Archives for October 2024

Submitted by: Jessica Underwood, jessicau@uca.edu on 10/03/2024

As part of UCA’s campus-wide commitment to inclusive education, UCA recognizes Ally’s annual Fix Your Content Day. On this day, October 3rd, campuses worldwide are on a mission to fix as many accessibility issues in course files as possible. This event drives awareness of the importance of accessibility in delivering the most inclusive learning experiences by improving the usability and readability of digital materials. UCA faculty are already making great strides in their ongoing efforts to create and offer accessible content to students!

Eager to create an inclusive learning environment for your students?
Begin reviewing your online courses and identifying areas within the course with red and orange indicators. Focus on the easy wins first – images that need an alternative description (ALT tag) and Word documents needing headings. Aim for 100%, but improvement is what counts!

For more information on creating accessible course content, take a look at Ally’s accessibility checklist!

https://help.blackboard.com/sites/default/files/documents/2018-08/AccessibilityChecklist_BestPractices.pdf

Submitted by: Christina Lammers, clammers@uca.edu on 09/26/2024

Increase your knowledge of LGBTQ+ identities, gender and sexu-ality. Learn more about our current students and the LGBTQ+ UCA population.

*This session qualifies for BeWell credit! Take a participation picture and click on Diversity/Belonging/Inclusion/Equity or BeWell Education session for points.

October 4, 2024 (Friday)
2:00-3:30 pm
Ronnie Williams Student Center 214

Presenter: Reesa Ramsahai, Staff Counselor and Coordinator of Outreach Programming for UCA Counseling Center

Please register at the link provided.

https://uca.edu/hr/protectedcontent/seminar-information/

Submitted by: Christina Lammers, clammers@uca.edu on 09/26/2024

Value and respect are due to all people, regardless of differences in age, gender, faith, economic level, etc. A variety of sessions are provided to our employees to educate them on our represented populations and to better understand and work with others. The end goal is individuals feeling respected and included on our campus.

*This sessions qualify for BeWell credit! Take a participation picture and click on Diversity/Belonging/Inclusion/Equity or BeWell Education session for points.

October 9, 2024 (Wednesday)
3:00-4:00 pm
Ronnie Williams Student Center 225
Presenter: Charlotte Strickland, Director of Employee Engagement and Enrichment

https://uca.edu/hr/protectedcontent/seminar-information/

Submitted by: Haydyn Hudnall, hhudnall@uca.edu on 09/26/2024

As part of our ongoing efforts to provide enriching educational experiences for our students, we are exploring new destinations and opportunities for faculty-led study abroad programs. Your expertise and interests are invaluable in shaping these programs.

The linked survey aims to understand your preferences and willingness to lead study abroad programs, as well as identify destinations that align with your academic and professional interests. Your feedback will help us design programs that are both academically rigorous and culturally immersive.

Please take a few moments to complete this survey. Your responses will remain confidential and will be used solely for the purpose of planning future study abroad opportunities.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf18TrvQXn3x0UCsCkBYFj_NI_LugTk_WqKU4L08ZrCmSvmJg/viewform?usp=sf_link

Submitted by: Julia Winden Fey, juliawin@uca.edu on 09/26/2024

Everyone fails at something. Most of us fail quite frequently. The good news is that failure is the way the human brain learns best. Through failure, we identify and focus on areas where we can improve. Fail Forward Week is a time to stop and reflect on the positive outcomes of failure and the necessity of failure in life. Faculty, staff, and students will be invited to discuss ways to manage failure for success during the week through “fail boards” in the Living Learning Communities and Torreyson Library, discussions in First-Year Seminars, online posts from Student Success, and other venues. When you fail, keep moving forward!

 

Submitted by: Bailey Fairbanks, bfairbanks@uca.edu on 09/27/2024

Dear Students,

Don’t miss the unique opportunity to gain an insider’s view of the American political process in the days leading up to the presidential inauguration.

Join UCA’s partner, The Washington Center, for the Presidential Inauguration 2025 Seminar!

Spend a week with college students from across the country as you go behind the scenes in the city where history is made. You’ll interact with political and media insiders who had a front row seat to the election, learn about their diverse career paths, and explore government agencies, think tanks and media outlets in the nation’s capital.

