Administrative assistants strengthen university operations through monthly meetings | |
Left to right: Administrative Assistants David Blikstad, Rachel Sheffey, Patty Krupp, Ruxy Apostol, Melissa Perez, Brenda DePasquale-Gerson, Kelly Boyd (Business Manager), Kaleigh Stokes, and Cherlyn Hui at their recent meeting. | |
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Two years ago, an important initiative emerged at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) when Director of Academic Affairs, Administration, and Budget Andi Clemons identified a gap in administrative communication. While monthly meetings were being held with business managers, administrative assistants in departments reporting to the Provost without Business Managers lacked similar support and representation.
"When I was promoted to business manager for the Provost's Office, we wanted to make sure this group was being supported and heard," said Kelly Boyd, who has facilitated these meetings since their inception.
The administrative assistant meetings provide a platform for sharing important campus-related information and discussing developments across different areas of impact. The meetings also serve as a forum where administrative assistants can voice challenges and collectively work toward solutions.
"I think (administrative assistants) like having a network to talk to," Kelly said. She maintains meetings continuity by distributing notes and following up on questions and action items discussed at each meeting.
The initiative directly aligns with FGCU's strategic plan Goal 4: "Strengthen Organizational Culture and Commitment to Employees." By keeping administrative assistants informed, addressing training needs, and fostering community within the group, these meetings create an environment where concerns can be addressed or escalated as needed.
"When someone listens to your needs and looks for ways to help, you have a good feeling about where you work," said Kelly.
The meetings have also enhanced cross-departmental communication, enabling administrative assistants to share information within their respective departments.
This collaborative initiative continues to strengthen the essential work of administrative assistants, building a more connected and effective university community.
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Race and Fascism in International Relations
The Provost's Seminar Series continues
Jan. 30, 3-4:30 p.m.
AB9 (The Water School), Room 106
Guest Speaker: Alex Barder, Ph.D.
Professor of Politics and International Relations, FIU
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Faculty Spotlight. Are you a FGCU faculty member who has achieved a recent milestone or an accolade? Email us: academicaffairs@fgcu.edu | |
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Career Advancement Assistance Program
The Office of Academic Affairs is pleased to announce the Career Advancement Assistance Program. The purpose of the Career Advancement Assistance Program is to provide time for faculty members to engage meaningfully in activities that yield outputs and impacts enhancing FGCU’s scholarly impact and timely promotion of faculty members.
- Faculty categories included in this initiative are those on the professor and instructor tracks. The Career Advancement Assistance Program partially relieves teaching obligations to provide time for scholarly, research, or career development endeavors. During the Career Advancement Assistance Program, faculty teaching load and/or other assignments will be reduced, and no overload teaching will be permitted.
- The number of awards is contingent on the availability of funding through the Provost’s office.
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The deadline this year for Fall 2025 Career Advancement semester is Monday, February 17, 2025. Please submit your application in its entirety to Julie Leyden (jleyden@fgcu.edu).
Access the application cover page and detailed information about the program here:
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2025 Digital Badge Summit at FGCU
FGCU employees are offered a special registration fee!
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FGCU is thrilled to host the 2025 Digital Badge Summit showcasing its expertise through successful digital badging initiatives while facilitating collaboration among FGCU departments, industry leaders, community members, and other institutions.
As host, FGCU can highlight how its digital badging programs have enhanced student outcomes and career preparation, demonstrating alignment with workforce needs.
The 2025 Digital Badge Summit will feature presentations from various FGCU departments and the University of North Florida, while offering attendees the opportunity to connect with colleagues from institutions across the United States who are at different stages of implementing digital badging programs.
FGCU employees attending at the discounted rate will receive insights from industry leaders and experienced practitioners on the latest digital badging trends and best practices, while acquiring essential skills in designing, issuing, and managing effective programs.
The summit will enable employees to contribute to FGCU's success by learning to leverage digital badge initiatives that support the university's strategic plan, enhance student success, and improve workforce development outcomes.
This opportunity provides employees with a competitive edge in the evolving field of digital badging, demonstrating professional growth commitment and improving career outcomes.
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2025 Digital Badge Summit FGCU Personnel Registration
FGCU faculty and staff, take advantage of this exclusive opportunity to attend the 2-Day Digital Badge Summit on January 28 & 29, 2025 at a discounted rate of $60 per registration. Register: FGCU Formstack.
This professional development experience will equip you with the knowledge and skills to effectively integrate digital badges into your teaching and research practices.
