Campus Announcements

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

Opening Reception for the “University of Dallas 20th National Print Invitational Exhibition:” The University Galleries will host an opening reception for the “University of Dallas 20th National Print Invitational” exhibition on Thursday, Nov. 5, from 5-7 p.m. in the Weil Gallery in the Center for the Arts. The exhibition includes works from artists nationwide who choose printmaking as their main form of expression. For more information, contact Joe Pena at ext. 2386.

Opening Receptions for the Bachelor of Fine Arts Exhibitions: The Department of Art will host opening receptions for the exhibitions of four candidates seeking the degree of Bachelor of Fine Arts on Thursday, Nov. 5, from 6-8 p.m. in the Center for the Arts and the Bell Library. For more information, contact Joe Pena at ext. 2386.

Bachelor of Fine Arts Exhibitions: The Department of Art will display the exhibitions of Amanda Calhoun, Christine Gomez, Millie Harrison, and Jade Flowers, candidates seeking the degree of Bachelor of Fine Arts, from Thursday, Nov. 5, through Monday, Nov. 23, in the Center for the Arts and the Bell Library. For more information, contact Joe Pena at ext. 2386.

University of Dallas 20th National Print Invitational Exhibition: The University Galleries will display the exhibition “University of Dallas 20th National Print Invitational” from Thursday, Nov. 5, through Thursday, Dec. 10, in the Weil Gallery in the Center for the Arts. The exhibition will include works from artists nationwide who choose printmaking as their main form of expression. For more information, contact Joe Pena at ext. 2386.

State Employee Charitable Campaign Extends Deadline: The deadline to contribute to this year’s State Employee Charitable Campaign has been extended. Thanks to the efforts of our dynamic faculty and staff, we are only $3,000 short of our $33,000 goal. Through Friday, Nov. 6, at 5 p.m. you can contribute by going to the SECC Enrollment online link at https://sso.tamus.edu/; or you may submit forms/contributions directly to Charles Vasquez in the Mary and Jeff Bell Library, Room 210, through Wednesday, Nov. 11. For more information, contact Charles Vasquez at ext. 6043; Wendy Thompson at ext. 2659; or Rebecca Serda at ext. 2457.

Master of Fine Arts Thesis Exhibition – Jennifer Arnold: “A Layered Space:” The Department of Art will display the exhibition “A Layered Space,” featuring the work of MFA candidate Jennifer Arnold from Friday, Nov. 6, through Saturday, Nov. 21, at the Islander Art Gallery, 4024 Weber Road in the Hamlin Shopping Center. The exhibition features Arnold’s innovative “Canvas Peel” technique. For more information, contact Joe Pena at ext. 2386.

Opening Reception for “A Layered Space” Exhibition: The Department of Art will host an opening reception for the exhibition, “A Layered Space,” featuring the work of Master of Fine Arts candidate Jennifer Arnold, on Friday, Nov. 6, from 6-8 p.m. at the Islander Art Gallery, 4024 Weber Road in Hamlin Shopping Center. For more information, contact Joe Pena at ext. 2386.

Brief Power Outage Scheduled: The electricity to the Early Childhood Development Center, Classroom West and modular buildings will be cut off on Tuesday, Nov. 10, from 6 a.m. until approximately 6:45 a.m. for transfer of power to the newly-constructed duct bank at the O’Connor project site. For more information, contact Oscar Contreras at ext. 2421.

Culture Fest Cookbooks: The Islander Cultural Alliance invites the campus community to share your culture with us. If you would like to submit a recipe for the cookbook, send the following to tori.amason@tamucc.edu by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 10.
Submitted by: _____________________
Originating Culture: _________________
Ingredients: _____________________
Instructions: _______________________
Family tradition of how recipe was used (if applicable): ________

“Colors of the World” Opening Reception: The Office of International Education will hold an opening reception for the “Colors of the World” exhibit on Monday, Nov. 16, from 9:30-10:30 a.m. in the University Center, Legacy Room. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call ext. 3922.

“Colors of the World” Exhibit: The Office of International Education will celebrate International Education Week with the “Colors of the World” exhibit which will be on display from Monday, Nov. 16, through Friday, Nov. 20, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the University Center, Legacy Room. The exhibit is free and open to the public. For more information, call ext. 3922.

