A&T Announcements

A&T Announcements - Sept. 18, 2023

Late Night Library Access

Hello Aggie Family! Bluford Library began front door swipe access at 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 13. Please note that after 9 p.m., only our current students, faculty, and staff will be allowed in the library. For further information, please contact the library at 336-285-4164.

Free and anonymous online mental health platform for students

So much in the world right now is uncertain and challenging—but you don’t have to feel alone. Togetherall provides currently enrolled Aggies with free tools and support so you can take control of your mental health and well-being, while staying connected to others with similar experiences. Join Togetherall’s anonymous community of college students for support and a place to voice your feelings. Moderated by professionals to keep you safe, Togetherall is here for you. To learn more about Togetherall or how to register, you can use this link, go to togetherall.com, or contact N.C. A&T Counseling Services at 336-334-7727.

A&T Cybersecurity Alert

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University has been informed by third-party vendors that provide services to many of our students and employees of a cyberattack that exposed the personal data of some of their customers. No systems owned or operated by N.C. A&T were compromised in this incident, but personal information from some customers or users, including individuals affiliated with A&T, was exposed. The affected businesses are contacting affected individuals directly. For additional information, go to the A&T Cybersecurity Alerts page.

Be Extraordinary: Apply for at least one fully funded national program (2023-24 AY)

Aggie students, current alumni, and graduating seniors: it's time to actively DREAM BIG and #ExploreTheExtraordinary for the 2023-24 academic year!        -Are you interested in FULL FUNDING (tuition, living and other stipends, travel, etc.) 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?        -Did you know that some prestigious national scholarships and fellowships also include elite JOB OFFERS and access to high-level professionals?        Add NCAT Extraordinary Opportunities to your bookmarks at https://www.ncat.edu/honors/national-scholarships-fellowships/index.php. Visit that website for required campus deadlines, information sessions, and contact information for Ms. Alsace Gallop, National Scholarships and Fellowships Coordinator.        Highlighted “externally funded extraordinary opportunities (EOs)” with upcoming deadlines include the Rhodes Scholarship, the Fulbright Program grant, the Astronaut Scholarship, the Truman Scholarship, the Goldwater Scholarship, and the Gilman International Program.        Don’t wait—get connected and get assistance with your application now!

Student Employees Enrolled Less Than Half-Time Credit Hours (Fall 2023)

Student employees (i.e., graduate research/teacher assistants, undergraduate student worker and federal work study) enrolled below half-time credit hours during the Fall 2023 academic term may be eligible for FICA and Medicare tax exemption from payroll wages.  Your predominant relationship with the University must be for education and you must be enrolled in a degree program, and regularly attending classes within the academic term you seek FICA and Medicare tax exemption. To learn more, please review the Student FICA Exemption Policy and Payroll Student FICA Exemption Form

If you meet one of the allowable conditions for exemption, please submit the required exemption form to the University Payroll Office. Forms received incomplete cannot be evaluate for exemption eligibility. Note: There are no actions required for student employees who are enrolled full-time or at least half-time credit hours in the Fall semester. Please direct all questions related to this process to payroll@ncat.edu.

Student Center & Campus Recreation Center & Corbett Pool Fall 2023 Schedule

Student Center
   Effective Monday, Aug. 21
   Monday – Friday 7 a.m. - 12 a.m.
   Saturday 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.
   Sunday 12 p.m. - 11 p.m.
    Campus Recreation Center
   Effective Wednesday, Aug. 23
   Monday – Thursday 6 a.m. - 12 a.m.
   Friday 6 a.m. - 9 p.m.
   Saturday 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
   Sunday 2 p.m. - 9 p.m.
   *Closed for home football games      Corbett Pool
   CLOSED FOR RENOVATION

N.C. A&T ID Cards Approved for Voter Photo Identification

On July 17, 2023, the North Carolina State Board of Elections (NCSBE) approved 99 institutions’ student and employee identification cards – including North Carolina A&T State University – for use as photo identification for voting in the 2023 municipal elections and 2024 primary and general elections statewide. Approved cards will remain valid for use as a voter’s photo ID through Dec. 31, 2024. 

