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GSA Newsletter: March 27, 2022

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Graduate Student Appreciation Week (GSAW)
Monday-Friday
April 4-8

Graduate Student Appreciation Week (GSAW) is celebrated during the first week of April and will be observed April 4-8. This week encourages everyone to celebrate the important roles that graduate students play in the UNC campus community. All offices and organizations at UNC are encouraged to do something memorable for graduate students to show their appreciation. The GSA has notified all graduate program coordinators and graduate faculty of this special week, but we could all use your help in reminding them.

Need ideas?
Student appreciation ideas from UNC

See what other institutions have done for their graduate students

Graduate Student Appreciation Week Events & Activities

axe throwing
Axe Throwing
(no registration necessary; walk-in)
Monday, April 4
4-6 p.m.
Greeley Hatchet House (map)

The Graduate Student Association is buying out the facility for a private, axe-throwing event. Bring your own food/outside food allowed (but no outside drinks). Cash bar available. Closed-toe shoes required. Free for graduate students, domestic partners and dependents (must be 18+). Please e-sign the safety waiver ahead of time to speed things up at the door: https://greeleyhatchethouse.com/safety
Greeley Hatchet House on YouTube

group fitness
Free Group Fitness Classes for Graduate Students
Monday-Friday, April 4-8
UNC Campus Recreation Center

The UNC Campus Recreation Center is offering free group fitness classes to all fee-paying UNC graduate students during Graduate Student Appreciation Week (Monday-Friday, April 4-8). Schedule of classes: https://www.unco.edu/campus-recreation/pdf/fittness-wellness/gf-spring-2022-b-schedule.pdf

dessert bar
Dessert Bar (no registration necessary; walk-in)
Tuesday, April 5
10 a.m. until food runs out
McKee Hall #282 (map)

The College of Education & Behavioral Sciences is hosting a dessert bar for all graduate students (including non-EBS students) in McKee Hall. Desserts will be out at around 10 a.m. and event host Cheyenne Hassebrock will stick around until food runs out. To-go containers available in case you're in a hurry. Addtional departments and offices that want to contribute desserts are welcome to contact Cheyenne.Hassebrock@unco.edu. 

topgolf
Driving Range (Register to Attend)

Tuesday, April 5
3-5 p.m.
Topgolf, Thornton (map)

The Graduate Student Association will be renting out a few bays at Topgolf for an afternoon of friendly competition. Cash bar available. Free for registered graduate students only.
Topgolf on YouTube

bowling
Bowling and Laser Tag
(no registration necessary; walk-in)
Wednesday, April 6
7-9 p.m.
Chipper's Classic Lanes (map)

The Graduate Student Association will be reserving a few bowling lanes and a session or two in the laser tag arena. Restaurant and cash bar available. Free for graduate students, domestic partners and children. Meet near the cashier at 7 p.m. to sign in. If arriving late, look for the Graduate Student Association group on the lanes. Remember to wear/bring socks!

research day
UNC Research Day
(no registration necessary; walk-in)

Thursday, April 7
8 a.m.-4 p.m.
UNC University Center
Grad students and general public invited; no registration necessary

Come listen to the greatest graduate student research presentations and see the amazing assortment of graduate research posters. Snacks and drinks provided by the Graduate Student Association, the UNC Honors Program and the Asian Pacific Islander Union

cake
Cake @ Research Day (no registration necessary; walk-in)
Thursday, April 7
11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
UNC University Center: Fireside Lounge

The Graduate School staff will be present at Research Day to welcome graduate student guests and presenters with a big piece of cake! 

ice haus
Ice Skating
(no registration necessary; walk-in)
Thursday, April 7
7-9 p.m.
Greeley Ice Haus (map)

The Graduate Student Association is buying out the Greeley Ice Haus for a private skate session. Skates are included. Concession stand will be open for cash sales. Free for graduate students, domestic partners and children. Meet in the Ice Haus lobby at the cashier starting at 7 p.m. to check in and get your skates.

concert
UNC Spring Concert - Grad Student Meetup
(no registration necessary; walk-in)
Friday, April 8
7 p.m.
UNC Turner Green (map)

This UNC event will feature musical entertainment, vendors and a variety of bounce houses and inflatable attractions. The Graduate Student Association seating area will provide food for grad students and their families. Free for graduate students, domestic partners and children. Look for the GSA group next to Turner Hall on the sidewalk / patio area overlooking the green. If you are on the grass, looking directly at the stage, the GSA group should be to the right.

