Osprey Update for Students

The Higher Education Act 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.

In recognition of National Cyber Security Awareness Month, Information Technology Services will be providing a variety of resources and events to help the campus community better understand cyber security and the simple steps to take to protect yourself, your family and the University.

Weekly themes include:

• Stop.Think.Connect. Best Practices for All Digital Citizens: Monday, Oct. 3, to Friday, Oct. 7
• Creating a Culture of Cybersecurity at Work: Monday, Oct. 10, to Friday, Oct. 14
• Recognizing and Combating Cybercrime: Monday, Oct. 17, to Friday, Oct. 21
• Our Continuously Connected Lives – What's Your "App-titude"?: Monday, Oct. 24, to Friday, Oct. 28
• Identity Theft Awareness: Monday, Oct. 31

For more information and to get involved with this year's themes and activities, visit the Cyber Security Awareness webpage.

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. 

From 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28, and 7 a.m. to noon Thursday, Sept. 29, there will be 12 faculty/staff spaces reserved in Lot 9, adjacent to the Osprey Commons, Building 16, for guests attending the Florida Prepaid College Board meetings. Spaces will return to normal parking activity after 5 p.m., September 28, and noon, September 29.

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 Saturday, Oct. 1. The showcase will take place Wednesday, Nov. 2. For more information, visit the website. 

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.

National Association of Black Accountants Day will feature numerous companies who provide audit, tax and advisory services, such as KPMG and PWC. Discussion topics will include recruiting, self-development and tangible skills needed to succeed in the work force. The event is free to all students and lunch will be provided. E-mail the chapter with any questions. View NABA's Facebook and Instagram profile. 

Intramural Sports is looking to hire students to become indoor soccer officials. No experience is necessary and training will be provided. Some knowledge of soccer is a plus, but a strong work ethic, willingness to learn and good attitude is all that is needed. Attend this information meeting to learn more. 

Cheer on the men's soccer team against Lipscomb.

Cheer on the volleyball team against Kennesaw State.

Cheer on the volleyball team against Lipscomb. 

Cheer on the women's soccer team against Lipscomb.

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.

Put on your thinking caps and bring your random knowledge to compete with other students for a chance to win prizes. The event is funded by the Student Life and Services Fee.

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. 

Choose from different rock colors and succulents to create a small terrarium in a mason jar for your residence hall. This giveaway is limited and is on a first come, first served basis. For more information, contact the Office of Campus Life at (904) 620-5355.

Amy Radetsky, a U.S. Department of State Diplomat in Residence, will give an overview of Department of State careers, discuss the various paths to entry and address opportunities for internships in advance of the upcoming Friday, Oct. 14, deadline for the U.S. Department of State Student Internship Program. 

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 ground 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. 

A lecture by Dr. Constanza López, associate professor of Spanish. This is the third event in "Contested Spaces," the fall 2016 International Studies Lecture Series.

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 of 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. 

The October agenda packet can be viewed here. Limited hard copies will be available at the meeting. Visit the Faculty Association website and click "Current Agenda" for the complete agenda packet and "Hotline" for the current events. For information, contact Cindy Chin, executive secretary.

As a celebration of the freedom to read, the Carpenter Library, Building 12, is participating in Banned Books Week from Sunday, Sept. 25, through Saturday, Oct. 1. This year's theme is diversity and inclusion. Faculty, staff and students are invited to visit the library and take part in activities as follows:

• Blackout Poetry: Monday, Sept. 26, through Friday, Sept. 30​
• Banned Books Panel Discussion: 2 to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 27 
• Banned Books Week Readaloud: 10:30 a.m. to noon Thursday, Sept. 29

The Talon Review is an online creative publication that accepts anything the creative mind can come up with that can be digitalized. Submissions are now being accepted for the fall 2016 publication and must be from a University student or alumni. Send submissions via e-mail. 

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.

Come out to the Osprey Clubhouse every Friday for Clubhouse Fridays. This Friday, Campus Life will be hosting a Decades Night. Venture over to Osprey Clubhouse to enjoy 80's, 90's and 00's themed snacks, games and music.

Bring your friends to the clubhouse to participate in board games and enjoy snacks. 

The celebration will consist of garlanding the Gandhi statue, a peace walk, scholarship recipient remarks, dance and musical performances. A light lunch will be served. 

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. 

Students and families are invited to UNF's 22nd Annual Family Weekend Friday, Oct. 14, through Sunday, Oct. 16. Weekend highlights include bingo and ice cream social, movie on the amphitheater, zip-lining and water sports, Saturday show featuring entertainer Andy Gross and more. Visit the Family Weekend website to view the complete schedule and to register for the weekend. There are several ways for student organizations to get involved through tabling and volunteerism. If interested in these opportunities or if you have any questions, contact Laura Berger, coordinator for the Office of Parent and Family Programs.