Volume 7, #20

IT Strategic Planning Committee Needs Your Feedback, Please Answer Your Survey Today You should have received by now an email for a survey sponsored by the IT Strategic Planning Committee. The survey launched on Feb. 15 and will close at noon on Feb. 24. The survey will provide direction for the committee and will be used to generate an analysis describing the perceptions of where IT is today at Clayton State and the needs for the future based upon the goals of the university strategic plan. Each faculty and staff member’s email from the committee contains a discrete link to the survey for individual responses. If you did not receive, or have lost that email, please contact Jim Flowers, requesting a new link. Taking this survey is important to the future of Clayton State, and your assistance is much appreciated. “Our People, Our Nation,” Feb. 20 Clayton State University’s AmeriCorps program, the Alpha Phi Omega Petitioning Group, and Alpha Kappa Lamda will host “Our People, Our Nation” on Monday, Feb. 20, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., in the Clayton State University Student Activities Center ballrooms. Clayton State students will participate in the program, which will consist of song, spoken word and dance performances as well as a live museum of influential Americans who have added to black history and helped to shape the nation. The program is free and open to the public. For more information contact Jen Welch at JenniferWelch@clayton.edu or the Department of Campus life office: (678) 466-5433.

This Week

February 21 Town Hall Meeting Postponed Tomorrow’s town hall meeting, scheduled to be held on the Clayton State campus with Reps. Glen Baker and Sandra Scott of the Georgia General Assembly has been postponed to a later date. According to Clayton State Instructor of Political Science Sara Henderson, the representatives have had unforeseen circumstances that will require them to miss the meeting. Henderson adds that the meeting will be rescheduled for a later date. Transportation Engineer Carla W. Holmes to Speak, Feb. 21 Carla W. Holmes, PE, PTOE, senior transportation engineer for Gresham Smith and Partners, and founder and principal engineer of Carla Holmes Engineering, Ellenwood, Ga., a nationally-recognized leader among women transportation executives, will be speaking on Tuesday, Feb. 21, from 12:40 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., in room UC327 of the Baker Center. SBDC to Host “Starting a Business” at Henry Chamber of Commerce, Feb. 21 Clayton State University’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) will be hosting a “Starting a Business” workshop, a comprehensive workshop on important decisions you make prior to opening a business, in Henry County. The workshop will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 21, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Henry County Chamber of Commerce. PowerPoint handouts and a book, “How to Start a Business: A Guide for Georgia Entrepreneurs” will be provided. The cost is $69 per person with 50 percent off for each additional person. In addition, Clayton State students and employees also get 50 percent off. To register, go to http://www.georgiasbdc.org/subpage.aspx? =2878b24d-b50e-4e78-8962-33502735ada8. School of Nursing Schedules Two Pre-Nursing Information Sessions in February Clayton State University’s School of Nursing (SoN) will be holding its latest IN! (Into Nursing) Pre-Nursing Information Sessions on Monday, Feb. 20, from 5 p.m. until 6 p.m., and Thursday, Feb. 23, from 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. The Monday session will be held in room B-11 of the Lecture Hall. The Thursday session will be in room UC272 of the James M. Baker University Center. The purpose of the Into Nursing information sessions is to provide pre-nursing students with important information about resources that are available to help them plan for a career in nursing. Strategies will be discussed regarding how to successfully prepare yourself for the application process and how to be successful once you are admitted to a nursing program. The informational sessions are conducted during the fall and spring semesters by Clayton State’s Nursing Workforce Diversity grant team and the advisors in the School of Nursing. These informational sessions will be open to high school students, university students, parents and university faculty and staff. Basketball Doubleheader vs. Montevallo, Feb. 22 The fourth-ranked and defending national champion Clayton State Lakers women’s basketball team (24-2) will take on the University of Montevallo at 5:30 p.m. in the Athletics & Fitness Center on Wednesday, Feb. 22. The men’s game vs. Montevallo will follow at 7:30 p.m. Clayton State to Celebrate National Recreational Sports & Fitness Day, Feb. 22 The Clayton State University Department of Recreation & Wellness will celebrate National Recreational Sports & Fitness Day on Wednesday, Feb. 22. The day will be filled with numerous events, information