²       Work toward a degree (or start a new one)—UTPA offers the Employee Educational Benefit Program to employees who have been admitted to UTPA and have met the program’s requirements (check out our related story below on the Employee Educational Benefit Program Guidelines ).  But the first step is getting that UTPA application in.  If you are coming to college for the first time, the Welcome Website for Freshmen describes the steps that must be followed to gain admission to UTPA (and yes, there still is time to do that).   Returning students (or those new to UTPA) should check out the information on transfer student requirements (Thinking of transferring to UTPA? or Thinking of returning to UTPA ).  But if you are looking for graduate school information, one website does it all for you.  The UTPA Graduate School website outlines the process that will help you gain graduate school admission. 

²       Work toward wellness—All staff members need opportunities to treat themselves right.  UTPA offers a number of resources for staff looking for fitness activities.  For example, there is a map of UTPA walking trails, which include short trails and covered walkway paths (see http://www.utpa.edu/Provost/Files/BorderHealthWalkingTrailsMap.pdf

One of the newest resources for staff members working toward improved health is the new Wellness Center.  Approximately 125 employees are already taking advantage of the new facility.  Fall memberships are still available at the Wellness Center, and a ten-time use pass is available for purchase for staff members who want to try it out before committing to an expanded membership.  Each of these is available through payroll deduction as explained on the   Wellness and Recreational Sports Center Website .  A new program for faculty and staff is the FIP (Fitness Incentive Program), which begins a new group in spring 2008.  This 8-week program offers participants 2 free fitness assessments, optional educational seminars, and weight room orientations.  20 employees are already taking advantage of this program this fall.  Please contact Colleen Price at ext. 7808 for information about memberships or spring programming. 

²       Work toward a better community by taking advantage of volunteer opportunities.  A new program called UT Volunteer Corps for College is currently seeking UT employees interested in increasing college access in communities with “low college-going populations” according to Ruby Rivera of UT System.  If this sounds like an opportunity you would like to learn more about, there is a UT Volunteer Corp Survey that interested staff members can fill out.  The UTPA Volunteer Website also describes some of the volunteer opportunities available on campus.

Story idea contributed by Hector Vasquez, Staff Senator

   Due to recent events in local schools, staff members may have questions about staph infections.  UTPA’s Office of Public Affairs has posted a story about these infections on the UTPA website (UTPA Taking Steps to Ensure a Healthy Campus ), and the Centers for Disease Control and Infection has answers to frequently asked questions on its website (Questions and Answers about MRSA in Schools ).  Now might be the perfect time to learn more about this topic. 

Story idea contributed by Liza Salinas, Staff Senator   

  If you are a staff member attending college, you should be interested in The Cost of Education Committee (COEC).  This committee, comprised of an equal number of UTPA students and faculty/staff members, is charged with reviewing proposed increases in designated tuition, differential tuition, and various fees, including incidental, mandatory, and auxiliary fees.  Recommendations on proposed increases are then made to Dr. Cardenas.  

  The COEC is reviewing a significant number of proposed increases in fees and designated tuition.   Staff Senate encourages staff members to attend the forums (see the dates below) and offer feedback on the proposed increases.  Several departments have already come before the COEC to provide information on proposed fee increases, and the COEC Preliminary Recommendations Report will be discussed at the public forums.

   Revisions to the report, if necessary, will be made after the public forums and sent to the President by Nov. 23.  That deadline will allow the COEC to submit recommendations to the President for review and will allow her the time needed to finalize her own report for placement on the UT System docket. 

  Public Forum #1:  Tuesday, November 13, 2007, at noon in the Student Union Theatre

  Public Forum #2:  Tuesday, November 13, 2007, at 6:30 p.m. in the Student Union Theatre

Story contributed by Sonia Del Angel, Staff Senator, and member of the Cost of Education Committee

You Should Know Staff Senate Chair Art Ramos 

 Art Ramos has always been proactive when it comes to Staff Senate.  He was voted as Vice-President at the first Staff Senate meeting to be held on campus. He has also served in every executive position Staff Senate has to offer. His service to staff includes participating on the Employee Advisory Committee and even serving on the search committee that brought President Cardenas to our wonderful campus.

 With an office located at the Learning Assistance Center (100A), this Assistant Director has worn many hats and has served the university in many different ways.  This veteran of 31 years of service proclaims “I Love Students,” a testimony to his desire to serve in academia.  Art started working with the university in 1971, and his first job was working with Proyecto Esperanza as a math tutor. Art has also served in the United States Air Force, which took him to exotic places such the Philippians and others parts of country.  In 1982, Art received his Masters in Business Administration and became the Assistant Director of the Learning Assistance Center and has served as interim director from time to time.

 When asked what changes he would he like to bring to Staff Senate during his term as Staff Senate Chair, Art said he would like to change the constitution to allow more than four hours per month for Staff Senate committee business. He also would like to move toward electronic voting when electing staff senators and would like to procure more funds for Staff Senate functions.  He would also like to create a historian position for Staff Senate.

 Art Ramos is someone every staff member should know.  If you have not met Art, drop by his office (LEAC 100A) or call him at 381-2586. 

Story contributed by Efrain Molina, Staff Senator, and UT System’s Employee Advisory Council member