding Your Way with APA: The Counselor Education Research Consortium (CERC) will present a “Finding Your Way with APA” workshop on Friday, Feb. 17, at 5:30 p.m. in the Early Childhood Development Center, room 219A. Dr. Richard Balkin will present the intricacies of APA citation. CERC fulfills the requirements for a professional meeting. Refreshments will be served. For more information, call Jason Rydzewski at ext. 3458; or email jason.rydzewski@tamucc.edu.

Feb. 17: Student Employee of the Year Award Program: Career Services is taking nominations through Friday, Feb. 17, for the Student Employee of the Year. To access a nomination form and to view past winners, go to Student Employee of the Year. The winner and the first and second runner-up will be announced at a reception for nominees, their families, and supervisors on Thursday, April 12. The winner will receive a plaque and a $100 SandDollar$ card from Career Services.  The winner will be submitted to the SASEA regional Student Employee of the Year contest. For more information or to have a form emailed to you, contact Sharon Herrera at ext. 5976. Email nominations to Sharon.herrera@tamucc.edu.

Through Feb. 18: ‘Building Balance’ Exhibition: The Department of Art will present Lisa Quall’s exhibition “Building Balance” from Friday, Jan. 20, through Saturday, Feb. 18, at the Islander Art Gallery, 4024 Weber Road in the Hamlin Center. The exhibition surveys Qualls’ examination of identity and culture through figure, family and relationships. For more information, call ext. 3756.

Feb. 18 and Feb. 25: Adult Mixed Media Workshop: The Art Museum of South Texas will hold a two-part Adult Mixed-Media workshop on Saturday, Feb. 18, and Saturday, Feb. 25, from 1-3 p.m. This new workshop taught by instructor Rachel Payne explores a variety of hands-on techniques for adding depth and interest to a painting. Techniques include collage and the use of mineral spirits for blending, stamping, and achieving texture. All supplies will be provided.  RSVPs are required. The cost is $45 for Art Museum members; and $60 for nonmembers. The Art Museum of South Texas, 1902 N. Shoreline Blvd, is affiliated with Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. For more information or to RSVP, call ext. 3504; or email artmuseum@tamucc.edu. 

Feb. 19: Slide Presentation on the Gulf of Mexico: Dr. Larry McKinney, executive director of the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies, will present a slide lecture and discussion titled “The Gulf of Mexico- Will Wonders Never Cease?” on Sunday, Feb. 19, at 3 p.m. the Art Museum of South Texas, 1902 N. Shoreline Blvd. The event being held in conjunction with the Art Museum’s current exhibition “The Art of the Dive: Portraits of the Deep,” is free and open to the public. For more information, call ext. 3500.

Feb. 21: Get the Job Fashion Show: Career Services will present the “Get the Job Fashion Show” on Tuesday, Feb. 21, from 2-3 p.m. in the University Center commons. The free fashion show for University students will demonstrate what to wear to a job interview. For more information, call ext. 2628; or go to http://career-services.tamucc.edu. 

Feb. 21: Guest Artist Recital:  The Department of Music will present Dr. Lin He and Dr. Shane Anderson in a recital performing the Grieg Sonatas for violin and piano on Tuesday, Feb. 21, at 7:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call ext. 5523.

Feb. 23: ‘Show Me the Money!’ Workshop:  The ELITE Graduate Program and the Office of Student Financial Assistance will hold a “Show Me the Money!” workshop on Thursday, Feb. 23, from 3-4 p.m. in the University Center, Swordfish Room 324. Say goodbye to Top Ramen and hello to prosperity. Put your meager college living budget on overdrive and get the help you need to navigate through the forms and requirements for financial aid, scholarships, grants and fellowships. For more information, contact Elizabeth Benson-Landau at ext. 2510, or email Elizabeth.benson-landau@tamucc.edu.

Through Feb. 24: “Show Your Love to Our Troops” Supply Drive: Recreational Sports will hold its third annual “Show Your Love to Our Troops” supply drive through Friday, Feb. 24. The items collected will be mailed to our troops serving overseas. Items can be dropped off at the Recreational Sports offices in the Dugan Wellness Center, room 104.  For more information including a list of items needed/accepted, call Lindsey Keller at ext. 2364; or email Lindsey.keller@tamucc.edu.