Student Embassy Fair: The Office of International Education will celebrate International Education Week with a “Student Embassy Fair” from Monday, Nov. 16, through Friday, Nov. 20, from 10:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the University Center lobby and commons areas. International students will display artifacts and information from their countries. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call ext. 3922.

Stress Management Workshop: Human Resources will hold a “Stress Management” workshop on Monday, Nov. 16, from noon to 1 p.m. in the University Center, Tejas Room 106B. Do you manage your stress or does stress manage you? This workshop will teach you stress reduction concepts and strategies that will enable you to effectively manage positive and negative stressors in your professional and personal life. For more information, contact Cindy Hanson at ext. 2631.

International Film: “Maria Full of Grace:” The Office of International Education will screen the award-winning film “Maria Full of Grace” on Monday, Nov. 16, from 6-8 p.m. in the University Center, Ballroom C. The film, which was shot in Columbia, is directed by Joshua Marston. The screening is free and open to the public. For more information, call ext. 3922.

Anchor Alumni Club Lunch Meeting: Join the Anchor Alumni Club for free all-you-can-eat pizza on Wednesday, Nov. 18, from noon to 1 p.m. in the University Center, Lone Star Ballroom142A. Guest speaker Lisa Perez, director of the University Center and Student Activities, will discuss Islander Lights. The Anchor Alumni Club, which now meets at noon on the third Wednesday of every month, is open to University employees who are alumni. Lunch will be provided. Reservations are requested. For more information or to RSVP, contact Club President Cassandra Hinojosa at ext. 2337; or e-mail cassandra.hinojosa@tamucc.edu.

International Education Opportunities Panel Discussion: The Office of International Education will hold an “International Education Opportunities” panel discussion on Wednesday, Nov. 18, from 1:30-3 p.m. in the Harte Research Institute conference room. Consul Generals will present information on culture and education from their respective countries. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call ext. 3922.

International Film: “Slumdog Millionaire:” The Office of International Education will screen the Oscar Award-winning film “Slumdog Millionaire” on Wednesday, Nov. 18, from 6-8 p.m. in the University Center, Ballroom C. The film, which was shot in India, is directed by Danny Boyle and Loveleen Tandan. The screening is free and open to the public. For more information, call ext. 3922.

Round Table Discussion: The Office of International Education will host a round table discussion titled “I Am a Young Business Professional in South Texas: Now What?” on Thursday, Nov. 19, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the University Center, Lone Star Ballroom. Presenters will be Corpus Christi Mayor Joe Adame; Richard Bell, director of the Coastal Bend Business Innovation Center; Roland Mower, Corpus Christi economic development corporation president; and Dr. Anantha Babbili, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. The discussion will launch the “Young Business Professionals Round Table” series designed to retain young professionals in the area through entrepreneurship and international business. International hors d'oeuvres will be served. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call ext. 3750.

“Internationally Friendly Campus” Workshop: Arlene Jackson, director for International Education at the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU), will present an interactive workshop titled “Internationally Friendly Campus” on Friday, Nov. 20, from 9:30 a.m. to noon in the University Center, Oso Room. The workshop will help develop and implement activities to enhance the internationalization process of the University and the community. The workshop is free and open to the public. For more information, call ext. 3922.

Spring 2010 Employee Wellness Program: Recreational Sports is accepting nominations for the spring 2010 employee wellness program. Twenty individuals will be permitted to participate. You may self nominate, or be nominated by your supervisor. Nominations will close at noon on Wednesday, Nov. 25. For more information, contact Chris Dillon at ext. 2171; or e-mail chris.dillon@tamucc.edu.

European Arts Trip: A few spots remain on the Art Museum-sponsored trip to Maastricht, the Netherlands on Tuesday, March l6, 2010, through Sunday, March 21, 2010, for the European Fine Arts Fair. This is the world’s largest event of its kind, with 225 dealers from 18 countries offering art and antiques. Among the amenities included with the tour is a chance to dine in the 1201 Chateau Gerlach where Bush and Putin signed their historic treaty. Space is limited. The Art Museum of South Texas is affiliated with Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. For more information on ticket pricing and airfare, contact the Museum at ext. 3507 or e-mail artmuseum@tamucc.edu.

PREVIOUS ANNOUNCEMENTS

University of Dallas 20th National Print Invitational Exhibition Reception: The University Galleries will hold an opening reception for the “University of Dallas 20th National Print Invitational Exhibition” Thursday, Nov. 5, from 5-7 p.m. in the Weil Gallery in the Center for the Arts. The works of printmakers from across the nation will be featured. The reception is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Joe Peña at ext. 2386.

