A&T Announcements - May 5, 2025

Two-Week University Community Curriculum Review – April 28-May 13

Dear Faculty,
   
   As part of our ongoing efforts to enhance and refine our curriculum, we are seeking your valuable input on proposed curriculum changes. Your expertise and insights are crucial to ensuring the success and effectiveness of these modifications.
   
   We kindly request you to review the Curriculum Change Proposals located in 2024-2025 UAPCC 2-Week University Curriculum Review OneDrive using this link.
  
   
   We then ask that you complete this Qualtrics Survey.
   
   Your feedback will contribute significantly to the improvement of our academic programs.
   
   The following proposals are included in this review:
   • Certificate- Advanced Waste Management, PB
   • CSE Courses
   • Finance, B.S.
   
   You will have a two-week window starting from April 28 to May 13 to review the form and provide your feedback. Your prompt attention to this matter is highly appreciated.
   
   If you have any questions or concerns during the review process, please feel free to reach out to Dr. Nichole Smith at nlsmith2@ncat.edu.
   
   We truly value your expertise and commitment to maintaining the high standards of our academic programs. Your feedback is crucial in shaping the future direction of our curriculum.
   
   Thank you in advance for your time and collaboration.

Mental Health First Aid Summer Training

Congratulations to all faculty/staff and students who participated in the university's 2024-2025 Mental Health First Aid trainings hosted by the Office of the Dean of Students, Student Health Center and CLOE. We have had several that were unable to participate in the offered trainings during the semester.

Due to the overwhelming outpouring of interest we have partnered with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to accommodate those that are interested in taking the training virtually or in-person over the summer. We have a provided a link with the summer training schedule. If you are interested in any date provided via the link you can email mhfaprogram@ssw.unc.edu and copy ncatmhfa@ncat.edu with the date you are interested in attending the training.

Tiny Desk Concert Recap! Survey

We hope you enjoyed the Tiny Desk Concert collaboration between SUAB and F. D. Bluford on April 15 5-7 p.m.

Now, we want to hear from YOU! Whether you're a student, faculty, or staff member if you were in Bluford, share your thoughts and experiences in the survey. 

Disciplinary Clearance

The Office of the Dean of Students has updated the procedures for disciplinary clearance requests. Please take a moment to review the procedures under each area that may pertain to your request. You can send your requests via secure share to make things easier for those submitting requests for student travel as well as student employment. You can click here to gain secure share access. Please be reminded that before any student travels a disciplinary clearance must take place at least a week prior to the travel date.

Important Information Regarding COBRA Notifications and SHP Coverage Transition

We would like to inform you about important updates regarding your State Health Plan (SHP) coverage and recent COBRA notifications.
   
   COBRA Notifications from Blue Cross NC:
   Employees covered by the SHP in 2024 may begin receiving COBRA notifications from Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC). These notifications are part of a compliance requirement to inform members about the end of the 2024 coverage managed by BCBSNC.
   
   Please note that no action is required on your part. The COBRA notifications do not affect your SHP coverage for 2025 through the new Third-Party Administrator (TPA), Aetna. The transition to Aetna took place on January 1, 2025.
   For additional clarification, you can refer to the SHP website: Blue Cross NC COBRA Notifications Information
   
   New Aetna Plan ID Cards:
   As of January 1, 2025, the State Health Plan transitioned to Aetna. New Aetna Plan ID cards were mailed to your home of record in December. Please use these new cards for all medical and pharmacy services starting in 2025. If you need to file a claim or have any questions, please contact the phone numbers and websites listed on your new Aetna ID card.
   
   Important Note:
   Your 2024 BCBSNC ID card will no longer be valid after January 1, 2025. Additionally, you will receive a duplicate Aetna Plan ID card due to a correction in the RXBIN (a 6-digit number that identifies the insurance carrier responsible for processing prescription claims). The updated Aetna card will reflect the correct RXBIN: 004336. Please ensure you use this corrected card for all future prescription-related transactions.
   
   Notice of Creditable Coverage:
   In January 2025, you will receive a required Notice of Creditable Coverage from BCBSNC. This is a standard communication indicating that your coverage with Blue Cross NC has ended, and no action is required from you.
   
