University of Evansville

AceNotes Today

Monday, January 7, 2013

* Electronic W-2's

The Office of Human Resources will begin processing W-2’s soon, which will be issued to employees no later than January 31.  Just like last year, we are pleased to announce that you can choose one of two options to receive your W-2:
• Electronic W-2 – If you provide your consent, you will receive an e-mail notification via AceNotes Extra that your W-2 is ready to view/print on WebAdvisor.
• Paper W-2 – If you prefer, you can continue to receive a paper W-2 in the mail, as you have in the past.

Among the advantages of electronic W-2’s: (1) you will have access to your W-2 a couple days earlier than a paper copy that is mailed to your home (2) you can print as many copies of the W-2 as you need.  The electronic W-2 is IRS compliant and can be submitted with your tax return.

To take advantage of the electronic W-2 option, you must log onto WebAdvisor and select the option “W-2 Electronic Consent.” Click the first radio button to give your consent.   You will not receive paper W-2 in the mail if you select the electronic W-2 option.  If you previously gave your consent for the electronic W-2 option, there is nothing you need to do.

If you choose to withhold your consent to view/print your online W-2, a paper copy will be prepared and mailed to you at your home address. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Gloria Spencer at ext. 2159. 

 
* Payroll FICA Taxes To Increase & Take Home Pay To Change Effective January 1

As part of the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (i.e., the “fiscal cliff bill”) recently signed by President Obama, the U.S. Department of the Treasury has directed employers to increase the amount of FICA taxes withheld from employee paychecks for Social Security effective January 1, 2013.  In December 2010, as part of legislation that extended Bush-Era tax cuts (the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010); the federal government negotiated a temporary reduction in the FICA payroll tax. This reduction was not extended as part of the new act, which means the amount collected for FICA will be reinstated to its previous rate from 4.2% to 6.2%.

As Congress did not vote on the bill until after the University of Evansville processed its January 4 bi-weekly payroll, we had no choice but to deduct taxes at the old 4.2% rate.  Therefore, we will need to catch up the extra 2% that was not deducted on the January 4 payroll.  This catch-up will occur over the next two bi-weekly payrolls: January 18 and February 1.  Beginning with the February 15 bi-weekly payroll, the normal 6.2% FICA tax will be deducted.  There will be no catch-up for employees paid on a monthly basis, as this payroll will not be processed until the end of January.  However, employees paid on a monthly basis will also be affected by the increase to 6.2%.

If you have any questions, please contact Gloria Spencer ext. 2159.

 

 
* Fred Wilson Receives UE's January 2013 Employee Excellence Award

The University of Evansville’s Employee Excellence Award for January 2013 has been presented to Fred Wilson, campus locksmith. Fred, who works in the Facilities Maintenance Department, has been employed at UE since May 1998.

Those nominating Fred note that his friendly and competent manner is very reassuring to UE employees and students when they call him with stressful lock and key problems. He often gets called in the middle of the night to take care of these issues, and many times the situation is an emergency. Whether it is a big problem or a small one, Fred is always helpful and calm. He is so conscientious about his work that he often volunteers his assistance before being asked. He is dependable, hard-working and goes the extra mile to make sure that students and others on campus have the locks and keys needed to keep things safe and secure.

Fred volunteers his time to community efforts as well as campus organizations.

In addition to earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Global Leadership in 2010, Fred received a Master of Science degree in Public Service Administration in December 2012.

Thank you, Fred, for maintaining the integrity and security of the UE campus!

 

 

What's Happening Today

* Welcome Reception for Vice President for Enrollment Servicess Shane Davidson

The University of Evansville community is invited to attend a welcome for the Vice President for Enrollment Services, Dr. Shane Davidson Thursday, January 10 from 3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. in the 1959 Gallery on the second floor of the Ridgway University Center.   Dr. Davidson started his tenure at UE on January 2 of this year.

