New in this Issue

  Today’s Special at The Loch Shop 

Today only, The Loch Shop is selling a Clayton State Laker Basketball t-shirt for $5 when you buy anything in The Loch Shop’s electronics department.

Clayton State Basketball to Host USC Aiken Wednesday

The Clayton State women’s and men’s basketball teams will return to Mason Barfield Court on Wednesday, Jan. 15, hosting USC Aiken in Peach Belt Conference play at the Athletics Center.

Tip-off for the games will be 5:30 p.m. for the women’s game, followed by the men’s game at approximately 7:30 p.m. Admission is $5, and children 12-under are admitted free. Clayton State students and faculty/staff are admitted free with their Laker Card. The game will also be webcast at http://www.ustream.tv/claytonstateathletics.

Book Buyback Today

Still have books you would like to sell back? The Loch Shop has Beginning of the Semester Buyback today, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Veterans Welcome Reception, Today Veterans are cordially invited to attend a Welcome Reception for all active military and student veterans attending Clayton State University during the spring 2014 Semester, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2014, from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the Veterans Resource Center, Edgewater Hall, Ste. 115.

AmeriCorps Service Cinema Tonight

Come join the Clayton State AmeriCorps Program for the first AmeriCorps Service Cinema of the spring semester, Jan. 15, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Laker Hall Multipurpose Room.

As part of Clayton State University’s Paint the Campus Purple, an initiative to raise awareness and participants for Clayton County’s Relay for Life event, the AmeriCorps Program will show the movie “50/50.” Inspired by personal experiences, “50/50” is an original story about friendship, love, survival, and finding humor in unlikely places.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Seth Rogan star as best friends whose lives are changed by a cancer diagnosis. Following the film there will be a dialogue discussion with guest speaker, Caroline Windom from the American Cancer Society.

Registration and Fee Payment Deadline, Jan. 16

The FINAL registration and fee payment deadline is this Thursday, Jan. 16, by 11:59 p.m. Please finish any schedule modifications and resolve any outstanding balances by this time.

Auxiliary Services Hours for MLK Holiday, Jan. 20

Auxiliary Services’ units will have the following operating hours on Monday, Jan. 20:

-          Loch Shop:  CLOSED

-          LakerCard Center:  CLOSED

-          Lakeside Dining Hall:  Lunch 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Dinner 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

-          All other dining locations:  CLOSED

All locations will resume regular operating hours on Tuesday, Jan. 21. For regular operating hours visit:

-          Loch Shop Operating Hours

-          LakerCard Operating Hours

-          Dining Services Operating Hours, then select Dining Choices

Auditions for Theatre Senior Project, Jan. 21

Adam Dunn is holding auditions for his senior project on Tuesday, Jan. 21, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Clayton State Theatre, room G132 of the Arts and Sciences Building. An accompanist will be available after 6 p.m.

The program is a one act musical called Razia's Shadow. The people auditioning will need to prepare 16 bars of a song that shows their range. There are more male roles than female, but Dunn is open to gender-blind casting.

The story is about two star-crossed lovers who pursue their love across a divided world, and how the actions of their ancestors shape their fate.

MLK Dental Hygiene Service Day, Jan. 21

The Clayton State Department of Dental Hygiene will once again be taking part in the MLK Day of Service by providing free oral health screenings in the Dental Hygiene Clinic and Dental Hygiene promotional materials on Main Street in the James M. Baker University Center. Both events will take place on Tuesday, Jan. 21.

Senior and junior Dental Hygiene students and Dental Hygiene faculty and staff will be appearing on Main Street from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Rumor has it the Tooth Fairy might even be making an appearance on Main Street as well. Free appointments for the Dental Hygiene Clinic will be between 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

The goal of the Day of Service is for Dental Hygiene students and Dental Hygiene faculty and staff to provide free oral health screening and prescribe radiographs for 28 new patients.

Call the Clayton State Dental Hygiene Clinic receptionist to schedule an appointment; (678) 466-4920.

Summer 2014 Graduation Application Deadline, Jan. 30

Do you plan to graduate at the end of summer 2014? The deadline to submit summer 2014 graduation applications is Jan. 30, 2014! If you have already applied for summer 2014, you do not need to apply again! The sooner you get your application in, the earlier you will receive your evaluation. Below are some frequently asked questions regarding graduation application:

Where can I obtain a graduation application? 

Most programs have graduation applications on their websites.  If you can’t find a graduation application on the website of your major, you will need to contact the department of your major.

I need help completing the application. Who can help me?

If you have questions on how to fill out your application, please contact your academic advisor for help. The Office of the Registrar will not accept incomplete applications.

Where do I turn the application in?

Turn your application and the $35 graduation application fee in to the Registrar’s Office, Room 239, Edgewater Hall (formerly Student Center). Payment is accepted in the form of cash, check, money order and credit card.

If you are paying in cash, please make sure you have exact change; the Registrar’s Office cannot provide change.

