A&T Announcements - Feb. 14, 2022

The following new policies have been approved and are 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:
   
   EHRA Non-faculty Employees
   
   EHRA Non-faculty Grievance
   
   Appendix A To University Policy 160, EHRA Non-Faculty Grievance
   
   Appendix B to University Policy 160, EHRA Non-Faculty Grievance
   
   University Policy 1102, Signature Authority and Delegation of Authority to Sign Contracts

Spring 2022 Virtual Forums Available on Aggie Hub
Recordings of the virtual forums for faculty/administrators and staff are available for viewing on Aggie Hub. 

Testing is easy and free for students and employees, available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Alumni Foundation Event Center, next door to the Student Health Center. Vaccination and booster shots are also free and available at the Alumni Foundation Event Center and the Student Health Center Pharmacy. 

The Student Health Center is now offering the flu shot for this upcoming winter months! Please come by the Student Health Center during our current business hours.
Pharmacy Hours- Mon- Fri: 8 a.m. to 5p.m.
Clinic Hours- Mon- Fri: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Please be advised that upon receiving the shot your insurance will be billed.

The University Event Center would like to inform you that in the continued effort to provide a superior customer experience, multiple forms used in the process of reserving spaces on campus have been modernized and are now available electronically. Accessible from our main University Event Center page on the NCAT website, the Cancellation/Change Form, Online Username & Password Request Form, Student Center Reservation Request Form, Digital Display Board Request Form can all completed and submitted directly to our staff for processing. As you will see there are two options for our, one set that is accessible utilizing you university issued One-ID and one for individuals without a University issued One-ID.
Please note that reservations all forms will be processed within 2-3 business days, this will allow our office to execute the process most efficient way possible. Forms will be processed in the order they are received and event locations are available on a first come, first serve bases.
As always we at the University Event Center, thank you for your cooperation and support as we strive towards a more beneficial experience for all parties involved. For additional scheduling information please click the link below or contact the University Event Center at (336) 285-2580.

The 2022 Advising Excellence Awards nomination period is now open! North Carolina A&T State University recognizes the dedication of undergraduate and graduate academic advisors and rewards their achievement via an annual awards process. Each year, one professional and one faculty advisor have the opportunity to receive this honor based on the recommendations of their peers and students.
Do you know an advisor that goes over and beyond to contribute to the success of our students? Nominate him/her today! Please contact Dr. Dawn M. Nail at dndavis3@ncat.edu/336-285-4133 or an AEA Committee member in your academic college for a nomination packet. Deadline for nominations is March 11.

University Space Planning Committee Survey
The University Space Planning Committee welcomes your feedback regarding a potential addition to our campus. As N.C. A&T continues to improve our spaces on campus, we are committed to providing spaces that accommodate a diverse set of needs. In this regard, we are exploring lactation rooms to be used by students, faculty and staff with infants. A lactation space is a private, hygienic space for nursing mothers and infants. Please complete the quick feedback form, linked below, if interested. Should you have any questions, please contact University Space Planner, Sharika D. Cochran at sdcochran@ncat.edu.

The Provost's Award for Faculty Excellence in Undergraduate Research Mentoring honors North Carolina A&T State University faculty who have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment as mentors of NCA&T’s undergraduate students in research, scholarship or creative activities outside of normal course assignments.
Eligibility: N.C. A&T full-time faculty (tenure track and non-tenure track) 
Deadline: Nominators should indicate their intention to nominate a faculty colleague by Tuesday, March 1. All nomination materials should be submitted electronically by Tuesday, March 15. Nominations and materials should be submitted to worku@ncat.edu with “Undergraduate Research Mentor Award” in the subject line. Contact : worku@ncat.edu for further information.

Poster submission
Graduating senior researchers apply for the Undergraduate Research (UR) Graduation Cord by email to worku@ncat.edu with the subject line UR Graduation Cord Forms \ no later than March 28.

Do you want to increase your expertise in online teaching and the use of effective digital teaching methods and related tools? Our 2022 Digital Learning Faculty Fellows are here for consultations and support. Connect with these knowledgeable faculty during their virtual office hours or weekly online teaching check-ins. Visit the Online Faculty Commons Community in Blackboard to learn more.

