In House

In House http://inhouse.unt.edu In House en-us inhouse@unt.edu inhouse@unt.edu Wed, 20 Aug 2008 16:17:49 CST Wed, 20 Aug 2008 16:17:49 CST 15 copyright (c) 2008 In House BlogFusion 4.0 - www.blogfusion.com In House http://inhouse.unt.edufiles/BFlogo.gif http://inhouse.unt.edu 88 31 In House Jazz great's library to be housed at College of Music http://inhouse.unt.eduindex.cfm?CommentID=2897 A consortium of donors has purchased the estate of jazz legend Maynard Ferguson and will bring it to North Texas.

The Ferguson music library will be at the College of Music and the memorabilia, acquired by the Collins-Binkley Foundation, will be housed in a Denton-based museum run by the Foundation. The intent of the consortium is to ensure that the students of the nation’s first jazz program will benefit from the compositions and arrangements, as well as the historic preservation and display of jazz memorabilia.

The Maynard Ferguson Music Library covers Ferguson’s career from the mid-1950s until his death in 2006 and features works by influential composers and arrangers in modern jazz history, including Mike Abene, Slide Hampton, Bill Holman, Willie Maiden, Marty Paich and Don Sebesky. The collection is expected to be delivered to UNT in August.

“The Maynard Ferguson library represents the written music of one of the most amazing and long-lived careers in jazz history,” says Steve Wiest, left, an associate professor of music and interim director of the One O’Clock Lab Band. Learn about Ferguson’s career at www.maynardferguson.com.

The Maynard Ferguson Music Library consists of 400 pieces, including works from the critically acclaimed all-star group The Birdland Dream Band, which performed at New York’s Birdland jazz club; material from “The English Band;” Grammy-nominated music from Conquistador, which included the hit “Gonna Fly Now” from the Rocky movie; recordings of the 1970s; “small big band” work in the 1980s and 90s; the fusion group of the late 1980’s High Voltage, material from the band Big Bop Nouveau; and works from his final Grammy-nominated CD of 2006, “The One and Only.”

]]> Cbobo@unt.edu (Carolyn Bobo) Wed, 20 Aug 2008 09:35:00 CST http://inhouse.unt.eduindex.cfm?CommentID=2897#comments Fall events offered for Emerald Eagle Scholars, new and returning students http://inhouse.unt.eduindex.cfm?CommentID=2896
Information sessions for Emerald Eagle Scholars that give specifics about the requirements, benefits and expectations of the program will be offered in the Eagle Student Services Center, room 255:
• Aug. 20 — 4:15 p.m.-5:15 p.m.
• Aug. 21 — 3-4 p.m.
• Aug. 28 — 5 p.m. – 6 p.m. (makeup date for orientation sessions)

All new members of the Class of 2012 Emerald Eagle Scholars program are required to attend one of three kickoff sessions. Students will receive a free Emerald Eagle Scholar T-shirt, engagement portfolio and information from Financial Aid, the Learning Center, Career Center, Trio Center and Student Success programs.

Social events include a barbecue 4 to 6 p.m. Aug. 23, behind Highland Hall and a step show sponsored by Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity  7-9 p.m., Aug. 23 at Kerr Beach.

The barbecue, sponsored by Student Financial Aid and Scholarships and Enrollment Management, is an opportunity for new, returning students and Emerald Eagle Scholars to get to know each other. “It’s also a good time for Emerald Eagle Scholars to meet staff involved in their program and learn how to become involved in the Emerald Eagle Student Advisory Committee,” says Lilyan Prado, Emerald Eagle Scholars program coordinator.

The step show will feature a DJ and a voter registration drive. “About 2,000 people attended the Step Show last year,” says Prado.

Emerald Eagle Scholars also are expected to attend the New Student Convocation, 4 p.m., Aug. 24, in the Coliseum.

Contact Prado at 940-369-8401 or lilyan.prado@unt.edu. 

Emerald Eagle Scholars is a student-success program launched by President Gretchen M. Bataille with the fundraising events surrounding her inauguration in 2007. It is one of about 30 such programs in the nation and is a leading program in Texas. The program gives academically talented students with high financial need the opportunity to attend college and earn bachelor’s degrees without accumulating a large debt.

]]> mstucky@unt.edu (Mellina Stucky ) Tue, 19 Aug 2008 18:34:00 CST http://inhouse.unt.eduindex.cfm?CommentID=2896#comments Congratulations to these Fun Fact winners http://inhouse.unt.eduindex.cfm?CommentID=2895 InHouse Fun Fact giveaways.  Each wins a UNT T-shirt.