This program will be held in Washington, D.C. and will take place January 13–21, 2025. As part of the program, you’ll:

• Engage in discussions with thought leaders, political experts and seasoned journalists.
• Explore different career paths and network with professionals in policy, politics and media.
• Connect with other students through small group discussions.
• Have an opportunity to earn academic credit.

Learn more about this upcoming seminar and see how you can participate. There will be an on-campus information session on Tuesday, October 1st during X-Period in Irby Hall Room 216. If you have questions about the program, contact the on-campus representatives: Dr. Mark Mullenbach, mmark@uca.edu or Dr. Bailey Fairbanks, bfairbanks@uca.edu.

Presidential-Inauguration-2025-Flyer

Submitted by: Christina Lammers, clammers@uca.edu on 09/26/2024

AFRICAN AMERICAN EMPLOYEE RESOURCE GROUP
African American faculty & staff led by Dr. CrystaL Harris cdr02003@uca.edu
– November 19, 1:40-2:30. Fireplace Room (McCastlain Hall)
– February 6, 1:40-2:30, TBD

ASIAN AMERICAN & PACIFIC ISLANDER EMPLOYEE RESOURCE GROUP
AAPI faculty & staff led by JingJing Li jli@uca.edu
– November 5, 1:40-2:30, Fireplace Room (McCastlain Hall)
– April 10, 1:40-2:30, TBD

BROTHER’S KEEPER
African American male faculty & staff led by Myron Kuykendall & Travis Johnson mkuykendall2@uca.edu tjohnson56@uca.edu
– October 23, 2:00 – 3:00, BHCC 101
– November 20, 2:00-3:00 p.m., BHCC 101
– January 22, 2:00-3:00, TBD
– February 19, 2:00-3:00, TBD
– March 12, 2:00-3:00, TBD
– April 16, 2:00-3:00, TBD

COACHING CIRCLE
African American female faculty & staff led by a committee apeten@uca.edu denichak@uca.edu egayfield@uca.edu
mgoins@uca.edu cdr02003@uca.edu
– October 24, 3:00 – 4:00, Fireplace Room
– November 14, 3:00-4:00, BHCC 101(Brewer – Hegeman Conference Center)
– January 30, 3:00 – 4:00, TBD
– February 27, 3:00-4:00, TBD
– March 20, 3:00-4:00, TBD
– April 24, 3:00-4:00, TBD
Committee members: Audreka Peten, Crystal Harris, Denicha Kemp, Lyn Gayfield, Millie Goins

HISPANIC & LATINO EMPLOYEE RESOURCE GROUP
Hispanic faculty & staff led by Maria Negrete Padron & Dr. Leticia de la Garza ldelagarza@uca.edu mnegretepadron1@uca.edu
– February 4, 1:40-2:30, TBD

INTERNATIONAL EMPLOYEE RESOURCE GROUP
International faculty & staff led by Dr. Brigid Otoo bappiahotoo@uca.edu
– October 10, 1:40-2:30, RWSC 215 (Ronnie Williams Student Center)
– April 1, 1:40-2:30, TBD

LGBTQ+ EMPLOYEE RESOURCE GROUP
LGBTQ+ faculty & staff led by Dr. Taine Duncan & Dr. Paige Rose tduncan@uca.edu prose@uca.edu
– October 1, 1:40-2:30, UCA Reynolds Performance Hall Lobby
– April 8, 1:40-2:30, TBD

ADMIN SUPPORT COACHING CIRCLE
Do you serve in an administrative assistant position or as an office manager? Are you aware of the multiple resources available to you? Participate in this group to receive helpful information, network, and share valuable tips to make your job easier! No registration required.

October 2, 2024 (Wednesday) 9:00-10:00 AM ZOOM
November 6, 2024 (Wednesday) 12:00-1:00 PM *BHCC 111/113(Potluck)
December 4, 2024 (Wednesday) 9:00-10:00 AM ZOOM
January 8, 2025 (Wednesday) 9:00-10:00 AM *SHC 307
February 5, 2025 (Wednesday) 9:00-10:00 AM ZOOM
March 5, 2025 (Wednesday) 9:00-10:00 AM Mashburn Room 103
April 2, 2025 (Wednesday) 9:00-10:00 AM ZOOM

Facilitator: Debbie Brigham, Human Resources and Risk Management Fiscal Support Specialist dbrigham@uca.edu

ZOOM LINK: Admin Support Coaching Circle
.*BHCC – Brewer Hegeman Conference Center
*SHC – Student Health Center

LEADERSHIP COACHING CIRCLE
Do you currently lead others? Do you aspire to be a leader or a better one? What are the essentials of leadership? Participation in this group includes interesting articles, rich discussion, and opportunities to network. No registration required.