You can learn more about the summit at www.fgcu.edu/digitalbadgesummit
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Digital Badge Summit Ashley Finley Keynote
Registration still open due to demand. Scan the QR below to reserve your seat.
| All faculty and staff are welcome! | |
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🎓📚 Apply for Grant-in-Aid Program! 📚🎓
The application is open now
FGCU is offering awards for the 2025-2026 academic year to support employees in advancing their education! Whether you're a Support Personnel (SP), Administrative/Professional (AP), or Faculty member, this is your chance to take your learning to the next level.
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🔹 Award Options
Full-time leave for one semester or Part-time leave for two semesters.
🔹 Eligibility
Open to Support Personnel (SP), Administrative/Professional (AP), and Faculty. Doctoral-level applicants must show satisfactory progress toward their degree.
🔹 Deadline to Apply:
Monday, March 10, 2025, by 5:00 p.m.
🎯 How to Apply:
Submit your application before the deadline to be considered for this incredible opportunity.
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🔹 Read more about Grant-in-Aid and apply here:
🔗 https://www.fgcu.edu/ombuds/grantinaid#
Don't miss out on this opportunity to invest in your future! 💡 #FGCU #GrantInAid #EducationalLeave #CareerDevelopment #ApplyNow
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The PhotoVOICE Project | Share your FGCU experience!
Deadline to submit photos: February 28, 2025
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Use the QR code or link above to submit photos by February 28. | |
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Compassionate Caregivers Support Group at FGCU
Every other Wednesday at Merwin Hall, Room 120.
Upcoming: Wednesday, February 5, 2025
Please RSVP at rock@fgcu.edu
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Baron & Navarro Piano Duo
Nisita Concert Series
Sunday, February 2, 3:00 p.m.
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U. Tobe Recital Hall, Music Building, FGCU, 10501 FGCU Blvd. S., Fort Myers
Tickets are $15 for the general public and $7 for students and are available at fgcu.edu/concerts.
Ph. 239-745-4268
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Oral Dissertation Defense by Wendy Lugo Gallegos
Monday, February 3, 2025 at 10 a.m. | Merwin Hall, Room 203
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The Lucas Center For Faculty Development invites you to:
Partnering with Students For Actionable Feedback
Facilitated by: Conan Griffin
Instructor III, Department of Language and Literature
NEW DATE & TIME: Wednesday, February 5,1 p.m.- 2 p.m., at the Lucas Center (LIB-221) or virtual via Zoom
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Click here for in-person registration or here for virtual registration! | |
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Department of Political Science, Public Administration & History
Dr. ERICH LIEBERT WORLD AFFAIRS LECTURE SERIES
Cordially invites you to
Thursday, February 6, 2025 • 6:00 pm
Professor Charles King
Why Political Ideas Matter
Professor Charles King is a historian, social scientist, and author. His books include the New York Times-bestselling Gods of the Upper Air, which received the Francis Parkman Prize and was shortlisted for the National Book Critics Circle Award, the Los Angeles Times History Prize, and the British Academy’s Al-Rodhan Prize for Global Cultural Understanding. His other books include Odessa, winner of a National Jewish Book Award, Midnight at the Pera Palace, and most recently Every Valley: The Desperate Lives and Troubled Times That Made Handel’s Messiah, which was named a New York Times Notable Book of 2024. He is a professor of international affairs and government at Georgetown University.
Click here to register for the "Political Ideas" Lecture
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WGCU EVENT
February 6, 2025
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WALK DAYS at FGCU
Join us and enjoy the benefits of walking
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Each Tuesday and Wednesday until 2/26, or until spring break. | |
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FREE Blues Concert for FGCU's faculty, staff, and students
Tuesday, March 18 | 5:30 p.m.
Featuring from Clarksdale, Mississippi
Big A & the All-Stars and Super Chikan
| Office of Research & Sponsored Programs (ORSP) Announcements | |
We are pleased to announce that Omar Franco and Shannon Duncanson from Becker Poliakoff will join us at FGCU on January 28, 2:00-3:15pm for a faculty discussion. They will meet with faculty to discuss the Legislative Earmark process and potential for possible funding for specific initiatives.
If you are interested in learning about the earmark process and possible funding, please plan to attend on January 28.
Location: Edwards, Room 210
Please RSVP on EagleLink.
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ORSP and Hanover Research Present
TRAINING - SciENcv & Biosketches: How-to and Best Practices
Wednesday, February 5, 9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m.
Hanover Resources Senior Grants Consultant, Sarah Ott, will present a training on best practices for using SciENcv and for the development of a strong and compliant Biosketch. Sarah will use examples and make space for Q&A as we go along. Feel free to have your Biosketch or draft of one on hand so you can ask specific questions.
Location: Teams or Cohen Student Union, Room 245
Sign up via Eagle Link
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FGCU has received a new federal rate agreement from the Federal Government.