• Ruth Ignot, accounting technician, Purchasing and Payment Services
• Chris McCaskill, purchasing specialist, Purchasing and Payment Services
• Paul Salinas, customer service representative, Eagle Student Services Center
• Sandy Davidson, Library Annex
• Jason Bodine, contract specialist, Purchasing and Payment Services
• Jennifer McDonald, representative, Eagle Student Services Center

Win stuff; read InHouse, the electronic newsletter that is always online and is regularly updated with news about events and strategic activities at UNT. The formatted version is e-mailed to faculty and staff each week, usually on Wednesdays.

InHouse photos and graphics should be clearly visible in your Outlook e-mail. If you cannot see photos and graphics, be sure to set the View to HTML to see the newsletter’s color and photos. If you have difficulty, ask your department’s system administrator for assistance. Click on headlines, which link to continuously updated postings, to find the complete article on http://inhouse.unt.edu.

The newsletter includes opportunities to win a UNT T-shirt gift pack, free tickets to concerts, sports and other campus activities. Tickets and prizes are generously provided by event sponsors and departments. Winners are randomly selected from all e-mail responses.

]]> Cbobo@unt.edu (Carolyn Bobo) Tue, 19 Aug 2008 16:24:00 CST http://inhouse.unt.eduindex.cfm?CommentID=2895#comments Fun Fact: One Book, One Community launched with campus discussions http://inhouse.unt.eduindex.cfm?CommentID=2885 More than 80 faculty members will launch UNT’s inaugural One Book, One Community program Aug. 20, when they host discussions about The Bean Trees, a novel by Barbara Kingsolver. The One Book, One Community program is a year-long focus on a theme that is relevant to the university learning community. What is the theme of The Bean Trees?

A. Agricultural economics
B. Cultural differences in the United States
C. Vegetarian cooking
D. Genetically modified plants

The correct answer is B: cultural differences in the United States. The official One Book, One Community theme is American Identity in an Age of Immigration: Beyond the Melting Pot.

The book tells the story of a young woman who heads west from her native Kentucky to a new life in Arizona. She becomes caregiver to an abandoned Native American child, befriends a family of Guatemalan immigrants and finds a job at Jesus Is Lord Used Tires. The narrative deals with fundamental themes of friendship, parent-child relationships and changing American culture. A review in Publisher’s Weekly called it “funny, inspiring,” and “a marvelous affirmation of risk-taking, commitment and everyday miracles.”

To win one of five copies of The Bean Trees, send an e-mail to InHouse, inhouse@unt.edu  with “One Book” in the subject line by 5 p.m. Aug. 22. Winners will be selected at random from all responses.

Freshmen were given a copy of The Bean Trees at orientation, and it will be part of the core curriculum’s required freshman English class. Other classes and programs may incorporate the book and its themes in curriculum.

Faculty and staff are encouraged to read The Bean Trees, and attend campus events that focus on immigration and American identity. Lectures, visiting writer series participants and a conference to discuss immigration are scheduled in 2008-09. The first, on Sept. 23, features Charles Cambridge, a University of Colorado professor and member of the Navajo Tribe.  Read InHouse for news about One Book, One Community events.

Go to http://vpaa.unt.edu/files/OneBook/AboutOneBook.htm to suggest books for the 2009-10 program. Deadline is Sept. 1.

The Bean Trees, published in 1988, was Kingsolver’s first novel. She has written five novels, poetry and essays, and become a champion of sustainable living. Her most recent book is Animal, Vegetable, Miracle, a tale of her family’s year of eating locally. Learn more about Kingsolver, right, at http://www.kingsolver.com/about/about.asp.

(Photo and illustration courtesy of HarperCollins, New York, NY. Cover design by Lisa Desimini.)

]]> Cbobo@unt.edu (Carolyn Bobo) Tue, 19 Aug 2008 08:48:00 CST http://inhouse.unt.eduindex.cfm?CommentID=2885#comments Know an outstanding alumni? Nominate him or her for an award http://inhouse.unt.eduindex.cfm?CommentID=2893 The deadline for nominations for UNT’s annual alumni awards is Sept. 1. Awards will be presented at the annual Alumni Awards Dinner, April 17, 2009. Awardees and their nominators will be notified in November.