   If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our HR Benefits team or consult the resources on the SHP website.
   
   Thank you for your attention and we wish you a smooth transition into your new Aetna coverage.

New Policy

The following new and/or revised policies have been approved and are now included on the N.C. A&T Policies website. Managers and employees across the university are strongly encouraged to familiarize themselves with North Carolina A&T policies.

The following new policy, Academic Program Review, 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.

Sprintax Calculus Launch

We are pleased to announce that North Carolina A&T State University is launching Sprintax Calculus, a specialized, secure, cloud-based software. Sprintax Calculus will replace International Tax Navigator as the nonresident alien tax compliance management software. This new platform is designed to gather immigration, tax residency, and treaty eligibility information from international students and employees. The information on the platform will be updated annually for current employees and students. Additionally, the university will cover the cost for 250 eligible international students to use Sprintax Returns to file their income taxes after the release of the 1042-S forms.

https://hub.ncat.edu/administration/business-and-finance/comptroller/sprintax.php

Timeline

Sprintax Calculus will be available to nonresident alien students and employees in January 2025. In the coming weeks, international students and scholars will receive a link to the website along with information on accessing the application, completing their profile, and submitting their tax treaty forms.

Benefits to the University and Nonresident Aliens

This new platform offers numerous advantages, including:

• Electronic 1042-S Delivery: Enables the university to deliver electronic 1042-S forms to recipients.
• E-Signature Capability: Allows students and scholars to sign treaty forms electronically.
• Document Submission: Facilitates the submission of required documents by nonresident aliens.
• Integrated Tax Preparation: Imports individual tax documents from Sprintax Calculus into Sprintax Returns for income tax preparation and filing.
• Support Services: Provides access to live chat support for assistance while using the software.

We are excited to offer this enhanced platform to better support our international students and employees in managing their tax obligations with ease and efficiency.

For questions, please contact Bivian Ejimakor (boejimak@ncat.edu) or Tammie Hill (techill@ncat.edu).

2025 Important Benefit Reminders

STATE HEALTH PLAN
   •Any benefit election you made during Open Enrollment for the State Health Plan was effective on January 1, 2025. Remember to review your most recent paycheck to confirm that the plan you elected is accurately reflected, including the correct deductions. It is important to remember that deductions for health care are withheld one month in advance of the coverage effective date (i.e., deductions in December pay for coverage in January).
   
   •Remember, the State Health Plan transitioned to Aetna as of January 1, 2025. New Aetna Plan ID cards were mailed to your home of record in December for use for use with all medical and pharmacy services starting January 1, 2025. In addition, be sure to contact the phone numbers and websites listed on your new ID card if you have a question or need to file a claim in the new year. Note: Your 2024 ID card will no longer work after January 1, 2025. You will receive a duplicate Aetna Plan ID card as a result of a correction to the RXBIN (a 6-digit number that identifies the insurance carrier responsible for processing prescription claims). The updated Aetna Plan ID card will reflect the correct RXBIN of 004336. Please use this revised card for all future prescription-related transactions.
   
   NCFLEX AND UNIVERSITY BENEFITS
   •Any benefit elections you made during Open Enrollment for NCFlex and the University benefit programs take effect on January 1, 2025. Remember to review your paycheck (January 24th for biweekly paid employees and January 31st for monthly paid employees) to confirm that the programs you elected are accurately reflected, including the correct deductions.
   
   •Please read the information pertaining to the specific plans listed in this update, as it may affect your paycheck if you are enrolled in the benefits program being referenced.
   
   UNC Voluntary Life Insurance and AD&D (Securian)
   •If you are enrolled in UNC Voluntary Life Insurance through Securian, you may see a change in your deduction beginning with your January paycheck. Adjustments to your premium are made based on your age and base salary as of January 1, 2025.
   
   Critical Illness and Accident Plans (Voya)
   •If you are enrolled in the Critical Illness Plan through Voya, you may see a change in your deduction beginning with your January paycheck. Adjustments to your premium are made based on your age as of January 1, 2025.
   
