A&T Announcements - Jan. 9, 2023

Campus Recreation Center Delayed Opening

Due to supply chain demand delays, the opening of the Campus Recreation Center has been delayed until Wednesday, Feb. 1. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. We will be sure to communicate any updates or changes to the campus community. For all inquiries, please contact the Campus Recreation Center at (336) 285-4230.

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.

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.

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.

63rd Sit-In Anniversary Celebration – Tickets available Jan. 11

Please join us on Wednesday, Feb. 1, for the 63rd Sit-In Anniversary Celebration "Embracing Our Past, Engaging Our Present, Imagining Our Future."

The celebration will include the annual Sit-In Breakfast, program and Human Rights Medal award, followed by the laying of the wreath and a panel discussion. All events are free and open to the public. Tickets will be available at the University Ticket Office beginning Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023.

• 7 a.m. Sit-In Breakfast (full capacity) - Alumni-Foundation Event Center
• 8 a.m. Breakfast Program: Panel Discussion with past SGA presidents and Human Rights Medal recipient
• 10 a.m. Laying of the Wreath - February One Monument
• 10:30 a.m. Panel Discussion - Harrison Auditorium - Partnering with GCS

For more information, please contact LaTanya Ruff at (336) 334-7792 or Constance Gathings at (336) 285-4945.

Paid Summer 2023 and 2024 Development (The Washington Program) Important Date – Jan. 15, 2023

The Washington Program, part of The Institute for Responsible Citizenship, invites the nation’s best and brightest African American sophomore (second-year) male college students to apply for a paid and rigorous two-summer experience that includes high-level internships in a field of interest, an intensive academic seminar, professional development workshops, private briefings with national leaders, and a wide variety of social activities.
   
   *Applications are due by Sunday, Jan. 15, 2023; applicants may email application drafts to Alsace Gallop (acgallop@ncat.edu) by Dec. 14 for feedback. Applicants can also learn about "externally funded extraordinary opportunities (EOs), such as the Rhodes Scholarship, the Fulbright Program grant, and the Truman Scholarship here.
   
   *More than 250 young men have participated in the Institute and have gone on to careers in politics, law, medicine, ministry, academia, tech, and business. Program alumni include 5 Rhodes Scholars (including 2 this year), 2 Fulbright Scholars and numerous Ph.D., M.D., J.D., and MBA holders and more.

2023 MLK Birthday Annual Commemoration – Jan. 18

This years’ theme for the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. commemoration is “Envisioning Our Future!”

North Carolina A&T State University will collaborate with the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Guilford Technical Community College and Guilford College to host the virtual MLK Celebration.

Location: North Carolina A&T State University, Harrison Auditorium at 7 p.m.

2023 Dr. Ronald E. McNair Commemorative Celebration – Jan. 27
Come join us as we celebrate and commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Ronald E. McNair on Jan. 27, 2023. The celebration will include STEM poster presentations and the commemorative luncheon.
   
   Poster Presentation
   10:30-11:30 a.m.
   Student Center Room 213
   
   McNair Commemorative Luncheon Celebration
   It is our pleasure to continue our annual celebration and honor of alumnus, Ronald E. McNair, Ph.D. Save the date and join us Friday, Jan. 27, noon - 1:15 p.m. in the Student Center Deese Ballroom. You must be registered to attend the commemorative luncheon. This year’s theme is “Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Ronald E. McNair: Dream It, Believe It, Do It: Soaring to Greater Heights!” Guest Speaker: Bernard A. Harris, Jr., MD, MBA, FACP, CEO National Math + Science Initiative Vesalius Ventures and founder, The Harris Institute/Foundation.
   
   Commemorative march to the McNair bust located at McNair Hall
   1:40 p.m. March begins at Student Center

Study Abroad Information Sessions – Beginning Jan. 2023

The Office of International Affairs will host virtual Study Abroad Information Sessions via Zoom with Passcode: 638977

Wednesday, Jan. 18 at 3 p.m. and Tuesday, Jan. 31 at 11 a.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 8 at 3 p.m. and Tuesday, Feb. 21 at 11 a.m.

Wednesday, March 1 at 3 p.m. and Tuesday, March 14 at 11 a.m.

Wednesday, March 29 at 3 p.m.

Tuesday, April 4 at 11 a.m. and Wednesday, April 19 at 3 p.m.

Tuesday, May 2 at 11 a.m.

2023 Community Engagement Awards - Deadline March 1, 2023

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, 2023.

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