A&T Announcements - May 8, 2023

Summer Schedule- Student Center and Campus Recreation Center

Student Center
   Friday, May 12 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
   
   Summer Schedule
   Effective May 13, 2023
   Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
   Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
 
   Campus Recreation Center
   Final Exam Week (May 8 – May 14)
   Monday – Friday 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
   Saturday and Sunday Closed
   
   Monday, May 15, 2023 – Sunday, May 21, 2023
   Closed for maintenance in preparation for summer sessions.
   
   Summer Schedule
   Effective Monday, May 22, 2023
   Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
   Saturday and Sunday Closed

Staff Senate Spring Forum – May 17

Staff Senate Presents: Spring Forum "Back to the Old School - Let's Do It Again" on Wednesday, May 17, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Truist Stadium main entrance. This event is open to all SHRA and EHRA non-faculty employees. An Aggie One card is required. Join us for food, music, games, gifts and prizes!

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:

• 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

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 Benefit Department.

FY2023 Year End Close Memo

It is time for FY2023 Year End Close. Please refer to the year end close memo for procedures and important date from various area in your emails.

We appreciate your patience as we work on closing another fiscal year. If you have any questions regarding this memo, please contact the appropriate office.
   
   Budget and Planning Office 336-334-7631 budgetoffice@ncat.edu
   Procurement Services 336-334-7555 purchase@ncat.edu
   Accounting Office 336-334-7684
   Treasurer’s Office 336-334-7721
   Payroll Office 336-334-7888 payroll@ncat.edu

Stimulating Summer Camps on N.C. A&T’s Campus

Get ready for an exciting summer adventure on the N.C. A&T campus with our highly engaging summer camps! Our diverse programs are designed to motivate and inspire the next generation of Aggies. Students can have fun while exploring new skills, preparing for future careers and making friends. Our summer 2023 camps include residential and day programs in STEM, business, sports and much more, and we'll be adding even more exciting camps in the coming weeks. Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity! Learn more here.

Campus Recreation Center Reopened - March 13

The wait is over! It is with great pleasure that we announce the reopening of the Campus Recreation Center at 6 a.m. Monday, March 13. Thank you for your patience during the refresh project. We also thank those who assisted in getting the Campus Recreation Center back fully operational.  

You are encouraged to come see the changes made to the facility and to participate in group exercise classes, take advantage of personal trainers and use the variety of exercise and fitness equipment available to assist with your health and wellness journey.  

Hours of Operation 

• Monday – Thursday, 6 a.m. to midnight  
• Friday, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. 
• Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 
• Sunday, 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. 

Please continue to check our website and social media (@ncatcampusrec) for updates.

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!

N.C. A&T University Travel Survey: Tell us what you think!
The University Travel Office and Travel Project coordinators are working to enhance your Aggie experience as it relates to improving processes and efficiencies. The survey will take about five minutes, and results will be reviewed and analyzed to make recommendations and implement changes as we strive to improve the Aggie Experience. The survey will close at 11:59 p.m. on March 20. Please make some time to fill it out.

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. 

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

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.

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.

Spring 2023 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 Spring 2023 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.

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.

Exam Study Break

Visit F.D. Bluford Library for study breaks throughout exam week!
   
   Tuesday, May 9, 9 a.m., Pastries and Coffee

If students need help with final essays and research papers, consultants from the University Writing Center will be in Bluford Library during exam week.

Commencement Ceremonies - May 12 and 13

• 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

To learn more, visit the website.

“Developing a Research Agenda” – May 19

Division of Research and Economic Development will host a workshop on May 19 from 11 a.m. to noon. In this session on “Developing a Research Agenda,” grants consultant Rob Guroff will help faculty assess where they want to go, what they can build on, and how to map out a strategy to reach grant seeking success. Discussion topics will include previous submissions, collaborations, preliminary data, publications, and building competitiveness for the long term. Register here.

Rob joined Hanover in 2014 after six years in the Office of Corporate and Foundation Relations at Brown University. At Brown, he sought grants for financial aid and scholarships, guided the grantseeking efforts of education outreach programs, and worked closely with leadership and faculty in the new School of Engineering. At Hanover, Rob is focused on helping higher education clients develop compelling cases for new and existing programs. He relies on his policy training to assist clients as they strategically highlight expected impact. Rob has helped Hanover clients achieve over $25 million in awards.

To register for the webinar, click here. Once you have registered, you will receive a confirmation email with instructions on how to join the webinar.

Rhodes Readiness (2023-24 AY)

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