Feb. 27: Webinar: Using Cloud-Based Technology for Learning and Engagement: The Office of Distance Education will host a webinar on “Using Cloud-Based Technology for Learning and Engagement” on Monday, Feb. 27, from noon to 1:45 p.m. in Corpus Christi Hall, room 123. This webinar will address: the role of technology in the blended course, classroom technologies, cloud-based technologies, and integrating cloud-based technology into Blackboard Learn 9.1. Learn how cloud-based technologies can be used to support learning in face-to-face, online, or blended courses. For more information, call ext. 2122.

Throughout February: Black History Month Posters:  Throughout February, the Islander Cultural Alliance will have Black History Month posters in the University Center about African Americans who have made an impact in our nation’s history. Stop by and learn about the people who helped change history. For more information, call ext. 2539; or email ica@tamucc.edu.

March 1: Remind Students of University Undergraduate Scholarships Deadline: Faculty and staff are encouraged to remind students that the deadline to apply for 2012 -2013 undergraduate scholarships is Thursday, March 1. For an application, go to http://scholarships.tamucc.edu. For more information, call ext. 3703; or email scholarships@tamucc.edu.

March 2: HRI Seminar Spring Series: Dr. Riccardo Mozzachiodi, assistant professor in the College of Science and Engineering, will speak on “What Can We Learn about Memory from a Simple Brain” on Friday, March 2, at 3:30 p.m. in the HRI, conference room 127. For more information, call ext. 2066.

March 13: Ranch Roundup Faculty/Staff Barbeque: The “Ranch Roundup” annual Faculty/Staff Barbeque” will be held on Tuesday, March 13, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Island Hall gym. Send departmental pictures to Stephanie Arevalo by Friday, March 2, at stephanie.arevalo@tamucc.edu. For more information, go to http://staffcouncil.tamucc.edu/.

March 21 through May 9: Basics of Saltwater Fly Fishing: The Office of Community Outreach will offer the “Basics of Saltwater Fly Fishing” class on Wednesday nights from March 21, through May 9, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Natural Resources Center, room 1003. This class, taught by Captain Steve Utley, Don Alcala, and numerous guest instructors, will cover a variety of techniques, tools, and methods used in tying common saltwater patterns, as well as basic fly casting techniques. The cost for this class is $120. For more information, go to http://outreach.tamucc.edu/flyfishing/; or call Joe Miller at ext. 5967; or email joseph.miller@tamucc.edu.

ON-CAMPUS GROUP MEETINGS

Feb. 15: Anchor Alumni Meeting: University employees who are also alumni are invited to the Anchor Alumni Club meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 15, from noon to 1 p.m. in the University Center, Legacy Hall. Guest speaker will be Monica Kubecka, president of the Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Student Foundation, who will talk about alumni involvement in the Student Foundation’s programs. Lunch will be provided. For more information, contact Elizabeth Benson-Landau at ext. 2510, or email Elizabeth.benson-landau@tamucc.edu.

JUST FOR YOU

Office of Assessment and Continuous Improvement Website: The Office of Assessment and Continuous Improvement has launched its new website at http://assessment.tamucc.edu. The website contains valuable assessment-related information from documentation pointers in WEAVEonline to institutional accreditation requirements. 

Weight Watchers on Campus: Weight Watchers meetings are now being held on campus. Faculty, staff, students, and their families can receive a discounted membership of $39.95 per month which includes free e-Tools, weekly Tuesday meetings at noon in the Dugan Wellness Center, and unlimited access to the PointsPlus 2012 program. To sign up, go to http://wellness.weightwatchers.com; enter the company ID: 32221; and the company pass code: WW32221. For more information, contact Nadine MacKay at ext. 2171; or email Nadine.Mackay@tamucc.edu.

Concur/eTravel Training Snippets:  To view the new Concur/eTravel online training snippets, go to falcon.tamucc.edu/~account/Accountingservices/Travel.htm . You will be able to view how to update a traveler’s profile; create a pre-trip authorization request for domestic and international travel; learn how the pre-trip authorization approvals are done; learn how to book airfare, hotels and car rentals and how to approve an expense report. For more information, contact Gracie Olalde at ext. 2749; or email at Gracie.Olalde@tamucc.edu.