   •If you are enrolled in the Critical Illness and/or Accident Plan through Voya, don’t forget to earn your wellness benefit payment by completing an eligible health screening test. Each covered member can file for a wellness benefit payment once per calendar year.
   
   Cancer and Specified Disease Plan (Allstate Benefits)
   •If you are enrolled in the Cancer and Specified Disease Plan through Allstate Benefits, don’t forget to earn your wellness benefit payment by completing an eligible health screening test. Each covered member can file for a wellness benefit payment once per calendar year.
   
   Health Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
   •If you were enrolled in the Health Care FSA for 2024, eligible healthcare expenses must have been incurred by December 31, 2024. You have until March 31, 2025, to submit 2024 claims for reimbursement. You can rollover up to $610 of your unused account balance into 2025, as long as you have a minimum balance of at least $25. Any funds exceeding this amount will be forfeited. The rollover will not count toward the 2025 maximum election amount (currently $3,200 for 2025). This rollover feature only applies to the Health Care FSA.
   
   •If you enrolled in the Health Care FSA for 2025, eligible healthcare expenses must be incurred January 1 through December 31, 2025, to be eligible for reimbursement. You have until March 31, 2026, to submit claims for reimbursement.
   
   Dependent Day Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
   •If you were enrolled in the Dependent Day Care FSA for 2024, eligible dependent day care expenses must be incurred by March 15, 2025, provided you remain actively employed through December 31, 2024. You have until March 31, 2025, to submit 2024 claims for reimbursement. Any unused funds will be forfeited.
   
   •If you enrolled in the Dependent Day Care FSA for 2025, eligible dependent day care expenses must be incurred January 1, 2025 through March 15, 2026, to be eligible for reimbursement. You have until March 31, 2026, to submit claims for reimbursement.
   
   RETIREMENT PROGRAM
   2025 Contribution Limits
   •The limit on contributions to a 403(b)/401(k) plan for 2025 is $23,500. If you are over the age of 50, or will turn 50 by December 31, 2025, you are eligible for an additional $7,500 catch-up contribution.
   
   •The limit on contributions to a 457(b) plan for 2025 is also $23,500. If you are over the age of 50, or will turn 50 by December 31, 2025, you are eligible for an additional $7,500 catch-up contribution.
   
   •Employee contributions to a 403(b) and 401(k) plan are combined together when determining your maximum contribution; however, employees can maximize saving opportunities by contributing to a 457(b) plan. Amounts contributed to a 457(b) plan are not combined with your 403(b) and/or 401(k) contributions when determining your maximum contribution limit.
   
   FORM 1095-C
   Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), employers are required to report any qualifying medical coverage that you and your dependents were enrolled in during the previous calendar year. You will receive a Form 1095-C which includes information about the health coverage offered to you by the University. The form will be mailed to your home address sometime in the first quarter of 2025. You will not need to attach or file your Form 1095-C with your 2024 Federal income tax return; however, you may need to use its information when you complete your tax return.
   
   QUESTIONS?
   Please contact your Benefits’ Department if you need assistance or have questions about the benefit plans you have enrolled in.
   

The University of North Carolina System 403(b) Plan Universal Availability Notice for 2025

The University of North Carolina System (“UNC System”) offers a choice of voluntary supplemental retirement programs so employees can save additional amounts for retirement. Under the UNC System 403(b) Plan (“the 403(b) Plan”), eligible employees may elect to defer a portion of their compensation to the 403(b) Plan on a pre-tax or post-tax (Roth) basis.
   
   The 403(b) Plan is designed to help you invest more money today so that you have the income you need in your retirement years. It supplements the Optional Retirement Program of the University of North Carolina and the N.C. Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System, the State's mandatory retirement plans available to permanent employees working 30 or more hours per week. Even employees not eligible for one of the mandatory retirement plans may be able to make voluntary contributions to the 403(b) Plan.
   
   ELIGIBILITY
   All employees, other than UNC Health Care System employees, who receive compensation reportable on a Form W-2 and pay FICA (Social Security) tax are eligible to participate in the 403(b) Plan, so long as the employee elects to contribute at least $200 each calendar year.
   
