Submitted by: Kendra Regehr, Kendrar@uca.edu on 01/09/2025
Tuesday, January 14
1:00 – 3:00 pm
Ronnie Williams Student Center Room 223
Announcement/Events
Spring 2025 Volunteer Opportunities Available!
Submitted by: Sherita Kern, smcgee@uca.edu on 01/09/2025
Staff Senate volunteer opportunities for Spring 2025 are live in GivePulse.
As announced at last years’ Convocation, since UCA employees no longer need to use 16 hours of holiday time at the end of the year. Volunteers can earn up to 16 hours of Staff Senate volunteer hours per calendar year that can be used whenever they’d like during that calendar year! You can also submit your volunteer activity for 5 points through the BeWell program!
Volunteer opportunities are a great way to meet/interact with staff across campus and strengthen campus partnerships. Use the link to see dates/times, sign-up and view further details for UCA Basketball and Reynold’s/Windgate Performances.
Achieved Certification or Degree recently?
Submitted by: Christina Lammers, clammers@uca.edu on 01/09/2025
Have you received certification related to your position or an educational degree 2024-2025? We will recognize these employees at the
April 15th Faculty & Staff Recognition program.
Please complete the link below if you fit in this category!
Upcoming Leadership Coaching Circle-No Registration Required!
Submitted by: Christina Lammers, clammers@uca.edu on 01/09/2025
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.
Facilitator: Dr. Nechele McClinton-Gates, Associate Director of Residence Life
January 21, 2025 (Tuesday)
9:00-10:00 am
ZOOM
Coaching Circle – Leadership ZOOM Link: https://uca-edu.zoom.us/j/86019206652?pwd=aWtyQ3pYOHdsT1Zrb2RjV3hFNGdIZz09
Upcoming Employee Book Club for Spring 2025
Submitted by: Christina Lammers, clammers@uca.edu on 01/09/2025
Stop Overthinking By Nick Trenton
Join the discussion this spring as we work to declutter our minds and break free of our self-imposed mental prisons.
- Overcome negative thought patterns, reduce stress, and live a worry-free life.
- Overthinking is the biggest cause of unhappiness.
- Don’t get stuck in a never-ending thought loop.
- Stay present and keep your mind off things that don’t matter, and never will.
January 30, February 6, 13, 20, 27, and March 6, 2025 (Thursdays)
3:00-4:00 pm Ronnie Williams Student Center 226 OR 9:00-10:00 am ZOOM
Register at link provided.
https://uca.edu/hr/protectedcontent/seminar-information/
CETAL Releases Spring Programming
Submitted by: Jessica Underwood, cetal@uca.edu on 01/09/2025
Ready to spark some excitement in your teaching and professional growth? The Center for Excellence in Teaching & Academic Leadership (CETAL) has curated an incredible lineup of learning communities for Spring 2024!
DIVE INTO THE AI REVOLUTION:
Unpack the future of education with our “Brave New Words” book club, where we’ll explore Salman Khan’s fascinating take on AI in the classroom. (Wednesdays, 2:00 PM). Or, get hands-on with AI teaching strategies through Auburn University’s freshly updated online module series. (Thursdays, x-period)
CONNECT AND GROW:
For those looking to connect beyond the classroom, CETAL offers three unique learning communities: Our STEM Community Cafe (Wednesdays, Noon), which brings colleagues together for engaging lunch discussions about teaching challenges and innovations, while our Women’s Book Group explores mindfulness through literature with “Life in Five Senses.” (Mondays, 2:00 PM). Plus, faculty with global ambitions should check out our Global Learning Research Group, which explores international education initiatives. (Thursdays, 3:00 PM)
LEVEL UP YOUR LEADERSHIP:
Ready to strengthen your leadership skills? Early-career faculty in years 2-5 can join our Early Career Coaching Circle (Tuesdays, 3:00 PM) for targeted professional development. Our power-packed Dean’s Leadership Series complements this with crucial topics like “Avoiding Burnout” (Feb 11) and “Managing Difficult People” (Apr 29), designed to help you navigate the challenges of academic leadership.