rage room
Rage Room

Date TBD
Time TBD
Shatter Rage Room, Fort Collins
Shatter on YouTube

Graduate student attendees at GSAW events can enter a drawing to participate in a group smash session at Shatter Rage Room in Fort Collins. Attendees will be given 45 minutes to destroy Shatter's inventory and they'll be able to take leftover computers and electronic equipment donated by the UNC Information Management & Technology Department. To enter, attend the Axe Throwing, Topgolf, Bowling, Ice Skating or Spring Concert events. One entry per event attended. 


gsaw outlook logo

Add GSAW Logo to Your Outlook Signature

GSAW Email Signature png

On Mac:

  • Start a new email.
  • Go to the “Draft” tab at top and select “Signatures” in the drop-down menu and then select “Manage Signatures.”
  • You should see a Signatures menu. Under “Signature name,” you may have a “Standard” signature. I would suggest creating a new signature, based on your current signature and then add the attached logo.
  • For “Choose default signature,” I would suggest having your new signature with the GSAW logo as the “New Messages” choice but have your standard signature for the “replies/forwards.”
  • Don’t forget to return to your standard signature after April 8.

On PC:

  • Start a new email. 
  • Go to the "Message" tab and go to the "Signature" drop-down menu in the "Include" section. Click "Signatures."
  • A "Signatures and Stationary" window should appear. Select a signature to edit or create a new signature. 
  • Above the signature text entry box, there is a image icon to the right of the "Business Card" icon. Click the image icon to enter the GSAW logo. 
  • For “Choose default signature,” I would suggest having your new signature with the GSAW logo as the “New Messages” choice but have your standard signature for the “replies/forwards.”
  • Don’t forget to return to your standard signature after April 8.

time off
Graduate Assistant Time Off
From the UNC Graduate TA Handbook (page 14)

Those holding assistantships do not earn vacation hours or accrue sick time. All assistantship holders may observe the University holiday schedule when offices are closed.

Students on an Academic Year (AY) agreements work during non-university holidays (President’s, Columbus’ and Veteran’s Days). Students on AY contracts may take either off fall and spring break or winter break (between the fall and spring terms) but not both. Students’
working over winter break may, with the consent of their supervisor, work on campus or from home.

Fiscal year (FY) agreement are from July 1 to June 30. The student’s schedule follows the UNC calendar, including working during spring, fall and winter break. Students on this schedule may be permitted one week of time off during the year.


unco 2022 spring census
UNC Enrollment Numbers

Congratulations graduate students! The new UNC Census Report is out and doctoral and specialist graduate student enrollment has increased in spring 2022! Graduate students are now about 28% of the entire UNC student population. See the full 2022 Spring Census Report here


food tax rebate income chart

Food Tax Rebates for Greeley and Fort Collins
City of Greeley Rebate Application
City of Fort Collins Rebate Application 

Did you know that City of Greeley residents below certain income levels can get a $65 per person rebate for food taxes paid in the previous year? Check your income level against the income limits pictured above. If you meet the income limits and have been a Greeley resident for at least ten months in 2021, you can apply for the rebate. All UNC graduate assistants that are solely relying on their assistantship income should meet the income requirements for this rebate if they live within the cities of Greeley or Fort Collins. 


medical school
UNC's Osteopathic Medical School Looking for Founding Dean

Over spring break, the Office of the President announced four finalists for the position of Founding Dean of UNC's College of Osteopathic Medicine. Here are their curriculum vitaes:

  • Alissa Craft, CV
  • Michael Finley CV, Bio
  • Beth Longenecker CV, Bio
  • Richard Thacker CV, Bio

UNC 3MT® Presentations 

Give a round of applause to these brave graduate students for competing in the first 3 Minute Thesis event at UNC. Check out their presentations in the attached links to YouTube. Watch now! It'll just take 3 minutes per presentation. 

Deanna Dykstra

Deanna Dykstra

Program: Educational Leadership, Ed.D. 

Title of Dissertation: School Leadership Through the COVID-19 Pandemic: A phenomenological study 

Deanna's 3MT Presentation on YouTube

Jennifer Santos

Jennifer Santos

Program: Educational Leadership, Ed.D. 

Title of Dissertation: Transformative and Trauma-Informed Social-Emotional Learning at the Secondary Level 

Jennifer's 3MT Presentation on YouTube

Victoria Flores

Victoria Flores 

Program: Sport and Exercise Science - Exercise Physiology, Ph.D. 

