Osprey Update for Faculty and Staff

The Higher Education Act (HEA) of 1965, as amended, includes many disclosure and reporting requirements for institutions who participate in Title IV Federal Student Aid Programs. To comply with federal requirements and to provide comprehensive consumer and safety information to prospective and enrolled students and prospective and current employees, the University has established a Consumer Information webpage. This page contains specific consumer information as required by HEA, including the exact electronic address where information is posted. The information may also be accessed through a link at the bottom of every UNF webpage.

The Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act (EADA) requires co-educational institutions of postsecondary education that participate in Title IV, federal student financial assistance programs and have intercollegiate athletic program, to prepare an annual report for the Department of Education on athletics participation, staffing, revenues and expenses, by men’s and women’s teams. The University of North Florida’s most recent EADA report may be found online via the UNF Athletics website. Paper copies of the report can be obtained by contacting:

University of North Florida Athletic Compliance
UNF Arena: Building 34, Room 1031
1 UNF Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32224
(904) 620-2833

View additional consumer and safety information required by the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, via the webpage.

The Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Regulations outlined in the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA), as articulated in the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) Part 86 require institutions to notify all students and employees annually of the following information:

• Standards of conduct
• Disciplinary sanctions for violations of the standards of conduct
• Possible legal sanctions and penalties
• Statement of the health risks associated with abuse of alcohol and other drugs
• Availability of program related to alcohol and other drugs

The University is committed to educating the campus community regarding the harmful effects and legal consequences associated with alcohol and other drug use. Special attention has been paid to providing a balance between educational and punitive components. A series of educational and prevention programs are offered to the University community, while at the same time alerting members to the consequences of noncompliance. It's hoped that all members of the University community will strive to promote behaviors that are compatible with the educational mission of the University, including the establishment of healthy and responsible norms.

For specific information related to the items mentioned above, refer to the official Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy. For additional information, contact Human Resources at (904) 620-2903.

The electronic 2019 W-2 wage and tax statements for active employees who elected to receive statements electronically are now available via the myWings Employee Self-Service portal. Refer to the Online W-2 Wage and Tax Statement Guide and the Internal Revenue Service Employee Notice and Instructions. It's recommended that employees seek professional tax advice when completing an individual income tax return (Forms 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ). Questions can be directed to the Payroll Office at (904) 620-2715, (904) 620-2984, (904) 620-2706, (904) 620-2992 or via email.

Per the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA), as amended, and 34 CFR 668.40, a student, who is convicted of a state or federal offense involving the possession or sale of an illegal drug that occurred while the student was enrolled in school and receiving Title IV aid, is not eligible for Title IV funds. [An illegal drug is a controlled substance as defined by the Controlled Substance Act and does not include alcohol and tobacco.] Convictions only count against a student for aid eligibility purposes (FAFSA question 23c) if they were for an offense that occurred during a period of enrollment for which the student was receiving federal student aid—they don't count if the offense wasn't during such a period, unless the student was denied federal benefits for drug trafficking by a federal or state judge. Also, a conviction that was reversed, set aside or removed from the student’s record doesn't count, nor does one received when she was a juvenile, unless she was tried as an adult. View more information regarding periods of ineligibility and regaining eligibility after a drug conviction via the webpage.

The Florida Retirement System will host on campus workshops. To participate, register via the CPDT Training Registration System in myWings. Sessions are as follows: 

• Income Tax Planning: 9 to 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 30
• Using the FRS to Plan for Your Retirement: 9 to 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 27
• Understanding Your Benefits under the FRS Pension Plan: 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 15

All UNF employees have access to Tickets At Work, a service that provides 20% to 60% off admission to theme parks, movies, hotels, shows, concerts, sporting events and more. Sign up for the complimentary perks using the following directions:

• 1. Visit the enrollment webpage
• 2. Fill out the information to become a member (use your work or personal email address)
• 3. For Company Code, use "UNFEDU​"
• 4. Receive an extra $10 off at checkout by using UNF's Promo Code: "welcome10off"; the promo code will expire Sunday, March 1

Participants that sign up by Monday, Feb. 10, will have a chance to win a $25 gift card. 

Due to the Athletic Department's Elementary Day event, parking and shuttle stop modifications will be in place Monday, Jan. 27, as follows:

• 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Lot 46, near Hodges Stadium, Building 46, and Lot 34, behind the Arena, Building 34, will be closed with barricades.
• 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.: The east section of North Entrance Road around Lot 18, near Harmon Baseball Stadium, Building 27, will be blocked off. Shuttle stop No. 2, near the Central Parkway campus entrance, won't be in service; however, shuttle stop No. 1, near Hodges Stadium, will have normal service activity. Entrances to Lot 18 will be open, except the east entrance

All spaces will return to normal operations after 2 p.m.

