The University of Evansville, in pursuit of excellence in service, wishes to recognize monthly a non-faculty employee displaying records of achievement as a leader.  Leadership may be demonstrated in any of the following categories:

• Service to the University community
• Service to students
• Job performance and attitude to fellow employees

One award is presented each month.  To be eligible, an employee must be a full-time member of the administration or staff.  Nominations are due before the 15th of each month.

To nominate someone, or to find out more information about the Employee Excellence Award, go to http://acelink.evansville.edu/Tools/Employee Award/
 

Submitted by Lori LeDuc, ll138@evasnville.edu

A 40th Anniversary Commemoration of the 1977 University of Evansville plane crash will take place tonight - Wednesday, December 13 - at 7:00 p.m.

The ceremony will be held at Memorial Plaza on the UE campus and is open to the Evansville community and the general public. In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved inside Neu Chapel.

The Air Indiana Flight 216 crashed at 7:22 p.m. on the evening of December 13, 1977, carrying the University of Evansville men’s basketball team along with coaches, administrators, fans, and flight crew. Those gathered will observe a moment of silence at that time during the candlelight vigil.

A candle lighting will commence the service which also includes a reading of the names of those who perished in the plane crash and a bell ringing during each interval. University of Evansville President Dr. Thomas A. Kazee will provide a statement followed by the singing of the UE alma mater, prayers and bagpipes.

Following the ceremony, an opportunity for informal gathering and fellowship will be offered in Ridgway University Center’s 1959 Gallery and Lounge. Neu Chapel will also be open for personal prayer and meditation throughout the evening.

If you have any questions about the ceremony or events taking place that night, please contact the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations at alumni@evansville.edu or 812-488-2586.

Submitted by Bob Pristash rp113@evansville.edu 

Come for a special half hour vigil mass this reading/study day to celebrate this holy day of obligation. A special blessing will be offered over all student's brains and all are welcome. Begins at 8 pm. 

Submitted by: Gabrielle VanBuskirk, gv19@evansville.edu

The Department of Law, Politics, and Society will be inaugurating the Arthur B. Aarstad Scholar Award for the Outstanding Senior in Political Science on Friday, December 8, at 2 p.m. in Dunigan Lounge.  The award’s namesake, Arthur Aaarstad, will be in attendance for the occasion.  Aarstad joined the faculty of Evansville College in 1958 as a member of the Department of History and Political Science, and he worked here until he retired in 1995.  In addition to his teaching and administrative duties, Arthur served on the EVSC school board and was elected to the Vanderburgh County Council.  He won the Outstanding Teacher of the Year award in 1971.

A reception will be held to launch this new award, and there will be a brief program.  Arthur Aarstad will offer some observations on his long career at UE, and some of his former colleagues and students will say a few words in praise of his service to our campus community.   There will be light refreshments offered, and the first-ever Aarstad Scholar award recipient will be announced.  All members of the UE campus community are welcome to join us in honoring this former colleague and this outstanding student.

Take a break from finals week to laugh and enjoy music performed by your fellow students! Come see Trebles without a Cause and Ladies in Pink perform their end of semester concert. Both are acapella groups each putting on their own program, so you get two shows in one! The event is planned for Saturday, December 8, at 8:00 p.m. in Shanklin Theatre. Admission is free!

Submitted by Ryan DeHoff rd103@evansville.edu 

The Pancake Study Break is back for the fall semester! Take this opportunity to relax a bit before finals start. Join us for pancakes and fun on Thursday, December 7 from 9:00-11:00 p.m. in the dining hall in Ridgway University Center. Door prizes will be awarded. The event is free of charge for UE students. A UE ID will be required.

Submitted by Emily Wilderman ew159@evansville.edu

Students who have used federal direct (subsidized/unsubsidized) loans and plan to graduate in the fall (or transfer after the fall semester) are required to attend a loan repayment counseling session. The Office of Financial Aid will hold the last session of the semester on Thursday, December 7 (Reading/Study Day) at 2:00 p.m. in Eykamp Hall, Room 252, Ridgway University Center.

Submitted by Amy Sowders as560@evansville.edu 

Finals got you stressed? Counseling Services - with help from RSA and SAB - is hosting a relaxation event on Thursday, December 7 (Reading/Study Day). The event will be from 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. in Eykamp Hall, Rooms 253-255, Ridgway University Center.

The event will offer:

• Multiple areas with various activities to aid in stress management
• Yoga mats, aromatherapy, chair massage, and other mindfulness activities

Come and leave at your convenience and move at your own pace.

Submitted by Jennifer Hargus jh693@evansville.edu
 

As an organization, we have decided to extend the early deadline for the Student Leadership Conference on January 20, 2018 to December 13!