Our F&A costs effective immediately are 43% for on-campus activities and 19% for off-campus activities. The rates will be applied to all applications submitted on and subsequent to January 13, 2025.
ORSP staff will work with faculty to ensure proper rates are applied. If you have existing sponsored program funding the rate at the time of application or budget amendment will be honored.
If rebudgeting occurs on an existing award, new rates will be applied. Reach out to ORSP if you have questions.
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New platforms for IACUC and IRB protocols through Streamlyne
ORSP is excited to announce that there will be new platforms for Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) and Institutional Review Board (IRB) protocols through Streamlyne. These platforms will allow us to better track protocols and renewals. Please note that training will be required before you can enter an application. Please note that training will be required before you can enter an application.
With regard to IACUC – as of today, Formstack forms are no longer available. Please contact Sherry Alexander sralexander@fgcu.edu for information and training on the new process through Streamlyne.
With regard to IRB – The IRB application process will transition to the Streamlyne platform on March 1st. The current Formstack application will be deactivated and closed to further submissions on Friday, February 28th. All users are required to complete training to be given access to the new management platform. To sign up for training, please register at: https://wd5.myworkday.com/fgcu/learning/course/e1d7e48ed2631001a7c8ad45544c0000
For questions, please reach out to Sherry Alexander sralexander@fgcu.edu.
The compliance team in ORSP looks forward to sharing these platforms with you and will be available to assist you as this moves forward. Keep a lookout for more information later.
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Implementing Effort Certification in Workday
With the assistance of Information Technology Services (ITS), ORSP will be initiating Effort Certification in Workday. Effort Certification is a requirement of Uniform Guidance 2 CFR 200.430 which contains the federal regulatory requirements for internal controls over certifying time expended on externally funded sponsored projects. The University's practice is to utilize after-the-fact effort reporting to certify that salaries charged, or cost shared to sponsored awards, are reasonable and consistent with the work performed.
It requires that each employee whose salary (or portion of salary) is charged to an externally sponsored project certify that the amount that the Government is billed for his/her work is reasonable in relation to the work that the employee performed. All individuals involved with the administration and conduct of externally sponsored award activities, including central and departmental sponsored project administrators, principal investigators, and other research personnel must comply.
The labor provided by an employee often is called his/her "effort." The method by which an employee certifies his/her effort depends on whether the employee is "non-exempt" (also called "hourly" i.e., that he/she is paid by the hour and fills in bi-weekly time sheets), "exempt," (also called "monthly," i.e., that his/her salary is stated by the month, semester, or year, he/she does not fill in bi-weekly time sheets), faculty, (9-month, 12-month, or out-of-unit) or student (including OPS salary who also fills in bi-weekly time sheets with the hours worked on each project they are assigned.)
Effort Certification will be initiated by ORSP in Workday within 60 days after the end of each semester, fall, spring, and summer. The effort certification will be routed for approval and review at the college level grant/budget manager, then to the employee, then to ORSP. Student/OPS effort will be certified by the principal investigator for the project, not the student/OPS worker. Once you log into Workday, the effort will show under notifications. There you will review the effort and decide whether it is the amount committed and hit approved. If the amount is not what you expect to see, you must hit "send back" with a comment on what the issue is, so the effort can be checked and adjusted, if necessary.
We ask that you not hit the "Change Effort" button. The changing of effort requires ORSP to review the budgeted amount and compare with the effort shown in Workday. Once confirmed, the department will enter any salary adjustments, if needed.
The following is an expected schedule for the Effort Certification to be initiated in Workday:
- Fall – ORSP will send notifications to grant/budget managers review in mid Jan – Feb will run Fall effort - Should have all effort certified by March/April.
- Spring – ORSP will send notifications to grant/budget managers review in late May will run Spring effort in June - Should have all effort certified by July/Aug.
- Summer –ORSP will send notifications to grant/budget managers in September and will run Summer in Oct. Should have all effort certified by Nov/ Dec.
ORSP will be announcing training sessions for grant/budget managers, principal investigators and employees that include handouts with instructions regarding effort certification prior to the release.
One can also sign up for a training on the Workday Open-Lab Sessons when they are announced. It is scheduled for April 4, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. In the meantime, please reach out to ORSP with questions.
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Opportunities for Your Students | |
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Submission requests must be sent to academicaffairs@fgcu.edu by end of business on the Wednesday of the prior week. Submissions received after this deadline will not be shared until the following newsletter.
Please send attachments as either a .PNG or .JPEG file 250kb or less.
.PDFs are NOT accepted.
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Disclaimer: The views, opinions, and content expressed in these programs, events, and materials are those of the author(s)/presenter(s) and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views, positions, or endorsements of Florida Gulf Coast University's Academic Affairs Division. | | | | |