An Evening with ‘Happy’ the Comedian: The Student Association of Graduate English Scholars (SAGES) presents “Happy Live,” an evening with local Tejano comedian “Happy,” on Thursday, Nov. 5, at 7 p.m. in the University Center, Lone Star Ballroom 142A. “Happy” has performed at the Comedy Improv in Los Angeles, Calif., and Harrah’s Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nev. He has opened for Paul Rodriguez, George Lopez, and Bill Cosby, and he was the first co-producer and host of the Galavision comedy show “Que Loco!” Tickets are $7 and can be purchased at the door. For more information, contact Dr. Cristina Kirklighter at ext. 2263; or e-mail cristina.kirklighter@tamucc.edu.

Wellness Seminar: Recreational Sports will host a sleep workshop on Friday, Nov. 6, from 11 a.m. to noon in the Dugan Wellness Center conference room. This workshop is free and is open to all students, faculty, and staff. For more information, e-mail Chris Dillon at chris.dillon@tamucc.edu; or call or ext. 2171.

Trumpet Faculty Recital: The Department of Music will present “Great Collaborations,” a trumpet faculty recital by Dr. Mary Thornton and The Corpus Christi Brass Quintet on Sunday, Nov. 8, at 7:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center. This program is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Ofelia Vasquez at ext. 5523.

Coastal Bend Environmental Panel on Wind Farms: A panel of recognized experts on wind energy and its implications will discuss the impact of wind farms on the South Texas region during the “Coastal Bend Environmental Panel on Wind Farms” on Monday, Nov. 9, from 6-8 p.m. in the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies, Room 127. Participants will include Mannti Cummins, wind energy director for American Shoreline Inc.; Kathy Boydston, program leader for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Wildlife Habitat Assessment Program; Dr. Robert Benson, professor of physics at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and director of the Center for Bioacoustics; John Metz with the National Weather Service; and Glenn Webb with the Texas Wildlife Association, and an expert on landowner issues concerning alternative power, especially wind power. The panel discussion is free and open to the public. For more information, call ext. 2070.

Veterans Support Banner: Show your support for our military veterans and those serving on active duty throughout the world by adding your signature to the “Veterans Support Banner” that will be available for signing on Thursday and Friday, Nov. 5-6, and Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 10-11, in the Bell Library. If you would like to honor a student veteran, bring a photograph of them in uniform along with a brief biography to Steve Paschal in the University Services Center, Room 110. Following the Veterans Day Observance, the United Student Veterans Organization (USVO) will send the banner to a military unit serving in Iraq. For more information call ext. 2336; or contact Keith Davis at 830.481.3064.

Purchasing 101 Policy and Procedures Training: The Purchasing Department will hold a “Purchasing 101 Policy and Procedures” training class on Tuesday, Nov. 10, from 9 a.m. to noon in the University Center, Tejas Room 106A. This class will cover the basics of purchasing goods, services, departmental purchasing authority and different types of orders, and a general overview of purchasing procedures and processes. To register, e-mail Hilda.Garza@tamucc.edu. For more information, contact Hilda Garza at ext. 5767.

Teacher Job Fair: Career Services will present a Teacher Job Fair on Wednesday, Nov. 11, from 9:30 a.m. to noon in the University Center, Lone Star Ballroom. The Job Fair is open to all students and alumni. For more information, call ext. 2628; or go to http://career-services.tamucc.edu;

Veterans Day Observance: The United Students Veterans Organization (USVO) invites the campus community to join in honoring the men and women who have served our country at a Veterans Day Observance on Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 6 p.m. on the east lawn between the University Center and the Dugan Wellness Center. For more information call ext. 2336; or contact Keith Davis at 830.481.3064.

Seven Cinema Classics: ‘A Woman is a Woman:’ The University Cinema will screen the movie “A Woman is a Woman” (1961, 84 minutes) on Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 7:30 p.m. in Bay Hall, Room 104. Starring Jean-Paul Belmondo and Anna Karina and directed by Jean-Luc Godard, the movie follows Angela, a striptease artist who wants to have a baby and tries to persuade her boyfriend, Emile, to go along with the idea. Emile will have none of it so she goes after his friend, Alfred. For more information, call ext. 3756.