Want to expand upon your leadership skills and knowledge base but don't know how? I have great news for you! On January 20, the University of Evansville Leadership Academy and Center for Student Engagement are putting on their annual Student Leadership Conference. This year, the conference's theme is "Bright Lights, Brighter Leaders." This is an all-day conference where you will get the opportunity to talk with other student leaders and hear amazing speakers discuss their own leadership journeys. There is a $10 registration fee that includes a T-shirt, lunch, and an unforgettable experience! To register for the event, click here! 

The UE Bookstore would like to clarify the dates for Buyback and rental returns as there may be conflicting dates out there. Buyback runs December 8-14. Rental books need to be returned by 5:00 p.m. on DECEMBER 14. If you have any questions contact the UE Bookstore. 

Submitted by Dous Gustwiller, dg57@evansville.edu

As the semester comes to an end, the University of Evansville's Student Health Center will conclude the fall semester as well.

The Health Center will be open 8-5 on 12/7, 12/8, 12/11, 12/12, 12/13 and 12/14. Although the Health Center is open from 8-5 the Nurse Practitioner is only available two hours a day. You can call 812-488-2033 or stop by the Health Center to schedule an appointment.

Also stop by the Health Center for a complimentary OREO candy bar to get you through those final exams!

All of us at the Health Center want to wish everyone a happy holiday season and a joyous New Year!

Submitted by Ashley Craig, ac408@evansville.edu 

The UE Bookstore is looking for some extra help during spring rush (Jan 2-12). The person should be available during regular store hours during this time - eight hours a day. The position requires some lifting. This is a temporary position perfect for anyone looking for a little more cash. Students may be interested IF they can work all these days. Contact the UE Bookstore if interested.

Submitted by: Doug Gustwiller, dg57@evansville.edu 

Wed (12/6)   8:00am-8:00pm
Thurs & Fri(12/7&12/8)   8:00am-7:00pm
Sat & Sun (12/9 & 12/10)   11:30am-5:30pm
Mon - Thurs (12/11-12/14)   8:00am-7:00pm
Friday (12/15)   8:00am-6:00pm

Submitted by: Lori Adams: la87@evansville.edu

The GAP 310 course, Anti-Bias Education and Training will present an open session to interested attendees on campus.

Prejudices such as racism, sexism, ableism, and heterosexism unfortunately still exist. This training is an activist approach to challenge those and other prejudices by raising awareness about bias and how to reduce it on campus.

The students will present interactive activities that will get participants discussing and thinking about how they can see the world through a different lens. All are invited to attend.

The session will be Friday, December 8th from 2:00-3:00 pm in SOBA room 272. If you have time please come and support these students.
 

Submitted by: Laneeça Williams, lw161@evansville.edu

Would a class that fulfills several general education requirements and teaches you valuable life skills interest you? Do you want to reduce your course load during the regular fall or spring semesters? How would you like to take such a course NO MATTER WHERE you plan to be?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, consider enrolling in COMM 380 ONLINE (Intercultural Communication) offered in Winter Intersession.

COMM 380 meets criteria for General Education Outcome 9 (Understanding of Core Concepts of Society, Human Behavior, and Civic Knowledge) and Overlay Component A (Global Diversity: International Component).

For more information contact Dr. Thomlison at dt4@evansville.edu.

Submitted by Dean Thomlison dt4@evansville.edu

Looking for an extra credit opportunity for a participating Psychology class? Take the survey below and follow the instructions it provides.

https://uoebusiness.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1zYQCnivBNTCdY9
 

Submitted by: Ann Miranda Nelson, an127@evansville.edu

All UE faculty, staff, and administrators may now begin picking up their two complimentary tickets for the men's basketball game against Canisius this Saturday, December 9, at the Ford Center at 1:00 p.m. - valid UE ID required. As a reminder, you simply need to show your UE ID day of game for women's basketball games at Meeks Family Fieldhouse for your two complimentary tickets (employee and guest). The UE women's basketball team takes on Morehead State this Sunday, December 10 at 1:00 p.m.

Submitted by Scott Peace sp166@evansville.edu

Please note that the dean of students’ office will not grant official excused absences during finals except for extreme circumstances (i.e.: death of an immediate family member, emergency surgery, etc.). Students who feel they are unable to take a scheduled final exam should work directly with their professors to discuss other possible options.

Submitted by Karen Martin km306@evansville.edu

In order to process the payroll before the holiday break for the December 29th bi-weekly payroll, the Office of Accounting/Payroll is asking all staff to enter their time on WebAdvisor for the pay period December 10 to 23 by Wednesday, December 13. Supervisors are asked to approve timecards by Thursday, December 14.

If you have any questions, please contact Gloria Spencer at ext.2159 for e-mail gs55@evansville.edu.

Indiana Virtual Academy will host student testing in Cokes Classroom, Hyde Hall Room 126, on Monday, December 11th from 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Please contact Kari Hughes with any questions at kh355@evansville.edu.