Dr. Davidson previously served as vice president for enrollment and marketing management at Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas. He joined HSU in 1997 as associate vice president for enrollment services and has 20 years of experience in higher education, including leadership positions at Wayland Baptist University and Howard Payne University.

Dr. Davidson holds a Doctor of Education degree in higher education administration and leadership from Baylor University, a Master of Business Administration degree in management from Wayland Baptist University, and a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Howard Payne University.

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Davidson to UE!

 
* Monday at the Newman Center: "A Faith Journey through Several Countries"

Francesco Planchenstainer will be the featured speaker at the Newman Catholic Student Center this Monday evening, discussing how his faith has developed through the experience of living in different countries. Dinner begins at 5:30 p.m., with discussion from 6-7 p.m. Francesco is a PhD candidate from Italy in residence at UE this year while completing an internship with Mead Johnson. Everyone is welcome! Contact Mike Roesch at mr201@evansville.edu with any questions.
 

 

Upcoming Events

* This Week in Music - Faculty Recital Rescheduled

The Department of Music welcomes all students, faculty, and staff back to campus and hopes everyone had a wonderful holiday break. The Department would also like to advise the campus community that the faculty recital originally scheduled for tomorrow evening, January 8, has been rescheduled for Tuesday, February 12.  The semester’s concert offerings will begin next Tuesday, January 15.
 

 
* SGA Meeting Planned for January 17

The first Student Government Association meeting of the semester will be January 17 at 5:00 p.m. in Room 170 (Smythe Lecture Hall), Schroeder Family School of Business Administration Building. All SGA representatives need to be in attendance and we encourage any and all University of Evansville students to attend as well!

 
* Lecture on Doing Business in China Set for January 9

The Schroeder Family School of Business Administration is hosting Dr. Brian Schwarz as a guest speaker on Wednesday January 9. He will be speaking from 4-5 p.m. in Smythe Hall (Room 170), Schroeder Family School of Business Administration Building.  Brian’s topic is “Doing Business in China.”  The entire community is invited.

Brian has been a senior lecturer in business for 12 years in Beijing, Nanjing and Shanghai, China.  He is currently an adjunct business professor at East China Normal University.  Brian has taught a variety of business courses including Organizational Behavior, Marketing Management, Corporate Strategy, and Managerial Economics.  Brian has published in numerous business magazines including the China Economic Review, Shanghai Business Review, and China International Business.  Brian Received his Doctorate in Business Administration at California Coast University.
 

 
* TIAA-CREF Counseling

The TIAA CREF representative will be on the UE campus on Tuesday, January 29 and Thursday, January 31, 2013 for individual counseling sessions.  To schedule an appointment, call TIAA CREF at 1-800-732-8353 or 317-706-6200.   The sessions are held in the Clifford Rare Books Room of the University Libraries (Room 158).  If you have any questions, call Carol McCraney at extension 2943.

 

Info You Should Know

* Residence Life Seeking Students for Resident Assistant Positions

The Residence Life program is currently seeking students for Resident Assistant positions for the 2013-2014 school year! The Resident Assistant position offers excellent, opportunities to gain great work experience and transferable skills, make new friends, and make a difference on campus. It's an immersive leadership experience that can change your life!

Information sessions will be held on January 10, 14 and 15 at 9:00 pm in Room 271, Schroeder Family School of Business Administration Building. Applications will be available at those sessions, in the Office of Residence Life and in all hall offices. Applications and recommendations are due to the Office of Residence Life by 5 pm on January 21.

Faculty and staff, if you know any students who would be an outstanding Resident Assistant candidate, please encourage them to attend an information session or stop by the Office of Residence Life for more information.
 

