A&T Announcements - July 8, 2024

Reminder! Early Processing Bi-Weekly Pay Cycle 14

This is a courtesy reminder that the bi-weekly pay cycle 14 payroll (6/17 - 6/30/2024) will be processed on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at 1:30 pm with respect of the scheduled University holiday, July 4th. Employees and supervisors must meet the established submission and approval cut-off deadlines as published in the 2024 Bi-Weekly Payroll Calendar for timely pay.
   
   Please be mindful, it is the responsibility of the supervisor to ensure that that online timesheet is approved to avoid a delay in pay. Late paper timesheets received after the cut-off are automatically captured to process in the next available bi-weekly payroll.
   
   Questions? Email payroll@ncat.edu.

Survey Participation: Reimagine Campus with N.C. A&T Landscape Architecture Program!

What does an ideal campus look like to you? What would you change if you could, or, what do you love? Help us evaluate the present and consider the future by sharing your ideas about campus design in a short survey. Ideas will be used to inform Facilities' and LDAR's work.

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

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

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

AAC&U Membership

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

Preparing for Aggie Access Upgrade

We are excited to announce that we will be rolling out a new look for Banner Student Self-Service 9, known as Aggie Access! The latest version of Aggie Access will incorporate new features that will include a new Student Profile page with a modern look and feel, making it easier to access important student information. For more information, please visit our Banner Student SSB9 website for more updates. 

What does this mean for faculty and students?
   · Links to Aggie Access will not change. The layout and navigation will change. Faculty and students will have new features that you will need to navigate through, and we have created training videos to help you with your new experience.
   · Fall 2024 New first-time freshman and transfer students will begin to enjoy the new enhancements beginning Fall 2024.
   How will this change the user experience?
   · Combines important information. All course and organization information – like grades, messages, calendar information – is all consolidated into one global view, the Student Profile, minimizing the time spent navigating into each individual link.
   · Only one click away. See something that needs your attention? Just click on it and you will be taken directly there, minimizing clicks and saving time.
   · Works well on mobile devices. This navigation is designed to work well regardless of which device is being used.
   · Modern, intuitive user experience. Users will enjoy this simple, intuitive, engaging user experience.
   
    In the weeks to come, the Aggie Access Banner Student SSB9 team will be providing demos of the new interface and other resources to help users prepare for this exciting change! We will also be sharing this communication with deans, chairs, faculty and students over the next few days. If you have any questions about the upgrade or if you desire a demonstration, please do not hesitate to let us know.

Enrolled Student Employees with Summer Employment

Student employees (i.e., graduate research/teacher assistants, undergraduate student worker and federal work study) enrolled below half-time credit hours during Summer Session I and/or II academic terms may be eligible for social security FICA and Medicare tax exemption from payroll wages.

To learn more, please review the Student FICA Exemption Policy and Payroll Student FICA Exemption Form. Those who meet one of the safe harbor conditions must complete Section I and II of the required form and submit to SecureShare. Students not enrolled during the academic term of employment are subject to social security taxes. Note: There are no actions required for student employees who are enrolled with full-time credit hours or at least half-time credit hours within the academic term. Please direct all questions related to this process to payroll@ncat.edu.

Find Support During Finals on Togetherall – Available 24/7

Hey Aggies, if you’re struggling to stay motivated and on task, we get it. Finals are stressful & you’re likely not the only one feeling the pressure. Connect with others who understand what you’re going through and take advantage of a resource called Togetherall. It’s an anonymous, online peer-to-peer mental health community that is active 24/7 and it’s free! Click on this link to learn more. You can also reach out to Counseling Services for more information at 336-334-7727.

Student Center & Campus Rec Center - Summer Schedule

Student Center
   
   Summer Schedule
  
   Effective May 18, 2024
   
   Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
   
   Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
      
   Campus Recreation Center
   
   Summer Schedule
   Effective Monday, May 20, 2024, until August 2, 2024
   
   Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
   
   Saturday and Sunday Closed

2024-2025 FAFSA and Aid News

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a critical completion milestone on the college access journey for students and their families. The FAFSA process has changed to implement provisions of the FUTURE Act and the FAFSA Simplification Act. At a high level, the FAFSA changes are a significant overhaul of the FAFSA system, including an updated FAFSA form, need analysis, and provisions to many of the policies and procedures used by schools. The FAFSA determines a student's eligibility for multiple grants and aid for all income levels. Regardless of income, any student who wants to be considered for federal, state, and school financial aid programs is encouraged to complete the FAFSA.

      FAFSA News and Aid Resources

• FAFSA Toolkit: The Financial Aid Toolkit provides federal student aid information and outreach tools for counselors, college access professionals, nonprofit mentors, and other advisors. 

• Students attending North Carolina A&T State University in Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 are encouraged to complete the 2024-2025 FAFSA at www.studentaid.gov. If you have already completed the 2024-2025 FAFSA, you will be notified of your eligibility status between April 15-30. 

• Students attending N.C. A&T State University in academic year 2024-25 are encouraged to begin researching scholarship opportunities. 

Financial Aid Cost of Attendance Survey Request 

On March 18, 2024, the University of North Carolina System began surveying students regarding the 2024-2025 Cost of Attendance (COA). The COA is the cornerstone of establishing a student's financial need, as it sets a limit on the total aid that a student may receive for purposes of the Campus-Based TEACH Grant and Direct Loan programs and is one of the basic components of the Pell Grant calculation. Surveys will be emailed to students’ university email addresses. Students are strongly encouraged to complete the COA survey.

