AmeriCorps Recruiting Now for CNNC’s Upcoming Program Year
Posted on April 15, 2024
The AmeriCorps ACCESS Project is Now Accepting 2024-25 Program Year Applications. It invites Spartans who are interested in helping immigrants and refugees integrate into a new life in North Carolina.
The AmeriCorps Cross-Cultural Education Service Systems (ACCESS) Project is an AmeriCorps program under the Center for New North Carolinians at UNCG. Incepted in 1994, it is North Carolina’s oldest and longest-running AmeriCorps program. It helps immigrant and refugee families gain access to resources and support needed to integrate and become economically self-sufficient and contributing members of society.
ACCESS members commit to completing one year of community service. A service year starts September 10, 2024 and ends on August 31, 2025.
Benefits include:
Living allowance ($1,041/mo. PT & $2,083/mo. FT).
Education award to repay qualified student loans and to pay current educational expenses ($3,697.50 PT & $7,395 FT) upon successfully completing the service year (900 hrs. PT & 1700 hrs. FT).
Full-time position eligible for free health insurance, if uninsured, and eligible to apply for childcare subsidies.
Transferrable skills gained during service to boost resume.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. National, or a lawful permanent resident.
Be at least 18 years old.
Must undergo National Service Criminal History Checks.
Have a Social Security Card (cannot say “For Work Authorization Only”).
Have proof of education completed (i.e., high school diploma, GED, college degree, etc.). It is not a requirement to be a UNCG student. Any eligible individual is encouraged to apply.
Additional eligibility requirements will depend on the individual host sites where you are placed to perform your service.
For more information, contact Program Director Khouan Rodriguez, at khouan.cnnc@uncg.edu or call 336-256-1060 to learn more about available positions.
Today, you can find graduates of UNCG programs in over 75% of the state’s public school districts. Spartans also teach in numerous independent schools, community colleges, and universities across North Carolina.
iBelong Grants Continue to Foster Campus Inclusivity at UNCG
Posted on April 12, 2024
Fostering an inclusive environment at UNC Greensboro is in the hands of everyone on campus, but the Division of Student Affairs aims to make it easier with its annual iBelong project grants.
In the 2023-24 academic year, Student Affairs awarded funding to nearly 20 projects to promote student belonging at UNCG. The effort started in 2019 with a campus survey to learn how the University can better promote an inclusive climate. Student Affairs continues to send out the survey. In 2023, 78% of undergraduate students and 81% of graduate students report being satisfied or very satisfied with their experience at UNCG.
The iBelong projects are an effort to continue helping everyone feel a sense of belonging with students, faculty, and staff encouraged to apply for the grants. The 2022-23 projects saw the largest amount of grant awards in the program’s history.
“Our Native students are some of the lowest enrolled student populations in higher education across the board, at many institutions in the United States,” says Chavis, who is a doctoral student focusing on educational studies with a concentration in higher education. “UNCG has a unique opportunity since Greensboro has a relatively large Indigenous population within the state.”
The project was NASA’s first Indigenous Fashion Show, held in the Ferguson Building in March to showcase contemporary Indigenous clothing.
“We Native students don’t get to see ourselves and our traditions around campus. We only get to see it once or twice a year at the Powwow hosted by Guilford Native American Association and the Pow Wow at UNCG. This is a time where we thought we could showcase our contemporary regalia: bearded earrings, medallions, ribbon skirts, ribbon shirts, and how we wear those in everyday life.”
As an enrolled member of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, Chavis says NASA helped him find community at the University. This fashion show was a way for others to see that community and showcase Native excellence.
“Each item, even each piece of ribbon, has a special meaning to this individual, so as they walk down that runway and across the stage to show their regalia, not only is it a very impactful opportunity for the larger audience, but it’s impactful to that Indigenous student who is able to say, ‘I am a student at UNCG; there’s not a lot folks out here like me.’”
The project includes art pieces that are created in the SELF Design Studio and then handed out to UNCG community members as an act of kindness. For Fisher, the effort was born out of a need for connection during the COVID-19 pandemic. It later turned into a project of giving laser engraved magnets to people at concerts to help them enjoy their experience.
“It was awesome, but then I realized I wanted to do it every day,” says Fisher. “So, I was at my computer and the phrase ‘thanks for being a good human’ came to mind, thinking about what I would say to someone to just appreciate them. It changed how I looked at the world, so instead of looking around and seeing things that are depressing and out of my control, I look for people doing kind things just randomly out of the blue.”
Students work in UNCG’s SELF Design Studio for the “Thanks For Being A Good Human” Project.
One of the recipients of the project was biology major Alex Nolan, who now helps Fisher with the process of creating items and giving them out.