 
* 2013 Spring Fitness Class Schedule

The 2013 Spring Fitness classes begin on January 14! The schedule is:

Insanity – Monday through Friday 6:30am to 7:30am and 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Weight Training –Mondays and Wednesdays 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Basic Cardio – Mondays and Wednesdays 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
Total Fitness – Tuesdays and Thursdays 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Noon Time Basketball – Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays  12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
Pilates – Tuesdays and Thursdays 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Yoga – Tuesdays and Thursdays 5:00 pm -6:00 pm
Line Dancing – Mondays  6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Brazilian Dance - Tuesdays and Thursdays 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Zumba – Wednesdays 6:00 pm -7:00 pm
Piloxing – Mondays 7:00 pm -8:00 pm
Turbo Kick – Wednesdays 7:00 pm -8:00 pm

 

 
* Writing Center to Open Noon Monday, Jan. 14

The Writing Center will be "open for business" effective Monday, Jan. 14. Hours will be the same as last semester: Noon to 5 p.m. on Monday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday; evening hours are 7 to 10 Sunday through Thursday. Appointments are available via Acelink; or, call the Writing Center at ext. 2391. "Walk-in" sessions are also available, but only if a mentor is not working with a student who has made an appointment. Also, please honor all appointments you make, and show up on time. Students who create an appointment but do not appear for the time(s) they schedule are depriving fellow students of time with a writing mentor. The Writing Center is located in Clifford Memorial Library (entrance facing Koch Center).

 
* News from the Registrar's Office

The last day to add/drop a spring class is January 11. Please make sure that your form is signed by your advisor.  If you are changing part-time or full-time status, the back of the form must be stamped by Student Accounts. Forms are available in the Registrar’s Office.  

 

 
* Fall Dean's List Announcements Sent to Hometown Newspapers

Congratulations to all students who made the Fall 2012 Dean's List! To recognize this achievement, news releases were sent last Thursday to your hometown newspapers and posted online at readabout.me.

You should have received an e-mail notification with a link to view your story online and share your achievement with friends and family through e-mail, Facebook, and Twitter. You can also to log in to readabout.me via Facebook to customize your profile by adding a photo, leadership positions, activities, and professional experience.

Your online reputation is important – most employers Google an applicant's name during the hiring process for jobs and internships. UE is dedicated to helping students create a positive online profile by providing readabout.me as a free service. If you have any questions, please contact the Office of University Relations at x2241. 

 
* Do You Want to Be an Orientation Leader (OL)?

Applications for students interested in becoming an Orientation Leader (OL) will be available beginning January 7, 2013 in the VP/Dean of Students Office.  The office is located in Ridgway University Center, Room 230, in the Student Life Center.  Application deadline is Monday, January 21, by 4:30 p.m.

If you have any questions, please contact the VP/Dean of Students at ext. 2500.

 

Congratulations

* Rob Griffith

Associate Professor of Creative Writing Rob Griffith's most recent book, "The Moon from Every Window," was recently nominated for the prestigious Poets' Prize. The Poets' Prize is awarded annually for the best book of verse published by a living American poet two years prior to the award year. The $3000 annual prize is donated by a committee of about 20 American poets, who each nominate two books and who also serve as judges. The Nicholas Roerich Museum in New York City hosts the annual awards reception in May, which includes readings by the winner and finalists. Former recipients have included A.E. Stallings, X.J. Kennedy, Wendell Berry, Maxine Kumin, Mark Jarman, Miller Williams, and Andrew Hudgins.

 
* Yasser Alhenawi

Dr. Yasser Alhenawi, assistant professor of finance, has had his paper "What does the U.S. REITs Market have in Store for Non-conventional Investors? The case of Shariah Compliance" accepted in the Journal of Investing. This paper models the behavior of a hypothetical investor who is interested in U.S. securities but is also interested in compliance with Islamic Investment Guidance. His findings indicate that financial compliance might be rewarding for Shariah-abiding investors who are interested in U.S. REIT sector. In separate tests, he shows that leverage and REITs’ performance are independent. Yet, he shows that outperformance of compliant portfolios may imply efficiency of an underlying conservative, but not necessarily religious, strategy that avoids the excessive use of debt, interest, and cash. This paper was co-authored with Professor Kabir Hassan.