Next NC Scholarship (2024-25 Academic Year)

North Carolina residents attending N.C. A&T Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 may be eligible for up to $8,000 in the Next NC Scholarship. For a complete list of requirements, please visit the College of Foundation of North Carolina.  

Summer 2024 Financial Aid

Students attending N.C. A&T Summer 2024 can complete the Summer Financial Aid Application beginning Monday, April 1. 

The Aggie Summer Scholarship will not be offered in Summer 2024. Please visit the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships in the Dowdy Administration Building, suite 100, to determine summer aid eligibility.

Financial Aid Changing Service Delivery Model, Hours to Better Serve Students

Beginning Friday, March 22, the Office of Financial Aid will change its service delivery model to better serve the North Carolina A&T student body and incoming students.

Financial Aid recognizes that reaching its staff by telephone can be difficult during peak periods. The new “focused” office hours will allow Financial Aid to better serve students in person or by phone and process the high volume of paperwork that flows through Financial Aid daily.   

New Schedule (Effective May 22, 2024) 

Monday–Thursday 

Service by phone and email: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.  

Walk-in service: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.  

Appointments: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.    

Process documents: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.      

Friday

Service by phone and email: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. 

Professional development and process documents: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.  

Closed for walk-in service

Closed for appointments

The new operations schedule will enable Financial Aid staff to be more responsive to students by phone more easily during hours focused exclusively on that need. The new schedule will be more beneficial for students who need assistance with questions regarding federal financial aid and scholarship programs. 

Togetherall: Mental Health Support

Feeling some pressure? Vent here and find support to tackle it all! Anonymously log in and share your thoughts and feelings on Togetherall—a 24/7 anonymous online peer community monitored by mental health professionals. Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year– a whole community is ready to support you. Visit https://togetherall.com/en-us/join/freeuniversitysupport/ or call Counseling Services at 336-334-7727 for more information.

Digital Navigator Program – Ongoing

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

Ally Accessibility Tool

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

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

Seeking participants for a little cigar and cigarillo use research study

Researchers at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Center are seeking volunteers to participate in a research study about little cigar and cigarillo use and health messages. If you currently use or formerly used little cigars or cigarillos, you may be eligible!
   
Participants will be asked to attend virtual meetings and complete assigned tasks (ie. online surveys). During these meetings you will be asked to contribute your opinions and suggestions about beliefs, messages, and social media ads about little cigar and cigarillo use. Participation in this study will take about 60-90 minutes per meeting for up to four meetings a calendar year. Participants will be compensated $50 per meeting attended and $50 for completion of assigned tasks following each meeting.
   
If you are interested in this research study, please answer questions here to see if you are eligible. For more information, contact Corey Levinson at corey_levinson@med.unc.edu

Flu/COVID Vaccines

Aggies know what to do! Come through the Student Health Center and get your COVID and flu vaccines.

The Alvin V. Blount Jr. Student Health Center now has updated Pfizer and Moderna COVID booster vaccines as well as seasonal flu shots available to protect you and your loved ones!
   
Stay up to date with all your recommended vaccination needs. No appointment is necessary! Feel free to give us a call if you have any questions, please call 336-285-2905 or email health@ncat.edu.
  
   Vaccination Hours:
   
   Monday: 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., 2-4 p.m.
   
   Tuesday: 8 a.m. -12:30 p.m., 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
   
   Thursday: 8 a.m. -12:30 p.m., 2 – 4 p.m.
   
   Friday: 8 a.m. - 12:30pm, 2-4 p.m.
   
   *Vaccines will be billed to most major insurance plans.*

Late Night Library Access

Hello Aggie Family! Bluford Library began front door swipe access at 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2023. 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.

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

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.

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!

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.

Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education Public Presentation

The Division of Academic Affairs is hosting interviews for the position of Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education, July 9, 2024.  

Presentation topic: “Undergraduate education continues to change in response to educational, economic and sociological shifts. Based on your experience, how can undergraduate education be transformed to achieve the mission of our university, which is to advance the human condition and facilitate economic growth?”

Your attendance is highly encouraged. We are asking for campus-wide participation in the open presentations of each of the candidates, according to the schedule below. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback on each candidate: 

Candidate 1  

Tuesday, July 9, 8:30 - 10:00 a.m.

Zoom: https://ncat.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_5kyI4ldCSoaPPdxEphprZQ

Anonymous Survey Link: https://ncat.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bIvoFkw692QSnz0

Candidate 2 

Tuesday, July 9, 11:00 a.m. -12:30 p.m. 

Zoom: https://ncat.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_yxrZ-4_LSjC8mvEdW36mHA

                Anonymous Survey Link: https://ncat.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eDnFFtvSWsDIqge

Candidate 3 

Tuesday, July 9, 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. 

Zoom: https://ncat.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_9Eu_0OepSMWSFIu4tiA_MA

Anonymous Survey Link: https://ncat.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0Pqo0lXKnJ9Aizk

Student Center Closed – July 10

Please be advised that the Student Center will be closed for repairs on Wednesday, July 10. We will need to shut the water down in the building on that day for internal repairs and the facility cannot be occupied without running water. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause during this time. Thank you.

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