“I was a transfer student and in the first few weeks of school I didn’t really know anybody,” Nolan says. “I was walking through the EUC and Matt approached me with this little round magnet and said, ‘I want you to have this,’ and he gave it to me and said, ‘Thanks for being a good human.’ It just made my day so much better.
The project doesn’t just include magnets. Nolan has helped create flowers out of felt along with bottle caps, key chains, and bracelets. A group meets each week to continue making items and prepare to give them out. This year’s iBelong grant has helped Fisher continue the project and increase the number of people participating.
“I wanted to create as much joy and happiness for as many people as possible,” Fisher says. “It’s nice to have the feeling that you made someone’s day.”
Story by Avery Craine Powell, University Communications Photography by Sean Norona and David Lee Row, University Communications
Disney on Display: UNCG Faculty and Students Gain Perspective from Animation Collection
Posted on April 11, 2024
Dr. Heather Holian is one of three art historians specializing in Disney. Her recent collaboration with the Weatherspoon brought original Disney cels to UNCG, expanding students’ concepts of art and collaboration.
The sixth annual Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Hospitality and Tourism (MEHT) Awards Gala was held on Thursday, April 4 at UNC Greensboro’s Alumni House. This event celebrated student achievements and honored corporate partners. This red-carpet event was attended by 99 guests – a new record.
MEHT Department Head Merlyn Griffiths welcomed guests. “Our annual gala is about honoring student leadership and the invaluable partnerships cultivated with our corporate partners who support our students with internships, guest speaking, networking and full-time positions,” she said. “It’s a testament to the collaborative spirit that drives us forward, forging pathways to success for our students and fostering enduring relationships with our industry partners.”
The event was coordinated by members of the UNCG Chapter of the American Marketing Association and North Carolina Sales Institute (NCSI) Student Business Group. Culinary Visions provided an exceptional meal.
“The MEHT Gala was a magical evening with great energy,” said UNCG American Marketing Association Chapter President Erica Graffeo. “It was exciting to see so many students at the event. We were mesmerized by Spartan Chariots’ a cappella performance.”
Students sang high praise for the evening. “The MEHT Gala was absolutely amazing. It was a great networking opportunity,” said fourth-year marketing student Bri Jackson.
“It was an honor to hear all those sensational people speak at my first MEHT Gala,” said Tyler Hoang, a second-year marketing student. “The environment was splendid.”
The Gala recognized members of the MEHT Advisory Board and partners of the North Carolina Sales Institute. Cintas Corporation received the Premier Partner Award for their ongoing support of our students. Cintas Group Vice President Bill Jeitner presented the keynote address. Four MEHT students accepted full-time job offers from Cintas in 2024.
Six campus organizations recognized student achievements. Awards were presented by the American Marketing Association Chapter, Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization (CEO) Club, Eta Sigma Delta International Hospitality Management Honor Society, NCSI Student Business Group, NET IMPACT and the Hospitality and Tourism Management Club.
The evening concluded with a surprise recognition of the achievements of Dr. Dianne H. B. Welsh, the Hayes Distinguished Chair of Entrepreneurship, who is retiring from UNCG this summer. Incoming CEO President Jules Belfi expressed her heart-warming appreciation to Dr. Welsh, who has led the CEO Club since 1995 and has won many national awards for her work in entrepreneurship.
“I had a fabulous time, and everyone enjoyed,” Welsh said. “Thanks so much for the award and honor. Jules, your speech was great! Also, a big thanks to Dr. Griffiths for her speech and arranging this! What a surprise!”
Students, faculty, and partners are looking forward to next year’s MEHT Gala.
The Bryan School is one of the largest business schools in North Carolina, offering 11 undergraduate, six master’s, 11 graduate certificate and four PhD programs. The Bryan School holds dual accreditation in business and accounting from the AACSB – a distinction held by only 1% of business schools in the world. The school produces the principled leaders and exceptional problem solvers that communities and organizations need.
The Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Hospitality and Tourism Department combines several subject areas that are often stand-alone departments, offering a strong multidisciplinary advantage to students who want to choose from a wide range of courses, while retaining enough coursework in each area to satisfy students that are interested in specializing in one of our disciplines.
Story by Sara MacSween, Bryan School of Business and Economics Photography courtesy of Sara MacSween, Bryan School of Business and Economics
Workgroup Meeting on Post-Tenure Review Policy Updates
Posted on April 15, 2024
The Post-Tenure Review (PTR) Policy workgroup has begun meetings to update and refine the campus PTR policy to align with system policy 400.3.3 and accompanying regulation 400.3.3.1 [R]. This university workgroup will seek your input as the process unfolds, making recommendations, and drafting a refreshed plan to present to campus in Fall 2024.
