Faculty and Staff

Open enrollment begins 8 a.m. today, Monday, Oct. 15, and ends promptly 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2. Participants are able to change benefits during open enrollment as many times as needed. However, once open enrollment ends, there must be an appropriate qualifying status change event to make a change during the plan year. The 2019 plan year information can be viewed via the myBenefits website. Open enrollment packages will be sent via the mail; review the packet as there are new supplemental plans available. Employees are encouraged to make changes to their benefits online via the People First website; instructions are provided in the People First open enrollment package. For more information, visit the Human Resources Open Enrollment webpage.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced Thursday, Oct. 11, that the 2019 social security wage base will be $132,900, which is an increase of $4,500 from $128,400 in 2018; view the SSA fact sheet. As in prior years, there's no limit to the wages subject to the Medicare tax; therefore all covered wages are still subject to the 1.45 percent tax. As in 2018, wages paid in excess of $200,000 in 2019 will be subject to an extra 0.9 percent Medicare tax that will be withheld only from employees' wages; employers won't pay the extra tax.

The FICA tax rate, which is the combined Social Security tax rate of 6.2 percent and the Medicare tax rate of 1.45 percent, will be 7.65 percent for 2019 up to the Social Security wage base. The maximum Social Security tax employees and employers will each pay in 2019 is $8,239.80, an increase of $279 from $7,960.80 in 2018.

The Office of Human Resources hosts an annual Benefits Fair during the open enrollment period to provide faculty and staff the opportunity to learn more about benefit plans/wellness options available through the University as well as have personal meetings with plan representatives. For more information, visit the webpage.

As our digital lives become more connected, it's increasingly important to protect our personal information and manage our privacy. Week four of National Cyber Security Awareness Month encourages digital citizens to better understand how to manage digital lives with simple, actionable steps. Visit the Cyber Security Awareness webpage to learn more.

Tip of the Week: Keep a clean machine; having the latest security software, web browser and operating system is the best defense against viruses, malware and other online threats.

Internet Native Banner (INB) will be upgraded to Banner Administrative Pages Monday, Oct. 22. The new Administrative Pages will have a more modern interface and will be a transformed, web-based version of INB forms. View the First Day with Banner Admin Pages flyer to learn what to expect and how to access the application. The current Banner 8 Self-Service applications won't be upgraded to Banner 9 until late 2019. Visit the Banner 9 webpage to view FAQs, new keyboard shortcuts, how to create requisitions and available training.

• Princeton Review names UNF ‘Best in the Southeast’ college: For the 10th consecutive year, UNF is one of the best colleges in the Southeast, according to The Princeton Review. The nationally-known education services company recommends UNF in its “Best in the Southeast” list for 2019. Read more.
• UNF's THRIVE program: Dr. Tara Rowe, THRIVE program director, and Ron Tucker, junior communication major and THRIVE program participant, discussed the program and the Transition to Success Conference on "First Coast Connect."
• Music mentors strike a chord with Jacksonville kids: Students in the UNF Music Mentor program volunteer to work with underserved youth in Jacksonville at Don’t Miss A Beat, teaching them various instruments as well as music theory and performance skills. The Florida Times-Union stopped by to listen.
• UNF professor shares religious studies expertise: Dr. Julie Ingersoll, professor and religious studies program director, spoke with Florida Today about how church members bond together and give back after natural disasters like Hurricane Michael.
• Role of faith in public policy and politics: Dr. Matthew Corrigan, political science professor, discussed religion's role in politics and public policy on WJCT's "Faith Matters," a quarterly program addressing societal issues through faith perspectives.
• Plastic blamed for local shark death: Dr. Jim Gelsleichter, director of the Coastal and Marine Biology Flagship Program, discussed whether microplastics can be harmful to marine life with Action News.
• UNF professor's study indicates flowers reduce stress: Dr. Erin Largo-Wight, associate professor of public health, spoke with the Times-Union about her new study that reveals flowers can reduce stress.