Title of Dissertation: Exploring sex differences in the effect of cannabidiol on physical activity, cognition, psychological wellbeing and inflammatory and neural health biomarkers

Victoria's 3MT Presentation on YouTube

David Agboola

David Agboola 

Program: Applied Statistics and Research Methods, Ph.D.

Title of Dissertation: An Efficient Computational Method for Causal Inference in High-Dimensional Data: Neighborhood-Based Cross Fitting 

David's 3MT Presentation on YouTube

Amber McElwee

Amber McElwee 

Program: Educational Studies, Ed.D. 

Title of Dissertation: At Risk for Success: Promising Practices in Their own Voices 

Amber's 3MT Presentation on YouTube

Dalal Alrmuny

Dalal Alrmuny 

Program: Technology, Innovation and Pedagogy, Ph.D. 

Title of Dissertation: Middle School Students’ Perceptions, Experiences and Behaviors Towards Using a Virtual Reality Application to Build Molecules 

Dalal's 3MT Presentation on YouTube

Anne Boris

Anne Boris 

Program: School Psychology, Ph.D. 

Title of Dissertation: Stealth Dyslexia: Cognitive and Achievement Profiles of Gifted Students with Dyslexia 

Anne's 3MT Presentation on YouTube


judiciary
Student Judiciary News

Following a resolution to the UNC Student Senate Constitution, introduced by graduate student Caterina Azzarello (Director of Student Affairs) and undergraduate student Karissa Terry (Student Rights Advocate), the UNC Student Judiciary is now responsible for handling all grievance processes for UNC students. The resolution calls for Chapter XI - Part 2, Section 2 to be removed and Chapter XI – Part 2, Section 1 be changed to: Purpose – Student Judiciary shall interpret and manage all grievances filed against any person or group pertaining to the Student Senate Bylaws and Constitution.

Student Judiciary Services Available to Graduate Students

  • Have you allegedly violated the UNC Student Code of Conduct? Contact Student Judciary for guidance through the conduct process. Student Judiciary members can help you formulate a response to the alleged violation and help you prepare for your conduct hearing. 
  • Have you been treated unfairly by any person or group employed by Student Senate, funded by Student Senate or volunteering for Student Senate? You can contact Student Judiciary to file an official grievance for investigation. 

bot
President Feinstein Suspends the President's Leadership Council

Created in fall 2018, the President's Leadership Council (PLC) was charged with providing advice, perspective and insight on matters of broad institutional significance and to assist in the effective, responsive and informed leadership of UNC (source). Following the cancellation of the January 2022 PLC meeting, President Feinstein announced that he was indefinitely suspending the activities of the Council since it has served its useful purpose in promoting greater engagement. 

Graduate student engagement with President Feinstein continued at the last GSA meeting with the President for this semester on March 22. All other GSA meetings with the President have been cancelled this semester.


dan maxey leaving UNCO
Chief of Staff Dan Maxey Leaving UNC
From UNC Office of Public Relations

Congratulations to Dan Maxey, Ph.D., for being appointed CU Denver's next chief of staff.

Maxey, who joined UNC in January 2020 as President Feinstein's chief of staff, has been instrumental in the university's navigation through the pandemic, has played a critical role in the development of Rowing, Not Drifting 2030 and has been at the forefront of UNC's efforts to create a College of Osteopathic Medicine. Maxey will remain with the university through the end of April.

"Since Dan arrived at UNC, there has been a great deal of disruption caused by the pandemic and many changes have occurred, but he has been a constant leader, colleague and friend I have been able to count on," Feinstein said. "He has been a trusted advisor and a great ambassador for UNC. While I am sad to see him go, I am excited for his next opportunity in Denver — one that I know he will enjoy personally and professionally. I look forward to staying in touch with Dan and having our paths cross in the near future."


provost
Search for Vice Provost (newly created position)

The search committee for the newly created Associate Provost position consists of Jared Stallones (Dean, EBS), Matt Goetzel (IM&T), Keiko Krahnke (Associate Dean, MCB), Dawit Senbet (Faculty), Cynthia Galovich (Chair, Physics & Astronomy), and Shelly Gaza (Interim Director, Theater Arts & Dance). 