Clinical Study Volunteers Needed
The Center of Excellence in Post Harvest Technologies located at the North Carolina Research Campus in Kannapolis is looking for volunteers to participate in a clinical study. We are investigating how food plays an important part in our health and how the food is broken down after being eaten. You may qualify if your BMI is between 18-25 or 30-40, you are 18-65 years of age, and you are of African American decent. Participation involves completing a 5-day food diary and providing one stool sample collection. If you are interested in participating, or would like more information, please email sanglabncat@gmail.com. More information can be found here.

Student Symposium Call for Proposals - deadline March 11
A&T students are invited to submit proposals for presentation that examine the 2022 Student Symposium's theme, Critical Race Theory. Critical Race Theory is a theory that examines how race and racism impact social, political, economic, and cultural discourses. This year's Student Symposium offers an opportunity to undergraduate and graduate students from all disciplines at the university to present short papers on topics related to the symposium's theme in a formal setting to students, faculty and other interested participants. It is open to all A&T students. The Symposium is sponsored by the Student Success Committee.
What to present: Research, poems, spoken word, as well as any creative effort.
Your proposal should include the following:
1. Tentative title of your presentation
2. 200-250 word description, including information on the topic, tentative thesis statement, reasons supporting your position.
3. Presentation Type (e.g. 10-minute individual presentation or 20-minute group of no more than three people)
4. Technology required (e.g. presentation software, audio/visual, etc.)
Presentation Proposal Deadline: Friday, March 11, 5 p.m. EST. Please email complete proposals to Dr. Moussa Issifou at missifou@ncat.edu or Dr. Kumbirai Khosa at knkhosa@ncat.edu.

Tuition Assistance Transition
Office of Veteran & Military Affairs is now responsible, and will process Army DOD and the Tuition Assistance program. All students utilizing this program please contact our office at (336) 398-8651.

The university is required to provide information security awareness training each year. Training for SHRA employees began Oct. 19. Topics will include information technology policies, fundamental security knowledge, common cyber security threats, social engineering red flags, WiFi security, social media sharing and phishing prevention. This training is mandatory for all SHRA employees. The training is self-paced and each module can be paused and resumed. After module is completed, employees will be able to download a certificate of completion. The deadline to complete training is Thursday, June 30, 2022. Please contact Information Security Services at itsecure@ncat.edu if you have questions.

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.

Professional Development Courses and Opportunities from the CLOE
Throughout October 2021- February 2022 you can participate in:
   • Watermark Faculty Success (Formerly Digital Measures): CL-112
   • Updates to Title IX: CL-036
   • Civic Engagement and Higher Education: CL-136
   • Real Colors Workshop: CL-008
   • Customer Service Excellence: CL-064
   • Components of a Good Manager: CL-007
   • Digital Netiquette: CL-045
Register for CLOE Courses Here

Aggie Talk Podcast
Aggie Talk is a resource for students and staff at North Carolina A&T State University. Aggie Talk does not take the place of clinical mental health treatment. This podcast is a resource. It is our hope that Aggie Talk introduces new concepts, inspires listeners to pursue professional help if necessary, and to be a catalyst for conversation surrounding mental health. Host Jovan Shumpert, MS, LCMHCA will discuss current events, mental health facts and experiences, and will be joined by colleagues to discuss their areas of expertise. The podcast is available on Spotify and Anchor!

In preparation for the Martin Complex Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, Lot 33 (Barbee/Vanstory) and Lot 8 (Coltrane Hall/Old Sebastian Health Center) will be closed Tuesday, February 15, 2022 through Friday, February 18, 2022. Vehicles must vacate the lot by 6:00 p.m. on Monday, February 14. Vehicles not removed by the designated time are subject to towing at the owner's expense.
Alternative parking for General Permit holders includes:
   Lot 38 - Laurel Street
   Lot 42 - Obermeyer Parking Lot
   Lot A3 - Truist Stadium
   Lot 65 - War Memorial Stadium
In preparation for the Martin Complex Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, Lot 17 (Alumni Foundation Event Center) will be closed Wednesday, February 16, 2022. Vehicles must vacate the lot by 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 15. Vehicles not removed by the designated time are subject to towing at the owner's expense.
Alternative parking for General Permit holders includes:
   Lot 38 - Laurel Street
   Lot 39 - Student Health Center
   Lot 42 - Obermeyer Parking Lot
   Lot A3 - Truist Stadium
   Lot 65 - War Memorial Stadium
In preparation for the Martin Complex Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, Lot 1 (Williams Dining Hall) and Lot 14 (Harrison Auditorium) will be closed Thursday, February 17, 2022. Vehicles must vacate the lot by 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 16. Vehicles not removed by the designated time are subject to towing at the owner's expense.
Alternative parking for General & Reserve Permit holders includes:
   Lot 38 - Laurel Street
   Lot 42 - Obermeyer Parking Lot
   Lot A3 - Truist Stadium
   Lot 65 - War Memorial Stadium
Thank you for your cooperation and support.