Why should I turn my application in now?

The Office of the Registrar prepares a graduation evaluation for each student who applies for graduation. This is a time consuming process. Turning your application in early means that you will get your evaluation back in less than a month (in most cases); however, if you wait to turn your application in on Jan. 30, you may not receive your evaluation until May!

I am a graduate student. Where do I get the application?

Graduate Students should contact Elizabeth Taylor in the School of Graduate Studies or your Program Coordinator for more information.

Register for the Homecoming Parade, by Feb. 5 We invite you join in the celebration and participate in the 2014 Clayton State University Homecoming Parade. The parade will start at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2014. It will begin at the Morrow Municipal Complex and will travel northbound on Highway 54 (Jonesboro Road) and enter the campus at Clayton State Boulevard.

To register a unit in the parade, please complete the form found on the Homecoming website (www.clayton.edu/homecoming) and submit it no later than Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2014.

There will also be a special float-building all-nighter in the SAC on Friday, Feb. 14.

Writing a Living Business Plan Workshop, Feb. 18

Clayton State SBDC is holding a “Writing a Living Business Plan” workshop on Tuesday, Feb. 18, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Arts & Sciences Building, room G229. The cost is $69 with a 50 percent discount for each additional person that registers with you-no discount code needed.

Running a business without a plan is like going on a road trip without a map. Learn why a business plan is crucial to your business' success.

Topics for discussion include:

•Telling a compelling & provocative story about your business

•Completing a SWOT Analysis

•Setting goals & key performance indicators

•Compiling sections of the plan (Marketing, HR, Financial, & Operational)

•Calculating profit & loss projections, balance sheet, & cash flow statement

•Finding sources & determining the cost of capital

A sample business plan and other handouts will be provided.

Contact Heather Chaney at (678) 466-5100 or register at http://www.georgiasbdc.org/subpage.aspx?page_name=view_classes&city=Morrow#

2014 Georgia International Leadership Conference (Gilc) Accepting Applications

The annual Georgia International Leadership Conference student conference is open to six Clayton State students and applications are being accepted now. The dates are Feb. 28, 2014 to Mar. 2, 2014.

What is it? 175 to 200 American and international students from colleges and universities across Georgia spend a weekend together 70 miles from Atlanta in an intensive program of interactive, fun, social sessions designed to increase your awareness of global issues and to connect you with international friends and students.

Transportation and costs are sponsored by the Division of Student Affairs. For more information contact: isso@clayton.edu.

Clayton State Alum Kevin Liles Covering the Olympics in Sochi

Clayton State University may not have any athletes in Sochi, Russia for the 2014 Winter Olympics (of course, winter sports aren’t too common in the south in any case), but alumnus Kevin Liles is nonetheless on site at the winter games as a photographer to unofficially represent the University.

In addition to his photographic work, Liles is also blogging from Sochi. His blog, http://blog.kevindliles.com/ has the additional advantage of providing followers with some stunning photos of the Olympic venues, only what one would expect from the former editor of The Bent Tree who has photographed, among other subjects, the NCAA Final Four, no less than four NBA finals, and the cover of Clayton State’s The Laker Connection magazine.

Liles, a 2011 Clayton State graduate with a degree in Communication and Media Studies, is a commercial and editorial freelance photographer based in Atlanta. His clients have included the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta Braves, Reynolds Plantation, USA Today Sports Images, Georgia Public Broadcasting, and Clayton State. In addition, his work has appeared in Sports Illustrated, The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, USA Today, Newsweek, as well as other national and international publications. In Sochi, he’s shooting for USA Today Sports Images.

Outdoor Adventure – Spring Trip Registration Open

Outdoor Adventure has a great spring schedule planned, from hiking to skydiving there is something for everyone! Pick up a brochure located around campus or checkout the website at  http://www.clayton.edu/recwell/Outdoor-Adventure/Trip-Information. To register for an Outdoor Adventure trip stop by the front desk of the Student Activities Center (SAC).

For more information, contact Outdoor Adventure at (678) 466-4972 or by email at outdooradventures@clayton.edu.

Mystery Clients Wanted by the HUB

The HUB is accepting new Mystery Client applicants for its We're Listening Program.

As a mystery client you will bring your computer issue to the HUB and allow us to fix it. After the HUB provides service, you will rate it abilities and provide your feedback. To get started in the Mystery Client program pleas visit our We're Listening page.

 

 

 

This Week

   

The Loch Shop at Clayton State – Fayette

The Loch Shop will offer limited bookstore services at Clayton State – Fayette on Wednesday, Jan.15, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Some books will be on-hand for many of the specific classes being held at Clayton State — Fayette, along with some other items. The Loch Shop staff will also be at Clayton State – Fayette to assist students in placing online orders if necessary.