Due to the Athletic Department's Elementary Day event, parking and shuttle stop modifications will be in place Monday, Jan. 27, as follows:

• 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Lot 46, near Hodges Stadium, Building 46, and Lot 34, behind the Arena, Building 34, will be closed with barricades.
• 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.: The east section of North Entrance Road around Lot 18, near Harmon Baseball Stadium, Building 27, will be blocked off. Shuttle stop No. 2, near the Central Parkway campus entrance, won't be in service; however, shuttle stop No. 1, near Hodges Stadium, will have normal service activity. Entrances to Lot 18 will be open, except the east entrance

All spaces will return to normal operations after 2 p.m.

The Carpenter Library is accepting scholarly and creative works to be included in the annual Showcase of Faculty Scholarly and Creative Activity Thursday, April 9. Faculty are invited to submit books, journal articles, artwork and performances published between January 1, 2018, and February 28, 2019; submission deadline is Friday, Mar. 13. View the webpage for more information.

Students can receive help with math, biology, chemistry, French, ASL, research and writing at the Carpenter Library, Building 12, Perdue Study Area on the second floor. Tutors from the Office of Student Academic Success Services and the Writing Center are available throughout the semester. Librarians offer face-to-face and online research consultations for all students, faculty and staff. Availability is as follows:

• Research consultations
  •  Monday through Friday, by appointment
• French and ASL
  • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Math
  • Monday through Thursday: 5 to 8 p.m.
• Biology and Chemistry
  • Monday through Thursday: 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Writing: 
  • Monday: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Tuesday:  2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Wednesday: 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
  • Thursday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Click to view tutoring schedule and Writing Center hours.

Student applications are now being accepted for the College of Arts and Sciences Transformational Learning Opportunity (TLO) Scholarship. Funding is available for summer or fall research projects, directed independent study, international learning or internships. Faculty should advise students to apply by the Friday, Feb. 14, deadline. Access the application via the webpage. For questions, email the COAS Scholarship Coordinator.

Current undergraduate students approved to take graduate level courses and eligible alumni may pay an exclusive discount rate of $275 per credit hour for tuition. Visit the Graduate School website to view program offerings and learn more about the 33% tuition decrease. 

UNF will host the Inaugural Piracy Studies Conference, an interdisciplinary, international conference organized by the Grupo de Estudio Internacional "Piratería de la Edad Moderna Temprana." Conference sessions are open to the UNF community. For more information and to register, visit the website.

Students, faculty and staff are invited to participate in a user-experience focus group to help the Carpenter Library redesign its Digital Commons and Library Guides web presence. Those selected to participate will receive a $5 Starbucks gift card and light snacks will be provided during the group sessions. Selected participants will be contacted by the end of January and sessions will be held in February.

The UNF Foundation Scholarships office has implemented a new scholarship management system called AcademicWorks. The system will allow students to easily identify, apply for and manage their scholarships while allowing staff to navigate through potential students and select qualified candidates. Visit the Foundation Scholarships website for additional details.

A new research database is available on the Library Databases webpage. ASTM Compass and Digital Library provides access to a collection of industry standards and technical engineering information that includes the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards, Special Technical Publications, Manuals, Monographs, Data Series and all ASTM journals. ASTM Compass publications cover a broad range of engineering disciplines. Librarians are available to provide demonstrations and classroom instruction for all library resources.

This event, focused on International Humanitarian Law (the law of armed conflict), will give participants the opportunity to participate in a hands-on simulation, and to engage on related topics with faculty members from various departments, including Dr. Josh Gellers, associate professor of political science; Dr. Sarah Mattice, associate professor of philosophy/Interdisciplinary Studies Program director; and Dr. Sericea Stallings-Smith, assistant professor of public health. Register.

The Land Report Collective deals with landscape in fundamental ways and as a foundational reference point. Leticia Bajuyo transforms suburban stereotypes into symbols and visual markers that delight and at the same time spur a critical stance as she crafts an irony inflected dystopian vision of the suburban fantasy. Jason Brown considers the politics of mountaintop removal in his construction of objects and installations while also creating playful formal assemblages; his objects and projects seek to challenge users to engage in a civic dialogue about individual, community and place. This lecture is free and open to the public.