   CONTRIBUTIONS
   An eligible employee may elect to defer a portion of his or her compensation on a pre-tax or post-tax (Roth) basis.
   
   Pre-tax Contributions: Both federal and state income taxes are deferred on the contributions and any earnings until distributed from the Plan. Distributions are taxable as ordinary income for federal and state income tax purposes. Generally, a participant must begin receiving a distribution by April 1 following the year in which they turn age 73 or terminate employment with the UNC System, whichever is later.
   
   Roth (After-tax) Contributions: Roth contributions are included in your gross income and subject to federal and state income taxes when they are contributed to the Plan. However, these contributions are not taxed again at distribution. Moreover, any earnings on the contributions are not subject to federal and state income taxes upon distribution, as long as a five-year period has passed since Roth contributions were first made to the Plan and the distribution is a “qualified distribution.” A qualified distribution is a distribution (i) made on or after the date you turn age 59½, or (ii) made to your beneficiary or estate after your death, or (iii) made after you are totally and permanently disabled.
   
   CONTRIBUTION LIMITS
   Annual contribution limits are set by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The IRS allows an eligible employee to make an additional catch-up contribution beginning in the year in which he or she turns age 50. For 2025, the calendar year limits under the 403(b) Plan are as follows:
   
   Calendar Year Annual Contribution Limit: $23,500
   Age 50+ Catch-up Contribution Limit: $7,500
   
   Note: This is a combined limit for Pre-tax and Roth (After-tax) contributions. In addition, if you also participate in the State of North Carolina 401(k) Plan, then your contributions to both the 403(b) Plan and the State’s 401(k) Plan, combined, count toward the regular and catch-up contribution maximums.
   
   APPROVED VENDOR
   The UNC System has approved TIAA as the financial services company offering options under the 403(b) Plan. TIAA offers a wide range of mutual fund investment options and annuity products through their own funds as well as other investment managers and also offers resources and tools to help participants plan their investment strategy. Eligible employees should contact TIAA at 800-842-2252 for information about plan investment options and services provided.
   
   ENROLLMENT PROCESS
   Eligible employees may enroll immediately upon date of hire or at any time. To start the enrollment process, please visit the UNC 403(b) website and follow the steps listed:
   •Step 1: Complete a Salary Reduction Agreement (SRA) (forms and instructions available on the website)
   •Step 2: Enroll in the Plan and select investments with TIAA at www.TIAA.org/unc.
   
   Contributions may be designated as a percentage of salary or as a flat dollar amount depending on your campus payroll capability. The SRA will apply only to amounts earned after enrolling in the Plan, and an employee’s election under the SRA will continue until the SRA is modified or revoked by the employee.
   
   MODIFYING A DEFERRAL ELECTION
   An eligible employee may increase, decrease, or stop his or her future contributions to the plan at any time by completing an SRA.
   
   MORE INFORMATION
   If you have questions about the 403(b) Plan, please contact the Benefits Department or visit here: https://www.ncat.edu/about/hr/retirees/retirement-plans.php

2025 Summer Camps Registration Link is now open!

We are excited to announce that the Extended Campus 2025 Summer Camps registration link is now open! This is a friendly reminder for all program directors from cooperative extension, academic and athletic units to register camps for 2025 at your earliest convenience.

Summer Camps at North Carolina A&T State University offer a unique and enriching experience for both participants and organizers. This is an incredible opportunity for our university community to contribute to various engaging, educational, and fun summer programs. We are asking that you submit your camp information before the Christmas holiday so parents have an opportunity to sign up their children.
   
Register your camp here. Additionally, if you have any questions or need assistance with registering your camp, please contact the Extended Campus office at extendedcampus@ncat.edu or 336-334-7810 for guidance and support.

Student Organization Advisor Interest

Faculty and staff at N.C. A&T are invited to support student life by becoming a student organization advisor! Serving as an advisor offers a meaningful way to mentor student leaders, build community, and develop leadership skills. To get involved, please complete the Student Organization Advisor Interest Form to be matched with an organization aligned with your interests and availability. Your guidance can make a lasting impact on student success and campus culture. Join us in empowering our students!

