A&T Announcements - April 3, 2023

Registration for Summer Sessions Open April 3-24

Attending summer sessions can help you stay on course for your graduation goals, get ahead in your degree program or lighten your load during the fall and spring semesters. Earn up to 14 credit hours, enjoy the benefits of smaller classes and take advantage of less competition for high-demand classes. You may register from now through April 24 in Aggie Access. Contact your advisor for assistance and to receive your summer PIN. Find out more here.

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.

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 & active 24/7, register with your student email here. To learn more, watch this video.

Campus Recreation Center Reopens - 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!

Text-in-Community Program Seeking book suggestions for 2023-24 Academic Year – May 1 Deadline

North Carolina A&T State University's Text-in-Community (TIC) Program seeks book suggestions for the 2023-2024 academic year. The committee is particularly interested in titles that align with the goals, values and mission of the University. View and select from nominated texts here.

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.

Campus Recreation Center: Refresh Project Update

The Campus Recreation Center Refresh Project that began in December is still underway. Due to nationwide supply chain issues, delivery of the new flooring was delayed; however, modifications have been made to provide a limited number of workout activities in a safe environment until the project is completed. 

Until further notice, the Campus Recreation Center is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. until 9 p.m., for group exercise classes (Group X), and some equipment is available for individual strength and conditioning workouts. In addition, the staff are providing tours for those interested in seeing what is in place/available. 

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.

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.

Study Abroad Information Sessions (Virtual)

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

   March 14 at 11 a.m.

   March 29 at 3 p.m.

   April 4 at 11 a.m.

   April 19 at 3 p.m.

   May 2 at 11 a.m.

   Zoom link

   Meeting ID: 929 0692 0203

   Passcode: ABROAD

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.

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.

Aggie Fest Parking Lot Closure – April 3-6

Aggie Fest Parking Lot Closures
   
The Alvin Blount Health Center (Lot 39) will be closed on Monday, April 3 in preparation for Aggie Fest. All vehicles must vacate this lot by 6 p.m. on Friday, March 31.
   
   Alternative parking locations:
   Lot 12- Dowdy
   Lot 26- Webb Hall
   Lot A3 - Truist Stadium
   Lot 65 - War Memorial Stadium
   
   Truist Stadium (Lot A3) will be closed on April 5th through April 6th for Aggie Fest. All vehicles must vacate the lot by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, April 4.
   
   Alternative parking locations:
   Lot 42-Obermeyer Parking Lot
   Lot 65-War Memorial Stadium
   Lot 38-Laurel Street
   

Please remember any vehicles not removed by the designated time are subject to towing at the owner’s expense.

Upcoming Holiday Schedule - Student Center and Campus Recreation Center

  Student Center
   Friday, April 7 – Sunday, April 9 noon to 8 p.m.  
   Normal hours of operation will resume Monday, April 10.
   
   Campus Recreation Center
   Friday, April 7 noon to 8 p.m.   
   Normal hours of operation will resume Saturday, April 8.

Graduate Education Week

The Graduate College is hosting Graduate Education Week with several events:

Monday, April 3, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. - Research Symposium Poster Competition - Deese Ballroom Student Center

Tuesday, April 4, noon-2 p.m. - Awards Banquet (Invitation Only) - Deese Ballroom Student Center -
   
Wednesday, April 5, 3-5 p.m. - Industry Day - Fort IRC, 4th Floor Atrium

3rd Annual MA in English Alumni Lecture Series – April 4

April is Black Women's History Month and the English Department is pleased to announce our 3rd Annual MA Alumni Lecture Series on Tuesday, April 4 at 5 p.m. in the General Classroom Building Auditorium (A218). We are excited to return to our first in-person event after hosting it in-person. Our speaker will be distinguished English alumni, Pamela Richardson Wilks, Ph.D., provost and vice president for academic affairs at Coppin State University. Please join us as Provost Richardson Wilks shares her experiences in a presentation titled, "High Heels in Higher Education."

Book Talk in Bluford Library – April 5

Did you know April is National Humor Month? Join F.D. Bluford Library April 5 from 5:30-7 p.m. for a talk with Dr. Mike Cundall, Ph.D., professor of philosophy and Stephanie Kelly, Ph.D., professor in the business information systems and analytics to learn about humor in medical care. Their recent book, “Cases on Applied and Therapeutic Humor (Advances in Medical Diagnosis, Treatment, and Care),” focuses on humor and medical care, assessment of the effectiveness of humor in medical settings and examples of medical care in specific health settings. Dr. Cundall will also be discussing his book, “The Humor Hack,” a playbook filled with anecdotes, exercises, and discussion of using humor to lead a more engaged life.

Diversity & Leadership Graduation Cords Recognition Ceremony – Application Deadline April 11

The Diversity & Leadership Graduation Cords Recognition Ceremony recognizes graduating students who have supported diversity and inclusion programs, and services on campus. Recipients are eligible to receive one or both graduating leadership cords. The ceremony will be held Wednesday, April 18 from 4-6 p.m. in Room 342 of the Student Center.
   
   -Lavender Cord: Available to student leaders who are open and active members in the LGBTQIA+ community and allies.
   
   -Multicultural/Diversity Cord: Available to student leaders who have assisted in broad diversity, cultural, and sensitivity programs on campus.
   
   Use the link to apply. The deadline to apply is Tuesday, April 11.

N.C. A&T Undergraduate Research and Creativity Symposium – April 19

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

    Please submit:

1. Abstracts for poster presentations at the undergraduate research and creativity symposium here.

   Deadline: April 14

2. Please submit poster here.

   Deadline: April 18

Upcoming Planetarium Show – April 26

Did you know that we have a planetarium on campus? Come out and see a show! Every last Wednesday of the month at 5:30 p.m., you have an opportunity to see a show at the Planetarium in Marteena Hall. The next show will be April 26, where you will be able to have open discussions about astrophysics, space and cosmology. Shows will be available for groups (students/friends/family) of 5 to 25 persons. If you are interested, would like more information or would like to RSVP, please send an email to Athina Meli, Ph.D., at ameli@ncat.edu.

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