Go to http://www.unt.edu/development/alumniawards/index.html for information, nomination forms and photos of the 2008 awards dinner, which celebrated outstanding alumni nominated in 2007. See more photos and information in the Spring issue of The North Texan magazine. Regent Gayle Strange, at left in photo, and President Gretchen M. Bataille present an award to Emily Pulley, center, at the 2008 ceremony. Pulley, who received a master's degree in music, is principal soprano for the Metropolitan Opera, New York.

Here is information about the annual awards.

 • Distinguished Alumna/Alumnus Award is the university's most prestigious award.
It is given to individuals for professional prominence and extraordinary contributions to society which have elevated the reputation of the university.
• Green Glory Award has been presented since 1983 as the university's acknowledgment of individuals, but not necessarily alumni, whose notable efforts have provided the university with a standard of excellence.
• Honorary Alumna/Alumnus Award has been presented since 1978 to recognize individuals who are not alumni and who have exhibited outstanding dedication, service and support to the university.
• Outstanding Alumna/Alumnus Service Award was first presented in 1974 to honor individuals for their exemplary service and loyal support for the university.
• Ulys Knight Spirit Award has been presented since 1975 to an individual or group that has made exceptional efforts to build spirit and support among the university family. The award is named for a 1928 graduate who was a member of the North Texas championship basketball team and was known as "Mr. North Texas."
• President's Citation is presented to individuals for their professional achievements, service and support which have brought distinction to the university.
• Special Awards are given to those who have supported UNT.

Nominations are confidential, and that candidates are unaware of their nomination. The president, deans, and/or advancement officers will contact those selected for recognition.

Nominations of those not selected will be carried forward for another year, and may be updated and renewed by the original or other appropriate nominator for consideration in subsequent years.

Learn more about membership in the UNT alumni association.

]]> Cbobo@unt.edu (Carolyn Bobo) Mon, 18 Aug 2008 18:07:00 CST http://inhouse.unt.eduindex.cfm?CommentID=2893#comments Fall convocation launches academic year Sept. 9 http://inhouse.unt.eduindex.cfm?CommentID=2892

Fall convocation, the official and formal beginning of the academic year, will be 7:15 a.m.- 9 a.m. Sept. 9 in the University Union, Silver Eagle Suite.

President Gretchen M. Bataille, right, at last year's convocation, will discuss UNT's successes and achievements during the 2007-08 year, and will identify challenges for 2008-09. Awards for teaching, service and support of UNT’s mission as a student-centered public research university will be announced.

Continental breakfast will be available at 7:15 a.m. The presentation will begin at 7:45 a.m.

Contact Laurea Dunahoe, special events coordinator, Office of the President, at laurea.dunahoe@unt.edu or 940-565-4367.

 

]]> Cbobo@unt.edu (Carolyn Bobo) Mon, 18 Aug 2008 17:07:00 CST http://inhouse.unt.eduindex.cfm?CommentID=2892#comments One Book, One Community program begins with Aug. 20 discussions http://inhouse.unt.eduindex.cfm?CommentID=2889 Many new college freshmen spend their first few days on campus decorating residence hall rooms, buying books, partying and finding their way around campus.

But UNT freshmen will spend part of their first week at more than 80 locations around campus discussing Barbara Kingsolver’s novel The Bean Trees.*

Freshmen will meet in assigned groups of 25 around campus Aug. 20 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. or from 11 a.m. to noon. UNT faculty members will lead discussion groups, which will launch One Book, One Community, am inaugural program focusing on a chosen theme and a book that reflects it: American Identity in an Age of Immigration: Beyond the Melting Pot.

David Holdeman, chair of the One Book, One Community committee and the Department of English, says The Bean Trees was selected as this year’s book because it focuses on community, economic injustice and cultural differences. The debut novel by Kingsolver, the book relates the experiences of a young woman who moves from her childhood home in rural Kentucky to a new life in Arizona. She befriends a family of Guatemalan immigrants and becomes the caregiver to an abandoned 3-year Cherokee child.

Holdeman said he hopes the discussions will spur students’ interest in attending campus events that follow the theme. Most of the events will be open to all UNT students, staff and faculty members, who will be encouraged to read novel

During the 2008-09 academic year, UNT departments have scheduled events with the themes of immigration and American identity. Wendy K. Wilkins, provost and vice president for academic affairs, says One Book, One Community will “enrich the living and learning environment of our campus. Throughout the year, our students, faculty and staff will have a shared experience through engagement with the same literary work that will be interpreted through events in many of our academic disciplines,” she says.