Clayton State Student Academic Planners Available

You must present your current Laker ID card in order to pick up a planner. (One planner per student and planners are on a first-come, first-serve basis.) You may pick up a copy of the planner at the following locations:

Main Campus Daytime Students:

Wednesday, Jan. 15:

Locations:

Student Activities Center – Ste. 223 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

James M. Baker University Center Information Desk — 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Main Campus Evening Students:

Location:

Wednesday, Jan. 15, at the James M. Baker University Center Information Desk from, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Clayton State – Fayette Students:

Please check with the front desk area at the Clayton State – Fayette location, beginning Thursday, Jan. 16.

*Clayton State students must present Laker ID Card for entry into all events.

Dental Hygiene Clinic Parking Resumes Jan. 15

The Dental Hygiene Department has advised that the Dental Hygiene Clinic will resume seeing patients next Wednesday, Jan. 15. Only persons with scheduled appointments should park in their designated area of Lot G beginning on that date. All others are subject to being issued citations.

Welcome Back Week 2014, "Breaking the Ice," Jan. 13 to Jan. 17

Welcome Back Week provides the opportunity to assist new and returning students with getting acclimated to the Clayton State campus, community, and resources.

Clayton State students are encouraged to attend the events of Welcome Back Week 2014: Breaking the Ice, which are sure to help students:

-break into a semester of co-curricular engagement and leadership development;

-break away from non-studious behaviors;

-break out of comfort zones by intentionally interacting with the diverse population of students,  faculty, staff, and programs here at Clayton State University.

Wednesday, Jan. 15 Paint the Campus Purple University Center Main Street 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. & 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. Sponsored by AmeriCorps Jump Start Your Day UC Main Street 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Sponsored by Student African American Sisterhood (SAAS) Welcome Week Tokens Table UC Main Street 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. & 5 p.m. – 6 p.m. Sponsored by CEC Thursday, Jan. 16 Paint the Campus Purple University Center Main Street 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. & 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. Sponsored by AmeriCorps Ice Skating SAC Green 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. Sponsored by CEC *FREE for Clayton State students, $5 for Non-Clayton State students Friday, Jan. 17 Sip and Stroke with CEC – Mocktail Edition SAC Laker Lounge 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. Sponsored by CEC *Limited spots available Happy New Year & Important Enrollment Information

Happy New Year! We hope you are looking forward to another great semester at Clayton State University. For those of you attending for the first time, we welcome you and look forward to assisting you to help make your first semester a success with us!

Here are a few reminders to get your new semester off to a good start.

·        Weekend classes start on Saturday, Jan. 11, and weekday classes start on Monday, Jan. 13.

·        Check your schedule in the DUCK, and make any needed adjustments this week until Jan. 16.

·         Attend all your classes the first week.

·         The drop/add period ends on Jan. 16 at midnight.

·         All tuition and fees are due on Jan. 16 at midnight.

·         Classes are cancelled on Monday, Jan. 20 in celebration of the M.L. King Holiday.

Best of luck for a successful spring semester!

Clayton State’s Welcome Back Week, "Breaking the Ice," Won’t Break Any (Real) Ice on Jan. 16

Clayton State University’s bi-annual Welcome Back Week provides the opportunity to assist new and returning students with getting acclimated to the Clayton State campus, community and resources. The January 2014 Welcome Back Week – known as Breaking the Ice – will also provide the public with a chance to, if not break the ice, at least try ice skating (of a fashion.)

On Thursday, Jan. 16, on the “Green” of the Clayton State Student Activities Center, the Clayton State Campus Events Council will present ice skating from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Now, as Assistant Director of Campus Life Atawanna Royal has noted, if this event had been held this past week, well, real ice could have been used.

Since another week with temperatures in the single digits seems unlikely, Royal explains that there will be a synthetic ice skating rink, real ice skates, music, lights and hot chocolate to keep everyone warm. The event is open to Clayton State students, faculty, staff and the community. Clayton State students skate for free and everyone else can skate for just $5.

Upcoming Career Services Events

The Clayton State University Office of Career Services has the following events scheduled:

ABC’s of Finding an Internship  

Thursday, Jan. 23

University Center 272    11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

University Center 272    5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Walk-In Resume Review

Students must bring a copy of your resume to receive a face-to-face critique

2 p.m. to 4 p.m.                      Every Tuesday

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.                    Every Wednesday

Intramural Sports Team Registration Open Until Jan. 27

Register now for intramural sports. Online registration is now open for Basketball, Dodge ball, and 4v4 Indoor Soccer. Check out IMleagues.com for the complete list of our sports; www.IMleagues.com/clayton.

Team registration will close on Jan. 27 at 6 p.m., sign up early to guarantee your teams’ spot! If you have questions or need more information, contact Keegan Ashbee at KeeganAshbee@clayton.edu or (678) 466-4973. Visit the web; http://www.clayton.edu/recwell/intramuralsports.