Susan Eccher, military and international services regional manager for the American Red Cross North Florida Region, will give a lecture on International Humanitarian Law, the law of armed conflict. This event is happening in advance of the Raid Cross Simulation, organized by the Red Cross and the International Studies Program, taking place on Friday, Feb. 7.

Dr. Madeleine Albright is a professor, author, diplomat and businesswoman who served as the 64th US Secretary of State and, at that time, was the highest ranking woman in US government history. Reserve a free e-ticket. 

Learn how to run a business solely from your smartphone by learning the apps and technology you will need to be responsive to customers and get more done with less. This workshop is led by Greg Gutkowski, marketing instructor, and is open to all military, veterans and military spouses. Register.

Genuinely U aims to create opportunities for the women of UNF to be inspired and enlightened, support one another, advance women's leadership and effect change for the University as well as the broader community. At this spring breakfast meeting, network with other women on campus and enjoy a presentation on D.O.P.E. Leadership from Berneitha K. McNair, executive director of the Northeast Florida Community Action Agency and president of Berneitha McNair Consulting where she specializes in a modern, trendy approach to leadership training. RSVP by Monday, Jan. 27.

The $1,000 Women’s History Month Scholarship is funded by the Office of the Vice President of Student and International Affairs and awarded to a UNF student for outstanding work on campus or in the local community to diminish sexism and enhance gender equity. The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 2; the award will be presented Wednesday, March 4, at the Women’s History Month Luncheon. For eligibility and application requirements, visit the webpage. For additional information, contact the Women’s Center via email or by calling (904) 620-2528. 

The Center for Community-Based Learning is currently seeking applicants for the 12th cohort of the Community Scholars Program (CSP). CSP is a professional Community of Practice for UNF faculty members with a commitment to Community-Based Transformational Learning (CBTL). Each cohort's experience is designed to enhance the practitioner's knowledge of and expertise in CBTL as well as help them develop strategies that support the infusion of CBTL throughout the University. Individuals chosen as Community Scholars are awarded two $1,500 stipends. Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 4.  New this year, you can recommend faculty members who you feel may benefit from participation in the program. The Center will contact recommended faculty members directly with program and application information. For more information, visit the webpage.

These workshops will introduce faculty to library resources and services that can expand the visibility of their research and support preparation for third-year, tenure or promotion review. Sessions will take place 10 to 11:30 a.m., Carpenter Library, Building 12, Room 2405, as follows:

• Predatory Versus Professional - Choosing a Journal for Your Manuscript: Friday, Feb. 14
• Authors’ Rights and Responsibilities - Understanding Copyright and Open Access in Modern Scholarly Publishing: Friday, Feb. 21 
• Boost Your Researcher SEO - Set Up Your Google Scholar Profile: Friday, Feb. 28 

Register online. 

The upcoming CPDT sessions are as follows:

• Website Accessibility-Level 1-Introduction: 9 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 29, Hicks Hall, Building 53, Room 1400
• Banner 9 Administrative Pages: 10 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 29, Carpenter Library, Building 12, Room 4301
• Income Tax Planning: 9 to 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 30, Hicks Hall, Building 53, Room 1430
• Crisis Management Training: 9 to 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 31, Student Union, Building 58W, Room 2704

Feld Entertainment is bringing Monster Jam: This is Monster Jam to the TIAA Bank Field this February, and is offering special value rates to UNF faculty, staff, students and their families. For purchasing steps, contact Feld Direct group sales directly at (866) 248-8740, and press Option 1. The deadline to order tickets is noon Tuesday, Feb. 25. For questions, call Feld Direct or email.

This class will provide the knowledge needed to know how to make it in the real world and prepare for the financial aspects of your first job, including understanding your employment benefits package, completing tax forms, budgeting, building a credit score and creating financial goals. UNF students and staff receive a 50% discount. To register and receive the discount, email the Division of Continuing Education. For questions, call (904) 620-4200 or visit the website.

UNF is partnering with JCPenney at the Avenues Mall to provide UNF students and alumni up to an extra 60% off select men’s and women’s career dress apparel and shoes. The career dress apparel featured in this event includes suites, dresses, sport coats, dress pants, scrubs, shoes and accessories.

The Alumni Association is seeking nominations from faculty, staff and students for the spring Senior Service Award, presented at each commencement ceremony to a graduating senior who has made significant contributions to the University and/or the community through volunteerism while maintaining an outstanding academic record. The recipient receives a commemorative plaque, a monetary award of $300, an engraved paver located in the Delaney Student Union Plaza and recognition at the commencement ceremony. The deadline for nominations is Friday, Jan. 31. To nominate a deserving senior, visit the website for more information and click on the award form. 