Five scheduled campus events related to One Book, One Community include:

Sept. 23 -- Charles Cambridge, speaker, College of Public Affairs and Community Service’s fall forum. Cambridge is a member of the Navajo Tribe whose research focuses on the spread of AIDS among American Indian populations and its impact on the cultural traditions of American Indians. Cambridge earned a doctorate in anthropology from the University of Colorado at Boulder, and is a faculty member there.

]]> Cbobo@unt.edu (Carolyn Bobo) Mon, 18 Aug 2008 10:06:00 CST http://inhouse.unt.eduindex.cfm?CommentID=2889#comments Postal service transition continues; address format to change http://inhouse.unt.eduindex.cfm?CommentID=2888 Here is additional and important information about UNT mail addresses, which are changing, due to the change of vendor at UNT. The U.S. Postal Service formerly provided postal services; as of Aug. 11, Pitney Bowes has started the transtion to its management of mail.

The transition to a new mail provider in the University Union means UNT addresses will change.

External mail service for the campus community is now provided at Eagle Express, operated by Pitney Bowes in the same space on the Union’s second level.

All university units will retain the box numbers they currently use. However, the USPS will not permit box holders to use “P.O.” as part of their mailing address. Instead, a # symbol will precede your box number (See example below).

USPS mail regulations also require UNT’s incoming mail to include a street address. The address of the University Union, 1155 Union Circle, is the required mailing address for any department receiving mail there. This requirement is for mail received via the USPS only.

Additionally, the new extended zip code for UNT is 76203-5017. Please note that the last four digits of the UNT’s zip code no longer relate to a specific box number. The digits ensure the USPS knows that it’s UNT-bound mail.

Sample mailing address:
University of North Texas
Your Name
Division of University Relations, Communications and Marketing
1155 Union Circle #000000 (your box number)
Denton, Texas 76203-5017

Transition time
UNT is seeking a one-year transition time from its current address format to the new required format. While the university has not received a written guarantee to this effect from the USPS, we believe all mail using the old address format will continue to be deliverable for some time. However, all university departments should begin taking steps to transition journal and magazine subscriptions and other regularly received mail to the new address format.

Stationery, Business Cards and Other Printed Materials
We do not believe it is necessary to transition stationery, business cards, publications and other printed materials to the new address format immediately. However, all orders for printed materials placed through Printing Services will be updated with the new address prior to printing.

Questions?
If you have questions about postal requirements, transitioning to the new address format, etc., call Jimmy Friend or Judy Willis at Printing Services, 940-565-2005, or Glenda Riley in Mail Services, 940-565-2286.

]]> Cbobo@unt.edu (Carolyn Bobo) Fri, 15 Aug 2008 15:49:00 CST http://inhouse.unt.eduindex.cfm?CommentID=2888#comments Ten coaches on the rise http://inhouse.unt.eduindex.cfm?CommentID=2887

UNT head football coach Todd Dodge was featured on MSN.com Fox Sports on Aug. 15 in an article about the 10 football coaches on the rise. According to Fox Sports, the former Southlake Carroll head man and Texas quarterback is about to make UNT explode. Dodge ranks among the six most productive quarterbacks in Texas high school history, and he's about to do the same for the Mean Green.

 

 

 

 

 

 

]]> mstucky@unt.edu (Mellina Stucky ) Fri, 15 Aug 2008 12:24:00 CST http://inhouse.unt.eduindex.cfm?CommentID=2887#comments Want to know what's happening? Read InHouse and Announce.unt.edu http://inhouse.unt.eduindex.cfm?CommentID=2886 Want to know what's happening on campus? The information is usually available, but some reader participation is required. We have InHouse, the continuously updated online news service that you are now reading, and we have Announce.unt.edu.

Announce.unt.edu was created to avoid the flood of e-mails sent to every campus address back in the GroupWise e-mail days. Some people liked all those e-mails, some found them annoying. Now you can decide how to get information. Go to the announce site or have postings sent to your Outlook mail box in an RSS feed.

• To find information on InHouse, go to http://inhouse.unt.edu. The weekly formatted InHouse is sent on Wednesdays with summaries of news and events, research, academic honors, photos and graphics and opportunities to win tickets, T-shirts and other prizes generously donated by campus departments.The newsletter is sent to all UNT Denton and Dallas Campus addresses and to retirees who have asked to receive it.

• Check out Announce.unt.edu each day. If you want to post an announcement or event, follow the the instructions on the home page.

• Receive Announce.unt.edu messages in your Outlook e-mail box. Go to http://announce.unt.edu/node/702 and follow the instructions to have postings sent to you.