and cash prizes (for the top three places in the fitness contests). All events will take place in the Clayton State Student Activities Center (SAC) Fitness Center, starting at 11 a.m. Highlighting the day will be fun fitness competitions from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., for both students and Clayton State employees. The fitness competitions will consist of three events -- Bench Press Contest (for relative strength), a Total Gym Pull Up Contest, and the Balance Creek Contest. Cash prizes will be awarded to students who place in each fitness competition, and an overall Clayton State University Fitness Champion title will be awarded for both students and employees. The male and female with the most points accumulated by competing in each contest will win the overall title of “Clayton State Fitness Champion” and the winners will be recognized at an event in April, and their names will appear on a perpetual plaque that is on display the SAC Fitness Center. Other events on the day will include: Cornhole, Group Exercise Classes, and Dodgeball. Cindy Lauer, director of Recreation & Wellness, “encourages everyone to be active and hopes the campus will join in the fun.” French-American Chamber of Commerce Speaker, Feb. 22 Clayton State University’s Office of International Programs and the College of Business and Clayton State will welcome Daniel Bowers, executive director of the French-American Chamber of Commerce (FACC) of Atlanta, to campus on Wednesday. Feb. 22. Bowers will be speaking on U.S. – French business ties and the role of the FACC in promoting bilateral U.S. – French business relationships. His presentation, which is free and open to the public, will run from 12:45 p.m. to 2 p.m., in room 416 of the James M. Baker University Center, located on the Clayton State campus. Office of Career Services Presents the Career Expo, Feb. 22 On Wednesday, Feb. 22, in the Student Activities Center Ballroom, from Noon to 3 p.m., the Office of Career Services will present the annual Career Expo. Students and alumni are advised to bring plenty of resumes. For more information, call (678) 466-5400 or email career@clayton.edu. Financial Aid Closed, Feb. 22 and Feb. 23 The Financial Aid office will be closed on Wednesday, Feb. 22, and Thursday, Feb. 23, for staff training. E-Verification and Immigration; a New York Times Talk at Clayton State, Feb. 24 Clayton State University’s partnership with the New York Times continues this month with a New York Times Talk on E-verification and immigration. The talk, titled “E-verify: Illegal Latinos Between Left & Right and All Stripes,” will be facilitated by Assistant Professor of Spanish Dr. Khedija Gadhoum, on Friday, Feb. 24 at 1 p.m., in room UC267 of the James M. Baker University Center. This event is free and open to the public. A free lunch will be provided, courtesy of the New York Times, to those who RSVP to Associate Professor of Political Science Dr. Joe Corrado at joecorrado@clayton.edu no later than Thursday, Feb. 23 at noon. Nontraditional Student Organization Looks at “The Heart of the Matter,” Feb. 24 February is Black History Month. This is an excellent time to evaluate ourselves – body, mind and soul. There are a myriad of health issues that continue to plague the African American Community – cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, etc. The improper care of one’s body, mind or soul can adversely affect one’s heart. Join the Nontraditional Student Organization (NTSO) in exploring opportunities for achieving complete health. Stop by NTSO’s information table on Friday, Feb. 24, on Main Street in the James M. Baker University Center, from noon to 2 p.m.

Deadline for P-Card Training Extended to Feb. 24

The initial deadline to complete the Online P-card Refresher Training has passed.  As you may know, this is an annual mandatory training as stated in the State Purchasing Card Policy from the State Purchasing Division of DOAS.  Please take a moment to review the P-card training Power Point Presentation (approximately 18 minutes). Afterwards, there is a brief 20 question test. You do have two additional attempts if you do not make 80 percent or better on the first test.

The training deadline has been extended to the close of business Friday, Feb. 24, 2012.

Basketball Doubleheader vs. Georgia College, Feb. 25 The fourth-ranked and defending national champion Clayton State Lakers women’s basketball team (24-2) will take on Georgia College at 5:30 p.m., in the final 2012 regular season home game in the Athletics & Fitness Center on Saturday, Feb. 25. The men’s game vs. Georgia College will follow at 7:30 p.m. Jupiter String Quartet, Feb. 25 As part of Spivey Hall’s on-going Project Jupiter, the renown Jupiter String Quartet will be giving a concert in Spivey Hall on Saturday, Feb. 25 at 8:15 p.m. The Concert will be preceded by a 7:15 p.m. pre-concert talk.  Students and teachers receive 50 percent off tickets! Go to http://www.spiveyhall.org/concerts/jupiter-string-quartet-2 for more information.