Chancellor's Speaker Series "Building Black Wealth" - Feb. 17
The Chancellor’s Speaker Series, “Building Black Wealth,” will be Thursday, Feb. 17, at 7 p.m. The virtual event will feature financier Mellody Hobson and be moderated by alumna Ebony Thomas ’97. “Building Black Wealth” will focus on understanding money, finances and wealth management, navigating career options and eliminating the wealth gap through literacy.

Winter 2022 Extraordinary Opportunities

Feb. 14: Frederick Douglass Global Fellowship (FDGF). Be the next Aggie selected for the FDGF, created for students of color to study abroad with a cohort of student leaders from around the country. All program fees and airfare are covered for the Ireland summer 2022 FDGF. Bonus: All eligible students who submit an application but are not selected for FDGF receive a $1,500 scholarship for another CIEE program.

Feb. 15: Rangel Summer Enrichment Program (SEP)
 This fully funded summer experience with Howard U. is open to sophomores (by credit) through graduating seniors who are interested in international affairs careers. Be sure to reach out early to Ms. Gallop, who has recruited A&T's three most recent Rangel SEP Scholars. 

Feb. 21: Fulbright UK Summer Institutes (Fulbright UKSI). The Fulbright UKSIs are fully funded (airfare included) 3-4 week programs at UK universities for undergrads (3.7+ GPA) who will not graduate before May 2024 with little or no travel experience outside North America.

March 1: Gilman International Program. A&T is a 20-year Top Producer of Gilman Scholars 
If you are Pell Grant-eligible, you can earn up to $5K for credit-bearing study or intern programs and up to another $3K to study any level of a critical need language. There is now no minimum program length.
Military veterans, dependents of active military, first-generation college students, ethnic minority students, students with disabilities, STEM students, and HBCU students are highly encouraged to apply (request assistance from NCAT EO and OIA).

March 15: Phi Kappa Phi (PKP) Study Abroad Grants. Undergrads with a 3.75+ GPA can earn $1K to study abroad if they are applying for an eligible program since A&T has an active PKP chapter.

Contact Ms. Alsace Gallop to learn about, prepare for, and pursue these and ~60+ other externally funded extraordinary opportunities (EOs): https://www.ncat.edu/academics/honors/national-scholarships-fellowships/.

The Text-in-Community Committee would like to hear from students, faculty and staff about the books it should consider for selection for the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 academic years. Nominations from all disciplines are encouraged. Send nominations to committee chair, Beverly Grier (bcgrier@ncat.edu), by 5 p.m. on Feb. 15. Include the following information: author’s name, full book title, and a paragraph explaining why your book nomination should be selected.

Dr. Stephanie Luster-Teasley will join Dr. Christal Sheppard as panelists for the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Diversity Program's virtual Black History Month Celebration, Feb. 15 1-2:30 p.m. The panelists will speak about their backgrounds and how their experiences have influenced their lives and careers, to include their science and education research endeavors and work in the area of intellectual property law and policy. Click the link to join.

Are you applying for a research grant or beginning a research study? If you don’t have a Data Management Plan (DMP), you’re going to need one! All federal funding agencies now require DMPs. Join us to see how data management planning improves the quality of your research project and benefits all members of the research team, as well as other scientists around the world. This workshop will cover the basics of comprehensive data management planning, including storage of and global access to your data. Tuesday, Feb. 15, 11 a.m. (Approximately 75 minutes) Register for this online event.

The University Travel Office will host a Chrome River Training Class on Tuesday, Feb. 15 at 10 a.m. Chrome River is the university’s travel expense management platform! Learn to navigate through the system and process your travel requests. This is a virtual class in demonstration format delivered via Zoom. Login instructions will be e-mailed once enrolled.

