Missing money?

January 9th, 2012

Some money was found in a clothing bag dropped off at the Seventh Day Adventist Community Service Center on Jan. 9. Included in the bag were also some George Fox clothes.

They would like to return it to its owner. Please call Violet Keatly at 503-537-5117 to identify.

Semester off-campus applications for 2012-13 due this Friday

January 8th, 2012

Reminder: Applications for spending a semester off-campus (studying abroad) for next school year, fall 2012 and spring 2013, are due by 5 p.m. this Friday, Jan 13. Students should submit applications to the designated drop box in the Center for Global Studies located on the first floor of the Steven’s Center.

Applicants are reminded that they must have all required signatures, at least one faculty recommendation, a photocopy of their passport (if applying to an international program) that expires no earlier than six months after expected return, and have submitted the appropriate application page to health and counseling, for a complete application.

Recommendations can be submitted by e-mail to Melanie Newell at mnewell@georgefox.edu, dropped at the CGS or Box #6262.

No late applications will be accepted. Students will be notified of their application status at the beginning of February.

Questions? Contact Melanie Newell at the above e-mail address or ext. 2686.

Online Career Courses

January 6th, 2012

Start the New Year with a boost to your career planning!  We have 3, 1 credit online career courses designed for you to define vocation and calling (GEED 214), plan for an internship (GEED 216) or prepare for the job search (GEED 218).  Go to General Education on the course schedule to register.

Be at the forefront in designing your best future-we’re on your side! Contact Career Services at x. 2330 or careers@georgefox.edu if you have questions.

‘Sacred Journey’ features panel conversation with Portland faith leaders

January 5th, 2012

George Fox will celebrate World Religions Day by hosting “Sacred Journey: Perspectives on Lived Faith,” featuring a panel of faith leaders from the Portland area. Guests will engage in conversation from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 15, in the Cap and Gown Room on the Newberg campus. The event is part of the university’s engagement with the President’s Interfaith and Community Service Campus Challenge.

Panelists expected include Rabbi Daniel Isaak from Congregation Neveh Shalom (southwest Portland); Shahriar Ahmed, president of Bilal Masjid (Beaverton); Abbot Kyogen Carlson, from the Dharma Rain Zen Center (southeast Portland); and Sarah Thomas Baldwin, George Fox’s campus pastor and dean of spiritual life.

This time is meant to celebrate the particularity as well as the interconnectivity of lived belief. It is a time meant to learn about each other and to enjoy the company of one another, according to Clint Baldwin (Center for Peace and Justice).

To learn more, visit the Peace and Justice site. Questions? Contact Melanie Newell at ext. 2686 or mnewell@georgefox.edu.

Authors Le Guin, Berry visit campus for Stafford event Jan. 14

January 5th, 2012

In a follow-up to last year’s Celebration of William Stafford event, George Fox will host authors Ursula K. Le Guin and Eleanor Berry from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, in Hoover 105. There is no charge to attend.

About Ursula K. Le Guin

Le Guin’s books have been finalists for the American Book Award and the Pulitzer Prize. She writes both poetry and prose in various modes, including realistic fiction, science fiction, fantasy, young children’s books, books for young adults, screenplays, essays, verbal texts for musicians, and voice texts. She has published seven books of poetry, 22 novels, more than 100 short stories (collected in 11 volumes), four collections of essays, 12 books for children, and four volumes of translation. She has received many awards, including the Hugo, Nebula, National Book Award, PEN-Malamud, and others.

About Eleanor Berry

Berry, a former teacher of writing and literature at Willamette University, organizes poetry events in nearby Stayton, is a member of the committee that oversees the Oregon Poetry Collection at the Oregon State Library, and serves on the boards of the Marion Cultural Development Corporation and the Oregon State Poetry Association. Her poetry and essays on poetry have been widely published in journals and anthologies. Green November, a book of poems derived from her acclimation to western Oregon, was published in 2007.

In Honor of Stafford

The authors will read poetry and interact with attendees. The event is held in honor of Stafford, the former U.S. poet laureate and Oregon poet laureate whose life and works exemplified a quest for peace and truth. It is being hosted by the university’s Center for Peace and Justice in collaboration with the Friends of William Stafford and two of that organization’s board members, Dennis and Helen Schmidling.

Questions? Contact Melanie Newell at ext. 2686 or mnewell@georgefox.edu.

Want to learn to play piano? Now is your chance

January 5th, 2012

Did you take piano lessons when you were in elementary school and then quit for no good reason? Now you’re thinking, “I wish I stayed in those lessons – I love the piano!”

If so, there are two classes you should consider enrolling in this semester. One is a skill-based class (MUSI 135B Class Piano), geared toward those of you who have some piano background. It meets once a week on Mondays at 1:40 p.m. in Ross 218.

