A&T Announcements - Aug. 14, 2023
Student Employees Enrolled Less Than Half-Time Credit Hours (Fall 2023)
Student employees (i.e., graduate research/teacher assistants, undergraduate student worker and federal work study) enrolled below half-time credit hours during the Fall 2023 academic term may be eligible for FICA and Medicare tax exemption from payroll wages. Your predominant relationship with the University must be for education and you must be enrolled in a degree program, and regularly attending classes within the academic term you seek FICA and Medicare tax exemption. To learn more, please review the Student FICA Exemption Policy and Payroll Student FICA Exemption Form.
If you meet one of the allowable conditions for exemption, please submit the required exemption form to the University Payroll Office. Forms received incomplete cannot be evaluate for exemption eligibility. Note: There are no actions required for student employees who are enrolled full-time or at least half-time credit hours in the Fall semester. Please direct all questions related to this process to payroll@ncat.edu.
Student Center & Campus Recreation Center & Corbett Pool Fall 2023 Schedule
Student Center
Sunday, Aug. 20, 2023 11a.m. - 11 p.m.
Effective Monday, Aug. 21
Monday – Friday 7 a.m. - 12 a.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Sunday 12 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Campus Recreation Center
Closed through Tuesday, Aug. 22
Effective Wednesday, Aug. 23
Monday – Thursday 6 a.m. - 12 a.m.
Friday 6 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Sunday 2 p.m. - 9 p.m.
*Closed for home football games Corbett Pool
CLOSED FOR RENOVATION
2023-24 Student Organization Registration Renewal
The Council of Presidents has now opened the 2023-24 registered student organization (RSO) registration. To become active RSOs, you must do the following: (1) Complete the re-registration form on 1891Connect and (2) pay the annual organization registration fee online via the OSA Store. Both portals on 1891Connect and the OSA Store will close on Thursday, Aug. 24 at 11:59 p.m. (EST).
For additional insight regarding the student organization renewal process, please visit the OSA Website or email us at copeboard@ncat.edu
2024 Benefits Open Enrollment Tobacco Cessation
2024 Benefits Open Enrollment starts Oct. 9-27, 2023. Employees who are tobacco users and want to earn their monthly premium credit for 2024 don’t have to wait until Open Enrollment this fall. They can take action now to save money throughout 2024!
Starting July 1, 2023, tobacco users can attend a tobacco cessation counseling session at their Primary Care Provider’s (PCP) office for FREE to earn a lower premium for 2024. They have until November 30, 2023, to take action. (Note: If employees combine their tobacco cessation visit with another service, there may be a copay.) This convenient employee option means there’s no need to wait for Open Enrollment in October to secure their monthly premium credit for 2024.
How it works:
• After employees visit a PCP for their tobacco cessation session, the provider will submit a claim on their behalf. To ensure they receive credit for their visit, employees can upload their office visit summary to the “Document Center” located in https://www.ebenefitsnow.com/sso/saml/NCAT the State Health Plan’s enrollment system. They should make sure to request a copy of their summary during their visit.
• This action is ONLY for tobacco users who want to reduce their monthly premium by $60 per month in 2024. If employees are NOT tobacco users, they will simply attest to that online during Open Enrollment, Oct. 9-27.
• During Open Enrollment, they will need to attest during the online enrollment process. This step is critical to ensure employees receive the lower premium for 2024.
This month, employees who took no action on tobacco attestation last year will receive a postcard reminder regarding 2024 Open Enrollment.
Posting of Draft Policies
Please be advised that the following draft policy “Student Athlete Class Attendance Policy” has been posted for comment. Faculty and staff who wish to provide comments on these draft policies should send their comments to sjcobrand@ncat.edu no later than August 14, 2023, for full consideration.
New Policy Posted
A new policy has been approved and is posted on the Legal Affairs website. Managers and employees across the university are strongly encouraged to familiarize themselves with all policies posted on the Legal Affairs website.
N.C. A&T ID Cards Approved for Voter Photo Identification
On July 17, 2023, the North Carolina State Board of Elections (NCSBE) approved 99 institutions’ student and employee identification cards – including North Carolina A&T State University – for use as photo identification for voting in the 2023 municipal elections and 2024 primary and general elections statewide. Approved cards will remain valid for use as a voter’s photo ID through Dec. 31, 2024.
For additional details, see Voting as an N.C. A&T Student / Employee Voter Information.