Students, do want your resume to be competitive when applying to internships, co-ops, or full-time employment? The Office of Career Services is partnering with representatives from 30+ companies to review resumes and evaluate 30-second, elevator speeches  Feb. 15 - 18, 9 - 11:45 a.m. and 1 – 4 p.m. before the upcoming 2022 Virtual Spring Career Fair on Feb. 23.
This event is open to ALL majors and classifications, so not miss this unique opportunity to network, and make your resume stand out! Students, check your emails daily to know which companies will be attending each day of the event. If you have any questions, please call Career Services at (336) 334-7755.

In preparation for fall 2022 course scheduling, the Office of the Registrar will host virtual Banner Admin Pages training sessions via Zoom. These sessions are for department chairpersons and administrative assistants that are responsible for assigning advisors for advisement, creating class sections, assigning instructors, and completing overrides for the department. A brief overview of Banner Self Service will be provided for faculty that may desire to attend the session. Register in advance for one of the following sessions.   

Wednesday, Feb. 16, 3 – 4 p.m. 

Thursday, Feb. 17, 8 – 9 a.m. 

Wednesday, Feb. 23, 4 – 5 p.m. 

Thursday, Feb. 24, 8 – 9 a.m. 

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the selected session.  

"Tipping the Pain Scale" Film Screening and Panel Discussion - Feb. 17

N.C. A&T will host a screening of the documentary, "Tipping the Pain Scale," Thursday, Feb. 17, at 2 p.m. The screening is virtual. Following the screening, a group of local and state policy makers and leaders will discuss the documentary and how to curb the growing addiction problem in the state, region and country. Participants must register here to receive the link for viewing. Once registered, the event can be viewed here. This event is in collaboration with the Addiction Professionals of North Carolina, the North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition and the UNC System.

How to Process Cash Advances and Student Travel Chrome River – Feb. 17 

Want to learn how to process cash advances and student travel in Chrome River? The University Travel Office will host a training class on Thursday, Feb. 17 at 10 a.m. This is a virtual class in demonstration format.

Redlining Today - Feb. 17 
Racial discrimination in mortgage lending from the 1930s informs African American communities’ wealth, health, & educational patterns. A recent study found 3 out of 4 neighborhoods “redlined” on government maps 80 years ago continued to struggle economically. On Feb. 17 at 5:30 p.m., a panel of community leaders, including Yvonne Johnson, former Mayor and current Executive Director of One Step Further, Inc.; Rev. Bradley Hunt, Greensboro NAACP President; & Dr. Padonda Webb, Executive Director of the Student Health Center at N.C. A&T will discuss redlining’s lasting effects on Greensboro. Hosted by The Learning Hub at Dudley High School Auditorium. For event questions, please contact Harvey Long (hdlong@ncat.edu)

With ProQuest’s RefWorks citation management software, students, faculty, staff, and other members of the N.C. A&T community will learn how this cloud-based application can reduce the time and effort needed to produce a reference list and/or place proper in-text citations in a paper for a class assignment, Master's Thesis, Ph.D. Dissertation, journal article, and/or grant proposal. Thursday, Feb. 17,  11 a.m. Register for this online event.

Nominations/applications for Research Excellence Awards open Friday, Jan. 14. The deadline for applications for research awards is 5 p.m. ET on Friday, Feb. 18. Active researchers are encouraged to nominate themselves directly to the Division of Research and Economic Development. All applications must be submitted as a single PDF file via CompetitionSpace (ncat.infoready4.com). NEW application guidelines and information can be found here  or requested from Laura Collins at lcollin1@ncat.edu).

Virtual Safe Zone Refresher Training – Feb. 18
The Office of Intercultural Engagement and the Office of Counseling Services will host a virtual Safe Zone Ally Development Refresher Training from 10 – 11 a.m. Safe Zone Ally Development Refresher Trainings are open to faculty/staff and students that have previously completed a Safe Zone Training session. Safe Zone Ally Development Trainings emphasize on providing information that is relevant to promoting a healthy and safe campus community by creating allies. To attend, please send an RSVP (oie@ncat.edu) by Feb. 16 to attend. For more information, please contact the Office of Intercultural Engagement at oie@ncat.edu or 336-334-7800.

What is a literature review? What purpose does it serve in research? Join Bluford Library to discuss strategies for conducting a literature review. Along the way, we will explore library services you may not know about and learn how to connect with librarians in your subject area for more in-depth help finding information. Tuesday, Feb. 22 - 11 a.m. (Approximately 60 minutes) Register for this online event.