Islander Forum Highlights: Highlights from the Islander Forum held on Jan. 10 can be seen at http://islanderforum.tamucc.edu. A recording of the live keynote presentation is also available and discussion forms have been set up for the books that were featured during the thematic luncheon. If you are interested in continuing the conversations and learning more, go to the iTeach Discussion Forum at http://islanderforum.tamucc.edu.

Survey of Employee Engagement Results: The results of the “Survey of Employee Engagement” taken by University staff last fall are available on the Office of Planning and Institutional Research website at http://pir.tamucc.edu/survey_results/survey_results.html. If you have any questions, call Tanya Holter at ext. 2242.

Staff Council Facebook: Tired of being out of the loop on upcoming events? Stay connected with current events and hot topics through the Staff Council Facebook at www.Facebook.com/tamuccstaffcouncil.

Mileage Reimbursement Rate: The maximum state mileage reimbursement rate for travel by state employees in a personal vehicle remains at 55.5 cents per mile, effective from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2012. This rate is consistent with the Internal Revenue Service’s standard mileage rate. For more information, see State Mileage Reimbursement Rate (FPP S.005) or Transportation: Mileage in a Personal Vehicle in Textravel. This information will also be available in the University’s Travel Web site.  If you have any questions, contact Travel Office at ext. 2749.

Faculty/Staff Campaign: It’s not too late to turn in your charitable gift for the Faculty/Staff Campaign. Remember, it’s not what you give, it’s that you give. Scholarships are a top priority, but you can also support your own department, program, or college.  Gifts to the Library Textbook Loan Program will be matched 100 percent by Institutional Advancement. To donate online, go to http://onlinegift.tamucc.edu. For a pledge form and list of designations, go to http://FacultyStaffCampaign.tamucc.edu; or contact Amanda Allsup at ext. 3890; or email amanda.allsup@tamucc.edu.

HIV/AIDS Educational Pamphlet: The Texas Health and Safety Code requires the University to annually provide an educational pamphlet to employees about methods of transmission and prevention of HIV infection, and relevant state laws. Pamphlets are available at the Human Resources Department in the University Services Center, room 121. For more information, call Toni Nerren at ext. 2180; or email Toni.Nerren@tamucc.edu.

DISTINGUISHED LECTURE SERIES

Feb. 10: College of Science and Engineering Distinguished Lecture Series: Dr. Hans Paerl, professor of environmental sciences at the University of North Carolina, will speak on “Fighting the ‘Green Monster’ in Lake Taihu, China: A Looking Glass for Developing Nutrient Reduction Strategies in Culturally-Eutrophying Waters Worldwide” on Friday, Feb. 10, at 3:30 p.m.  in the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies, conference room 127. For more information, call ext. 2132.

Feb. 17: College of Science and Engineering Distinguished Lecture Series: Dr. Orrin Pilkey, professor emeritus of geology at Duke University, will speak on “Sea Level Rise” on Friday, Feb. 17, at 3:30 p.m. in the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies, conference room 127. For more information, call ext. 2132.

Feb. 24: College of Science and Engineering Distinguished Lecture Series: Dr. Ray Bradley, distinguished professor in the Department of Geosciences at the University of Massachusetts, will speak on “Climate Change” on Friday, Feb. 24, at 3:30 p.m. in the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies, conference room 127. For more information, call ext. 2132.

March 9: College of Science and Engineering Distinguished Lecture Series: Dr. Flip Froelich, professor of oceanography at Florida State University, will speak on “Paleoclimate” on Friday, March 9, at 3:30 p.m. in the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies, conference room 127. For more information, call ext. 2132.

March 23: College of Science and Engineering Distinguished Lecture Series: Dr. Burke Hales, associate professor of ocean ecology and biogeochemistry at Oregon State University, will speak on “Ocean Acidification” on Friday, March 23, at 3:30 p.m. in the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies, conference room 127. For more information, call ext. 2132.

March 30: College of Science and Engineering Distinguished Lecture Series: Dr. Bill Landing, professor of oceanography at Florida State University, will speak on “Mercury Deposition in the Gulf of Mexico” on Friday, March 30, at 3:30 p.m. in the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies, conference room 127. For more information, call ext. 2132.

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