Loch Shop and LakerCard Center Hours During Bookstore Bucks, Jan. 6 to Jan. 22

The Loch Shop and LakerCard Center will have the following operating hours during Bookstore Bucks: 

Jan. 6 – Jan. 9: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Jan. 10: 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Jan. 11: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Jan. 13 – Jan.16: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Jan. 17: 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Jan. 18: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. (last day for refunds/exchanges)

Jan. 20:  CLOSED for MLK Day

Jan. 21:  Resume normal spring semester hours

Jan. 22:  Last day of Bookstore Bucks for Spring 2014

Purchase a Meal Plan with Financial Aid

Did you know you can purchase a meal plan with your unused financial aid? Well, you can!

Between Jan. 6 and Jan. 22, purchase a meal plan online and have it paid for with financial aid.  Log in to the SWAN, click the ESSENTIALS tab, and locate the Financial Aid Meal Plan channel. Complete the information requested and select the meal plan and quantity.

If your purchase is approved (based on available aid), your meal plan will be available for use within approximately one business day.

Bookstore Bucks Start Jan. 6

Bookstore Bucks (formerly Financial Aid Book Money) will be available from Jan. 6 to Jan. 22, 2014. Up to $1,000 of your unused Financial Aid will automatically be deposited in your Bookstore Bucks account on Jan. 6 for you to purchase anything in the Loch Shop.

Remember…your LakerCard is required for all purchases. After Jan. 22, any unused Bookstore Bucks are returned to your student account and refunded in late January based on your refund preference through Higher One. 

 

Upcoming

    Class Attendance During First Two Weeks

Happy New Year and welcome to the Spring 2014 semester at Clayton State University! As you know, weekend classes began Saturday, Jan. 11, and weekday classes started today, Monday, Jan. 13.

We want you to have a successful start of the new year and the new semester, and we know this is also important to you! Therefore, it is imperative that you attend class during the first week and no later than the second week of the semester. A registered student who does not attend at least one class session in each course by Thursday, Jan. 23 is a “no show.” If you are enrolled in an online course, the instructor will provide details on how online attendance will be verified.

Registration will be cancelled for any course in which a student is submitted to the Registrar’s Office as a “no show.” The “no show” student will not be charged tuition for the cancelled course. However, there may be serious financial aid consequences for students who are receiving financial aid, since this will reduce the number of enrolled credit hours. The complete No Show Policy including the appeal process is available at http://www.clayton.edu/registrar/noshowpolicy. In the event you are reported as a no show, it will be extremely difficult to get reinstated in class as indicated in the policy. Please do not let this happen to you!

The complete spring academic calendar is available at http://www.clayton.edu/calendar. Best of luck for a successful spring semester!

“A Day On Not a Day Off”

In honor of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, the Department of Campus Life will be offering Clayton State students the opportunity to serve their community by participating in the Day of Service on Monday, Jan. 20, sponsored by Hands On Atlanta the Truly Living Well Center for Natural Urban Agriculture.

Since 2006, Truly Living Well has been providing the local Atlanta community with organically grown vegetables and fruit direct from our certified natural Atlanta farm. Truly Living Well works to engage the community in developing local food systems through education, training and food production.

During the 2014 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service, volunteers will have the opportunity to work on various projects such as building a rain water catchment system, constructing a leaf corral, organizing storage space, general garden and landscape cleanup, planting trees, and painting rain barrels.

Upon completion of the service projects, students will then participate in the Annual MLK Rally & March at noon that begins at Peachtree and Baker streets in downtown Atlanta before returning to campus.

To sign up to participate for the Day of Service and March, please register at this link.  https://claytonstate.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_3Re3P2lXEPQ0y0Z. Transportation to the service sites and the march will be provided. This service project is limited to the 50 students who register.

For additional information, please contact the Department of Campus Life at (678) 466-LIFE (5433).

Clayton State Sets Events for King Celebration 2014

The 2014 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Celebration at Clayton State University begins in a little more than a month. This year’s celebration is titled: We Dream the King’s Dream.

The Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration at Clayton State University will run from Jan. 19, 2014 to Jan. 25, 2014 and is a collaborative effort between the Department of Campus Life, AmeriCorps, Diversity Education Experiences for Peers (D.E.E.P.) Educators, the Tau Epsilon Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the Sigma Sigma Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Clayton State University NAACP, Student African American Brotherhood, and Student African American Sisterhood and commemorates the life of the ultimate dreamer of the 20^th Century, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and significant events that occurred during the Civil Rights movement.

The highlights of the 2014 celebration of those dreams being made real are; King’s Sunday Supper, the Day of Service, and an MLK March in Atlanta. The King’s Sunday Supper and the dialogue discussion on Jan. 21 are open to the public.

Sunday, Jan. 19, King’s Sunday Supper

Student Activities Center (SAC) Ballroom

4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Inspired by the legacy of Dr. King, America's Sunday Super has been an annual event on the Clayton State campus for several years, inviting people from diverse backgrounds to come together to share a meal, discuss issues that affect our community and highlight our shared values and strengths. This is a ticketed event and free for Clayton State students. Tickets for all others are $10 and will be available beginning Monday, Jan. 6, 2014 in the Clayton State Department of Campus Life, located in the Student Activities Center, Ste. 223. Both Clayton State University and Non-Clayton State participants must have a ticket for admission.