Office of the Dean of Students 2023-24 Handbooks
The 2023-24 handbooks have been uploaded on the Dean of Students webpage. There have been updates to both books to include edits to the number of the student codes of conduct in the "Student Conduct Handbook.” There have also been updates to the information under several departments in the "Student Handbook." Please note that you will be alerted if any updates are made to the handbooks throughout the academic year. We ask that you also familiarize yourselves with “reporting forms,” "student rights and responsibilities" and the process for requesting "disciplinary clearances."
Student Organization Advisor Interest Form
For faculty/staff who may be interested in serving as a student organization advisor here at N.C. A&T, please consider filling out the advisor interest form under 1891Connect! This form will serve as a collection of potential advisors we can use to refer student organization leaders in need of a faculty/staff advisor for their new or established registered student organizations during the academic year.
Please note that 1891Connect serves as our primary student engagement platform, which allows faculty, staff, and students to find information about any RSO, learn about campus events/programs and so much more.
After you have completed the form, we will be in touch with additional information as needed.
Time to Renew Parking Permits – July 1
Faculty and staff, remember it is time to renew and purchase your parking permits. Permits will be entirely virtual through the License Plate Recognition System (LPR). This does not apply to parking deck permit holders. All permits will be valid through July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024.
Faculty and staff have the option to purchase a customized front license plate for $12 from Parking & Transportation Services. This will allow you to back in or pull-through parking in the surface lots. The front license plates must contain the same information as the registered vehicle's rear-facing plate. Purchase permits here.
New Form for Credentialing Requests - Beginning June 1
Starting June 1, all credentialing requests will be submitted using the new Dynamic Credentialing Form. This update will allow auto-population for several required fields used in the current form, reducing the time spent completing the form. Once the form goes live, you will find the link on the Aggie Hub and on the OSPIE website. Please continue to use the PDF version of the credentialing form and submit it through Freshdesk through the end of May. Please email Kismye Averett at Kmelder@ncat.edu if you would like to preview the training video prior to the launch.
Important Information About Upcoming Request for Proposal for UNC Retirement Plan Recordkeepers
The University of North Carolina (UNC) System is committed to periodically reviewing its retirement programs to make sure they continue to help you meet your retirement and financial goals. Among the things considered are the range of investment options available through the plans, investment option performance and value, recordkeeping costs, and whether the plans give access to services that complement your retirement plan accounts.
The UNC System has decided to explore moving from two recordkeepers (TIAA and Fidelity) to a single retirement plan recordkeeper for all five UNC Retirement Plans. These include:
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UNC Optional Retirement Program (ORP)
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UNC System 403(b) Plan
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UNC System 457(b) Plan
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UNC Senior Administrative Officer Retirement Program
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UNC Senior Athletic Employee Retirement Program
The purpose of this communication is to provide you with advanced notice of the upcoming RFP just so you are aware of it. To be clear, no changes have been made to our recordkeepers at this time. If you are enrolled in any of the retirement plans referenced above, you do not need to take any action.
Moving to a single retirement plan recordkeeper would create greater efficiencies and economies of scale.
Consolidating our retirement plan recordkeepers into a single recordkeeper offers many potential advantages to you as a plan participant. It will allow us to:
- Streamline the enrollment process
- Better leverage the University’s $10 billion in defined contribution retirement plan assets to reduce recordkeeping expenses
- Consider and possibly implement investment solutions that better fit the unique aspects of our employee demographics
- Provide you with a clear and consistent financial education and advice program
What’s next? We expect to issue the RFP soon. Our plan’s investment advisory firm, CAPTRUST, will be assisting the University with reviewing RFP proposals. We will report back to you when the RFP process has been completed. If a new recordkeeper is selected, we will communicate next steps and our implementation timeline.
If you have questions, please contact the N.C. A&T Benefits Department.
Aggie Resources
This sheet provides the N.C. A&T with quick and efficient access to our campus and community resources. This will provide students with the information and support that they need when experiencing or knowing someone experiencing crisis. Listed are all available resources in both English and Spanish!
Employee Training: Getting Ready for your New Laptop
Eligible A&T employees will receive new laptops this spring! To prepare for the new equipment, employees should take the following steps now: 1. Sign into your web browsers to access your bookmarks and passwords. 2. Set up OneDrive and manage backups to access all the files on your old device. 3. Take screenshots to remember configurations for Outlook Desktop settings (If applicable). Step-by-step instructions are provided in the New Laptop Initiative Checklist. Virtual training is also available to assist employees. All employees are encouraged to attend. Register at learn.ncat.edu (using your OneID username and password). Click here to download the schedule and access links to additional resources, and here for a promotional video. For more information about the Employee Laptop Initiative, visit the Employee Laptop Initiative webpage.