ZOOM Coaching Circle Sessions
Tuesdays, 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Facilitator: Dr. Nechele McClinton-Gates, Associate Director of Residence Life
nrm05002@uca.edu

ZOOM LINK: Coaching Circle – Leadership ZOOM Link

October 22. 2024
November 12, 2024
January 21, 2025
February 18, 2025
March 11, 2025
April 8. 2025

MONTHLY SUPERVISOR CHECK-IN
Are you a supervisor? Here’s an opportunity to check in with others, ask questions, and receive resources and support! Come join us – virtually. No registration required.

October 24, 2024 (Thursday) 9:00-10:00 AM ZOOM
November 14, 2024 (Thursday) 9:00-10:00 AM ZOOM
January 16, 2025 (Thursday) 9:00-10:00 AM ZOOM
February 4, 2025 (Tuesday) 9:00-10:00 AM ZOOM
March 4, 2025 (Tuesday) 9:00-10:00 AM ZOOM

ZOOM: Monthly Supervisor Check-In ZOOM Link

Facilitator: Charlotte Strickland, Director of Employee Engagement and Enrichment. chars@uca.edu

EARLY CAREER DEVELOPMENT CIRCLE

Have you been employed less than six (6) years in Higher Education as a faculty or staff member? Are you looking to network with other Higher Education employees? Are you interested in gathering new insight to Higher Education issues, workplace norms, and career paths? The group will meet in the Executive Dining Room Christian Cafeteria, 12:15 – 1:30 p.m. Co-sponsored by the College Student Personnel Administration program (CSPA), it will provide socialization and professional development for early career employees. Meal provided courtesy of the Office of Employee Engagement & Enrichment. No registration required.

Facilitators: Thomas Bruick, tbruick@uca.edu; Evan Faidley, efaidley@uca.edu

October 22, 2024
Deliberative Dialogue
Presenter: Dr. Lesley Graybeal, Director of Experiential and Community-Engaged Learning

November 19, 2024
Managing Workload/The Art of Saying No
Presenter: TBD

February 13, 2025
Universal Design for Learning: Implications for Higher Education Administration
Presenter: TBD

March 13, 2025
Creating and Cultivating Professional Development Opportunities
Presenter: Dr. Evan Faidley, Assistant Professor Leadership Studies

April 17, 2025
Assessment 101: Planning for Next Academic Year
Presenter: Dr. Thomas Bruick, Assistant Professor Leadership Studies

 

Submitted by: Gail Robertson, grobertson@uca.edu on 09/28/2024

Join us for a 4-day residency with all events free and open to the public.
Jim Self will be featured as a soloist, conductor, and as a composer with the UCA Wind Ensemble, the UCA Symphonic Band, the UCA Tuba Euphonium Ensemble, the Toad Suck Tuba Quartet, and the Natural State Brass Band. He will give presentations and masterclasses to jazz students, film, and music students. See the attached poster for more information or contact Dr. Gail Robertson at Grobertson@uca.edu

 

Submitted by: Christina Lammers, clammers@uca.edu on 09/30/2024

Check out important upcoming events at UCA!!

https://uca.edu/hr/files/2024/03/October-Newsletter-2024-1-2.pdf

Submitted by: Christina Lammers, clammers@uca.edu on 09/30/2024

Join us for New User information and hands-on basic skills training for Canva. This tool can help with editing Pdfs or creating print, social media and digital graphics. If you are interested or curious about this new resource join us!

October 2, 2024 (Wednesday)
9:00-10:00 am

Facilitator: Alyssa Sparks, UMAC Digital Media Specialist
Moderator: Lyn Gayfield, OSAC Office Manager

Zoom from your office or choose the optional location provided for those who need a private space for learning:
Computer Room 130 in the Library on the first floor by Starbucks

ZOOM link: https://uca-edu.zoom.us/j/86476576435?pwd=ZUxjcHVHbzNiVUJPcXNBcmhFMVBnQT09
**Training will be recorded and placed on the Administrative Support Page for future use.

No Registration Required!!