‘The Arabian Nights:’ The University Theatre will present the “The Arabian Nights” Thursday, Nov. 12, though Sunday, Nov. 15, and Thursday, Nov. 19, through Sunday, Nov. 22, in the Wilson Theatre in the Center for the Arts. Performances are at 8 p.m. with 2 p.m. Sunday matinees. “The Arabian Nights” contains mature themes and is recommended for adults. Tickets are $8 for general admission; $ 7 for senior citizens and military; $5 for faculty/staff/students; and $3 for University students with their SandDollar$ card. For more information, call ext. 5800. To order tickets, go to
http://theatre.tamucc.edu/.

South Texas Cinémathèque: “South Texas Cinémathèque,” a new film series that will bring internationally recognized documentary filmmakers to Corpus Christi, debuts with a screening of “Noah’s Arc,” on Friday, Nov. 13, at 7:30 p.m. in the H-E-B Auditorium of the Art Museum of South Texas, located at 1902 N. Shoreline Blvd. “Noah’s Arc,” directed by David Redmon and Ashley Sabin, follows international modeling scouts as they scour Siberian landscapes in search of teen girls to transform into models. The 85-minute film explores how these teens navigate the world of commercial advertising while attempting to launch careers in Tokyo, Japan. Following the screening, Redmon and Sabin will discuss their film with the audience. The film series, which is sponsored by Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and the Art Museum of South Texas, is designed to broaden South Texas residents’ access to innovative independent films. The series will host three filmmakers each year. The Art Museum of South Texas is affiliated with Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. The film series is free to the public. For more information, call ext. 2296.

Culture Fest 2009: The Islander Cultural Alliance will hold “Culture Fest 2009: Where the Cultures Meet,” on Saturday, Nov. 14, from 4-7 p.m. throughout the University Center. The event will feature museum-like exhibits, live performances, and ethnic food from Latin America, Africa, Europe, Native America, Asia and the Middle East. The event is free and open to the public. Arrive early and receive a free T-shirt and a cultural cookbook of ethnic recipes. For more information, call ext. 2539.

Spring 2010 Registration: Spring 2010 registration will begin on Monday, Nov. 16, and continue until Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2010. Students can also register in the Student Services Center until Friday, Jan. 22, 2010. The spring schedule will become available for viewing on S.A.I.L, on Friday, Nov. 6. For more information, log onto S.A.I.L; or call the Registrar’s office at ext. 7024.

World Affairs Council Luncheon: Paul Strunk and Patrick Nye with American Shoreline, Inc. will speak on “Wind It’s Up in the Air” at the World Affairs Council Luncheon on Wednesday, Nov. 18, at 11:30 a.m. in the Congressman Solomon P. Ortiz International Center. Pre-registration through Friday, Nov. 13, is $25 for members and active duty military in uniform, $32.50 for non members, and $18 for students. After that date, registration is $5 more. All reservations must be pre-paid. For reservations and/or membership information, call 361.241.2018; e-mail martinj@worldaffairstexas.com; or mail your check to World Affairs Council, P.O. Box 260096, Corpus Christi TX 78426.

Seven Cinema Classics: ‘The Whole Shootin' Match:’ The University Cinema will screen the movie “The Whole Shootin’ Match” (1978, 109 minutes) on Wednesday, Nov. 18, at 7:30 p.m. in Bay Hall, Room 103. Directed by Eagle Pennell and starring Sonny Carl Davis, Lou Perryman, and Doris Hargrave, “The Whole Shootin’ Match” follows the exploits of Loyd and Frank, two good ol' boys who live around Austin, Texas, where they spend most of their time drinking booze and thinking up new ways to get rich quick. Special guest Sonny Carl Davis will join Dr. Bill Huie for this screening. For more information, call ext. 3756.

Dance Lessons: The Faculty Dance Club is offering American Viennese Waltz and International Cha-Cha classes on Thursdays through Dec. 3, from 7-9 p.m. in the University Center, Legacy Hall. Due to the Thanksgiving holidays, the class will not meet on Nov. 19 and Nov. 26. Classes are free to faculty, staff, students and their significant others. Dress is casual. For more information, contact Professor Amir Hormozi at ext. 6016; or e-mail amir.hormozi@tamucc.edu.