Just a friendly reminder during the Christmas season - UE distribution services only receives and processes mail and packages that are UE business and student related. Distribution services does not accept personal packages and mail for UE employees from carriers. For liability reasons, employees should have personal mail and packages delivered to their home address.

Submitted by Kim Winsett kw83@evansville.edu

When sending certified mail using the return receipt form (green postcard form 3811), be sure to write your department name or your name on the back of the postcard. Indicating your department name or your name will help ensure that you receive the return receipt following delivery which includes the date the mail was delivered and the signature of the person who received it, if applicable.

For additional information on the certified mail process, visit the mail services website on AceLink called Certified Return/ Receipt/Restricted Mail Instructions.

Submitted by Kim Winsett kw83@evansville.edu 

The 2018 spring Pcard cardholder training session calendar is now available on the AceLink Pcard website under Training Materials/Dates to Remember. For questions or to reserve a training spot, contact the Office of Administrative Services at ext. 2941.

Submitted by Kim Winsett kw83@evansville.edu 

Foreign language proficiency tests are planned for January 9 and 10 for students who did not take it in Fall 2017.

Please e-mail tj87@evansville.edu for more information and to sign up. Students intending to take the test MUST sign up with Tammy Johnson.

Submitted by Tammy Johnson tj87@evansville.edu 

The semester end book buyback at the UE Bookstore runs December 8-14. The bookstore freely quotes all books regardless of where purchased or used on this campus. Please bring your student ID to sell books, your original receipt is NOT needed. There will be promotions and discounts during the week as well. 

Submitted by: Doug Gustwiller, dg57@evansville.edu.

Residence hall students - do you need a place to stay this winter? The residence life office has limited winter housing available. Only students participating in official University functions or with approved reasons will be considered for winter housing.

Winter housing is located on the fourth floor of Morton Residence Hall. Students will not have access to their permanent rooms during winter break. Approvals are subject to room availability. Students are charged a flat fee of $400 for winter housing.

Students seeking winter housing must submit a Winter Housing Request Form by noon on Reading and Study Day, available through this link - https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WinterHousing.

Students who live in Village housing can stay in their apartment or house at no additional cost but we do ask that you let us know when you will be on campus by filling out this form - https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/villagewinterhousing.

Submitted by: Brian Conner bc32@evansville.edu

Please note the following distribution services (mail services, central receiving and copy services) adjustments and plan accordingly. These adjustments will help to ensure there is sufficient time to transport mail for processing, complete campus deliveries and copy service requests before campus is closed for the Christmas break (Monday, December 25 through Monday, January 1).

A campus distribution services delivery reminder/notification is being distributed via campus mail to departments the week of December 11. It is to be returned to distribution services if someone will be available at the routine department mail/receiving delivery locations to receive and sign for mail or shipments on Friday, December 22. Departments are asked to respond no later than Monday, December 18.

Mail Services Adjustments:

• Mail will be delivered to offices that have responded to the campus distribution services delivery reminder notification stating they will have someone available at the designated dept. mail delivery location to receive and sign for mail on Friday, December 22. 
• Campus mail will be delivered to administrative offices (student accounts, registrar, accounting and audit, financial aid and president’s office) on Friday, December 22.
• All outgoing USPS mail/parcels must be in UE mail services for transport to Data Mail on December 22, no later than 1:00 p.m.
• Those needing to mail a letter, etc. after 1:00 p.m. on December 22 or during Christmas break may do so by taking their mail to the post office and paying for the postage via a UE Pcard.
• The United States Post Office will be closed Monday, December 25 and Monday, January 1.

United Parcel Services (UPS) Information

• UPS is closed on Monday, December 25 and Monday, January 1.
• For UPS delivery and pickup services over the holidays, go to the UPS 2017 year-end holiday schedule at https://compass.ups.com/uploadedfiles/resource_center/holiday_information/2017-year-end-holiday-schedule.pdf.

Central receiving adjustments

• Receiving will deliver to offices that have responded to the campus distribution services delivery reminder/notification stating they will have someone available at the designated dept. mail/delivery location to receive deliveries on Friday, December 22.
• Packages will not be accepted in Receiving after 3:00 p.m., Friday, December 22, through Monday, January 1.
• In-house supply orders received prior to 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 21, will be delivered on the afternoon run of Friday, December 22.
• In-house supply orders received after 1:00 p.m. on Friday, December 22, will be delivered on Tuesday’s afternoon run, January 2.

Copy Services Adjustments
Please plan your copy job requirements ahead of time to provide sufficient turn-around time as copy services will be closed December 25-January 1.

Distribution services will resume normal operations on Tuesday, January 2.

For distribution services questions, contact the following:

Mail services at mailservices@evansville.edu
Copy services at copyservices@evansville.edu
Central receiving at centralreceiving@evansville.edu

Submitted by Kim Winsett kw83@evansville.edu

University of Evansville seniors majoring in psychology and neuroscience scored at the 98th percentile rank on ETS's Major Field Test in Psychology! Congratulations!