Read more about UNF faculty, staff and students in "Featured Stories."

Twenty Blue Lot spaces on the fourth floor of the Arena Parking Garage, Building 38, adjacent to the Arena, Building 34, will be reserved for vendors attending the Volunteer Fair 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 25. Spaces will return to normal parking activity after 3 p.m.

The following spaces on the second floor of the Fine Arts Center Parking Garage, Building 44, adjacent to the Fine Arts Center, Building 45, will be reserved for guests attending Media Week events: 

• 6 spaces, 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 23
• 25 spaces, 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 24
• 10 spaces, 7 to 11:30 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 25 

The Annual Conference of the Society for Cross-Cultural Research will take place Wednesday, Feb. 13, through Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019, at the Omni Jacksonville Hotel. Abstracts will be accepted until Wednesday, Oct. 31; submit via the website. Students may volunteer for five-hour or 10-hour shifts at the conference; to volunteer, email Amanda Faherty, student coordinator.

Students and faculty are invited to learn more about library resources that support teaching, learning and research in the fields of science, technology, engineering and health. Training sessions and demonstrations will be offered for CINAHL, SciFinder, Web of Science, Joanna Briggs Evidence Based Practice Database, Journals @ OVID, IOP Science, IEEE Xplore Digital Library, RefWorks and APA Style Central. Register via the website.

Applications for the 2019 Environmental Center Seed Grants are open. Grants are intended to stimulate the creation of multidisciplinary research projects related to the environment. Two grants for up to $6,000 each will be awarded. Further guidelines and applications are available on the website. The application deadline is 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 31. 

This two-day Graduate and Professional Schools Fair is for students considering furthering their undergraduate education. The first day will feature UNF departments and the next day will feature other colleges and universities. The event will take place at the Student Union, Building 58W, Ballroom, Room 3703, as follows:

• 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 30
• Noon to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 31

View a list of participating schools and more information via the website. Register for the event via Handshake for a chance to win a free professional padfolio. 

The following databases are currently available for trial on the Library Databases webpage.

• Marketline provides an interactive platform that profiles major companies, industries and geographies, with a wealth of business intelligence. The database presents information in easy-to-digest formats. The trial ends Sunday, Oct. 21.
• America's Historical Newspapers contains 350,000 full searchable issues from over 710 historical American newspapers. This resource chronicles American culture and daily life from 1690 to the recent past. The trial ends Wednesday, Nov. 14.
• Mango Languages provides a self-paced learning program that teaches over 70 world languages and English as a Second Language from 22 different languages. Mango Languages teaches through relevant and topical dialogue using the four key components — vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar and culture — for improving proficiency in another language. The trial ends Monday, Nov. 19.

Provide feedback on these databases using the Database Trial Feedback form.

The following databases are currently available for trial on the Library Databases webpage; trials end Friday, Nov. 9.

• Bloomsbury Applied Visual Arts offers instant, searchable access to over 170 books, which combine visual inspiration with practical advice on idea generation, research techniques, portfolio development and more across the main visual arts disciplines.
• Bloomsbury Architecture Library offers access to a collection of fully-searchable text and image content. This includes scholarly eBooks on architecture, architectural history, theory design, urbanism, landscape and interiors including The Handbook of Interior Architecture and Design.
• Bloomsbury Cultural History is an unparalleled digital reference tool providing students and researchers with exclusive digital access to Bloomsbury's ground-breaking Cultural Histories Series which offers an authoritative survey of a wide range of subjects throughout history.
• Bloomsbury Design Library gives comprehensive global coverage of the history, theory and practice of crafts and design from prehistoric times to the present day. It provides cutting-edge scholarly coverage of design and crafts worldwide from 1500 BC to the present day.
• Bloomsbury Encyclopedia of Philosophers features critical biographies of individuals who have contributed to the history of intellectual thought. It currently includes over 6,500 philosophers, politicians, mathematicians, poets, economists and scientists from North America, Britain, Ireland and the Middle East.
• Bloomsbury Popular Music provides scholarship and serious in-depth analysis of popular music in a global context. It's a resource for students and academics across disciplines, including music, ethnomusicology, performing arts, media/communication, cultural studies, anthropology and sociology.
• Drama Online introduces new writers alongside the most iconic names in playwriting history, providing contextual and critical background through scholarly works and practical guides. The original core collection features 1,200 titles from the pre-eminent theatre lists from Bloomsbury's Methuen Drama and Arden Shakespeare imprints as well as Faber and Faber Ltd. It now also includes video with 21 filmed theatrical performances from Shakespeare's Globe on Screen.