UPD Public Safety App "SafeZone"
The University Police Department and Emergency Management are encouraging all Faculty, Staff, and Students to download the public safety application "SafeZone". Put our campus emergency "Blue Phones" in your pocket by allowing you to make contact with the police department at the touch of a button. The "SafeZone" app allows you to request assistance, report suspicious activity, and get general safety information all in one location. Download today in the Apple Store or Google Play Store.
Equity Chair Needed
With reps from across campus, the Chancellor's Council on Intercollegiate Athletics ensures institutional control of our athletics program. Currently, the Council is seeking a chairperson to head the subcommittee on Student-Athlete Gender Equity. The chair also serves on the Council. If you are interested in being recommended to the Chancellor for this position, please email Vincent Childress at childres@ncat.edu. This is a commitment, so this is a good opportunity for someone who needs service at the University level.
Laboratory Animal Resource Unit Renovation – Jan. 1, 2023 to Sept. 1, 2024
Suspension of use of Laboratory Animal Resource Unit (LARU). On Sept. 20, 2021, the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (CAES) was awarded a $5.1 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to renovate and modernize the Laboratory Animal Resource Unit (LARU). Presently, the facility is scheduled to undergo renovation beginning May 2023. During this time, no animals can be housed in the vivarium to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all animals and vivarium personnel.
Effective immediately, grant submissions that require housing laboratory animals between the estimated timeframe of Jan. 1, 2023 – Sept. 1, 2024 should identify alternatives to LARU, as well as budget for the services required, as LARU will not be available. Investigators that currently house animals in LARU and/or were recently approved and funded to conduct animal research, will be provided temporary housing space to continue their research efforts. Further information regarding the relocation of the research animals can be obtained from Andrea Gentry-Apple, DVM, Director of the Laboratory Animal Resource Unit and Paulnisha Granger-Koonce, Administrator for the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee in the Office of Research Compliance and Ethics. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this time of transition.
Aggie Source Food Pantry/Aggie Rack
The Aggie Source Food Pantry and Rack is available to all currently enrolled students by appointments during regular operating hours. We offer food, feminine products at the pantry and professional wear at the professional clothing at the Rack. If you have any questions or would like further assistance, or information on drop-off please call 336.285.4453 or email us at aggiesource@ncat.edu. Hours of Operation: 1 - 5 p.m. (Monday and Tuesday) 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. (Wednesday and Thursday)
The mission of the Aggie Source Food Pantry is to support individuals by alleviating the stress associated with short-term food insecurity and other financial constraints, through the collection of non-perishable and shelf-stable food items. Apply today on 1891Connect! The Aggie Source food pantry is located at 205 Nocho Street, Suite 115 (the old Sebastian Health Building). We are open to currently registered students during regular hours of operation.
Volunteers Needed for Research Study – Ongoing until Oct. 2023
We would like to invite you to participate in a research study to provide your preferences for data collection and sharing practices of healthcare IoT devices. We are looking for adults (18 years of age and older) who currently live in the United States to complete a 15-20 minute survey. This research study seeks to understand individuals' preferences for healthcare IoT data collection and sharing practices. Our research team hopes to provide insight to system designers and manufacturers to improve the design and implementation of data collection and sharing practices of healthcare IoT devices.
Suicide Prevention and Resources
Counseling Services is here to help. We are located in Murphy Hall Suite 109 and can be reached at 336-334-7727 for free and confidential services.
Additional resources:
Call 911
Report to your nearest ER
Dial 988 for Suicide & Crisis Hotline
Call Counseling Services
Download Togetherall App
Download myssp app
Download OASIS app
Download Early alert app
Clear Bag Policy for Harrison Auditorium
In an effort to enhance public safety, Harrison Auditorium has modified its security policy by limiting the size and style of bags allowed in the Auditorium. Approved Bags • Clear Tote – Plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12″x6″x12″ • Plastic Storage Bag – Clear, one (1) gallon, resealable • Small Clutch Purse – Approximately the size of a hand with or without a handle or strap. No larger than 4.5″ x 6.5″ with or without a handle or strap. Can be carried separately or within an approved plastic bag.
An exception will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection at a gate designated for this purpose. Please limit the number of items you bring to the facility on event days.
Prohibited items include, but are not limited to: • All purses, bags or containers larger than a small clutch bag • Backpacks • Binocular case – Binoculars may be worn around the neck • Briefcases • Camera bags • Cinch bags • Computer bags • Coolers • Fanny packs • Luggage of any kind • Seat Cushions
Strategic Priorities
The following focused priorities for 2022-23 reflect North Carolina A&T State University’s goal to perform and be recognized at the highest level of doctoral research universities. As we pursue new levels of competitiveness and impact, we continue to drive toward meeting
A&T PREEMINENCE 2023 key performance indicators (KPIs) for student success, while also advancing the research enterprise and institutional efficiency and effectiveness through operational improvements. Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) are integrated throughout the priorities. All employees are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the university’s strategic priorities at here.