These aren’t just meetings – they’re opportunities to reimagine your teaching, connect with passionate colleagues, and energize your academic career. Each community offers a welcoming space to experiment, share, and grow together.
Ready to jump in? Explore more of CETAL’s spring offerings!
Here’s to making Spring 2024 your most engaging semester yet!
Dr. Mary Bane Lackie has joined the National Cold War Center’s (NCWC) National Advisory Board.
Submitted by: Joan Shofner, jshofner@uca.edu on 01/10/2025
Dr. Mary Bane Lackie, vice president of university advancement and president of the UCA Foundation, has joined the national advisory board of the National Cold War Center in Blytheville, which is now affiliated with the Smithsonian and is designated by congress as the national museum for the Cold War.
https://www.nationalcoldwarcenter.com/news/dr-mary-bane-lackie-joins-ncwc-advisory-board/
Admin Staff Coaching Circle Lunch – Friday, January 17, 2025
Submitted by: Debbie Brigham, dbrigham@uca.edu on 01/10/2025
Hello Admins! Please come join us for lunch. We usually meet the 2nd Friday of the month but due to the inclement weather we had to reschedule to the following Friday, January 17th. You can bring your lunch or pay $6 bucks for all you can eat at the Christian Cafeteria! If you have never been to the Executive Dinning Room it is connected to the Christian Cafeteria. You can access the Executive Dining Room through a door on the left of the desserts inside the cafeteria. Feel free to contact us if you have questions by email: adminsupport@uca.edu.
We would love to see you there!
NEW DATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2024
11:30 – 12:30 PM (LUNCH)
EXECUTIVE DINING ROOM, CHRISTIAN CAFETERIA
Admin Staff Coaching Circle employees include:
Admin Coaches, Administrative Support Staff, Office Managers, Fiscal Support Specialists, Project Coordinators, and those who are in a support type role.
An Off the Clock with the UCA Bears Men’s Basketball Team
Grab the family, get out of the house, and head over to the UCA Farris Center on Thursday evening, January 23. Doors open to the community at 5 pm.
The Conway Area Chamber of Commerce along with Conway Regional Health System & Crain Automotive Team would like to extend the invitation to our first Off the Clock of the 2025 series – An Off the Clock with the UCA Bears Men’s Basketball Team. Arrive at the Farris Center at 5 pm for a complimentary ticket to the game, FREE food provided by local restaurants, a photo booth with Bruce D. Bear and the spirit squad, Chalk Talk with new head coach, John Shulman, and a Halftime surprise that you won’t want to miss! Tipoff is at 6:30.
Level Up Your Teaching with Top Hat Training
Submitted by: Jessica Underwood, jessicau@uca.edu on 01/13/2025
Mark your calendar for the upcoming Top Hat Faculty Training! Whether you’re a Top Hat newcomer or a seasoned pro, this training event is designed to supercharge your teaching toolkit! Start with an overview on transforming your materials and utilizing Top Hat’s dynamic tools, then discover ten powerful features that enhance lectures and grading, and meet Top Hat Ace, our AI-powered study assistant. Register for one event or make it a full series – the choice is yours!
JANUARY 22
(1:00 p.m. – 1:50 p.m.)
Getting Started with Top Hat
JANUARY 23
(9:25 a.m. – 10:25 a.m.)
10 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Do with Top Hat
(10:50 a.m. – 12:05 p.m.)
Getting Started with Top Hat
(12:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.)
Top Hat Office Hours/Drop-in Support
Why You Can’t Afford to Miss This:
1. Personalized Learning Transformation: Discover how Top Hat can turn ordinary lectures into extraordinary learning experiences
Hands-On Expert Guidance: Learn directly from Top Hat specialists who will help you maximize your classroom’s potential
2. AI-Powered Teaching Strategies: Explore innovative tools that save you time and engage students like never before
3. Tailored Support: One-on-one consultations to address your unique teaching challenges
Don’t just teach. Inspire! Reserve your seat today and take the first step towards a more dynamic, engaging classroom experience!
https://uca.edu/cetal/top-hat-training-day/#Register