Provide feedback on these databases using the Database Trial Feedback form.

Nominations for the Outstanding Undergraduate Advisor Award are being accepted through 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 16. Nominations may be submitted online, via email to an advisor or by completing a paper nomination at the various advising units. For more information, contact Katie Sarria, Academic Advising Council Governance Committee member.

Intramural sand volleyball as well as kickball league registration begins 8 a.m. today, Thursday, Oct.18, and ends 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 25. Time slots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Two-versus-two and four-versus-four sand volleyball tournaments will be offered for men's, women's and co-recreational​ teams. Kickball teams must have at least five players on the roster to compete in the three-week season plus tournament-style playoffs. The sand volleyball tournament bracket as well as kickball league schedules will be available after the registration period ends; play will begin during the week of October 29. To register a team, visit the "Student Life and Activities" tab in myWings, then click on the "Intramural Sports" link. Visit the website or Facebook page for more information.

Your mind and body need a break from constant doing and thinking. In this group, participants will practice Qigong, a Chinese method that combines soft body movements with mental concentration/breathing to increase human energy, and sitting meditation accompanied by live singing bowls. The Mindful Skills Group meets at 11 a.m. every Friday, Founders Hall, Building 2, Counseling Center, Room 2012.

Participate as a runner and get chased by the undead or volunteer as a zombie during the 6th annual Zombie Run. Registration begins 6 p.m. and the race starts at 7 p.m. Volunteers will get a Swoopocalypse T-shirt as well as runners with at least one flag still attached. Pick up an application at the front desk of the Student Wellness Complex, Building 61, or sign up on the day of the race. 

Enjoy an evening of fun and entertainment to honor the talents of local and national female artists; celebrate women with a diverse array of performers sharing poetry, comedy and aerial acrobatics. A dessert reception will feature a chocolate fountain. 

The Fall Improv Show will feature students in theatre and acting courses taught by Maureen Mccluskey, English instructor. The show will include skits, games and character scenes created by students over the course of several semesters.

Watch students pour and cast molten iron. Attendees can create an iron piece by making a scratch block in sand and having it cast; no prior experience is necessary. Small scratch blocks cost $10 and large $15. Parking will be available in parking Lots 9 and 10.

Jacksonville native Denise Wright, one of the First Coast's most sought after collaborative pianists, will perform Bach, Beethoven, Mozart and more. Dr. Krzysztof Biernacki, associate professor of voice, is the artistic director.

Celebrate the new sea creature sculptures that have been installed at the UNF Seaside Sculpture Park. The large-scale jellyfish and a jumbo shrimp were created by art and design students Jenn Peek, a senior, and junior Olivia Warro.

The Taylor Leadership Institute will present its 10th annual Student Leadership Summit. This year's theme is "Leadership and Activism: Awakening the Change Agent in You." Participants will explore the intersection of leadership and activism, highlighting the ways in which students can become actively engaged to create positive change. Through a series of impactful and interactive sessions, students will develop a deeper understanding of the values and passions that drive them, hear from inspiring activist leaders and learn the tools they need to take action in their own communities. Funded through the Student Life and Services Fee, this is a free event open to all students and includes a complimentary breakfast and lunch. Register via the website.