Spring Career Fair (Virtual) – Feb. 23
The Office of Career Services will host its annual Spring Career Fair virtually in Handshake Wednesday, Feb. 23 from noon - 4 p.m. Over 250 employers from across the country will participate to discuss career opportunities (full-time, co-op, and summer internship). The fair is open to all currently enrolled N.C. A&T students and alumni. Students are encouraged to register now and select 1:1 sessions to meet with recruiters. For more information email ocs@ncat.edu.

Weapons: Unlikely Change Agents for Peace in Mozambique – Feb. 23
  Join the Text-in-Community Program and the University Galleries for a talk by Dr. Amy Schwartzott on how Mozambican artists use weapons and ammunition from a long civil war to fashion works of art for peace and reconciliation. Join on Wednesday, Feb. 23 at 3:30 p.m. Join here.

Centers of Excellence CEE&I, CREO & CEPDAM Presents IP Clinic Series Speaker: Dr. Elizabeth Newcomb Hopfer Fashioning Change on Feb. 24 at noon. Please register and attend using link.
Dr. Newcomb Hopfer will provide a broad overview of special IP considerations in fashion entrepreneurship, highlighting fashion brands that promote societal welfare through strategic supply chain decisions.

Virtual Safe Zone Student Training – Feb. 25
Join the Office of Intercultural Engagement and the Office of Counseling Services for a virtual Safe Zone Student Ally Development Training from 10 a.m. – noon. Safe Zone Student Ally Development Trainings emphasize providing information that is relevant to promoting a healthy and safe campus community by creating student allies. To attend, please send an RSVP (oie@ncat.edu) by Feb. 23 to attend. For more information, please contact the Office of Intercultural Engagement at oie@ncat.edu or 336-334-7800.

Join us for the Spring 2022 Inclusive Research Excellence Seminar to discuss "Transformational Perspectives for NextGen Innovation. The seminar will feature distinguished panelists Sherrice V. Allen, Ph.D, author of "Barriers to the Advancement of Women of Color Faculty in StemtThe Need for Promoting Equity Using an Intersectional Framework;" ​Jelani M. Favors, Ph.D., author of "Shelter in a Time of Storm: How Black Colleges Fostered Generations of Leadership and Activism;" Joseph L. Graves, Ph.D., author of "Racism, Not Race, Answers To Frequently Asked Questions;" and Catherine D. White, Ph.D., author of "Pre-medical Preparation Seminar." Moderated by Tonya Smith-Jackson, Ph.D.,Interim Provost And Executive Vice Chancellor For Academic Affairs. This event is open to all faculty, staff and students. Register here.

Center of Excellence in Entrepreneurship and Innovation hosting a Watch Party -Boss The Black Experience in Business in celebration of Black History Month. Feb. 16 6-8 p.m.
Location: CEE&I Student Incubator Craig Hall 337. Please register by link to attend.

Spring 2022 Graduate College Information Sessions
The Graduate College will host monthly information sessions on the second Tuesday of each month at 11 a.m. Registration Link
Dates: March 8, April 12, May 10, June 14 

Gene Slater, author of Freedom to Discriminate: How Realtors Conspired to Segregate Housing & Divide America, one of the nation's leading advisors on affordable housing, will be in conversation with Kim Cameron. Kim Cameron is the Executive Director of the N.C. A&T Real Estate Foundation, Inc and holds more than 20 years of diverse experience in the field of real estate and construction management. This conversation will explore how the real estate industry systematically excluded African Americans from neighborhoods & how Greensboro can create a more equitable housing environment. Greensboro Public Library, Main Branch, March 10, 7 p.m.

DMPTool is a free, easy to use, template based online tool for creating Data Management Plans. These plans are required by many funding agencies as part of the grant proposal submission process. In this session, attendees will work hands on to create a data management plan for their current funding application. Participants will see the process of creating a data management plan based on a specific funding opportunity.
Participants will learn how to create a data management plan that that meets institutional and funder requirements. By the end of the session, participants will have a usable data management plan, and will have learned the basic functionality of DMP Tool for future grant proposals.
Tuesday, March 15, 10 a.m. – noon
Speaker: David Rachlin, STEM /Research Data Management Librarian, F.D. Bluford Library. Register here.

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