 

Athletics

* Men's Basketball Downs Southern Illinois

Colt Ryan finished with a season-high 26 points to lead the University of Evansville men’s basketball team to an 85-68 victory over Southern Illinois on Saturday evening at the Ford Center.Ryan led all players as he hit 8-of-13 shots while connecting on all seven free throws.  Three other Aces (9-6, 2-1 MVC) scored in double figures led by Ned Cox, who tallied 17.  Lewis Jones notched 11 while Troy Taylor finished with ten.  It marked the first time that the quartet of seniors all hit double figures in the same game in their UE careers.

“We played with more intensity tonight and just came out ready to play, it was a nice win for us,” Evansville head coach Marty Simmons said.  “We had a few careless turnovers in the first half, but we played a little simpler and guys made more shots in the second half.”

Troy Taylor recorded a pair of early buckets before three free throws by Colt Ryan gave UE a 9-6 advantage.  Just under eight minutes into the first half, Jaylon Moore hit a free throw to give the Aces a 14-10 advantage marking the first two-possession advantage for either squad in the contest.

Southern Illinois (7-7, 0-3 MVC) utilized a solid presence down low early on as their first 12 points came in the pain as the Salukis drained six of their first 12 shots.  Kendal Brown-Surles changed that as his jumper at the 10-minute mark tied the game up at 16 and was SIU’s first points outside of the paint.  Evansville’s next three buckets came via the long shot as Lewis Jones, Ryan and Ned Cox all hit treys to put UE up by a 25-18 margin.

The shots kept falling for UE as they hit nine of their final 12 shots of the period en route to a 37-31 halftime lead.  Southern Illinois kept the pressure on, though, as they hit 7-of-9 shots over a span of nine minutes in the half.  In Wednesday’s game against Missouri State, neither team was shooting 30% at the break, but that changed on Saturday as UE stood at 53.8% at the half while SIU shot 52.2% in the opening stanza.

Cox got the offense rolling as his 3-pointer helped Evansville match its largest lead of 9 points on the opening possession of the second half.  At the 17:33 mark, Taylor’s eighth point of the contest helped UE take its first double-digit lead at 46-35.  The run to open the half extended to an 18-4 stretch that was capped off by a powerful Moore dunk just over five minutes into the period. 

Evansville’s lead reached as many as 23 (60-37) as Colt Ryan found the bottom of the net with a layup.  Their run to begin the half was a 23-6 stretch as SIU struggled to find its groove.  After knocking down its first two buckets, the Salukis missed their next seven shots while committing a pair of turnovers.  Southern Illinois did not give up as their 11-4 stretch cut the gap to 16 at 64-48.  Ryan’s third trey of the night ended the stretch.

SIU cut the deficit to 15 at one points, but Evansville was able to pull away once again to earn the 85-68 victory.

Jeff Early notched a double-double as he led the Salukis with 18 points and a game-high 10 rebounds.  Early was 10-of-14 from the charity stripe.  Anthony Beane tallied 15 while Desmar Jackson notched ten.

Evansville had its second-best shooting effort of the season, hitting 57.7% of its attempts; the top shooting game of the season came against Miami (Ohio) when the Aces were 63.2%.  Southern Illinois shot 51% on the night.  UE outrebounded the Salukis by a 31-24 final and improves to 7-0 this season when finishing with more boards.  Taylor was the top rebounder once again for Evansville, hauling in seven.  Free throw shooting was another strong point as UE was 16-of-18.  In its last three contests, UE has combined to hit 43 out of 49 attempts.

MVC play continues for the Aces as they will travel to Cedar Falls, Iowa to face Northern Iowa on Wednesday evening at the McLeod Center.  Last year, Evansville picked up its first road win over the Panthers since the 2002 season.  On January 13, Evansville will be home once again to square off against Wichita State.