Tony Vecchio, executive director at the Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens, will discuss "Conservation, Education and Animal Wellness at the Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens: Opportunities and Challenges."  A RSVP isn't required.

Enjoy "Reflexiones sobre dos años en España," a conversation in Spanish with Wesley Wilkins, UNF Class of 2015 Spanish alum and graduate of the Masters in Bilingual and Multicultural Education program at Instituto Franklin, Universidad de Alcalá de Hernares. This is the second event in the fall International Mondays series.

The Science Cafe, a monthly public series hosted by the Library and the departments of Psychology and Biology, will present a lecture by Dr. Sarah Beal, assistant professor in the University of Cincinnati Department of Pediatrics and Behavioral Medicine and clinical psychology expert at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. Beal will discuss "The Interplay of Psychosocial Development and Health in Adolescent Foster Youth." Lunch will be provided by Brio Tuscan Grille; a RSVP isn't required.

Social media experts from various areas of the communication industry will offer their perspective and insight on social media trends.

"Uncovering Jax" is a series of short student documentaries about the little-known stories of historic Jacksonville residents. This year's stories include Jospeh E. Blodgett, Jacksonville's first African-American millionaire; Richard E. Norman, pioneer race filmmaker during the era of silent film; Anna Kingsley, former slave turned landowner; A. Philip Randolph, civil rights activist; and the gentrification of the old Brooklyn neighborhood in Jacksonville. A panel discussion will follow the screening.

Knowledgeable professionals from Future Home Loans will chat with military-affiliated students about how to qualify for a VA Home Loan, maximize benefits and build credit. Lunch is free for attendees.

Join the Women's Center and the Asian Students in Alliance for a fall festival with good conversation, food, games, apple cider and more. 

Join the Interfaith Center for the Interfaith Week keynote presentation, "Harry Potter and the Sacred Text," based on the popular podcast of the same name. Keynote speaker Vanessa Zoltan, podcast co-host, will guide participants through a reflection on a Harry Potter chapter, exploring a theme and the text as if it was a sacred text with lessons to teach. Zoltan will be joined by musician Nick Bohl.

The Interfaith Center will present a week of events to celebrate Interfaith Week, as follows:

• Campus Community Suppers with OneJax, 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 25, Student Union, Building 58W, Room 3703CD
• Interfaith Week Kickoff breakfast/coffee with special guest appearance by the Dome, 10 a.m. to noon Monday, Oct. 29, The Green, outside of the Fine Arts Center, Building 45
• Coffee and Conversation: Speed-Faithing 1 to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 30, Interfaith Center, Founders Hall, Building 2, Room 1400
• "Harry Potter and the Sacred Texts" Interfaith Week keynote by Vanessa Zoltan, co-host of "Harry Potter and the Sacred Text," podcast, presents a chapter as if it was a sacred text; 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 30, Student Union, Building 58W, Auditorium, Room 2704
• Interfaith Storytelling at Market Days, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 31, Osprey Plaza, Student Union, Building 58
• Spiritual Practices Fair will explore a variety of ways to pray, reflect, meditate and practice spirituality with chaplains and students, 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 1, Student Union, Building 58W, Ballroom, Room 3703

The Interfaith Center and OneJax will host a meal and meaningful dialogue about diversity and inclusion in our community; small groups of eight to 10 students will sit with a community/campus leader to discuss. Dinner will be provided. Interested students register here; faculty/staff register here. 

Join the Interfaith Center and members of the Jacksonville Sikh community at Market Days for a day to increase understanding and build bonds of friendship. Learn about the Sikh religion, try on a turban of various colors, provided by the Sikh Society of Northeast Florida, and taste an appetizer from Fifth Element Indian Restaurant.

The committee will hold an introductory meeting for the associate vice president and CIO position, 310090.

The committee will conduct an interview for the access services librarian position, 319110.

The committee will conduct an interview for the access services librarian position, 319110.

The committee will meet to select candidates to Skype interview for the assistant professor position, 312830. For more information, contact Lauren Chartier, office manager.