Also, don't forget that Announce.unt.edu and the UNT Events Calendar work hand in hand so promoting your event to faculty and staff is easier than ever. Announce topics include:

• Administration
• Annual University Events
• Arts and Entertainment
• Awards, Receptions and Memorials
• Community and Volunteer Opportunities
• Conferences, Presentations and Training
• Miscellaneous
• Process, Policy and Procedure
• Promotions, Contests and Menus
• Research, Grants and Fellowships
• Sports, Health and Fitness
• Surplus for University Use
• UNT Spirit and Student Events   

]]> Cbobo@unt.edu (Carolyn Bobo) Thu, 14 Aug 2008 13:29:00 CST http://inhouse.unt.eduindex.cfm?CommentID=2886#comments Congratulations to these Fun Fact winners http://inhouse.unt.eduindex.cfm?CommentID=2884 Congratulations to these randomly-selected winners in the Aug. 6 InHouse Fun Fact giveaways.

• Shea Randles, Human Resources representative, UNT T-shirt
• Ron Chrisman, director, UNT Press, UNT polo shirt
• Ryan Walker, Student Financial Aid, UNT cap
• Angela Byrne, Purchasing and Payment Services, book store gift card

Rodney Davison, manager of the UNT Book Store, generously donated prizes for last week’s InHouse Fun Fact. This weekend, Aug. 15-17 is tax free weekend in Texas. Many items (sorry, not textbooks) will be sold sans state sales tax. The book store, usually closed on Sundays, will be open on Aug. 17. UNT faculty and staff will receive a 20 percent discount on UNT gift items and clothing Aug. 15-17; ID required.

You can win free stuff, too. But not if you don’t read InHouse, the electronic newsletter that is always online and is regularly updated with news about events and strategic activities at UNT. The formatted version is e-mailed to faculty and staff each week, usually on Wednesdays.

InHouse photos and graphics should be clearly visible in your Outlook e-mail. If you are still using GroupWise, be sure to set the View command (top bar>View>HTML) to HTML to see the newsletter’s color and photos, then click on headlines, which link to continuous postings.

You’ll find opportunities to win a UNT T-shirt gift pack, free tickets to concerts, sports and other campus activities. Tickets and prizes are generously provided by event sponsors and departments. Winners are randomly selected from all e-mail responses.

]]> Cbobo@unt.edu (Carolyn Bobo) Wed, 13 Aug 2008 12:52:00 CST http://inhouse.unt.eduindex.cfm?CommentID=2884#comments The Syndicate area gets a face lift, new bagel franchise http://inhouse.unt.eduindex.cfm?CommentID=2883 Syndicate, an entertainment venue for students and faculty in the University Union, lower level, is currently closed and being remodeled. It will re-open Aug. 25, the first day of classes for the Fall 2008 semester.

The Syndicate has been under construction for three weeks and will include an Einstein Bros. Bagels franchise in opening in mid-September. The space where computers and a large television once sat will now feature the bagel shop. Other areas of The Syndicate are also being remodeled.

“We’re expanding the dance floor area because we’ve heard it wasn’t big enough," says Mark Packer, assistant director for programs. "The carpet is going to be replaced, as well as the AV light and sound system is being upgraded to really enhance The Syndicate as a live music venue,”

Packer says the location of Einstein Bros. Bagels will help the traffic flow of the food court and allow patrons to order breakfast food as well as other meals. He also says, the union discussed possible food vendor choice for two or three years, before receiving final approval.

The Sudexo food service and the food court area food franchises will all be open for students on the first day of class, Aug. 25 See a list of vendors at http://www.untretail.com/locations.html

]]> elizabeth.knighten@unt.edu (Elizabeth Knighten) Wed, 13 Aug 2008 12:42:00 CST http://inhouse.unt.eduindex.cfm?CommentID=2883#comments Two psychology faculty, alumna receive national awards http://inhouse.unt.eduindex.cfm?CommentID=2882 Two psychology faculty members and a UNT alumna will receive awards at the American Psychological Association, or APA, annual convention Aug. 14-17.

• Richard Rogers, left, professor of psychology, will receive the APA’s 2008 Award for Distinguished Professional Contributions to Applied Research.
• Paul Leung, professor of rehabilitation, social work and addictions, will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from the APA’s Division 22 — Rehabilitation Psychology, one of 55 divisions of the association.
• Rebecca Jackson, an assistant professor in the Pacific Graduate School of Psychology in Palo Alto, Calif., and Rogers’ former student, will receive the Theodore Blau Early Career Award by the APA’s Division 12 — Society of  Clinical Psychology.