The other is a review of all keyboard music, including organ, piano, harpsichord, keyboard, etc. (MUSI 210). If you love listening to and want to learn more about piano music, this class is for you. The schedule for this is to be determined. Enroll the week of Jan. 9 and I will collect schedules and find a time for us to meet.

Questions? E-mail Kenn Willson at kwillson@georgefox.edu.

Guitar lessons and classes offered this spring

January 5th, 2012

Interested in learning guitar – or becoming a better player? Check out the following options at George Fox this spring.

Beginning Class Guitar is offered for those new to the guitar who want to learn in a fun group setting (Tuesdays/Thursdays, 9:40-10:30 a.m). Learn to strum and pick popular worship songs while learning to read music. MUSI 250-A

Private Lessons/Applied Guitar is offered to bring your playing to the next level. One-on-one lessons cover beginners all the way to very experienced players. Sign up and get some new skills and techniques. All styles are covered, including jazz, blues, rock, worship, folk, etc. MUSA 105/305 GT

Lessons are taught by George Fox guitar professor Dave Iula. He has performed at many churches in Portland (Beaverton Foursquare, Southlake Church, Rolling Hills, Imago Dei Community) as well as Porland’s finest clubs (Jimmy Mak’s, The Blue Monk, Mississippi Studios).

E-mail Dave for more info: daveiula1@gmail.com.

Join alumni, parents, students and friends for Bruin Madness 2

January 4th, 2012

The George Fox basketball programs have always had incredible fans. So we’ve created Bruin Madness to bring all our fans together to cheer our teams on to victory! The second “Madness” event is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 14.

Bring your family and join alumni, students, parents, community members and other fans for amazingly delicious tailgate fare and exciting activities at the Indoor Tailgate Party Dinner and KidZone. Then head off to Miller Gymnasium to cheer on the Bruins as they take on Puget Sound in a doubleheader. After the game, young alumni (those from the past 10 years) are invited to head over to Abby’s Pizza to continue the celebration.

Don’t miss your best chance to catch this year’s Bruin basketball teams in action, all while you connect with hundreds of other George Fox alumni, parents and students.

Schedule

4 p.m. – Indoor Tailgate Party Dinner & KidZone
6 p.m. – Women’s Basketball Game
8 p.m. – Men’s Basketball Game
10 p.m. – Young Alumni Night at Abby’s

Visit alumni.georgefox.edu or call ext. 2131 for more information and to purchase tickets.

Meal Plans for Spring 2012 Semester

January 4th, 2012

If you are eligible to do so please make any changes to your meal plan today.

Detailed information about meal plans can be found at this website.

Student Life suggests that EVERYONE confirm their meal plan to be certain that you have the meal plan that you are expecting.

You can change your meal plan and confirm which meal plan you have in your MyGFU account – STUDENT RESOURCES – UNIVERSITY FORMS.

The 21, 14, 10, 10 +Flex, 7 and No Meal Plan all roll over from the fall to the spring semesters.

The 35 Block and the All Flex Plan do NOT roll over. These convert to the No Meal Plan. If you want to renew the All Flex or 35 Block Plan you must add these meal plans to your account in MyGFU.

Please Note: All changes must be processed no later than Friday, Jan. 20, 2012. However, students can always add a meal plan through out the semester by contacting Jere Witherspoon in the student life office.

Accommodations to the meal plan are provided only through documented medical conditions.

All questions about the meal plans should be directed to Jere Witherspoon.

And now, an essay about the meal plan benefits by Dave Johnstone, associate dean of residence life:

The best part of a meal plan has nothing to do with the quality or nutrition of the food. The attractive part of eating on a meal plan is the opportunity to frequently connect with peers and classmates. Sharing a meal, conversation around the table, debriefing the day or anticipating what might unfold is really the gem of being on a meal plan. Historically and culturally communities have been built around food. I am not sure why it works, but sharing a meal is one of most significant ways to build a relationship, hence it strengthens our community. That in itself is a major benefit for being on the meal plan.

Bruin Den is open this week

January 4th, 2012

The Bruin Den is open every day this week from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. We will resume our regular hours on Monday, Jan. 9.

Still looking for student employment?

January 4th, 2012

Looking for student employment? Want a fun, resume-building job? Are you an outgoing person who loves talking with others? Look no further! We have a job for you!

The Telephone Outreach Team is looking for three new team members to join us starting in February. Telephone Outreach Team Members serve as an ambassador of George Fox by establishing and maintaining a connection to the university with its constituents (alumni, parents and friends of George Fox).

We are located in Coyote Place, located one mile off campus, so reliable transportation rain or shine is required! Apply through Bruin Careers and look for position ID #457: Telephone Outreach Team member. The deadline to apply has been extended to Monday, Jan. 9.