Tropical Storm Helene NC Recovery Assistance

With three of our sister schools residing in the Western portion of NC (App. State, UNC Asheville, and Western Carolina) in addition to many families and friends calling the area home, it is our duty to help in any way that we can. Attached is a link to an article by our partners at UNC Chapel Hill. The UNC System offers support to storm-impacted western campuses | UNC-Chapel Hill article enumerates efforts from campuses all across the system as well as detailed efforts being put in motion by Gov. Cooper on the State level. There are additional links at the end of the article that provide ways to donate and assist. Please find it in your hearts to help as you can. We could have all easily found ourselves in the same situation or worse had the path of Helena shifted so please keep that in mind as you make your choices.

2024-2025 Handbooks

Our 2024-2025 Student and Student Conduct Handbooks have been posted. You can find important information about the university, student services and programs, policies, etc. in the Student Handbook. It is important for all student to know their rights and responsibilities along with the Student Conduct process. Please take time to review the information in each book. Do note that information is sometimes updated during the academic year and the campus community will be notified via university communications.

New Aggie Access Campus-Wide Go-Live for Faculty, Advisors and Students

We are thrilled to announce, in collaboration with ITS, the official Go-Live launch of the New Aggie Access or Self-Service Banner 9 (SSB9) for Faculty, Advisors, and visors, our innovative platform designed to revolutionize your experience and streamline your workflow in Self-Service Banner! On Sept. 3, 2024, the new Faculty and Advisors Dashboard became the new home to all things Self-Service Banner!
   Why You'll Love the New Aggie Access:
   
   FACULTY/ADVISORS:
   • Centralized Information: All your academic tools and resources in one place.
   • Enhanced Communication: Seamless interaction with students, colleagues, and administration.
   • Real-Time Insights: Access to up-to-date student progress, class schedules, and important alerts.
   • Efficient Management: Simplified administrative tasks, from grading to advising.
   STUDENTS:
   • Seamless Navigation: User-friendly interface to access all your academic needs.
   • Mobile Device Enhanced Capabilities: Perform all of your academic and financial needs from your mobile device with ease.
   • Personalized Dashboard: Tailored information at your fingertips, from class schedules to grades, unofficial transcripts and student account information.
   • Enhanced Support: Direct access to advisors, instructors and academic support.
   

Visit the University Student Success Office website for more details here. 

Open Educational Resources: Syllabi Library

F.D. Bluford Library has created an online collection of syllabi that utilize open educational resources or low-cost text books (under $25). Anyone is welcome to use these syllabi for their courses as an inspiration for their future classes.
   
If you would like a librarian to review your syllabus for OER conversion or if you have a syllabus that uses OER and low-cost text books, please email our Electronic Resources Librarian, Franklin Robinson: fcrobins@ncat.edu. 

Steppingblocks – Career Outcomes Tool

You are invited to a live demonstration of Steppingblocks, our new career outcomes platform. The innovative tool is designed to provide valuable insights into the career outcomes of our graduates, helping us better support current and future students in their professional journeys. Join us for an interactive session where we will explore the platform's features, including data analytics, career path visualization, and alumni success stories.

Seeking Passionate Advisors for N.C. A&T's Registered Student Organizations

We are seeking dedicated individuals to serve as advisors for our registered student organizations at N.C. A&T. Advisors play a crucial role in guiding and mentoring student leaders, enhancing their collegiate experience, and fostering a vibrant campus community. If you are passionate about student development and want to make a meaningful impact, please complete this form for more details on how to get involved. This is an excellent opportunity to develop professionally, network with diverse groups, and contribute to the dynamic life at N.C. A&T.

Click here to complete the form.

N.C. A&T Becomes Member of NCFDD

As we begin the new semester, we wanted to remind you that North Carolina A&T State University has joined NCFDD as an Institutional Member. The NCFDD is an independent faculty development center dedicated to supporting academics in making successful transitions throughout their careers, and the Institutional Membership provides all faculty, postdocs, and graduate students with access to NCFDD’s member resources.    