(from UNC's Job Listing) The Vice Provost for Academic Resources and Planning is a senior staff position in the Office of the Provost and the Division of Academic Affairs. As a senior member of the Provost’s leadership team and a key advisor to the Provost, the incumbent provides leadership and guidance regarding academic resources and planning. Oversight includes, but is not limited to: strategic plan implementation; fiscal resource management, space allocation and strategic enrollment management as it impacts Academic Affairs; and data-driven decision making. The individual’s primary role is to work collaboratively with academic leadership (including deans and AVPs) to ensure strong fiscal and academic health of the Division. As the chief advisor for academic resources and planning, the Vice Provost builds relationships cross-divisionally to strengthen the institution and provides oversight and support for all budget plans within the colleges and all other Academic Affairs units, ensuring that the largest division of the university is fiscally sound in service to the core mission of teaching, learning, and research at UNCSalary range is $165,000-$205,000.


senate
GSA Requests Opinion Poll Items to be Added to Student Senate Election Ballot

Based on ideas suggested by graduate students, the GSA has formally submitted the following items to Election Commissioner Quentin Choy for inclusion as Opinion Poll topics on the upcoming Student Senate election ballot:

  • Should all Cultural Centers at the University of Northern Colorado have a dedicated, full-time director (staff member) that personally identifies with the community they represent? Yes / No
  • Should all Cultural Centers at the University of Northern Colorado have their own cultural house? Yes / No
  • Should there be a Middle Eastern & North African students Cultural Center, Director, and cultural house at the University of Northern Colorado? Yes / No
  • Should the UNC Campus Recreation Center build steam saunas in the men’s and women’s locker rooms? Yes / No
  • Should the UNC Campus Recreation Center have table tennis available for students? Yes / No
  • Should it be free for students to bring in a guest to the UNC Campus Recreation Center? Yes / No
  • Should it be free for students to bring in their domestic partner and/or dependents to UNC Athletic events that have an admission fee? Yes / No
  • Should parking at UNC be free for all campus visitors (students, faculty, staff, and guests)? Yes / No
  • Should transcripts be free for all UNC students and alumni? Yes / No
  • For the Faculty-in-Residence program in UNC Housing, who would students prefer as Faculty-in-Residence members? Graduate Assistants / Faculty Members
  • Should graduate assistants be allowed to lead UNC students on Faculty-Led Study Abroad programs? Yes / No
  • Should there be a graduate student trustee on the UNC Board of Trustees? Yes / No
  • Should student trustees on UNC’s Board of Trustees have the right to vote? Yes / No
  • Should pay for all (undergraduate / graduate) Student Senate members be based on the graduate assistantship hourly wage rate? Yes / No
  • Should all graduate assistant salaries, hourly wages, pay scale, etc. be listed online and in every assistantship application? Yes / No

16th street

Greeley: 16th Street Corridor Project
Project Presentation Slides
Conceptual Designs
Public Input Survey

The City of Greeley is seeking input on plans to redesign 16th Street from 7th Avenue to 11th Avenue to accomplish the following goals:

  • Slow the speed on 16th Street within the project area to improve safety
  • Create a walkable street environment
  • Revitalize the corridor through aesthetics and placemaking
  • Maintain as much parking as possible
  • Increase the connection between UNC and downtown

The 16th Street Project area is the northern boundary of UNC's Central Campus and a popular retail/dining area for students, faculty and staff. Construction is planned for 2023.


lunch
GSA Student-Faculty Lunches
Registration Form

The GSA is providing meal swipes to take your advisor to lunch at Holmes Dining Hall. Meals are provided for one or two graduate students and one faculty advisor. Student-Faculty lunches are an excellent time to discuss academic and career topics with your faculty member(s). This opportunity is available to all registered UNC graduate students (including the Loveland Center, Denver-Lowry Center and online).

Registrations are first-come, first-served, pending availability of the GSA meal card. If you check-out the GSA meal card, be sure to return it as soon as possible so that the next graduate student can use it. If you have questions, contact GSA Administrative Assistant Francis.To@unco.edu.


gsa sticker
GSA Stickers

Order free graduate student stickers

Free stickers and free shipping within the U.S. for current UNC graduate students. Limited availability.


legal
UNC Student Legal Services

From Student Legal Services webpage

Student Legal Services provides UNC students three free legal consultations each academic year. Mr. Brandon Houtchens, Attorney at Law, is available by appointment only. If you have questions about Student Legal Services, please send them to dos@unco.edu or call 970-351-2001. Legal Services is a student fee funded program.