College of Business Accounting Students Providing Free Tax Assistance, Feb. 25

Accounting students from Clayton State University’s College of Business will once again be offering free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) on Saturday, Feb. 25, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the College of Business Building.

Taxpayers will be assisted on a first come, first serve basis. If taxpayers have further questions they may call the VITA hotline at (678) 466-4527.

Those who are eligible to receive this service are taxpayers who make under $49,000 a year and wish to receive help with their 2011 personal income taxes. The program does not provide assistance with out-of-state or small business returns, or for those who are self-employed.

Announcements

Homecoming 2012 Loch Photos The Faculty-Staff photos done with Loch at the Homecoming Pep Rally may found on the campus shared network drive z:/. Please go to the z:/ drive then the “Campus_Shared_Photos” folder. In this folder you will find the “2012 Homecoming Loch Photos” folder. Please enjoy! Clayton State Opens Low Element Challenge Course to Campus Are you looking for a team-building-type opportunity for your class, student group, or department? Do you find that you are in need of greater communication, trust, and cooperation within the group dynamic? If so, Clayton State University’s Department of Recreation & Wellness has an opportunity for you. The Department of Recreation & Wellness is pleased to announce the unveiling of a Low Element Challenge Course on the campus of Clayton State. This outdoor facility will avail itself to the campus community as well as outside groups and corporations. Trust, communication, teambuilding and leadership are just a few of the skills that will be challenged and developed at the Low Element Course. Outdoor teamwork-enrichment programs have increased in popularity and Clayton State’s Outdoor Adventure Program is thrilled to offer this exciting opportunity to the University community. Nicholas Kilburg, assistant director of Recreation & Wellness, was instrumental in the design of this facility which includes seven elements. “Our programs are uniquely created to give each participant and team an invaluable set of tools not only for personal growth, but also for professional development,” he says. Cindy Lauer, director of Recreation & Wellness adds, “the addition of the Low Element Challenge Course will enable our department the opportunity to expand programming and experiential learning opportunities to students, classes, campus organizations, university staff, and faculty.” For further information, please Kilburg at (678) 466-4972 or email NicholasKilburg@clayton.edu. Information can also be found at http://adminservices.clayton.edu/recwell/outdooradventure/. Hot Water Shut Off in the SAC, Feb. 24 Through Feb. 26 In order to improve the appearance of the water coming from the drinking fountains and faucets in the SAC building, the hot water heater will be turned off and serviced beginning at 3 pm Friday, Feb. 24, through the evening of Sunday, Feb. 26. As such, there will be no hot water in the building during this time. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you. For your information the quality of the water has been tested by the Clayton County Water Authority and is safe to drink. Spivey Hall Announces Dates for Annual Summer Music Camp Clayton State University’s world-famous Spivey Hall has announced the 2012 dates for its annual Summer Music Camp. The camp will run from Monday, June 11 through Friday, June 15, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., each day. Registration is now open and there is an early-bird registration discount before Mar. 2. The deadline to register is Friday, May 25. Notaries on Campus? University Relations is making its semi-annual survey of the Notary Publics on campus. If you are a Notary Public, please email johnshiffert@clayton.edu with your name and office location. Thank you.