For additional details, see Voting as an N.C. A&T Student / Employee Voter Information

Office of the Dean of Students 2023-24 Handbooks

The 2023-24 handbooks have been uploaded on the Dean of Students webpage. There have been updates to both books to include edits to the number of the student codes of conduct in the "Student Conduct Handbook.” There have also been updates to the information under several departments in the "Student Handbook." Please note that you will be alerted if any updates are made to the handbooks throughout the academic year. We ask that you also familiarize yourselves with “reporting forms,” "student rights and responsibilities" and the process for requesting "disciplinary clearances."

Togetherall Online Peer-to-peer Community for Students

Everyone is on their own mental health journey, but sometimes you can feel like no one understands what you’re going through. This is why Counseling Services has partnered with Togetherall - an anonymous, online peer-to-peer community where students can connect with others who have real lived experience. Free and active 24/7, register with your student email here. To learn more, watch this video.

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!

STEM Scholarship and Credential Opportunities

N.C. A&T University has started 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 connects 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. If you would like to learn more about this program, please complete this form.

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.

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. 

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

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.

Introduction to the Center for Advanced Transportation Mobility

Watch A Brief Introduction to Center for Advanced Transportation Mobility (CATM) to learn more about the center and its efforts. Maranda McBride, Ph.D., professor of management and CATM director, explains the research, education, workforce development, and technology activities sponsored by CATM to accomplish the goal of identifying and disseminating solutions that address mobility challenges associated with the movement of both people and goods as well as other critical transportation issues.

The University Writing Center is Open
The University Writing Center, located in the General Classroom Building, Room 309, is currently open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. and Sunday (virtually) from 2-6 p.m.

The UWC assists students with organization, development, audience awareness, sentence structure, grammar, punctuation, citations, and other writing concepts for all types of writing in all classes. Students may schedule an appointment at www.ncat.mywconline.com or may visit the UWC for walk-in assistance.

The UWC assists faculty by providing course-imbedded tutors, delivering presentations, and facilitating workshops. Additionally, writing consultants will visit classrooms to introduce the UWC to students. Faculty and staff should email the UWC at uwc@ncat.edu to request services. They may also call the UWC at 336-285-3531.

North Carolina A&T Baseball Managers
North Carolina A&T baseball team is looking for student managers for the 2022-2023 season. Duties include: on field help during practice and games, helping coaches with office duties, laundry and potential to travel with the team on away trips. Great opportunity to be part of the Aggie baseball team. Please contact Elliott McCummings via email if interested (Ejmccummings@ncat.edu).

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.

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.

Eastern Transportation Coalition MBUF Pilot Enrollment

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!

TogetherAll - Student Support

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 three 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.

Constitution Day Event – Sept. 18

The university will be acknowledging Constitution Day with an event on Monday Sept. 18 in Academic Classroom Building Room 107 at 6 p.m. This year's event will focus on the connection between the U.S. Constitution and voting rights, the legacy of HBCU's role in voter engagement, and what's on the ballot for next year.

Hispanic and Latin Student Meet and Greet – Sept. 19

In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Office of Intercultural Engagement and Estamos Unidos will host the annual Hispanic & Latin Student Meet and Greet in the Student Center, Room 222 on Tuesday, Sept. 19 6-8 p.m.
   
Meet the Student Leaders in Estamos Unidos; learn about available resources and support services, and networking opportunities. Refreshments will be served and the event is free and open to the campus community.

Aggie Power Hour: Cultivating a Community of Graduate Writers

A writing initiative for graduate students to develop writing project (brainstorm, draft or revise):      Sept. 19 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. Room 258 Bluford Library and Virtual       Sept. 30 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. A103 General Classroom Building and A109 General Classroom Building        Oct. 20 2-4 p.m. and 4:30-7:30 p.m. 258 Bluford Library and Virtual        Nov. 15 10 a.m. - noon and 6-9 p.m. 258 Bluford Library and Virtual     Register for Aggie Power Hour today. For additional information, email the University Writing Center at uwc@ncat.edu. This is a collaboration among the University Writing Center, the Graduate College, and the F.D. Bluford Library.

