Faculty and Staff

Open enrollment for the 2017 plan year will begin Monday, Oct. 17, and continue through Friday, Nov. 4. Open enrollment is a special period during which changes to pre-tax employee benefits can be made. In preparation for annual benefits statement mailings, take a moment to review your address in myWings and update if necessary. As part of open enrollment, the Office of Human Resources will host the annual benefits fair Thursday, Oct. 20. Additional information for open enrollment and the benefits fair will be communicated in the coming weeks.

The University Police Department wants to make the campus community aware about numerous schemes that have impacted some campus and community members. Contact UPD if you've received any calls as described below:

• IRS arrest scam: The most frequent phone scam in the region is still the IRS scam. Someone claiming to be the from the IRS will call the victim stating they owe back taxes and need to pay them immediately or a warrant will be issued for their arrest. In some cases, victims will receive a follow-up call from their local law enforcement agency backing up the fraudulent claims. Victims are told to purchase gift cards in a certain amount and call the "IRS" representative back with the gift card information. 
• Online job ad scam: The victim responds to an online job posting and may go through a brief interview process, while remaining victims will receive an unsolicited check in the mail. There will be instructions with the checks to purchase office equipment and send the overage back via another bank account. The most common job type is advertising signs on the victims' vehicle. 
• Electric company scam: Commercial businesses will receive a call from someone claiming to be an electric company representative for that area and tell the victim they're several months behind on their electric bill. The victim is then told that their power will be shut off that afternoon if the bill isn't paid at that time using bank account information or pre-paid credit cards. 
• Computer virus scam: The victim will receive a call from someone claiming to be with a computer repair company and try to gain access to the victim’s computer remotely. In some instances, the victim is actively using the computer when a message pops up for them to download anti-virus software. The victim will then be prompted to give bank account information to pay for repair services. 
• Online rental ad: The victim will respond to an online ad for a rental property. Communication will be only electronic in nature via text or e-mail. After the victim sends the deposit money, communication will stop and the "renter" will become unreachable. 
• Family member in danger scam: The victim will receive a call from a family member or distant relative say they've been arrested or taken hostage. The victim is instructed to wire money and/or gift cards to an attorney or another subject. 
• Lotto scam: The victim will receive a letter or phone call stating they won the lottery or the Publisher's Clearing House Sweepstakes. The victim will be instructed that they need to pay taxes on the winning amount before they can receive the funds. 
• Romance scam: The victim will start a romantic relationship with a subject, usually in another country. Soon after, the victim will request money to travel or move to the U.S. to be with the victim. 
• Terror threat scam: The victim is told that the caller is with Al-Quaeda and was hired to kill them, but will spare victim's life for $8,000. 

• UNF in the national spotlight: President John Delaney discussed many national accolades the University has recently received and the recent freshman class being the smartest in the school's history on WJXT. 
• Trump's Cuban conundrum: Dr. Matthew Corrigan, chair of the Department of Political Science and Public Administration, told The Progressive that he calculates the Democratic share of presidential votes in Miami-Dade County increased to 200,000 votes between 2008 and 2012.
• UNF simulation is a glimpse of refugees' plight: Freshmen in the Hicks Honors College took part in a refugee simulation, which places students in the position of refugees, homeless and poor people by showing them the difficulties of finding work, transportation, schools for their children and other life challenges. Read more from The Florida Times-Union and WJCT.
• Duval County teacher shortage: Dr. Paul Parkinson, chair of the Department of Childhood Education, Literacy and TESOL, discussed the local teacher shortage with First Coast News.
• Can mediation mend relationships on Duval's school board?: Adrienne Learner, director of the Pre-Law Program, told the Times-Union it's not uncommon for boards and their executives to need mediation.
• Professors sounded alarm on unethical bank practices two years ago: Dr. Paul Fadil, chair of the Department of Management, discussed the pressure bank employees are under to increase sales with Action News and "First Coast Connect."
• Equality in Jacksonville and beyond: Kaitlin Legg, director of the LGBT Resource Center, and Kasey Suffredini, chief program officer and director of the Transgender Freedom Project at Freedom for All Americans, discussed a variety of equality topics on  "The Chat." 