Campus feedback on the draft will inform a final plan submitted to Chancellor Gilliam. Members were selected from a large pool of excellent nominees submitted by Deans. They represent a wide range of skills, experiences, and constituencies. Please thank them for taking on this important role to serve our faculty in the PTR process.
PTR Workgroup Members:
Joy Bhadbury, Professor of Information Systems and Supply Chain Management, Bryan School of Business and Economics
Mitch Croatt, Department Head of Chemistry & Biochemistry and the Marie Foscue Rourk Distinguished Professor, College of Arts and Sciences
Randy McMullen, Professor of Theatre and Scene Designer, College of Visual and Performing Arts
Randy Schmitz, Professor of Kinesiology, Health and Human Sciences
Amy Harris Houk, Assistant Dean for Teaching and Learning, University Libraries
Pamelya Rowsey, Department Chair for Professional Nursing Education & Eloise R. Lewis Excellence Professor, School of Nursing
Melody Patterson Zoch, Associate Professor of Teacher Education and Higher Education, School of Education
Randy Penfield, Dean, School of Education (Co-Chair)
Eric Willie, Professor, School of Music (Co-Chair)
Thanks to a grant from the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation, as well as state funding specifically earmarked for infrastructure projects, the Weatherspoon Art Museum is able to seize an unprecedented opportunity to improve the building and the visitor and staff experience. In order to make these changes, the museum will close for summer.
The museum is installing all new lighting throughout the upstairs galleries and subtly reconfiguring walls to allow for easier traffic flow between the Guild and Ivy Galleries. The Benjamin Auditorium will get a new computer system, and the first-floor galleries will be entirely repainted ahead of the 2024-25 exhibitions.
The upstairs lounge and seating areas will remain open and available to students up until the end of day Saturday, April 20. The first-floor spaces will close after May 25. During this time, staff, art history faculty, and construction crews will be the only ones allowed to access to the museum interior. Signage will be on all doors and gates.
The museum will reopen on August 13 to its regular hours from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Visitors will be able to see the changes made to the building to keep up with Weatherspoon’s strategic framework.
Before the first floor closes, guests can check out the 2024 UNCG MFA Thesis Exhibition from April 27 to May 25. This year’s exhibition will feature work by Erin Fei, Karrington Gardner, Sam Machia Keshet, Jason Lord, and Daniel Ramirez-Lamos and represents the culmination of each student’s unique experience at UNCG. The exhibition demonstrates the research, reflection, experimentation, critical thinking, and artistic skills honed by these artists while in the program.
Weatherspoon will hold an artists talk and reception for the MFA Thesis Exhibition on May 2 beginning at 5:30 p.m.
The Lalla Essaydi exhibition will also remain on view until May 25.
Updates will be posted on the Weatherspoon Art Museum website and in regular social media and email communications.
Photography by David Lee Row, University Communications
Opportunity Meets Initiative for UNCG’s Goldwater Scholar
Posted on April 10, 2024
2024 Goldwater Scholar Marcos Tapia
UNC Greensboro is proud to announce that third-year chemistry student, Marcos Tapia, has been awarded the prestigious Barry Goldwater Scholarship.
Tapia, a first-generation college student from Winston-Salem, was among only 438 students chosen nationwide for the Goldwater honor, which awards $7,500 a year, to cover up to two years of tuition expenses.
The scholarship is intended to support students with aspirations for research careers in natural sciences, mathematics, and engineering to ensure that the U.S. produces professionals in these critical fields. Many Goldwater Scholars have already published research findings in journals and presented at professional conferences, including Tapia.
Tapia’s Window of Opportunity
Tapia arrived at UNCG with a keen interest in energy storage. He was anxious to help scientists seek solutions for sustainable energy.
“We were working on science inspired by biological systems, like molecules derived from fungi that can be used in batteries,” Tapia explained. “It was fun to take something from nature and apply it to something totally different.”
Tapia refers to his connection with Hematian as a “window of opportunity.”
“UNCG is very unique because we have such a strong staff and excellent funding for research in our department,” he says. “Dr. Hematian had all these ideas and projects. It was the perfect time for me to be able to work with her.”
Tapia studies samples in the lab with Dr. Hematian.
Tapia’s Tenacious Drive for Answers
Faculty in UNCG’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry are known to encourage undergraduates in their labs, especially when those students display an aptitude for research work, and a commitment to the projects they are working on.
“Our lab is very collaborative and interdisciplinary, so we have a lot of projects going on at once and Marcos is a strong multitasker. His experience has broadened his perspective of chemistry,” says Hematian. “He has been able to present his research at conferences, connect with chemists, and receive important recognition. This honor is the culmination of his hard work, curiosity, and initiative.”