Monday, Jan. 20, MLK Day of Service, Rally & March

Atlanta

8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Clayton State campus community will engage in a series of volunteer projects in the Atlanta area to pay tribute to Dr. King. After volunteering, students will participate in the annual MLK Rally and March in downtown Atlanta. Transportation will be provided for 50 participants. To register, go to the Campus Life website: www.clayton.edu/campus/life.  

Tuesday, Jan. 21, a Dream Deferred

SAC Ballroom C

7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

A dialogue discussion focusing on recent social injustices, including the Trayvon Martin case; Department of Family and Children Services and Emani Moss; as well as immigration reform in Georgia. Participants will have a conversation regarding these issues and hone in on action steps that can be taken to eradicate these injustices.

Saturday, Jan. 25, Cultural Immersion Trip: A Day with Dr. King

Atlanta

9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The 2014 Cultural Immersion Trip: A Day with the King will give participants the opportunity to explore historical landmarks in the greater Atlanta area associated with Dr. King and the American Civil Rights movement. The trip will also include a special tour of Dr. King’s birth home and lunch at Thelma’s Kitchen. Twenty-five Clayton State students will be selected to participate on this trip. All students must complete a trip turn in a completed application form by Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2014 to the Department of Campus Life, located in the Student Activities Center, Ste. 223. Selected participants will need to have $10 to $15 in cash to cover the cost of their lunch.

For additional questions regarding Clayton State’s Annual MLK Celebration, contact Lakiesa C. Rawlinson, associate director, Campus Life, at (678) 466-5433 or visit http://www.clayton.edu/campus-life.

Spivey Hall to Honor Georgia Educators at Annual Teacher Appreciation Night, Jan. 25

On Saturday, Jan. 25 at 8:15 p.m., Spivey Hall will honor Georgia educators with its annual Teacher Appreciation Night, honoring their efforts to foster student success in school and in life. This year, the event features a performance by jazz violinist Regina Carter and the Regina Carter Quartet, described by Time Magazine as being “Wonderfully listenable, probingly intelligent, and at times, breathtakingly daring…taking the listener into the future of jazz.” Tickets are priced at $46, but students and educators can purchase tickets for $10 (limit two per valid school ID). Additional discounts are available for subscribers and groups.  For full program details for all performances, tickets or more information, call the Spivey Hall Box Office at (678) 466-4200, or visit www.spiveyhall.org. Discounted tickets are only available by calling the box office. Violinist Carter has a special affinity for teachers; after graduating from Oakland University in Rochester, Mich., she taught strings in the Detroit city schools. More recently, Carter served as artist-in-residence at San Francisco Performances, teaching music to disadvantaged children and spreading the joy of music to people in community centers and churches around the Bay area. After the performance, teachers will have the opportunity to meet Carter in person. There will also be a light reception following the concert.   

Digital Film Technician Certificate Program Open Houses at Peachtree City, Jan. 25

The Center for Continuing Education at Clayton State University’s hottest offering (even hotter than “Catching Fire”) will be featured in an open house at Clayton State — Fayette.

The Center for Continuing Education will be launching the Digital Film Technician Certificate program in February 2014 – a two-course program that will have a major impact on individuals, economic development and the growing film industry in metro Atlanta… and provide another way to make dreams real.

To help inform and instruct the public on the Digital Film Technician Certificate program, Clayton State will be holding an open house on Saturday, Jan. 25, at Clayton State – Fayette, 100 World Dr., Ste. 100, Peachtree City, beginning at 10 a.m.

Center for Continuing Education Schedules Certificate Program Information Session at Peachtree City, Jan. 25

The Center for Continuing Education at Clayton State University has information sessions scheduled for the Clayton State – Fayette instructional site, 100 World Dr., Ste. 100, Peachtree City, on Saturday, Jan. 25.

The information sessions will run from 9 a.m. to noon and will be targeted to career certificate programs, as well as programs in the computer and healthcare industries. For more information and specific times for specific programs, go to the Continuing Education website at http://www.clayton.edu/conted.

The 2014 Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl Competition at Clayton State Needs Your Help

Clayton State University is hosting the Sixth Annual Metro Atlanta Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl Competition on Saturday, Feb. 1. We need your help!

We are in need of approximately 60 volunteers to serve as readers, score keepers, and other general volunteers.  There will be training sessions on Friday afternoon, Jan. 31, at 4 p.m., and on Saturday morning, Feb. 1, at 7:30 a.m. In addition, online training may be found at:  http://www.dekalb.k12.ga.us/hrrb/files/156A4B171A794D62AA7ED93F5546B2B2.pdf

All volunteers will need to be on campus by 7:30 a.m. on Saturday. The competition will run from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday.