Digital E-Portfolios – Sept. 19

This online workshop on Sept. 19 at 11 a.m. will provide an overview of the different types of e-portfolios in higher education and will discuss the applicability of e-portfolio use in a classroom setting, whether face-to-face or virtual. E-portfolios can be a personal tool for storing, organizing, reflecting on, and sharing items or artifacts that represent your learning. Students can include documents, graphics, audio files, videos, presentations, and coursework to demonstrate skills in certain areas. The Wix platform will be highlighted during this workshop series, and supplemental digital tools will be used and discussed as well. Register here.

Data Management Planning for Researchers – Sept. 21

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 hosted on Sept. 21 at 11 a.m., lasts approximately 75 minutes and will cover the basics of comprehensive data management planning, including storage of and global access to your data. Register for this online workshop here.

Workshops on Lean Six Sigma Fall 2023 – Multiple Dates

There will be four Boeing- and GM-sponsored Lean Six Sigma Workshops for students (junior, senior and graduate student), faculty/staff, and alumni at North Carolina A&T State University in Fall 2023. Lean Six Sigma is a customer-focused, data-driven methodology that is widely used to analyze and improve the performance of processes, products, and services. Since 2005, we have offered Lean Six Sigma workshops to students, faculty/staff, and alumni at N.C. A&T and over 3,000 participants have been certified with Green Belt.
   
Interested individuals can take one of the four workshops on Sept. 23, Sept. 30, or Oct. 14 and the participants will have an opportunity to take a Green Belt Certificate Exam upon completion of the workshop. Those who pass the certification exam will receive a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certificate issued by Quality America.

Research Impact: Assessing and Tracking Your Research – Sept. 26

Do you want to know what kind of impact your published research is making in your discipline? Join Bluford Library Sept. 26 at 11 a.m. to learn how you can track, analyze, and visualize the impact of your research. We will explore research impact tools that are easy to use, and which provide a variety of options for analyzing your research engagement. These tools also provide opportunities to network with other researchers in your field and identify potential collaborators. Research impact data can also be analyzed on an institutional basis, which can aid campus decision making. Register for this online workshop here.

Spiritual Enlightenment & Community Organization Fair – Sept. 27

The Office of Intercultural Engagement and Leadership & Civic Engagement will host the annual Spiritual Enlightenment & Community Organization Fair on Wednesday, Sept. 27 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Academic Quad.

This event is free and open to the campus community, and will allow the campus community to meet and network with spiritual and community organizations in the Greensboro City area. In the event of inclement there will not be an alternate location.

The Greatest Career Fairs Ever – Sept. 28

The Office of Career Services will be hosting the "The Greatest Career Fairs Ever" on Thursday, Sept. 28 from noon – 5 p.m. (virtual). Students and alumni can register for the fairs on Handshake.

Using Open Research and Contributor ID (ORCID) to Establish a Stronger Researcher Identity – Sept. 28

If someone "Googled" you to learn more about your research and expertise, would they get a clear picture of who you are as a researcher and the contributions you have made within your field of study? Taking the time to ensure you have a strong research identity can yield numerous benefits such as providing a sense of focus and direction for your research, demonstrating expertise in your area of research, and helping you to develop a strong network system. Creating an ORCID iD, a unique, open digital identifier, will help you to create and maintain a strong research identity. The ORCID iD also helps funders, publishers, scholarly societies, and other researchers find and distinguish your work from others. This workshop, hosted Sept. 28 at 11 a.m., will provide an overview of ORCID, instructions on how to create an ORCID iD, and other practical tips on establishing a strong research identity. Register for this online workshop here.