As an institutional member, you have access to the following resources at no cost to you:

   The weekly Monday Motivator email
   
   Monthly Core Curriculum webinars
   
   Guest Expert Webinars and Multi-Week Skill-Building Courses
   
   Hidden Handbook series
   
   Dissertation Success Curriculum for advanced graduate students
   
   14-Day Writing Challenges
   
   Discussion Forum for peer-mentoring and problem-solving
   
   Monthly accountability buddy matches, by request
   
   Complete library of previous webinars and multi-week course recordings
   
We encourage you to claim your membership by registering. Once you complete the registration process and receive the “welcome email” from NCFDD, you can register for an upcoming training, including title of upcoming training or title of upcoming training.

We’re excited to offer our faculty, postdocs and graduate students the opportunity to participate in NCFDD’s unique form of mentoring and career development. If you have any questions or comments about the membership, please contact Dr. Craig Rhodes, AVP for Faculty Affairs at rhodesc@ncat.edu. If you have any technical questions, please email NCFDD at membership@ncfdd.org.

Ready to Make a Difference? Become a Student Organization Advisor Today!

Are you passionate about student development and eager to impact our campus community? Becoming a Registered Student Organization (RSO) Advisor is your chance to do just that! Join us in guiding and inspiring the next generation of leaders while enjoying these fantastic benefits:
   
  -Personal Growth: Enhance your leadership and mentoring skills as you support and guide student leaders through their journey.
   -Professional Development: Access exclusive training and development opportunities tailored to enhance your advisor skills and expertise.
   -Innovation & Creativity: Contribute to dynamic projects and events that foster creativity, collaboration, and personal growth among students.
   -Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow faculty, staff, and students, expanding your professional network and building meaningful relationships.

Fill out this form. 

N.C. A&T Welcomes Dr. James R. Martin II, Chancellor-elect

James R. Martin II, Ph.D., was elected as the 13th chancellor of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University on June 21, 2024, by a vote of the University of North Carolina System Board of Governors, following his nomination by UNC System President Peter Hans. 

Chancellor-elect Martin began work in the new role on Aug. 15. Read more here!

AAC&U Membership

North Carolina A&T recently became a member of the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U). As part of this membership, you are now included in this esteemed community. Benefits range from professional development opportunities to networking events, all designed to enhance your academic and professional journey. To get started, visit the AAC&U website and click on My Account (upper right corner), then click on Create Account. There is no cost associated with individual membership.

Use of Aggie Mart for Foundation Funds

We are thrilled to announce a fantastic update! AggieMart will soon be accessible for the use of philanthropic/foundation funds, expanding its reach beyond just university funds. This means that in the near future, purchase order requests, check requests, new vendor requests, and the processing of invoicing will all be seamlessly facilitated through AggieMart. Stay tuned for more updates and information as we roll out this exciting development!

Blackboard Base Navigation
The campus will soon experience a new look for Blackboard and a new way to navigate the system. On May 15, Blackboard was updated to incorporate the new Base Navigation, which has a sleek, modern look and feel that will make it easier to access important information.
   
The tabs and modules on the landing page in our current Blackboard environment will be combined into one navigation menu on the left side. This navigation menu will get users quick access to courses, organizations, tools, and other valuable information with just one click!
   
For more information about the upgrade to Base Navigation, including resources and training information, visit the Base Navigation for A&T site or contact ITTD at 336-285-4499.

Digital Navigator Program – Ongoing

F.D. Bluford Library has launched pilot program to expand and support our laptop loans. Students, faculty, and staff can request to work with a digital navigator to support their digital inclusion needs.
   
   The Digital Navigators at F.D. Bluford Library can help you:
   
   Connect to free and low-cost internet options
   Access digital literacy skills training
   Recommend students to our laptop lending program
   Request an appointment to work with a digital navigator:
   
   You can also call 336-285-4164 to get help filling out this form to make an appointment.
   
