A&T Announcements - Feb. 13, 2023

Commencement Spring 2023: Staff Assistance

As plans are underway for our upcoming spring 2023 commencement ceremonies on Friday, May 12 (graduate) and two on Saturday, May 13 (undergraduate), we are seeking assistance from university staff.

We are requiring all staff that work commencement to attend one of three training sessions that will be offered in the coming weeks. Please register for one of three training sessions. New enhancements have been implemented and attending one of the sessions is critical to ensuring we deliver the best Aggie Experience for our graduates, friends and families.

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. 

Wellness Day (Feb. 10) Survey

Thank you for attending the Spring 2023 Career Awareness/Wellness Day. Please take a moment to complete the short survey, which will allow us to improve the activities at future events for the campus.

Faculty-Spring 2023 Commencement Ceremonies:

• Graduate Ceremony:

Friday, May 12, 2023, 3 p.m.

Greensboro Coliseum, Novant Health Fieldhouse

• Undergraduate Ceremony 1:

Saturday, May 13, 2023, 8:30 a.m.

Greensboro Coliseum – Main Arena

• Undergraduate Ceremony 2:

Saturday, May 13, 2023, 3 p.m.

Greensboro Coliseum – Main Arena

Regalia rental: https://ncat.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3sByUANZJhcXlhY, by Thursday, March 30, 2023.

RSVP to attend the ceremonies: https://ncat.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6LIcVBsIDBr63Hw, by Friday, April 28, 2023. You must RSVP by the requested date to receive reserved parking. Passes are non-transferrable. Duplicates are not permitted.

2022 Wage and Tax Statements (Form W-2) - NOW AVAILABLE FOR ONLINE ACCESS

2022 Wage and Tax Statements are now available online through Banner Employee Self-Service (Aggie Access Employee Dashboard). Employees that have elected consent to receive your Form W-2 electronically may immediately access the system to print the wage statement.
   
   Accessing and Printing Your Electronic Form W-2
   • Log into Aggie Access Employee Dashboard, select Taxes and then W-2
    Wage and Tax Statement.
   • Select the appropriate Tax Year and click on Display.
   • Select "Printable W-2". Employees can print as many copies as necessary
    of Form W-2. It should be printed with black ink on white paper.
   
   If you originally withheld consent and now wish to receive your W-2 electronically, you can still take advantage of this option.
   
   • Log into Aggie Access Employee Dashboard, select Taxes and then
    Electronic Regulatory Consent.
   • Read the consent agreements, and if you agree, check the Consent to
    receive W-2 electronically.
   • Select Submit.
   • Follow the above instructions to print your W-2.
   
   Paper Form W-2
   Employees that did not choose electronic consent before the process concluded or who are no longer employed with the University will receive a paper Form W-2 in the mail. W-2 forms are post-marked and mailed to employees. There is no option for in-person receipt.
   
   Reprints
   The University Payroll Office will begin accepting requests for a reprint of your Form W-2 on Monday, Feb. 13. To do so, you will be asked to complete the Payroll Document Request Form to initiate the process. Send your request for reprint to payroll@ncat.edu. Please email us your questions at payroll@ncat.edu or call 336-334-7888.

Register Your Summer Camps

As part of its risk management efforts, the University centralized the registration process for summer camps/sponsored programs, including athletic camps and programs. All summer programs must be registered. Please ask your department chairs, directors and other personnel who organize, lead and manage these efforts to register all summer camps/sponsored programs through the Extended Campus via this link.

The Extended Campus supports the procedures for compliance with the Minors on Campus policy, which promotes the safety and well-being of minors entrusted to the University's care. All directors, staff personnel and volunteers working with the camps must complete mandatory online Protection of Minors Training. Please email a completed list with names and emails to extendedcampus@ncat.edu with the subject line "Minors on Campus."
   
Please direct any questions to the Extended Campus at 336-334-7810 or extendedcampus@ncat.edu.

A Message from the University Payroll Office: 2022 Expired Exempt Tax Status

Employees must take action now if you intend to maintain an exempt status from federal and state tax withholdings.
   
A federal W-4 and/or NC-4 form claiming exemption from withholdings is valid for only the current calendar year in which it is filed with the employer. To continue exemption from withholding in the next year, you must provide a new W-4 and/or NC-4 form claiming exempt status by Friday, Jan. 27.
   
Employees who fail to complete the exemption tax requirements, will be subject to have taxes withheld as Single with no withholding allowances. The system will be updated to reflect this change as of Feb. 1.
   
Forms can be accessed via the Payroll Office website under the Forms section.
   
Direct all inquiries regarding this information to payroll@ncat.edu.

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.

Study Abroad Information Sessions (Virtual)

The Office of International Affairs will virtually host the following Study Abroad Information Sessions for the Spring 2023 Semester:

   Feb. 21 at 11 a.m.

   March 1 at 3 p.m.

   March 14 at 11 a.m.

   March 29 at 3 p.m.

   April 4 at 11 a.m.

   April 19 at 3 p.m.

   May 2 at 11 a.m.