 
* Long Distance Shooting Keys Creighton's 70-63 Win over Aces

The University of Evansville women’s basketball led by as many as 16 over visiting Creighton Saturday afternoon at the Ford Center, but the Bluejays used a second-half rally and a school-record tying 16 three-pointers to top the Purple Aces, 70-63, in Missouri Valley Conference action.

Sophomore Mallory Ladd led Evansville (3-10, 1-1 MVC) with her fourth-consecutive double-double, as she finished with a career-high 25 points and pulled down 11 rebounds.  The Evansville native finished 6-for-12 from the floor and was a perfect 11-for-11 at the free throw line.  Redshirt sophomore Khristian Hart was the only other Ace to finish in double figures, adding 10 points in the loss.

The two squads combined to attempt 62 shots from long distance, as CU (10-3, 2-0 MVC) finished 16-for-37 from three-point land (43.2%) and Evansville connected on 8 of its 25 tries (32.0%).  However, the difference was in the second half, where the Bluejays buried seven triples, while the Aces were just 1-for-13.

The Aces found their mark early and often from behind the three-point line and used hot shooting to open up an 18-2 lead to start the game.  Sophomore Kat Taylor highlighted the run by hitting back-to-back treys that put UE up 16-2 and forced a Creighton timeout at the 14:31 mark.

Evansville’s post players held the Bluejays without a rebound until the 12:56 mark, as the Aces collected the first nine.  In addition the UE defense held CU without a field goal for over six minutes, until Marissa Janning ending Creighton’s drought with a three that cut Evansville’s lead to 18-6 with 12:23 remaining in the half.

Janning’s triple sparked the Bluejay offense, as CU used a 16-2 run to trim UE’s lead to 20-18 with 8:51 to play in the opening stanza.  Janning and Sarah Nelson capped the run with a pair of buckets from long range.

Creighton’s defense then proceeded to hold the Aces without a field goal for over eight minutes, until Falkenstein broke through with a driving layup that started a 7-0 run by Evansville, as UE pushed its lead back to 31-23 on a pair of Ladd three throws at the 3:11 mark in the first period.

The Bluejays got within two at 36-34 on a three by Ally Jensen late in the half, but Ware answered with a three of her own just before the halftime horn to put Evansville in front 39-34 heading into the locker room.

The Aces outrebounded CU, 22-9, over the first 20 minutes and shot 47.8 percent from the field (11-for-23), including a 58.3 percent clip from beyond the arc (7-for-12).  Creighton knocked down nine treys of its own and shot 42.9 percent from three-point land in the first half (9-for-21).

The Bluejays started the second half with the hot hand, as they quickly overcame Evansville’s five-point lead and took a 14-point lead with a 21-2 run out of the break.  Janning capped the run with a three, one of her four on the afternoon, to give CU a 55-41 lead with 11:05 left in the contest.

Sophomore Juliann Miller made a driving layup to finally bring an end to Creighton’s run, making the score 55-43 in favor of the Bluejays at the 10:31 mark.

The Aces slowly began to chip away at CU’s margin and cut it to single digits at 59-50, when senior Samantha Heck drained a three-pointer from the top of the arc with just over five minutes to go.

UE made a late push, as senior Meagan Collins made back-to-back layups in the final 30 seconds to cut Creighton’s lead to just five, but the Bluejays sealed the victory by knocking down their free throws down the stretch.

Janning finished with 22 points to lead CU and Jensen notched all 18 of her points on six three pointers, as the pair was the only two Creighton players to finish in double figures.

Evansville outrebounded the Bluejays, 43-31, but Creighton was able to take advantage of the Aces’ 19 turnovers, converting them into 33 points.  CU also got 29 from its bench, which included Janning’s 22.

UE will be back on the hardwood next Sunday, Jan. 13, when it hosts Southern Illinois at 1 p.m.

 

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