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

Starting 7 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 29, the east/second entrance into Lot 53, adjacent to Hicks Hall, Building 53, will be inaccessible until 8 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13, for lot maintenance and repair. Use the west/main entrance into Lot 53, and park within the open section. 

Nominations are being sought for the following awards that recognize students who demonstrate the spirit of caring, humanitarianism and volunteerism:

• Albert D. Ernest, Jr. Caring Award: The recipient will receive a bronze sculpture and $1,000 award to be given to a charitable organization of their choice. Nominees must be currently enrolled at UNF as a junior, senior or graduate student and must be involved with campus and/or community activities that provide a direct service to others. 
• Caring Internship: The recipient will spend summer 2017 in an all-expenses paid eight-week internship at the Heart of America Foundation in Washington, D.C. Nominees must be currently enrolled at the University as a sophomore or a junior, be involved with campus and/or community service, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and agree to take a business ethics course. 

Faculty can nominate students for either or both awards and a student may self-nominate by seeking faculty support. Nominees must submit a completed nomination form and a 500-word minimum essay by Friday, Oct. 7, to the Foundation Scholarship office, Alumni Hall, Building 60, Room 2126. Nomination forms are available here.

The University is committed to helping students achieve educational goals and graduate in a timely manner. As a part of this commitment, students must declare an academic course of study or major before their junior year, though students are encouraged to explore different programs of study as soon as possible. The University has found that early planning is key to academic success and can save time and money by avoiding taking courses that aren't needed for a specific program. Identifying a major early can also lead to improved planning for study abroad opportunities, post-graduation internships and graduate school. UNF understands the importance of making the right decision when it comes to declaring a major, which is why there are resources available to help narrow the focus. Visit Career Services for more information on a self-assessment tool that will highlight strengths, interests and professional goals. Additionally, students can speak directly with their advisor about course planning and degree evaluation. Visit the One-Stop Student Services website for more information on the excess hours surcharge and the University's degree progression and major change policy.  

Faculty and students are invited to share projects at any stage of development for the University's Digital Humanities Initiative's Digital Projects Showcase. Deadline for proposal submission is Friday, Oct. 7. The showcase will take place Wednesday, Nov. 2. For more information, visit the website.

Seed 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. 

Student-athlete academic reporting has gone paperless. Beginning this fall, faculty members will be able to submit athletic academic progress reports online. Faculty members teaching student-athletes will receive an e-mail Monday, Sept. 26, with detailed instructions on how to complete the reports through myWings.

H. Lee Peterson started his career making music videos, worked with Michael Jackson on "Moonwalker" and for Pixar Animation and edited for major Hollywood movie studios. Peterson will show clips from some of his films, such as "Aladdin" and "The Little Mermaid," and will talk about the choices an editor makes, as well as what it's like to work in Hollywood. Jerry Smith, CEO and founder of PineRidge Film and Television, will moderate the event. Register here.

"El estado de las economías latinoamericanas," is a lecture in Spanish with Dr. Andrés Gallo, professor of economics and director of the International Business Flagship Program. This is the inaugural event for "International Mondays," a series of informal conversations about the world today in Chinese, French and Spanish, with guests from campus and the Northeast Florida area. All are welcome, including native/heritage speakers and language learners at all levels. Coffee and light refreshments will be provided. International Mondays is a project of the International Studies Program, in partnership with the International Business Flagship Program, the International Center and the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures.

Help improve access to the waterways by attending this event with the Duval County Maritime Management Plan team. This is an opportunity to learn about the plan as well as share opinions and recommendations about waterways. Maps and information about waterways and facilities available for review. Participants are encouraged to take a survey before attending.

With talks on pressing issues by experts in the field, the conference will serve as grounds for the development and clarification of best practices in pediatric bioethics. Sessions will include topics, such as resource allocation/drug shortages, caring for transgender patients, treatment decisions with trisomy 13/18 patients and family-centered care. Students can attend for free by entering "student" when prompted for a code when registering. Click here to register. 