Open Education Resources and Course Adopted Texts – Oct. 3

With textbook costs increasing with each new edition published, now is the perfect time to plan to lower textbook costs in the future. Open educational resources (OERs) and Course Adopted Texts are great alternatives to traditional textbooks. Research suggests that students and faculty exposed to OERs view these resources as comparable to traditional textbooks in terms of quality. Studies have also shown that OERs can dramatically lower the cost of educational resources which can positively affect student expenses and debt rates. Bluford Library offers access to a database called Faculty Select to help faculty explore textbook alternatives that save students money. Learn about how to use licensed library ebooks and openly licensed materials via Faculty Select instead of costly textbooks. Register for this online workshop on Oct. 3 at 11 a.m. here. The workshop will last approximately 60 minutes.

Get Funding to Study/Intern Abroad! Gilman Scholarship – Oct. 5

The Gilman International Program’s Fall 2023 application is open and is due Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023 by 11:59 p.m. PT.
   
   The Gilman Program is committed to helping undergraduate students of limited financial means study or intern abroad, and the minimum program length requirement was removed during the pandemic.
   
   -Gilman applications are urged from students in all majors, especially students historically underserved in education abroad.
   
   -Students must either currently receive a Federal Pell Grant by the deadline or provide proof that they will receive a Pell Grant during their proposed time abroad in a credit-bearing program.
   
   -Another supplemental award for STEM students has been created, so Gilman Scholars can now receive up to $9,000 depending on their interests and major.
   
Contact Ms. Alsace Gallop for assistance and share the flyer for more details and share with interested students.

Writing a Community Engagement-focused Proposal Webinar – Oct. 16

Grants Consultant Kristina Weaver will guide attendees through all elements of successful community engagement, resulting in competitive and inclusive proposal submissions. Key considerations include determining collaborators and stakeholders, strategies to build consensus, defining roles, and capturing contributions. A successful community engagement project will result in lasting relationships and create opportunities for future grantseeking.     An interdisciplinary social scientist, Kristina has worked internationally as an academic, public policy mediator, trainer, and grants professional. She has supported proposals yielding more than $47 million in awards, and she manages Hanover’s team that specializes in National Science Foundation (NSF) proposals. An expert facilitator, Kristina previously served as associate director of the University of Virginia’s Institute for Engagement & Negotiation, where she led federally-funded research and stakeholder engagement projects around sustainability, climate adaptation, Tribal consultation, urban planning, and more. Kristina holds degrees in cultural geography, English literature, history of science, and anthropology from Glasgow, Cambridge, and Yale Universities. Register here.

A&T Partners with WSJ to Offer School-Sponsored Subscription

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and The Wall Street Journal have partnered to provide a school-sponsored WSJ subscription to all students, faculty and staff.

Through the partnership, subscribers will have full access to WSJ’s award-winning journalism via WSJ.com and the app, as well as a wide variety of curated content – from podcasts and newsletters to career insights and personal finance advice.

Students, faculty and staff at N.C. A&T can activate their complimentary subscription by visiting WSJ.com/NCAT. Those who pay for an existing WSJ subscription may call 1-800-JOURNAL and mention they are switching to their school-sponsored subscription. Partial refunds will be made.

WSJ is a global news organization that provides leading news, information, commentary and analysis. Published by Dow Jones, WSJ engages readers across print, digital, mobile, social and video. It holds 38 Pulitzer Prizes for outstanding journalism.

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

IT Policies, Standards, and Procedures 
Click here to access IT policies, standards, and procedures related to the responsibilities of employees, students, and affiliates when utilizing university data, software, and technology including the network infrastructure.
University Hotline
If you ever have a concern about improper conduct, fraud, waste or abuse, please do not keep it to yourself. You may report these concerns or any violation of policies, procedures, regulations, state and federal laws to your immediate supervisor or department head, if appropriate. There are also two methods for reporting concerns or violations anonymously and in confidence via the University Hotline. You may call the University Hotline toll free at 877-507-7313 or make a report online. Both reporting methods are confidential and are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Follow @NCAT_AggieAlert on Twitter
Make sure to follow @NCAT_AggieAlert on Twitter for additional access to emergency notifications and alerts. Aggie Alert is the university text notification system for emergencies, life-threatening situations and inclement weather.