Please come out and support our community. To volunteer, please contact Dr. Gordon Baker at 678/466-4334 or gordonbaker@clayton.edu.

For more information on the Competition please visit http://www.dekalb.k12.ga.us/hrrb/.

Clayton State Homecoming, Feb. 10 to Feb. 15

2014 marks the 45th Anniversary of Clayton State University opening its doors as Clayton Junior College. The University will be celebrating that milestone throughout the year, starting with the annual Homecoming celebration during the week leading up to Homecoming Day, Feb. 15.

The year was 1969. Man first walked on the moon. The Beatles hadn’t broken up yet. Richard Nixon was president. Lester Maddox was governor of Georgia. Led Zeppelin and Creedence Clearwater Revival topped the charts. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and the original True Grit were big hits at the movies. Tie-dyeing and bell bottoms were “in.” The New York Mets surprised everyone by winning the first National League Championship series over the Braves, and then winning the World Series over another far better team, the Baltimore Orioles. And while the Internet hadn’t been invented yet, Clayton State had been… or at least its doors opened for the first time to 942 students on Sept. 30, 1969.

This year’s hashtag for Homecoming will be #45YearsMadeReal. For those not in the know, a hashtag is a word or an unspaced phrase prefixed with the hash symbol (#). Words in messages on microblogging and social networking services such as Facebook, Google Plus, Instagram, Twitter, etc. may be tagged by putting "#" before same. For example "New artists announced for #SXSW 2013 Music Festival. As a result, hashtags make it possible to group such messages. A hashtag is simply a way for people to search for tweets that have a common topic and to begin a conversation.

The conversation for Clayton State’s Homecoming 2014 will start with Clayton State Night in the local community (Monday, Feb. 10), and a basketball doubleheader against Georgia College on Thursday, Feb. 13, followed by the big day, Saturday, Feb. 15. As was the case in 2013, Homecoming will again feature the Homecoming Parade on Jonesboro Road. In partnership with the City of Morrow, the parade will start in front of Morrow City Hall at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 15, and proceed north on Jonesboro Road to the entrance to the Clayton State campus, Clayton State Boulevard, before turning onto campus. Following the parade will be an alumni picnic and tailgating event, just prior to the official Homecoming basketball doubleheader, games at 1:30 p.m. (women) and 3:30 p.m. (men) against the University of Montevallo.

Be sure to join Clayton State for a week of fun activities, heart-pounding sports action, and unbridled enthusiasm for all things Clayton State. If you’re on campus regularly, you’ll love the many opportunities to make memories that you’ll revisit year after year when Homecoming rolls around.

Starting a Business Class at Henry Chamber, Feb. 11

Clayton State’s Small Business Development Center wil be holding a “Starting Your Business” class on Tuesday, Feb. 11, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Henry Chamber of Commerce, 1709 Highway 20 West, McDonough, Ga.

 

If you are considering starting a small business, this workshop is a crucial first step.

 

Topics for discussion include:

* traits of successful entrepreneurs

* market research

* legal structures for your business

* estimating start-up costs & cash flow projections

* financing alternatives

* business failure factors

* business planning

 

Since lack of planning is one of the top reasons new businesses fail, attending this comprehensive workshop may be one of the most important decisions you make prior to opening your business.

A detailed business start-up book, "How to Start a Business: A Guide for Georgia Entrepreneurs", and other handouts are provided.

 

Receive 50 percent off each additional person with the purchase of one registration at full price, $69. All registrations must be made at the same time in order to receive this discount. This discount cannot be combined or used with any other discount or coupon. The 50 percent off is for current Clayton State students, faculty, and staff. Contact Heather Chaney for the discount code.

 

For more information, please contact Chaney at (678) 466-5100 or heatherchaney@clayton.edu.

Register at http://www.georgiasbdc.org/subpage.aspx?page_name=view_classes&city=Morrow#

Clayton State Recreation & Wellness to host AFAA’s APEX Weekend, Feb. 21 to Feb. 23

The Clayton State University Department of Recreation & Wellness is proud to host the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America’s (AFAA) APEX Weekend for the second consecutive year.

According to Lisa Williamson, assistant director of Recreation & Wellness (Fitness & Wellness), “We are thrilled to welcome AFAA back to Clayton State in 2014! Hosting fitness certifications on campus assists in promoting Clayton State University to the local community and provides on campus opportunities for our students to become certified fitness professionals.”

AFAA certifications and workshops being hosted during the APEX weekend include: Personal Fitness Trainer Certification (Feb. 21 to Feb. 23), Group Exercise: the Practical Way Workshop (Feb. 21), Primary Group Exercise Certification (Feb. 22), Kickboxing Instructor Certification (Feb. 22), and Practical Pilates Workshop (Feb. 23).

All certifications and workshops will be hosted in the SAC Fitness Center. Registration is currently available on AFAA’s website http://www.afaa.com by searching the Atlanta area.