Rogers’ award for distinguished professional contributions to applied research is given annually to a psychologist whose research has led to innovative applications in the area of psychological practice, including, but not limited to, assessment, consultation, instruction and direct or indirect intervention.

Leung’s lifetime achievement award is given to a rehabilitation psychologist who has made distinguished contributions in his or her work in the areas of practice, science, public interest and education and training that advances rehabilitation psychology as a science or profession.

Jackson, a 2004 doctoral graduate, received an award honoring psychologists who have received their doctoral degrees within the past 10 years.

]]> Cbobo@unt.edu (Carolyn Bobo) Wed, 13 Aug 2008 11:40:00 CST http://inhouse.unt.eduindex.cfm?CommentID=2882#comments Bookstore offers discount to faculty, staff Aug. 15-17 http://inhouse.unt.eduindex.cfm?CommentID=2880 Texas' annual tax-free weekend has an added bonus for UNT faculty and staff: Rodney Davison, UNT Bookstore manager, says an additional 20 percent discount will be applied to UNT clothing and gifts for faculty and staff who present their UNT ID.The discount will be available at both the Denton and Dallas campus bookstores.

The bookstore also will extend normal business hours to be open on Sunday, Aug. 17 for tax free weekend. This will accommodate Sunday Fun Day traffic as well as be an added convenience for faculty and staff. Call 940-595-2592.

Bookstore hours for tax free weekend will be:
• Aug. 15, 7:45 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Aug. 16, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Aug. 17, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Texas observes an annual sales tax holiday, the third weekend in August, Aug. 15-17. Shoppers in the state will not pay state and local sales tax on most clothing and footwear priced under $100, as well as backpacks priced under $100 that are used by elementary and secondary school students. Shoppers could save about $8 on every $100 that they spend. See a list of tax-free items.

Dee Knight, left, associate professor of merchandising and hospitality management, says the lack of tax isn't always enough to motivate consumers. So many retailers offer up to 40 percent discounts on fall merchandise as well as discounts on spring and summer merchandise already on sale. The combination of reduced prices and the sales tax waiver may encourage spending, she says. 

The UNT Bookstore, largest collegiate bookstore in Texas, is managed by Follett. Follett is an international corporation that provides an assortment of services and products to schools and to higher education. Follett also manages bookstores at Baylor University, University of Texas at Arlington, University of Texas at El Paso and Dallas Community Colleges.

Davison began working at the bookstore as a student in 1988, and after stints as a Follett representative and at the University of Dallas, he returned to UNT in 2000.

]]> mstucky@unt.edu (Mellina Stucky ) Tue, 12 Aug 2008 17:50:00 CST http://inhouse.unt.eduindex.cfm?CommentID=2880#comments Mentors are important for Student Success http://inhouse.unt.eduindex.cfm?CommentID=2879 Student Success-Mentoring Program offers mentors to incoming freshmen and provides support to those students who may be experiencing college for the first time. Through the program, students enhance their first-year university experience with a built-in network where they feel comfortable to ask questions and understand the resources UNT has to offer.

The large majority of our mentees are Emerald Eagle Scholars and we are expecting over 400 participants for the 2008-09 school year. Tonya Riley, coordinator of the Student Success-Mentoring Program says that faculty and staff volunteers are needed to participate in the program because they can provide information about the academic side of the university as well as the nonacademic resources UNT has to help students throughout their college career.

An effort is made to assign a faculty or staff mentor who is connected to the mentees field of study. “One of the main reasons we would like faculty and staff to participate is because we feel they can provide information about academic side of UNT, as well as connecting the students to their field of study,” says Riley.

Mentors are asked to contact their mentees at least once a month and to complete online training or in-classroom training in order to understand the mentor relationship better. Mentors must fill out a 2008-09 application form to be eligible to participate in the program.

If you were a mentor last year, you know that this is a rewarding experience that doesn’t take a lot of your time. Riley says, “This could be a great way for your department to participate in a volunteer program together. “

For more information, call 940-891-6770 or contact Tonya Riley at tonya.riley@unt.edu. Visit www.unt.edu/ssp for more information on the Student Success-Mentoring Program.

]]> mstucky@unt.edu (Mellina Stucky ) Tue, 12 Aug 2008 16:49:00 CST http://inhouse.unt.eduindex.cfm?CommentID=2879#comments Educational benefit helps UNT community, supports base year calculations http://inhouse.unt.eduindex.cfm?CommentID=2878 Tammy Boyea is finishing the bachelor’s degree she started in community college. Mary Roby’s degree will be a source of pride, a measure of personal achievement. And Roxanne Litman is headed for graduate school. They did all the heavy lifting, all the reading, writing, research and late-night studying, but UNT gave them a hand along the way. Each took advantage of the educational scholarship, a benefit that pays for a portion of tuition and fees for selected faculty, staff, dependents and retirees.