Tapia juggles multiple research projects in UNCG’s chemistry labs.
In his second year at UNCG, Tapia was named a U-RISE Fellow by the National Institutes of Health. This fellowship, which prepares high-achieving science students from underrepresented groups for doctoral training, gave Tapia further opportunities to present his work and opened doors for his Goldwater Scholar appointment.
Like any good scientist, Tapia never wavers from asking questions that will enhance his understanding. “Last year, I attended a conference in Arizona,” Tapia recalls. “There, I met Dr. John Mateja, president of the Goldwater Scholarship Foundation, and was able to ask him specific questions about my application.”
Lee Phillips, director of UNCG’s Undergraduate Research, Scholarship and Creativity Office also praises Tapia’s initiative. “I have been incredibly impressed with Marcos since I met him in his first year at UNCG. He works hard to learn as much as he can about the things that will prepare him for a career as a research chemist. I couldn’t be more happy and proud of him becoming a Goldwater Scholar. “
Spartan Scientists on the Rise
Tapia joins two other Goldwater Scholars from UNCG who have been named in the past three years, illustrating the growing research opportunities and guidance that faculty provide students at UNCG.
This year, 438 scholars were chosen from 1,353 science, engineering and mathematics undergraduate students nominated by 446 institutions to compete for the award.
“Marcos Tapia’s selection as a Goldwater Scholar reflects how competitive and talented our Spartans are,” says Provost Debbie Storrs. “This highly competitive national scholarship will allow him to focus on his academic goals and engage in graduate-level research with support and mentorship from committed faculty and staff. I am proud of what Marcos has and will accomplish. He makes UNCG proud!”
Story by Becky Deakins, University Communications. Photography by Bert Vanderveen.
Student employees work the desk at the climbing wall in The Kaplan Center.
UNC Greensboro employs more than 2,700 students throughout campus. From libraries and academic departments to student organizations, facilities and administrative offices, student employees bring a certain energy and connectivity to our campus community.
This week, April 8-12, is national student employee appreciation week. If you see a fellow Spartan working on campus, thank them for the work they do, and keep in mind the resume building skills they are practicing along the way. Student employees are giving as much as they are getting, and the campus runs smoothly thanks to their efforts and professionalism.
Meet a few of the student employees who play a vital part in building the welcoming and inspiring community we enjoy at UNCG.
“Serving as an advocate and support resource for students fills my cup. Helping them navigate their own collegiate journey has helped me with mine. I like to take initiative and develop constantly, so it’s nice to have that supported by OIE. After two years in this position, I have a massive network full of folx who have supported and assisted me academically, professionally, and holistically.” – Ayana Cholula
“It has been a huge help having someone so hardworking, helpful, and a true leader in this industry. Alec can easily step into any assignment or situation and be successful. I am proud of his growth and hard work over these past couple of years. Whoever gives him his first shot will be extremely happy to have him as part of their team.” – James Nance, Director of Marketing and Game Operations, UNCG Athletics
“My campus job brings me immense joy due to the invaluable real-life work experience I gain daily. Each day presents an opportunity to learn something new, from working within brand guidelines to the thrill of creating impactful designs. This role not only hones my design skills, but also provides me with a comprehensive understanding of various facets of the design industry, including printing, advertising, marketing, and more.” – Laiba Siddique
“Cailyn has been such a great asset to our Student Content Creator team! She is engaged, always willing to help, and makes an effort to truly get to know everyone on our team and interact with students on campus. She is incredibly kind, outgoing, smart, and funny and I am so happy to have worked with her the past year!” – Maris Jones, Digital Media Coordinator, Enrollment Communications
Campus Job: Assistant Manager of Broadcast Operations for UNCG Athletics
“I love being able to fuel my passions for both sports and media. I love that every day is something new and interesting, and the opportunity to work in Division 1 sports is next to none, especially as a student. This job has given me real work experience that will propel me for a career not only in sports broadcast, but in media as a whole.” – Kyle Maher
“My campus job has provided me with a network of support that I have leaned on throughout my three years here at UNCG. This job has given me experience in communication and problem-solving skills that are essential for my future career. All the things I have learned through NST & First Year Experience are transferable to any field I choose to go into after graduation!” – Ivan Tarpley
“I love my campus jobs because they allow me to work with students and families. I am getting incredible experience that I can use in my future career in the public sector working as a public servant.” – Mannie Aquino
Story by Becky Deakins, University Communications. Photography by Sean Norona, University Communications. Athletics employee photos submitted by Denise Archetto.
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