Please visit: http://www.clayton.edu/recwell/Fitness-Center/Group-Exercise for links to certification registrations. For more information, contact Williamson at lisawilliamson@clayton.edu.

Student Academic Research Conference, Mar. 28 Save the date, Friday, Mar. 28, for the Student Academic Research Conference. Interested in being a presenters for the poster or paper sessions? You can register now on the website… http://www.clayton.edu/Student-Academic-Conference. Research made real…

 

 

Announcements

   

Headphone Deal of the Year at The Loch Shop

It’s only January, but The Loch Shop already has the deal of the year for headphones.

It’s a “Beginning of the Semester” deal for both students and faculty/staff. The Loch Shop was able to secure 100 pair of SMS Street by 50 Cent over the ear headphones at an incredible price. Normally, these headphones are $249.99, but they are currently on sale in The Loch Shop for $99.99.

Once they’re gone, they are gone! Their quality rivals Beats by Dre and Bose headphones.

Earn Course Credit with Student Media

It’s not too late to sign up to earn course credit for working on The Bent Tree, Clayton State internet Radio (CSiR), and Clayton State Television (CSTV).

The Visual and Performing Arts Department collaborates each semester with Clayton State’s Student Media organizations to offer interested students the opportunity to earn credit for working with one of the three organizations.

Starting for spring semester students can select from one of four "tracks"

Newswriting

Photography for newspaper

Radio production

Television production

 This opportunity is open to any Clayton State University students and counts as an elective for most majors.  Experience is not necessary, but encouraged.  Course credit ranges from one to four  hours.

Syllabi will be sent out via email by the instructor, Dr. Randy Clark.  Attendance at workshops and at the organization meetings are encouraged.

JOUR 3011 is for students interested in newswriting and photography.

JOUR 3012 is for students interested in radio production and television production.

For more information or to register, please contact Dr. Randy Clark, Assistant Professor of Communication Media Studies.

Please include your name, course number, number of hours, and which track you would like to take.

By email: randyclark@clayton.edu .  By phone: (678) 466-4724.

Laker Hall Meal Plans for Spring 2014

Laker Hall residents: The Dining Dollar portion of your meal plan will be available beginning Thursday, Jan. 9, 2014. You can begin using your dining dollars at Sandella’s in Laker Hall and at Jazzman’s and Subconnection in the Baker University Center. Meal swipes at Sandella’s will begin at 4:30 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 12.

Center for Academic Success Has Relocated to Edgewater Hall

The Clayton State University Center for Academic Success, whose services include peer tutoring in more than 100 different courses, drop-in math tutoring, supplemental instruction for historically difficult courses, study groups, academic success workshops, study strategy assessments, and computerized software for Clayton State students, has relocated to Edgewater Hall (formerly the Student Center), Ste. 276.

Center for Academic Success Director Kathy Garrison and her staff, Maurica John, Diana Johnson, Jada Mitchell, Dian Peters and Matthew Smith, closed their location on the lower level of the Clayton State Library on Friday, Dec. 20, and moved to Ste. 276 of Edgewater Hall, directly across from Career Services. The Center has reopened and is ready to welcome students back on Monday, Jan. 13. The hours for the Center for Academic Success will be 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.

The phone number for the Center for Academic Success is (678) 466-4070. The Center for Academic Success website is http://www.clayton.edu/cas.

University Health Services Now at Clayton Station

As of Monday, Jan. 13, University Health Services (UHS) will be open in its new location at Clayton Station on the main level of the 1000 Building. All telephone contact information will remain the same. As always, UHS is available for the healthcare needs of students, faculty and staff.

Spring Group Exercise Classes For those of you who enjoy the Recreation and Wellness group exercise classes, Lisa Williamson has comprised an excellent schedule for the spring semester that will being on Jan. 13. Please note that there is also a F.A.S. Track schedule in which the classes are only 30 minutes in length! Now you have no excuse to skip class! Check out all the great classes at: http://www.clayton.edu/recwell/Fitness-Center/Group-Exercise.

Information from the HUB

The Technology Center Has Replaced Our Student Software Support Location

Our new location, the Technology Center, is replacing our Student Software Support Services location. The Technology Center is located on the lower floor of the Library in room L-125. It’s closer to our Service Counter location just through the double doors on the left.

Student Installation Appointments Aren't Required For This Semester

Software installations do not require appointments this semester. We encourage students to visit our new Technology Center during the week of Jan. 6 to Jan. 10 for early installations to avoid the back to school rush.

Saturday Hours Are Available For Semester Startup

We will be open at our Service Counter location on Jan. 11, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Jan. 18, from 8:30 a.m. to noon to provide additional service for our weekend students, faculty, and early birds.

Faculty Appointments Will Begin Soon

Faculty appointments for assistance with computer problems will become available on Jan 27. We’d like to encourage our faculty members to sign up for appointments to avoid wait times.