Slice Pizzeria is now serving a variety of grab-and-go salads including side salads and chicken Caesar salads.

The Dining Services annual guest survey is now available online via the website or by texting "KVJJ" to 99299 to receive the survey link via text. This new survey, Voice to Vision, is designed to gather feedback from the entire campus community and will be used to help improve the dining program on campus and solicit feedback. At the conclusion of the survey, guests may enter their email address for a chance to win one month of free Chick-fil-A. For full details on this promotion, visit the survey page.

The following CIRT workshops are available:

• Creative Ways to Document Study Abroad Projects: 10:30 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Oct. 23, Honors Hall, Building 10, Room 1102; Register
• Online Testing Best Practices Webinar: 11 a.m. to noon Thursday, Oct. 25, online; Register

Veterans, military personnel and their family members are invited to participate in a mind-body workshop with the American Red Cross. Learn mind-body skills like breathing, mindfulness techniques, stretching/movement, body awareness/functioning and guided imagery to help get through the rest of the semester. Emotional intelligence can also be improved through practicing mind-body techniques and is linked to higher levels of empathy, lower levels of stress and increased life satisfaction. Register.

A cork bulletin board, with a light wood frame measuring approximately three feet by four feet and in good condition, is available in the Brooks College of Health Dean's Office. If interested, contact Susan Russo, administrative services coordinator.

Active duty, veterans and military spouses are invited to attend an informative one-day workshop on franchising. This workshop will help you decide if a franchise business is right for you, how to finance a franchise and more. Due to the generosity of Army veteran Robert Jacoby, this event is free to attendees. Parking, breakfast, lunch and the "Your Career 2.0" book are included.

Approximately 40 volunteers are still needed to participate in House Calls, 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 23. This is an opportunity for faculty and staff to meet residential students on campus and discover how to help them succeed while at the University. Dinner will be provided at the Osprey Café. To sign up as a volunteer, email Margaret Saunders, Enrollment Services administrative assistant, by Monday, Oct. 22.

Dr. Christopher Baynard, Center for Sustainable Business Practices director and Department of Economics and Geography associate professor, will present three kite aerial photography workshops. Attendance at all three events isn’t necessary, but it will be helpful for participants to take the courses in consecutive order. Workshops take place 2 to 4 p.m. at the Digital Humanities Institute, Skinner-Jones Hall, Building 4, Room 2800, as follows:

• Thursday, Nov. 1: Participants will learn to prepare and fly specialized kites for use in kite aerial photography. Kite assembly/selection, equipment, launching and flying as well as weather conditions will be discussed. Time and weather permitting, camera equipment will be discussed and flown.
• Thursday, Nov. 15: Participants will learn to attach cameras, phones and other equipment to kites and possibly balloons for capturing imagery. Participants will fly the kites and/or balloons, weather permitting, to capture imagery of the UNF campus; imagery will be reviewed at the end of the session.
• Thursday, Nov. 29: Participants will prepare and process the imagery that they captured in the previous workshops for georeferencing, mosaicking and 3D models using ArcGIS, Pix4D or DroneDeploy. Participants will have digital products of the imagery they captured for display or further analysis. 

Check the website for specific instructions, relevant training videos and more information to prepare before attending the workshops. To register, email David Wilson, Digital Humanities Institute Tools and Training subcommittee co-chair and CIRT assistant director, by Wednesday, Oct. 31.

Become a part of UNF's history with a commemorative brick paver in Osprey Plaza. Honor a student, graduate, favorite professor or friend, memorialize a loved one or commemorate your time at the University. Orders may be placed via the website.

The 38th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Luncheon will honor King's legacy and support the scholarships that are awarded every year to students whose leadership as well as service reflect his teachings. For more information, contact the Intercultural Center for Peace at (904) 620-2475

Students will have the opportunity to meet representatives and learn how to get involved with a variety of local nonprofits and volunteer organizations. For a full list of participating organizations, visit the website.