About 500 individuals take advantage of the educational scholarship benefit each semester, says Terri Miller, assistant director of Student Accounting. The benefit pays tuition mandated by the UNT System Board of Regents and mandated fees for eligible individuals affiliated with UNT, UNT Health Science Center at Fort Worth, UNT Foundation, Professional Development Institute or UNT Alumni Association. Some additional fees are not included, but the scholarship moves college “from unaffordable to affordable,” says Litman, administrative services officer in the Toulouse School of Graduate Studies. Litman used the benefit to help her earn a bachelor’s degree and will begin classes for a master’s degree in speech pathology in Fall 2008, which is the first semester of an enrollment base year.

A base year is the academic year that the Texas Legislature uses to determine funding for public colleges and universities. In January 2009, legislators will determine funding for UNT and Texas’ other public universities for the 2009-10 and 2010-11 fiscal years. The funding will be determined using the enrollment figures from this base year, which began in Summer 2008 and ends in Spring 2009, and state formulas. This fall’s enrollment and semester credit hour numbers will be key in determining how much funding UNT receives from the state for general operations.

This means UNT will benefit from the employees who use the educational scholarship, much as those employees benefit from the financial savings.

Roby, an accountant, says using the educational scholarship wasn’t a tough decision. “I thought to myself, why not? Now, I am classified as a junior, and I am excited about my accomplishment. The personal satisfaction I am getting is worth the time and the effort. This is something that is all mine and I can be proud of obtaining my degree.”

Boyea, who earned an associate degree in business administration and a certificate in clerical studies at other institutions, found the cost reduction attractive, along with the number of online classes that are available. (UNT has one of the largest online enrollments in the state.) She and her daughter, who will enroll at UNT in Fall 2008, now have the opportunity for joint study sessions. Both mother and daughter are earning bachelor’s degrees.

UNT offers the educational benefit for certain faculty and staff and their dependents and retirees. Applications must be submitted by the twelfth class day of the semester, which is Sept. 8, 2008.

Find an application at http://essc.unt.edu/saucs/saucsforms.htm or contact Student Accounting and University Cashiering Services at 940-565-3225, or http://essc.unt.edu/saucs/.

In addition to gaining academic credentials, Roby says, “You can use this experience to relate to the students on a more personal level. I can identify with them about the issues they are having with their classes or professors and make suggestions for resolutions using my personal experience as a guide.”

]]> Cbobo@unt.edu (Carolyn Bobo) Tue, 12 Aug 2008 16:37:00 CST http://inhouse.unt.eduindex.cfm?CommentID=2878#comments Fun Fact: You could be as fit as an Olympian. Maybe. http://inhouse.unt.eduindex.cfm?CommentID=2877

The Olympics are so inspiring. We get to see the world’s best athletes in action. Some of our own superior athletes,the Mean Green volleyball, soccer and football teams will begin play this month. Watching makes you wish we all could be as fit and talented. How can UNT faculty and staff improve fitness and health?

A. Join the Pohl Recreation Center
B. Ride a bicycle around campus
C. Work out with any Mean Green athletic team
D. Park in Krum and walk to campus

The correct answers are A and B. First, consider answer A: The Pohl Recreation Center offers discounted memberships to faculty and staff. UNT also allows staff to spend up to 30 minutes a day with a fitness activity. See more about answer B, ride a bike, below.

To win a free intramural T-shirt or one of five UNT T-shirt gift packs, send an e-mail to InHouse, inhouse@unt.edu with “Olympics” in the subject line by 5 p.m. Aug. 16. Winners are selected at random from all responses.

Faculty, staff and their dependents, retirees and alumni may join the rec center. Faculty and staff also may have fees deducted from paychecks. See the center's membership schedule for costs and options, go to the Membership Desk at the center to sign on, or call 940-565-2275 or 940-369-8347.

]]> Cbobo@unt.edu (Carolyn Bobo) Tue, 12 Aug 2008 14:31:00 CST http://inhouse.unt.eduindex.cfm?CommentID=2877#comments Strong named director of Discovery Park, technology transfer http://inhouse.unt.eduindex.cfm?CommentID=2876 Harold Strong, left, director of Research Park at Texas A&M University, will become director of Discovery Park Aug. 18. He also will be director of technology transfer.