Students who receive Pell grants qualify for reduced cost internet through the Affordable Connectivity Plan. We can help these students access this resource.

Employee Email Signatures  

Returning and new employees, please take some time to review the “Email Signature” section in N.C. A&T’s Brand Strategy Guide. On the Copy Guidelines page, scroll down to “Email Signature,” read the guidelines and update your email signature as needed. While there are some acceptable (slight) variations across units, our aim is to be consistent and professional. 

Ally Accessibility Tool

Earlier this fall, a new accessibility tool, Ally, was added to all online courses in Blackboard to enhance accessibility. On Dec. 19, 2023 Ally was added to all Spring 2024 courses and all Blackboard course shells going forward.
   
Faculty and staff can register for training at: https://learn.ncat.edu
   
Students can register for training at: https://ncat.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYqc-2qrz0sHdOC1JybNFHV_QU8XvY2lxjK
   

For more information regarding Ally and accessibility, contact ITTD (336-285-4499) or visit: https://hub.ncat.edu/administration/its/ittd/ally.php

Become an organization advisor

Are you interested in becoming an organization advisor? We have many registered student organizations looking for a professional staff/faculty member to become their advisor. With over 150+ different groups with various interests, there are tremendous opportunities to make an impact. Mentoring and advising can be rewarding to share interests, knowledge and transferable skills. Organization advisors must be full-time faculty or staff members and have a desire to connect with students in a meaningful way. If you are interested in serving as an advisor, please fill out the interest form. Once there is a possible match regarding interest, the Office of Student Activities & Campus Involvement will be in touch.

Introducing Ally Accessibility Software

Introducing Ally Accessibility Software! Starting in September, Ally orientation is available to enhance Blackboard course material accessibility. Get ready now for a more inclusive learning experience by visiting ITTD learn.ncat.edu. Ally is automatically enabled for online classes on Sept. 29, while campus courses can activate through ITTD. Learn more at the Anthology Ally link.

Important Update Regarding UNC Retirement Plan Recordkeepers

This spring, we communicated that the UNC System was exploring a move from two recordkeepers (TIAA and Fidelity) to a single retirement plan recordkeeper for our UNC Retirement Plans. With assistance from our plan’s investment advisory firm, CAPTRUST, we completed the RFP process and are pleased to announce that we have awarded the contract to manage all participant retirement plan assets to TIAA. This impacts all five UNC Retirement Plans. These plans include:
   
   • UNC Optional Retirement Program (ORP)
   • UNC System 403(b) Plan
   • UNC System 457(b) Plan
   • UNC Senior Administrative Officer Retirement Program
   • UNC Senior Athletic Employee Retirement Program
   
   As previously communicated, the move to a single retirement plan recordkeeper will offer many potential advantages. It will allow us to:
   
   • Streamline and simplify the enrollment process
   • Better leverage the University’s $10 billion in defined contribution retirement plan assets to reduce recordkeeping expenses
   • Consider investment solutions that better fit the unique aspects of our employee demographics
   • Provide employees with a clear and consistent financial education and advice program
   
   And there are also benefits for participants like yourself, including:
   
   • Lower cost investment options, including mutual funds and collective investment trusts
   • Consider plan pricing structures that further optimize investment returns for participants
   • Contribution planning and investment selection advice
   • Enhanced participant engagement on issues related to financial planning
   • Customized retirement income solutions
   • Consistent messaging about how the various plans work
   
   WHAT’S NEXT
   Beginning Sept. 1, 2023, for all new employees, retirement contributions will only be made to accounts with TIAA. If you currently have your UNC Optional Retirement Program employer and employee funds split between TIAA and Fidelity, all contributions effective on or after Jan. 1, 2024, will be required to be sent to TIAA. No action will be required by you, as we will work with your institution to make this change.
   
   In the upcoming months, you will receive more information about the change, including a transition guide which highlights details about the fund lineup available through TIAA, the fund mapping process, key dates, and the decision-support resources available to you.
   
   We encourage you to take full advantage of the guidance and tools available to help you maximize your savings and plan for a successful retirement. If you have questions, please contact your University Benefits Administrator.

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.