If you have any questions, please contact Mandria Montplaisir, director of annual giving, at mmontplaisir@georgefox.edu.

Need a new parking hangtag? Visit Security Services

January 3rd, 2012

As security has been patrolling campus, we have noticed some very unusual white staff hangtag parking permits being “hung” in some unusual ways! If your white hangtag is broken, please bring the pieces to the security office and we can update your registration on the spot and issue you a new permit. If you have LOST your permit, or need one for a second or third vehicle, the cost is only $5 each (cash only), and they can be purchased in the security office.

Portland employees: If you come to the Newberg campus frequently, please go on MyGFU and register your vehicle, and a gratis staff/faculty or adjunct hangtag will be mailed to your Portland campus mailbox.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call ext. 2090 during office hours.

New article available on Employee Council site

January 3rd, 2012

The Employee Council site‘s “Readings and Resources for Managers and Supervisors” section has a new article: “Top Ten Reasons Why Large Companies Fail To Keep Their Best Talent.”

Although we aren’t a large company, the list of ideas for promoting satisfaction and development of employees is still applicable. This short article provides supervisors with ideas for encouraging employees, and gives all of us some ideas for self-development and contribution to our institution.

Adjuncts need to renew parking permits for 2012

January 3rd, 2012

Adjuncts: If you will be on contract at any time during 2012, you will need to come to the security office for a new parking permit, as your previous one has now expired. Please call ext. 2090 if you have any questions.

Thanks!
– Security Services

Did the Grinch steal our vacation and sick leave accruals?

January 2nd, 2012

We’ve discovered that vacation and sick-leave balances on our Dec. 30 pay statements do not include accruals for December. This issue is the result of our December pay day being a day earlier than usual. These accruals are set up in PeopleSoft to run on the last day of the month (even if it is not a business day). At the time payroll was run for our Dec. 30 pay day, these accruals had not yet been updated, so the YTD “Earned” and “End Balance” on employees’ pay statements do not include the vacation and sick leave hours that you earned in December.

The good news is that these accruals have now been manually processed in the system, so leave balances on our Jan. 31 pay statements will correctly reflect December and January leave accruals. We will do our best to avoid this problem in the future.

And while we are on the topic of vacation and sick leave, please be sure to submit your December time sheets and time-off reports right away. Links to these forms can be found on this page.

– HR

Nominations now open for January Employee of the Month

January 2nd, 2012

A new year, a new month … It is time to think about nominating a colleague for the first Employee of the Month award for 2012. If you know of someone whose recent contributions make him or her worthy of this honor, please take a few minutes to send an e-mail to Peggy Kilburg that includes a specific summary of the person’s contributions (past 30 days or so) and any other information that you believe makes this person deserving of this award.

The President’s Executive Leadership Team will select the recipient from the nominations submitted and he or she will be recognized and awarded a $100 gift card to The Allison at our community meeting later this month.

University closes Monday for New Year’s holiday

December 29th, 2011

All university offices will be closed Monday, Jan. 2, to observe the New Year’s holiday.

Openings still available on Telephone Outreach Team

December 28th, 2011

Looking for student employment? Want a fun, resume-building job? Are you an outgoing person who loves talking with others? Look no further! We have a job for you!

The Telephone Outreach Team is looking for three new team members to join us starting in February. Telephone Outreach Team Members serve as an ambassador of George Fox by establishing and maintaining a connection to the university with its constituents (alumni, parents and friends of George Fox).

We are located in Coyote Place, located one mile off campus, so reliable transportation rain or shine is required! Apply through Bruin Careers and look for position ID #457: Telephone Outreach Team member. The deadline to apply has been extended to Monday, Jan. 9.

If you have any questions, please contact Mandria Montplaisir, director of annual giving, at mmontplaisir@georgefox.edu.

December student employee time sheets due in HR

December 28th, 2011

Student supervisors, please submit the rest of your students’ December time sheets to HR right away — by Wednesday, Jan. 4, by noon. Pay day is Friday, Jan 13, because Monday, Jan. 16, is a holiday.

Please be sure the student’s name, ID number and cost center number is legible on each one. Please total them, sign them, and be sure the students did as well. (If the student is not available to sign it, please send it without the signature, and HR will contact the student.) Please do not send students to HR to sign their time sheets.

Federal Work Study regulations require that students delivering their own time sheets must have them in a sealed envelope.

If you happen to still have any paperwork to submit on a student hired in December, please hand-deliver it right away — no later than Tuesday, Jan 3. We need to set up students in the system before the time sheets arrive.

Thanks very much.

– HR

Mail Services in need of packing peanuts

December 28th, 2011

Did you get peanuts for Christmas?

Mail Services can use all of the peanuts and other packing materials that you received. Please bring them to Mail Services and they will gladly be put to use by other shippers – including those from departmenst on campus.

Thanks!

– Mail Services