Strong will lead efforts to establish UNT as a leader in technology transfer and commercialization by:

• fostering innovations through cutting-edge research
• assisting start-up companies
• building partnerships with private companies
• spurring regional economic development 

Strong’s duties will include all aspects of building a research park: conceptualizing, designing, building and managing Discovery Park, which currently houses the College of Engineering and the interdisciplinary Center for Advanced Research and Technology. The park, which will be developed with guidance from an advisory group of both on- and off-campus members, also will house the School of Library and Information Sciences.

Discovery Park will help commercialize the technological research performed in its labs, serve as an incubator for new companies and recruit science- and technology-related companies to relocate to the park. The park will work closely with the UNT faculty of many disciplines, particularly engineering, science and business.

See the Extended Entry to learn more about Strong

]]> Cbobo@unt.edu (Carolyn Bobo) Tue, 12 Aug 2008 09:48:00 CST http://inhouse.unt.eduindex.cfm?CommentID=2876#comments Fifth UNT student earns American Humanics scholarship http://inhouse.unt.eduindex.cfm?CommentID=2874 Brooke Moore, a senior sociology major, has been named a NextGen Leader, a national award and scholarship given by American Humanics Inc.

Moore is the fifth UNT student to receive the award and scholarship. UNT has had a recipient each semester since the 2007 implementation of the American Humanics’ NextGen Nonprofit Leaders program, a national competition that provides scholarships to students win internships in the nonprofit sector.
 
Moore is one of 22 students selected from 15 college campuses in the United States to be named a NextGen Leader for Fall 2008.  She will receive a $4,500 scholarship. 

Established in 1948, American Humanics is an alliance of academic institutions, nonprofit organizations and professional associations designed to prepare students for professional and leadership positions in the nonprofit industry. American Humanics Inc. is affiliated with 67 colleges and universities as well as 58 national nonprofit organizations and their local affiliates.

The Next Generation Nonprofit Leaders program began in January 2007 with a $5 million grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Through 2012, American Humanics will select a total of 1,000 NextGen Leaders, who will receive scholarships and access to mentoring and support from a network of nonprofit leaders. Learn more at www.humanics.org.

 Four other UNT American Humanics students have received this scholarship:
•    Amma Cottrell, senior international studies major, summer 2008, interned with Human Rights Initiative of North Texas
•    Allie Hallmark, senior political science major, fall 2007, interned with Planned Parenthood of North Texas.
•    Betty Wan, 2008 graduate, spring 2008, interned with  Habitat for Humanity of Denton County
•    Ashley Gatta, 2006 graduate, summer 2007, Denton County Friends of the Family.

]]> Cbobo@unt.edu (Carolyn Bobo) Mon, 11 Aug 2008 12:23:00 CST http://inhouse.unt.eduindex.cfm?CommentID=2874#comments New mail service begins operation today, Aug. 11 http://inhouse.unt.eduindex.cfm?CommentID=2873 Aug. 11 in the University Union, level 2. The new mail office will be under construction, though operational for basic mail needs. Here is updated information about the new provider:

Will the new service provider use the same numbers and keys for the boxes?
The U.S. Postal Service will be removing the mailboxes and service counter, and we will be installing new boxes in the same configuration and numbering sequence as is currently in place. We anticipate this conversion will take five working days. You will need to change your address from “ PO Box” to “1155 Union Circle PMB 000000” (your box number). Beginning Monday, Aug.18, you will need to exchange your old USPS key for one issued by the new provider, Pitney Bowes, and fill out a USPS transfer authorization form.

What is the proposed timeline for the transition?
The campus will be alerted as new information becomes available. On Monday, Aug. 11, Limited window service will begin and boxed mail will be returned to assigned boxes. Final build-out of the space may be in progress.

Will mail be boxed on Saturdays?
Yes, beginning on Saturday, Aug. 16, mail will be boxed on Saturday as well as Monday – Friday.

Will Fedex, DHL and UPS service be available inbound as well as outbound?
Yes, inbound service will be available for boxholders.

Do boxholders need to do a change of address card with the U.S. Postal Service?
No, you do not need to alert the USPS. That will be handled by the form you fill out when you switch your box key. You do need to change your address for inbound mail to “1155 Union Circle PMB 000000” (Your box number).

]]> Cbobo@unt.edu (Carolyn Bobo) Mon, 11 Aug 2008 09:16:00 CST http://inhouse.unt.eduindex.cfm?CommentID=2873#comments