Media professionals will discuss the current state of the industry and trends to watch. There will be a facilities tour of the The Florida Times-Union after the panel. Parking is free in the Times-Union parking lot. Click here to register. Scheduled participants include:

• Gerald Smith, CEO and founder, PineRidge Film and Television
• Brendan Cumiskey, vice president, strategy and planning, Dalton Agency
• Mike Miller, manager of business development, Jacksonville Transportation Authority
• Mary Kelli Palka, managing editor, Florida Times-Union   
• Ryan Shelley, founder and inbound marketing consultant, Shelley Media Arts
• H. Lee Peterson, Hollywood animation editor

This year's theme, "Initiative to Innovation: YOUR Commitment to Action and Leadership," will challenge attendees to develop an inner drive to initiate change through innovation and action. Dr. Bremely Lyngdoh, a global leader in environmental sustainability initiatives, will emphasize the importance of today's leaders taking positive action toward social change in the world. Click here to register. 

Information sessions on "How to Write a Successful SAILS Application" will take place at the Student Union, Building 58W, Room 3601, as follows:

• 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Sep. 29
• 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 4
• 4 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 5
• 4 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 13

This competitive scholarship provides funding for undergraduate/graduate international educational experiences that enrich academic and individual development. More information is available on the website. 

Cheer on the volleyball team against Kennesaw State.

The recital will feature Dr. Marc Dickman, associate professor of music, playing trombone, tuba and euphonium; Bill Prince, retiree emeritus on cornet and clarinet; Dave Steinmeyer, adjunct music instructor playing trombone; Dr. Gary Smart, professor of music, on piano; Dennis Marks, associate professor of music, playing bass; and Danny Gottlieb, professor of music on drums.

The Department of Art and Design, UNF Gallery of Art and Environmental Center are pleased to announce Pre[serve], a juried exhibition that celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Sawmill Slough Preserve. The exhibition will showcase student works that share personal experiences, inspire others to connect with this environment and evoke awareness of the Preserve's perpetuity. 

Dr. Gordon Brock, professor of music, is the coordinator. The Marine Band is America's oldest continuously active professional musical organization. Founded in 1798, the band has performed for every U.S. president since John Adams. 

Rachel Atcheson, senior campus outreach director at the Humane League, will discuss effective animal activism. Come learn how to spread the word about animal rights in your everyday life. Dessert will be provided.

October is Campus Sustainability Month. This year, the University will be celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Sawmill Slough Preserve with a series of events, including Preserve Adventure Fest, a juried art exhibition, nighttime insect collection, workshops at Ogier Gardens and more. Click here for more information.

Dr. John Hewitt, assistant professor of physics, and students from the UNF Astronomy Club, will offer a short presentation about the wonders of the night sky followed by viewing through telescopes. Fort Frederica National Monument is approximately 90 minutes from Jacksonville.

Odyssey is the fastest growing social content platform and is looking for writers and photographers to join the University team. Join a fast-paced journalistic environment with an opportunity to get paid and have your voice heard on a platform that reaches 30 million millennials a month. Faculty and staff are welcome to refer students. More information is available here.

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Resource Center will be participating in River City Pride Saturday, Oct. 1, and Sunday, Oct. 2. If interested in marching in the pride parade with the LGBT Resource Center at 4 p.m. October 1, e-mail Logan Judd, office assistant. The parade will begin at Boone Park, 3700 Park St., Jacksonville, FL 32205. 

Do you know of a student club searching for sponsors to fund a specific project, trip or cause? The UNF Alumni Association offers grant funding for two student clubs for up to $1,000 per club. Applications for the fall semester are due by Wednesday, Oct. 5. Click here for an application.

Test your survival skills against hordes of zombies when the Department of Health Promotion hosts the fourth annual "Swoopocalypse" Zombie Run from 8 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 26. Students, faculty and staff should preregister at the office of Health Promotion at the Student Wellness Complex, Building 61, Room 1300. Check-in and face painting will begin at 7 p.m. at the outdoor basketball courts adjacent to the Student Wellness Complex. 

The University will host its 22nd Annual Family Weekend Friday, Oct. 14, through Sunday, Oct. 16, with a variety of entertaining, informational and interactive activities for students and families including:

• Ice cream and bingo 
• A movie at the Coxwell ​Amphitheater, adjacent to the Student Union, Building 58
• Family picnic 
• Zip-lining 
• Water sports 
• Saturday show featuring the Andy Gross Mind Boggling Variety Show

Visit the Family Weekend website to view the complete schedule of events. If you're interested in participating and/or volunteering in any of the events, contact the Office of Parent and Family Programs at (904) 620-1538.