The Alumni Association is offering grant funding up to $1,000 per club for two student clubs. Applications for the spring semester are due by Friday, Jan. 31. Visit the website for more information and an application form. For questions, contact the Office of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving at (904) 620-4723 or via email.

Do you know of a graduating student who has contributed greatly to the community through activities such as community-based learning, volunteerism, community or social advocacy, community-based Federal work-study and/or political engagement during their years at UNF? Consider nominating them for the Osprey Community Engagement Medallion. Each semester, up to 25 students can be recognized with this award based on their community-based work and engagement. Nominated students will be contacted by the Center for Community-Based Learning with information and application materials. For more information about the distinction and eligibility, visit the webpage or contact the Center for Community-Based Learning.

The 2019-20 Outstanding International Leadership and Service Awards recognize full/associate/assistant professors, lecturers and instructors, as well as USPS/administrative staff members who've made a significant and lasting contribution to the internationalization of the campus. The award includes an honorarium of $2,500 and a commemorative plaque. Any person within the University community (students, alumni, faculty, staff or administration) may nominate a faculty/staff member or a faculty/staff member may self-nominate for the award. It's the responsibility of the nominator to ensure that his/her nomination is delivered prior to the deadline. Nominations must be received in writing and signed by the nominator no later than 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14, at the Delaney Student Union, Building 58E, International Center, Room 2300, or sent via email. For details of eligibility and criteria, visit the website under the "Awards" heading.

The University community is invited to a retirement reception in honor of Shari Shuman, vice president of Administration and Finance, to celebrate her more than sixteen years of dedicated service.

UNF Homecoming is an exciting week-long celebration for the Osprey community, Saturday, Feb. 15, through Saturday, Feb. 22. Some of the many events and activities are highlighted below: 

• Swoop the Loop 5K and Fun Run
  • 9 a.m. Saturday, Feb.15, Coxwell Amphitheater
  • The UNF and local community is invited to join us for a 5K run through campus or the 1-mile Fun Run.
  • Day-of-race registration will be available from 8 to 9 a.m. Register.
• Alumni Recognition and Awards Ceremony
  • 6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 16, University Center, Building 43, Board of Trustees Ballroom, Room 1058 
  • Alumni will be recognized for their exemplary service and contributions to UNF and the community. A cocktail reception will be followed by a seated dinner and award presentations.
  • Admission is $35 per person. Register.
• Women’s Basketball vs JU River City Rumble
  • 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 17, UNF Arena
  • All are welcome to cheer on the UNF women's basketball team for the River City Rumble. Register/Purchase Tickets.
• 1972 Emeriti and Friends Luncheon 
  • 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18, University Center, Building 43, Grand Banquet Hall, Room 1044
  • University alumni, faculty and staff are invited to join the Alumni Association for complimentary lunch and entertainment.
  • This event is free, but RSVP is required by Monday, Feb. 10; to RSVP, call (904) 620-4723 or email.
• $6 Day at the Café
  • 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19, Osprey Commons, Building 16
  • The cafe is offering everyone a discounted rate of $6 + tax in the spirit of Homecoming Week.
• UNF Alumni Third Thursday at Buffalo Wild Wings
  • 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20, Buffalo Wild Wings, St. Johns Town Center
  • Alumni are invited to UNF Alumni Third Thursday presented by Community First Credit Union. Third Thursday starts at 5:30 p.m. UNF MBB away game starts at 7 p.m. against Liberty University.
• Blue & Gray Bash: A Taste of the Town
  • 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21, The Field House, Building 26
  • Alumni, faculty, staff and friends are invited to sample items from local restaurants, groove to live music, dance and support the student-athlete experience by bidding in live and silent auctions.
  • Admission is open to the public; cost: $50 per person. Register.
• Homecoming Village
  • 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, Arena Plaza, outside the Arena, Building 34
  • Get in the swoop spirit with this free, family-friendly event featuring food/refreshments, music, a photo booth, face painting, inflatable games and more in between the women and men’s basketball games.
• Homecoming Double-Header Basketball
  • 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, Arena, Building 34
  • All are welcome to attend the women’s and men's basketball games versus Liberty University. Purchase tickets.

For a full schedule of events, visit the Homecoming website. For additional Homecoming marketing materials or to have an event added to the Schedule of Events, email Lauren Hodge, Alumni Engagement marketing coordinator.

A social media survey is now available for anyone in the UNF community to take part in. The feedback from the survey will offer valuable insight on how the community views the social media channels. Take the survey.