College of Science and Technology Distinguished Lecture Series: Dr. Chris Landsea, science and operations officer at the National Hurricane Center, will speak on “Hurricanes and Global Warming: Expectations vs. Observations,” at the College of Science and Technology Distinguished Lecture Series on Friday, Nov. 20, at 3:30 p.m. in the Harte Research Institute, Room 127. For more information, contact Dr. Lee Smee at ext. 3637.

Battle of the Bands: The Campus Activities Board will hold its “Battle of the Bands” on Friday, Nov. 20, from 7 p.m. until midnight in the Center for Instruction courtyard. Campus community bands will have an opportunity to showcase their musical talents. At least one band member must be a registered student at the University. All of the bands entered will compete for cash prizes while they provide entertainment to the students, faculty, staff, administration and the community of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call ext. 2363.

“Que Pasa” Open Mic: The Antonio E. Garcia Arts & Education Center will hold a “Que Pasa” open mic event on Saturday, Nov. 21, from 7-9 p.m. at the Center, 2021 Agnes St. The event, which is free and open to the public, will feature poets, musicians, thespians, and dancers from area high schools. Sign up opens at 6:30 p.m. Subject matter must be appropriate to high school standards. Snacks will be provided. For more information, call 361.882.7837; or e-mail Rache'l Payne at quepasaopenmic@gmail.com.

Bookstore Closed: The University bookstore will be closed on Saturday, Nov. 21, for a store inventory. The bookstore will return to normal business hours on Monday, Nov. 23, at 8 a.m. For more information, contact the bookstore at ext. 2606.

Share Thanksgiving with an International Student: The World Affairs Council of South Texas and the University are seeking families to host international students for Thanksgiving on Thursday, Nov. 26. Around 600 international students attend the University and most have never experienced this American holiday. If you are interested in hosting a student, go to International Student for Thanksgiving. For more information, contact Maria Jaramillo-Couret at ext. 3750; or e-mail mariac@worldaffairstexas.com.

Seven Cinema Classics: ‘Waking Life:’ The University Cinema will screen the movie “Waking Life” (2001, 99 minutes) on Wednesday, Dec. 2, at 7:30 p.m. in Bay Hall, Room 104. This animated tale directed by Richard Linklater and featuring characters based on Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy, and Wiley Wiggins, tells the story of a boy who has a dream that he can float. After a strange accident, he walks through what may be a dream, flowing in and out of scenarios and encountering various characters. People he meets discuss science, philosophy and the life of dreaming and waking, and the protagonist gradually becomes alarmed that he cannot awake from this confusing dream adventure. For more information, call ext. 3756.

University of Dallas 20th National Print Invitational Exhibition: The “University of Dallas 20th National Print Invitational Exhibition” will be on display through Thursday, Dec. 10, in the Weil Gallery in the Center for the Arts. Originally created by University of Dallas Printmaking Professor Juergen Strunck as a teaching exhibition for his graduate students, the biennial exhibition has become a nationwide showcase for artists who choose printmaking as their main form of expression. Weil Gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, contact Joe Peña at ext. 2386.

SPECIAL NOTICES

Internal Job Posting: Admissions is accepting applications for a business support specialist I. University employees who meet the minimum requirements are encouraged to apply. To view the job posting, and to apply, go to https://islanderjobs.tamucc.edu. For more information, contact Human Resources at ext. 2630.

Islander Basketball Group Ticket Packages: Group ticket rates are now available for all Islander men's and women's regular season basketball games throughout the 2009-10 season. Rates start as low as $5 per ticket for men's basketball and $3 per ticket for women's basketball. Minimum purchase quantities are required. "Game-day experiences" are also available as a part of group ticket packages. Members of your group can be a part of the game-day atmosphere inside of the American Bank Center by sitting on the team bench while the Islanders warm-up; or welcoming the team down on the court while they run out. There is no better way to experience Islander basketball. Date restrictions apply to game day experience packages, so reserve your date before they run out. For more information on bringing your group to an Islander basketball game, call the Islander athletic ticket office at 361.825.BALL (2255).

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.
Campus Dining Survey: Campus Dining is conducting a survey to better understand the campus lifestyle and preferences and gain insight to improve the campus dining experience. The survey will take five to 10 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. For more information, contact Matthew Bars at ext. 3694. To take the survey, go to http://www.college-survey.com/txamcorpuschristi.