writing
UNC in the News

'Sad and disappointed': University of Northern Colorado foreign language faculty, students regret German and French closure
From the Denver Gazette

Meet the “Lightsaber Guys” who are summoning the force in Greeley
From the Colorado Sun

UNC Spearheading Efforts to Increase Physical Education in Colorado Schools
From Newswise

University Flats in Greeley cited again for sanitation violations
From the Denver Gazette

After 100 years, university recognized a pioneer
From Colorado Arts and Sciences Magazine

Governor Polis asks colleges and universities to divest of Russian investments
From KOAA News 5


police
UNC Police Reports
Daily Crime Logs: Jan. 13, 2022-Mar. 14, 2022
2021 UNC Campus Security & Fire Safety Report

Crime Alert, March 11 (from UNC PD)
The UNC Police Department is investigating several motor vehicle thefts that have occurred in the last 60 days.  
The following are the dates, locations, and vehicle types:

  • 02/01/22 – A 2017 Jeep Renegade was stolen from J-lot.
  • 02/05/22 – A 1992 Honda Accord Vehicle stolen from J-lot.
  • 03/08/22 – A 1998 Honda Civic in J-Lot had its steering column damaged in an attempt to steal the vehicle.
  • 03/10/22 – A 1997 Honda Civic was stolen from T-Lot.

The UNC Police Department wants to remind the campus to report any instance of unusual encounters or suspicious behavior by calling 970-351-2245. You are encouraged to add the UNC Police phone number into your mobile phone contacts/directory. 

Safety tips 

  • Always lock your car when you park it and remove your keys.
  • Lock valuables in your trunk and do not leave personal ID cards or credit cards in the vehicle.
  • Never leave your vehicle running while unattended.
  • Photocopy your registration and insurance card and keep in your wallet- not in your glove compartment.

Safety Notice, March 7 (from UNC PD)
On 03/07/22, during the evening hours, a robbery occurred on the sidewalk along the east side of 10th Avenue near Gunter Hall. The suspects were described as two males wearing hoodies and baggy pants, possibly in their 20’s and 30’s holding knifes. Although, the two victims were not injured in the incident, the suspects took pair earbuds, gift card, and a five-dollar bill from the victims. If you have any information reference this incident, please call the University of Northern Colorado Police Department at 970-351-2245.

Safety tips

UNC Police want to remind the campus community to report any instance of unusual encounters or suspicious behavior by calling the department at 970-351-2245. You’re encouraged to program that number into your mobile phone. Some other precautions you can take:

  • Request a UNC police escort if you’re uncomfortable walking alone on campus. 
  • If you believe someone is following you, go where there are other people. 
  • Know where campus emergency poles are. See the Campus Emergency Pole Map.
  • Trust your intuition if you feel a situation is unsafe.

student senate
Student Senate Report

GSA Director, David Shimokawa (SES: Sport Administration, Ph.D. program), attended the Student Senate business meetings on Jan. 26, Feb. 2, Feb. 9, Feb. 16, Feb. 23,  March 2 and March 9 on behalf of graduate students. There are no graduate students serving as senators for their college at this time. Links to meeting minutes will be posted when available from Student Government Association


faculty senate
Faculty Senate Report
Meeting minutes from August 30, 2021

Meeting minutes from September 13, 2021

Meeting minutes from September 27, 2021

Meeting minutes from October 11, 2021

Meeting minutes from October 25, 2021

Meeting minutes from November 8, 2021

Meeting minutes from November 22, 2021
Meeting minutes from January 18, 2022
Meeting minutes from January 31, 2022

GSA representative, Yohan Lee (SES: Sport Administration, Ph.D. program), attends Faculty Senate meetings on behalf of graduate students. There are no graduate students serving as official representatives on Faculty Senate at this time.


contact

Contact Your Representatives/Leadership at UNC

UNC Graduate Student Association

UNC Student Senate

UNC Student Judiciary

UNC President's Leadership Council

Contact Your Representatives / Leadership in Government

Greeley City Council

U.S. Senate (Colorado)

U.S. House of Representatives (Colorado)

U.S. President
President Joe Biden https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/ 


submit news
Graduate Student News Wanted
Do you have exciting news to share from your program or personal life? Been published or received an award? The GSA is looking for graduate achievements to mention in our newsletter and on our websites. Please send any info to GSA Administrative Assistant Francis.To@unco.edu