Follow N.C. A&T on Social Media
Make sure to stay in the know! Get the latest information, updates, news and activities. Follow N.C. A&T on all social media platforms. Visit here.
As gas tax that supports a well-functioning transportation system has become unsustainable over the last decade, the Eastern Transportation Coalition, a partnership of 17 states and Washington D.C., needs your help to explore an alternative approach, called a Mileage-Based User Fee (MBUF), where each driver pays for the miles they drive instead of the fuel they buy.
To better understand how an MBUF program could work, the Coalition is conducting a FREE Pilot Program in North Carolina and they want N.C. A&T students, faculty, and staff to join and tell them their perception of MBUF and its impact on our communities. Please see more information and sign up on this link. Your voice matters for new upcoming statewide transportation initiative!
Students are required to have health insurance either by remaining on their parents’ insurance or buying an individual insurance plan. Students without insurance may purchase the Student Blue Student Health Insurance. Students will be automatically billed (on tuition account) and enrolled in the Student Blue coverage, unless a waiver is completed by the semester due date Sept. 12.
University Writing Center Hours and Services Offered
The University Writing Center, located in the General Classroom Building, Room 309, is currently open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. and Sunday (virtually) from 2-6 p.m.
The UWC assists students with organization, development, audience awareness, sentence structure, grammar, punctuation, citations, and other writing concepts for all types of writing in all classes. Students may schedule an appointment at www.ncat.mywconline.com or may visit the UWC for walk-in assistance. The UWC assists faculty by providing course-imbedded tutors, delivering presentations, and facilitating workshops. Additionally, writing consultants will visit classrooms to introduce the UWC to students. Faculty and staff should email the UWC at uwc@ncat.edu to request services. They may also call the UWC at 336-285-3531.
COVID-19 Testing and Vaccination/Boosters Available
The A.V. Blount Jr. Student Health Center is available for COVID-19 testing Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
COVID-19 vaccines are also available at the Student Health Center Pharmacy Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 2-4 p.m. daily.
TogetherAll - Student SupportCounseling Services has partnered with an online service called TogetherAll to provide 24/7 support to students. Students can register with their Aggie email, provide quick demographical information (can also remain anonymous) and in 3 minutes have access to a counselor at any time. The service also provides mental health resources, peer support communities, creative outlets and more.
Learn STEM Skills and Credentials with Digital Badge Program
N.C. A&T is starting a digital badge program, funded by the National Science Foundation, to enable undergraduate students to increase their STEM skills through mentorship programs, experiential learning activities, research opportunities, scholarships, and more.
The ASETTS program will connect students to researchers, professionals, and alumni from STEM‐related fields currently working in transportation careers and give students extra credentials to increase their marketability and secure employment after graduation.
Faculty/Staff Institute – Aug. 18
As we approach the beginning of the semester, we look forward to welcoming new and continuing students. Our in-person Faculty/Staff Institute (FSI) is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 18 at 9 a.m., in Corbett Sports Center. The event will not be livestreamed. The theme for this year’s FSI is Blueprint: From Concept to Creation. The FSI will include interactive activities featuring great prizes and grab-and-go lunch will follow. We will introduce our new colleagues who have joined the Aggie family. As is customary, the afternoon session will focus on college and department meetings. For more information, see the Provost’s Memo re: “Faculty Staff Institute/Welcome to 2023-24 Academic Year” emailed Friday, Aug. 4.
Beginners Boot Camp – Beginning Aug. 21
The Beginners Boot Camp classes are group fitness workouts that will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:30-6:30 p.m. beginning Aug. 21 in the Dance Studio at the Campus Recreation Center. We encourage everyone to come dressed in workout attire, sneakers and bring bottled water. Registration for the classes is required.
SNAP-Shot: Your Questions Answered! Sessions – Aug. 22
Are you unsure how to apply for SNAP benefits or have questions about the program? Join us on Aug. 22 in Proctor 160 for "SNAP Shot: Your Questions Answered," a session designed to provide clear and concise information about SNAP benefits. We have tailored two convenient sessions to fit your schedule:
Session 1: 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Session 2: 2:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Our knowledgeable facilitators will answer your questions and guide you through the process of applying for SNAP benefits. This session is perfect for anyone looking to better understand how the program works and how it can benefit them. Please complete this form and don't miss this opportunity to learn more about SNAP benefits and take the first step toward improving your food security and overall well-being.