   Zoom link

   Meeting ID: 929 0692 0203

   Passcode: ABROAD

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

Diabetes Speaker Series - Call for Presentations (monthly, ongoing)

Our campus Diabetes Speaker Symposium is officially recruiting individuals to lead monthly research talks. We would like to hear from faculty and/or student researchers who can provide a 30-45-minute presentation during the AY 2022-2023. Topics can range from diabetes research, to social/ psychological/behavioral determinants of health, to methodologies used in diabetes related research. Interested speakers please contact Dr. Jeannette Wade (jmwade1@ncat.edu) to discuss scheduling. For more information, visit the NCDRC website.

Quality Enhancement Plan Graduate Assistants

During the fall 2022 semester, Quality Enhancement Plan: Toward Enhanced Achievement in Mathematics (QEP: TEAM) graduate assistants are tutoring students enrolled in MATH 101, 102, 103, 104, 110, 111, 112, and 131. The purpose of QEP: TEAM is to improve student success in eight general education mathematics courses. Graduate assistants tutoring program is part of the QEP: TEAM student support initiative.
   
Lovie Matthews tutors in the Bluford Library on the 2nd Floor in Room 5 each week on Monday 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 to 5:30 p.m., Wednesday 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 to 6 p.m., Thursday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Friday 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Amel Hamidouche tutors online through Upswing (Upswing Tutoring) each week on Monday 4:30 to 8:30 p.m., Wednesday 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Thursday 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.

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.

Fall 2022 Digital Learning Faculty Fellows

Would you like to discuss online teaching and digital tools? Need faculty feedback on embedding career competencies and micro-credentials into course design? Our Fall 2022 Digital Learning Faculty Fellows are here for peer consultations and support. Connect with these knowledgeable faculty during virtual office hours or weekly online teaching check-ins. Visit the Online Faculty Commons Community in Blackboard and click on the "Digital Learning Faculty Fellows" link in the navigation bar to connect.

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!

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. 

Counseling 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.

Aggies students, current alumni, and graduating seniors: it's time to DREAM BIG and Explore The Extraordinary for the 2022-23 academic year!

-Do you want to become a leader and gain a network of global peers at the U. of Oxford in England as a Rhodes Scholar?
-Would you like to pursue an independent project, earn a postgraduate degree, or help foreign students learn about America while learning English as a Fulbright Program grantee?
-Are you interested in FULL FUNDING to learn a language, study or intern abroad, conduct independent projects/research, participate in leadership and graduate school preparation programs, earn a postgraduate degree, and more?

Get in contact with Ms. Alsace Gallop in NCAT Extraordinary Opportunities: acgallop@ncat.edu. Stay tuned now through next semester for required campus deadlines, advising deadlines, and information sessions.

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.

History of Reconnaissance CIA/NRO Joint Session – Feb. 14

The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) are hosting a discussion session for students on the History of Reconnaissance in the CIA/NRO on Feb. 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Smith Hall 2016. If you are interested in entering the CIA or NRO, this is an excellent opportunity to explore these institutions. All students are encouraged to join and ask questions of the CIA and NRO delegates and N.C. A&T's Cybersecurity Center of Excellence. Contact CREO via Caitlin Reavis at cmreavis@ncat.edu with any questions.

2023 Online Spring Workshops at Bluford Library – Beginning Feb. 14

The 2023 Spring virtual workshops offered by Bluford Library will run from Feb. 14 through April 20. To see a list of, and register for, the specific trainings open to faculty, staff and students, visit this website.

Spring Career Fairs – Feb. 15, 16, 22, 23

The Office of Career Services is hosting the following Spring Career Fairs (In-person and Virtual Options for both):
   
   *Non-STEM Career Fair (H.E.A.T. & Social Sciences Career Fair) - Feb. 15th (in-person) & Feb. 16th (virtual).
   
   *STEM & Business Career Fair - Feb. 22nd (in-person) & Feb. 23rd (virtual)
   
Both career fairs will enable employers to connect with N.C. A&T students, graduates, and alumni about career opportunities. Students should register via Handshake to participate and review the list of employers attending. The in-person career fairs are sold out for employers, with over 190 employers attending. The virtual career fairs currently have over 170 employers who will be virtually attending as well.

H.E.A.T. and Social Sciences Virtual Career Fair – Feb. 16

The H.E.A.T. and Social Sciences Virtual Career Fair will take Feb. 16 from noon to 5 p.m. on Handshake. Over 40 companies will be in attendance at the virtual career fair. You can view the list of companies here.

To help prepare for the virtual career fair complete your Handshake profile to 80% or higher and sign up for group and one-on-one sessions with recruiters. View tips of how to prepare for the virtual career fair here.

SAFE Zone Ally Development Training – Spring 2023

Employee Training Sessions (Virtual):
    Friday, Feb. 17 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
    Friday, March 17 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Student Training Sessions (Student Center, Suite 353: LGBTA Resource Center):
    Friday, Feb. 24 10 a.m. – noon
    Friday, March 24 10 a.m. – noon
   
All events are open and free to participate! You must RSVP with the Office of Intercultural Engagement at oie@ncat.edu or call 336-334-7800.