State Employee Charitable Campaign: The 2009 State Employee Charitable Campaign (SECC) is now underway. It’s that time to consider giving to the charitable organizations of your choice. This campaign is a great opportunity for state employees to support their communities and help someone in their time of need. You can give by payroll deduction or a one-time gift through Friday, Oct. 31. For more information, contact co-chair Charles Vasquez at ext. 6043; Wendy Thompson at ext. 2659; or Rebecca Serda at ext. 2457.

Fifth Anniversary Furgason Bravo! Series Discount Tickets: Faculty, staff and student discount tickets for this year’s Furgason Bravo! Series are on sale at the Performing Arts Center (PAC) box office. This year’s series features Islander tradition Michael Martin Murphey’s “Cowboy Christmas Concert” Tuesday, Dec. 8, at 7:30 p.m. “Riverwalk Jazz with the Jim Cullum Jazz Band, featuring Dick Hyman” from San Antonio, will be presented on Thursday, Feb. 11, at 7:30 p.m. The gala Fifth Anniversary Rededication Concert featuring renowned faculty musicians on Saturday, April 10, at 7:30 p.m. rounds out the series five years to the date of the PAC opening celebrations. All proceeds will benefit student scholarships. Faculty and Staff receive a $10 discount. Student tickets are $7 in select seating areas. Discounts are only available in person at the box office. You must show a valid SandDollar$ ID to receive the discount. Only four discount tickets per ID. Box office hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets sell out fast. Any remaining tickets will be available at the door the evening of each concert. For more information, call ext. 2787; e-mail terri.cardona@tamucc.edu; or, go to http://pac.tamucc.edu.

Weight Watchers: Recreational Sports is offering a Weight Watchers holiday promotion of nine weeks for only $99. For more information, contact Neida Clark at 361.774.8288; or e-mail nclark@stx.rr.com.

SPECIAL NOTICES

Halloween Door Decorating Contest: The winners of the University Center’s Halloween door decorating contest were:
Scariest- Wells Fargo
Most Humorous- Delta Delta Delta
Bewitched- Mail Services
Theme- Delta Delta Delta
To view the winning doors, go to http://ucsa.tamucc.edu.

Higher Education Survey of Organizational Excellence: The Higher Education Survey of Organization Excellence (Employee Engagement) is currently being conducted. All full time, benefits eligible staff members have been sent an individual link via e-mail to participate in the survey, which includes questions about pay, benefits, and workplace environment. The survey is coming externally from the University of Texas (soe@uts.cc.utexas.edu). Complete the survey before Friday, Nov. 6. For more information, contact Tanya Ybarra at ext. 2242; or e-mail tanya.ybarra@tamucc.edu.

Islander Basketball Group Ticket Packages: Group ticket rates are now available for all Islander men's and women's regular season basketball games throughout the 2009-10 season. Rates start as low as $5 per ticket for men's basketball and $3 per ticket for women's basketball. Minimum purchase quantities are required. "Game-day experiences" are also available as a part of group ticket packages. Members of your group can be a part of the game-day atmosphere inside of the American Bank Center by sitting on the team bench while the Islanders warm-up; or welcoming the team down on the court while they run out. There is no better way to experience Islander basketball. Date restrictions apply to game day experience packages, so reserve your date before they run out. For more information on bringing your group to an Islander basketball game, call the Islander athletic ticket office at 361.825.BALL (2255).

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.

Fifth Anniversary Furgason Bravo! Series Discount Tickets: Faculty, staff and student discount tickets for this year’s Furgason Bravo! Series are on sale at the Performing Arts Center (PAC) box office. This year’s series features Islander tradition Michael Martin Murphey’s “Cowboy Christmas Concert” Tuesday, Dec. 8, at 7:30 p.m. “Riverwalk Jazz with the Jim Cullum Jazz Band, featuring Dick Hyman” from San Antonio, will be presented on Thursday, Feb. 11, at 7:30 p.m. The gala Fifth Anniversary Rededication Concert featuring renowned faculty musicians on Saturday, April 10, at 7:30 p.m. rounds out the series five years to the date of the PAC opening celebrations. All proceeds will benefit student scholarships. Faculty and Staff receive a $10 discount. Student tickets are $7 in select seating areas. Discounts are only available in person at the box office. You must show a valid SandDollar$ ID to receive the discount. Only four discount tickets per ID. Box office hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets sell out fast. Any remaining tickets will be available at the door the evening of each concert. For more information, call ext. 2787; e-mail terri.cardona@tamucc.edu; or, go to http://pac.tamucc.edu.