N.C. A&T State University Retirewise® Workshop Series – Beginning Aug. 30 (Multiple Dates)
From budgeting and tax strategies to determining your investment options and how to create a will, there's something for everyone to learn in this series. Limited capacity. Register today. Each Retirewise session has different topics that build on each other and will be held on Aug. 30, Sept. 6, 13 and 20. With Retirewise, you'll be on your way to making smarter financial decisions and creating an action plan that works for you. Spouses and partners are welcome.
Session Information:
- Building Your Foundation – Understand your financial and retirement planning basics by creating a budget, learn about compound interest, tax diversification and inflation.
- Creating and Managing Wealth – Review the principles of investing including how to get started, different types of investments and their common risks and strategies.
- Establishing Your Retirement Income Stream - Learn how to examine risks, manage assets and structure a retirement income stream to address your retirement needs and wants.
- Making the Most of What You Have – Review your employer's benefits and how they can fit into your plan while also covering estate planning, Medicare options and life and disability income insurance.
Workshops on Lean Six Sigma Fall 2023 – Beginning Sept. 16
There will be four Boeing- and GM-sponsored Lean Six Sigma Workshops for students (junior, senior and graduate student), faculty/staff, and alumni at North Carolina A&T State University in Fall 2023. Lean Six Sigma is a customer-focused, data-driven methodology that is widely used to analyze and improve the performance of processes, products, and services. Since 2005, we have offered Lean Six Sigma workshops to students, faculty/staff, and alumni at N.C. A&T and over 3,000 participants have been certified with Green Belt.
Interested individuals can take one of the four workshops on Sept. 16, Sept. 23, Sept. 30, or Oct. 14 and the participants will have an opportunity to take a Green Belt Certificate Exam upon completion of the workshop. Those who pass the certification exam will receive a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certificate issued by Quality America.
Anyone interested in taking this free workshop can apply by completing the Google Form.
The application site will be open at 8 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 4, and will be closed at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 7, or when the first 200 applicants sign up.
For more information, please contact us at sixsigma@ncat.edu
A&T Partners with WSJ to Offer School-Sponsored Subscription
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and The Wall Street Journal have partnered to provide a school-sponsored WSJ subscription to all students, faculty and staff.
Through the partnership, subscribers will have full access to WSJ’s award-winning journalism via WSJ.com and the app, as well as a wide variety of curated content – from podcasts and newsletters to career insights and personal finance advice.
Students, faculty and staff at N.C. A&T can activate their complimentary subscription by visiting WSJ.com/NCAT. Those who pay for an existing WSJ subscription may call 1-800-JOURNAL and mention they are switching to their school-sponsored subscription. Partial refunds will be made.
WSJ is a global news organization that provides leading news, information, commentary and analysis. Published by Dow Jones, WSJ engages readers across print, digital, mobile, social and video. It holds 38 Pulitzer Prizes for outstanding journalism.
Rhodes Readiness (AY 2023-24)The Rhodes Scholarship is the oldest and most well-known national scholarships/fellowships, and it is the model for most other prestigious and fully funded programs that have been created since 1902. This includes 60+ other programs, which in Aggieland are called externally funded "extraordinary opportunities (EOs)." *Do you know what makes student or alum eligible to apply for the Rhodes Scholarship? *Do you know how a student or alum could benefit from applying, interviewing, and/or being selected for the Rhodes Scholarship? *Most of all, do you know how a student or alum can get READY for an EO like the Rhodes Scholarship? Here's how you can learn more and #ExploreTheExtraordinary: -Get in contact with Ms. Alsace Gallop in NCAT Extraordinary Opportunities: acgallop@ncat.edu and @NCAT_EO on Twitter.
-Browse the list of 60+ EOs on the NCAT EO webpage.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis or having thoughts of suicide, please contact Counseling Services. Counseling Services provides trainings on suicide prevention. You can become a gatekeeper and save a life by recognizing the warning signs, offering hope, and referring others to seek professional assistance. Here are some resources on suicide prevention.
· National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (24 Hours) 1-800-273-8255
· American Psychological Association (APA) http://www.apa.org/
· Suicide warning signs http://www.apa.org/topics/suicide/signs.aspx
· Speaking of Psychology: Preventing suicide http://www.apa.org/research/action/speaking-of-psychology/preventing-suicide.aspx
· Suicide Prevention http://www.apa.org/advocacy/suicide-prevention/index.aspx