OARS Open House – Feb. 17

Office of Accessibility Resources will host a Spring Open House on Feb. 17 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Academic Classroom Building Room 101. This will give students, faculty and staff the opportunity to learn about services offered through OARS.

N.C. A&T Undergraduate Research and Creativity Symposium – April 19 (Applications for Honor Cords Deadline: Feb. 22)

The Spring 2023 N.C. A&T Undergraduate Research and Creativity Symposium will be held April 19.

Seniors to be included in the spring 2023 commencement please submit applications for the research honor cord by Wednesday, Feb. 22. Download the Guidelines for Undergraduate Research Graduation Cords here. Submit completed applications to worku@ncat.edu with the subject line: Graduation Research Cords
   
    Please submit:
   1. Abstracts for poster presentations at the undergraduate research and creativity symposium here.
   Deadline: April 14
   
   2. Please submit poster here.
   Deadline: April 18

A&T Theatre Program Presents Othello by William Shakespeare – beginning Feb. 23

A&T’s theatre is named for Paul Robeson, an American actor (1898–1976) who famously played the title role of Othello, in the Theatre Guild production in New York in 1943–44. It became the longest running Shakespeare play in the history of Broadway. But there were mixed reactions to Robeson as Othello in London and New York. Continuing the legacy of Paul Robeson this 2023 Othello is skillfully directed by Xulee Vanecia J. Under her guidance the searing social commentary of prejudice, betrayal, abuse, and jealousy masterfully unfolds.

Performance Dates and Times

Thursday, Feb. 23 at 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 24 at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 25 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 26 at 3 p.m.

Location: Paul Robeson Theatre on North Carolina A&T’s campus

For tickets call 336-334-7749 or visit www.ncataggies.com

N.C. A&T 2023 Research Award Nominations - Deadline Feb. 24
The window for submitting your research award nominations via CompetitionSpace and the deadline is Feb. 24 at 5 p.m.. Details can be found here and questions can be sent to Laura Collins (LCollin1@ncat.edu).

Faculty-Led Proposals Due – Feb. 28 (Spring Break Programs) and April 30 (Summer Programs)

The Office of International Affairs would like to inform you that Faculty-Led proposal are due. For Spring Break programs for 2024, proposals are due Feb. 28, 2023 and for May or Summer 2024 programs, proposals are Due April 30, 2023. Contact Sharon Criner, program assistant, at 336-285-2600 or scriner@ncat.edu or Dr. Tyrette Carter, interim director, at 336-285-2702 or tscarte1@ncat.edu

Virtual Info Session for Online Undergraduate Programs - Feb. 28

The Extended Campus will hold a virtual information session on Tuesday, Feb. 28, at 6 p.m. ET for prospective students of N.C. A&T’s online undergraduate degree and certificate programs. Find out about the application process, financial aid and our support for distance learners, plus speak with program and student representatives. Registration is required.

2023 Community Engagement Awards - Deadline March 1

Nominations have opened for the 2023 Community Engagement Awards. The awards are for: 1) Community Engaged Teaching Award ($1000), 2) Community Engaged Research Award ($1000), and 3) [External] Community Partnership Award (N/A). Please submit your nomination by the deadline of March 1.

Nobel Laureate to Speak as part of CoST Dean’s Distinguished Lecture Series – March 2

The CoST Dean's Distinguished Lecture Series is proud to feature Nobel Laureate Carl Wieman, Ph.D. as the virtual keynote speaker March 2 at 2 p.m. Wieman is a multiple award winner, a member of the National Academy of Science, and among other posts, he served as associate director of science in the Office of Technology and Science Policy under the Obama administration. Researching physics education as professor of physics at Stanford, his seminar will be transferable to higher education in general.

Find Your STEM Conference – March 4

The annual Find Your STEM conference for girls in grades 8-12 will be held at the Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering on Saturday, March 4, 2023 from 9:30 a.m. until 2:30pm. It is co-sponsored by the Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering (JSNN) and the Greensboro Chapter of the American Association of University Women (AAUW). The event will include a STEM professionals panel discussion, a STEM undergraduates panel discussion, a Find Your STEM poster session, breakout sessions on a variety of topics, and opportunities for networking. Please share this opportunity with girls in grades 8-12 that are interested in STEM and make sure to register.

IN-RELPS Internship Opportunity-Call for Applications – Deadline March 24

Applications are being accepted for Intel-N.C. A&T Partnership in Broadening Research and Experiential Learning Pathways in Semiconductors (IN-RELPS), a summer internship opportunity for undergraduates and community college students to gain experience with semiconductor technologies. This internship is a partnership between N.C. A&T State University and Intel. The 8-10 week internship will take place May through July 2023, and it is open to undergraduates and community college students that are currently enrolled in or have recently completed programs in science or engineering. Applicants should have an interest in learning more about semiconductor technologies. The deadline for applications is March 24.

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