Please note that these appointments are separate from laptop distribution appointments

Fayette Location Satellite Services Will Begin Soon

Satellite Services will be available starting Jan. 14, on Tuesdays from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Students, faculty, and staff have the following services available: software installs; hardware troubleshooting; hardware installations; faculty & staff support; network troubleshooting.

Parking on Campus

As you know, the recent initiation of the Science Building construction on campus has impacted some of our campus parking lots. The impact will be most realized with the start of the spring semester next week.

As a reminder, a large section of the D lot has been re-designated from general parking to faculty/staff only, and a section of the G lot has been similarly re-designated from general parking to student only parking. Additionally, a section of spaces have been re-designated within the D lot for disability parking. Although these changes do not result in an increase in available parking spaces on campus, they will accommodate specific groups.

At the start of each semester, we remind the campus community of the availability of open parking in the K and L lots near the tennis courts and the SAC.  Although these lots may not be as convenient to your work space or classroom as other lots, the likelihood of easily finding a parking space in the K and L lots is much greater and less stressful, especially during peak times of the day, than in closer lots. We encourage everyone to consider routinely parking in the K and L lots, unless there is a critical need to park closer.

Public Safety officers will monitor these two lots frequently to determine the rate of usage and provide feedback to the administration, which will assist in the planning for any additional parking enhancements or changes that may be needed as the campus continues to grow. Officers will also monitor other lots and issue citations when violations of campus parking policies are observed.

Chief of Police Bobby Hamil chairs a standing campus committee that meets periodically to review parking related issues and appeals of campus parking citations. It is comprised of a cross section of the campus community, including faculty, staff and students. Anyone having suggestions or comments that they would like to be reviewed by the committee may submit them to Hamil for presentation at the next meeting.

Thanks in advance for everyone’s patience and cooperation in our constant efforts to ensure a safe and comfortable workplace and educational institution.

Information on Clayton State’s Emergency Weather Procedures It isn’t beginning to look a lot like Christmas, but the possibility of icy roads does generate the following information about how Clayton State University handles disseminating information during weather emergencies. During emergency weather situations, information about Clayton State’s plans will also be available on the University’s web page (www.clayton.edu), through emails sent directly to all faculty, staff and students, on the University Relations Facebook and Twitter accounts, and through the University’s main telephone number (678) 466-4000. In addition, the four major Atlanta network television stations (ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox), All-News 106.7 WYAY-FM and WSB-AM (750) radio will also be notified for their school closing announcements. Clayton State's "Stay Safe" weather policy is as follows… "At times of bad weather or other emergencies, University officials make decisions on whether or not to close the campus based on public safety reports and other considerations. In such cases, the safety and security of the majority of students is a prime consideration. If the University is closed, then classes are cancelled for all students. "If the institution remains open, we recognize that there may be special circumstances that pertain to individual students that are more serious than those that apply to the majority. So, students are advised to use their best judgment about their safety and that of their families in those situations, and to consult with individual faculty members about making up lost time. "University closure also applies to all University faculty and staff except those designated by their supervisors as essential personnel. If the institution remains open, staff should consult with their supervisor and make them aware of any individual circumstances that may exist that prevents them from reporting to duty." The opening/closing policy for Clayton State – Fayette and the Academy for Advanced Studies in McDonough is as follows… basically, the rule will be, if the main campus is closed, Clayton State – Fayette will be closed and Clayton State classes in McDonough will not be held. Also, if the Henry County schools are closed, Clayton State classes in McDonough will not be held. If Clayton State is open during inclement weather, the status of Clayton State – Fayette will be determined independently. When in doubt, check the Clayton State website for details.

Form W-4: Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate

Student Media Set to Release Yearbook for 2014 Clayton State University Student Media is set to release the University’s first yearbook in 40 years. Set for release in time for spring 2014 graduation, Clayton State University students are already busy putting together both a print and a digital yearbook called “Loched in Time.”  “Loched in Time” will be the third yearbook produced by Clayton State, the 1973 and 1974 Clayton Junior College “Centurion” yearbooks being the first two, and the first edition to have a digital component. Both yearbooks will include photos and articles of campus events, student organizations, and senior spotlights, among other things. The digital yearbooks, which will be distributed on a DVD, will have additional video footage. The 152-page print yearbooks will cost approximately $60 and the digital yearbooks will cost approximately $25. The yearbooks will also have space for ads from graduating seniors, student organizations, and businesses. These will cost $40 for a quarter page ad, $60 for a half page ad, and $100 for a full page ad in the print publication and $100 in the digital edition. More information about ordering yearbooks will be available mid-January. Please contact Jennifer DeMond, student media advisor for more information at jenniferdemond@clayton.edu. Make Your Refund Selection Through Higher One You don’t want your financial aid refund to be delayed. If you’ve not done so, make your selection through Higher One right away! If you have a refund selection from previous semesters, you’re set.