Upcoming Events

Clayton State to Hold Fifth Annual African-American Read-In, Feb. 28 Clayton State University will host its Fifth Annual African-American Read-In for students on Tuesday, Feb. 28, in room G101 of the Arts & Sciences Building. The public is invited to attend. This year’s Read-In will feature two sessions, the first from 12:45 p.m. to 2 p.m., and the second from 2:10 p.m. to 3:25 p.m. Conflict Resolution Training, Feb. 28 Conflict Resolution Training for employees (including student employees) will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 28, from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. The capacity for this session is 25, and registration is required. This will be an interactive session and advanced registration will be required through Cindy Lauer, at cindylauer@clayton.edu. Title: Dealing With Difficult People:  An Introduction to Conflict Management Course Description: Conflict is an inevitable part of our environment whether it be at home, work, or in the organization to which we belong. This 75 minute session will discuss the nature of conflict, why it occurs, and how conflict can be both positive and negative. Participants will gain insight into their own style for managing conflict situations and learn strategies for achieving successful outcomes when disputes occur. Target Audience: Employees (both student and professional) Presenter: Jeff Jacobs, associate dean for Housing, Residence Life, and Student Conduct Date: Tuesday, Feb. 28 Time: 11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Location: TBA Bursar’s Office Closed, Mar. 2 The Bursar’s Office will be closed on Friday, Mar.2, for staff training. Faculty and Staff Safe Space Training, Mar. 2 Faculty and Staff Safe Space Training will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on Mar. 2 in the Student Activities Center Ballroom C. Register by noon on Wednesday, Feb. 29 to multicultural@clayton.edu. Include name, email address, department and phone number. For more information, contact LakiesaCanteyRawlinson@clayton.edu. Safe Space Training is sponsored by the Department of Counseling and Psychological Services, Gay-Straight Alliance, and Department of Campus Life and the objectives are: (1) to provide a supportive environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) members of the campus community; (2) increase the visible presence of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) allies and places that are “safe” for LGBT students across campus; and (3) dismiss negative stereotypes and present accurate information about the LGBT population. Hiking - Kick off Spring Break with a Trip to the North Georgia Mountains, Mar. 3 Hike the winding Bear Hair Gap trail along mountain streams and creeks with views of North Georgia vistas. This is an ideal hike for anyone who wants to explore the Southern Appalachian forests.  To register, stop by the front desk of the Student Activities Center (SAC). Destination: Bear Hair Gap, Ga. Date: Saturday, Mar. 3 Cost: $15/$20/$25 Limit: 12 Registration Deadline: Tuesday, Feb. 28 For more information, contact Nick Kilburg, Assistant Director of Recreation and Wellness, Outdoor Adventures, (678) 466-4972, nicholaskilburg@clayton.edu. Clayton State to Host Mathematical Association of America, Mar. 9 and Mar. 10 Clayton State University will be the site of the Spring 2012 Mathematical Association of America (MAA) Southeastern Section Meeting. The 91^st Annual MAA Southeastern Section meeting will take place on Friday, Mar. 9 and Saturday, Mar. 10, during the University’s Spring Break. To give an idea of the scope of the conference, it is anticipated that all classrooms and open space in the James M. Baker University Center, Clayton State’s largest academic building, will be in use for the expected 500 attendees. In addition, the conference’s business meetings and general sessions will be held in the Student Activities center ballroom, also on Mar. 9 and Mar. 10. There will also be some pre-conference activities on campus on Thursday afternoon and evening, Mar. 8. According to Dr. Cathie Aust, Clayton State Emerita Professor of Mathematics and the conference’s local arrangements coordinator, the conference is open to the public, one does not have to be a member of the MAA to attend. However, anyone who attends must register. Go to the conference website; http://sections.maa.org/southeastern/maase/conference/, for more information, or to register. In addition to using the Baker Center and the SAC, the conference will also feature a music program for registered conference attendees in Clayton State’s world-famous Spivey Hall on Friday evening, involving performances by Clayton State music students, some of the University’s music faculty, and the Clayton State Gospel Choir. Dean Ogbuehi to Speak at Pan African Chamber of Commerce, Mar. 15 The Pan African American Chamber of Commerce will host “African Business & Development:  Pathways & Partnerships for the 21^st Century” on Thursday, Mar. 15 at 11:30 a.m., at The World Trade Center Atlanta, located at 303 Peachtree St., NE, Ste. #100. Guest speaker Dr. Alphonso Ogbuehi, dean of the College of Business at Clayton State University, will present his take the enormous economic opportunities that have not been fully utilized between Africa and the United States. Reservations are required. Ticket prices include lunch and parking. For PAAC members, the price is $35. Non-members, $4. For tickets, go to www.PAAChamber.comor call (770) 365-8196.