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UIW Community Newsletter - November 8, 2019

Spotlight

Military Appreciation Football Game

On Saturday, Nov. 2, UIW honored our nation's military at a special Military Appreciation Football Game, sponsored by Frost Bank. 

Veterans in uniform stand on the football field

Veterans and active duty military were honored during a special halftime ceremony, during which approximately 100 enlistees from various branches of service participated in an enlistment ceremony on the field. Thank you all for your service and sacrifice. 

Military enlistees stand on the football field with their right arms raised

Upcoming Veterans Day services and events are listed below:

  • Veteran's Day Ceremony: Monday, Nov. 11, noon - 1 p.m., SEC Ballroom
  • Honoring America's Military Concert, Nov. 12, 7:30 p.m., UIW Concert Hall

For more information about these Veterans Day events, please contact Jonathon Lovejoy at lovejoy@uiwtx.edu

Mission

Our Lady’s Chapel Services

All are welcome

  • Noon mass Monday - Friday
  • Sunday Mass at 10:30 a.m. and 8 p.m.
  • Sacrament of Reconciliation, 11:30 a.m. Fridays or by appointment with Fr. Tom Dymowski, O.SS.T. at
    (210) 829-3131 or dymowski@uiwtx.edu

CCVI Jubilee - Celebrating 150 Years

We invite you to celebrate 150 years of blessings at the following events:

  • November 23, 2019
    3:00 pm — Celebrate the annual “Light the Way” with the University of the Incarnate Word.
  • December 3, 2019
    6:00 pm — Eucharist celebrated with CHRISTUS Santa Rosa, remembering the first Mass celebrated at Santa Rosa Infirmary on this day in 1869 — Chapel of the Incarnate Word.

Events

Cardinal Feast

Mark your calendars and save the date! The Cardinal Feast is an annual UIW tradition for our students and this is your invitation to join us for this special event! The dinner will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 4 from 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. in the SEC Dining Hall. We would appreciate your assistance in one or more of the following ways: 

  • Silverware rolling, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 3 - 5 p.m., SEC Dining Hall (wine and cheese will be served after this volunteer shift)
  • Serving at the dinner, Wednesday, Dec. 4, shifts available between 4 - 8 p.m., SEC Dining Hall. 

Click here to register for a volunteer time. For more information, please contact Janine Chavez at jlchavez@uiwtx.edu

UIW students sit and enjoy a meal

Baccalaureate Mass

The University of the Incarnate Word will hold its fall Baccalaureate Mass on Friday, Dec. 13 at 5 p.m. in the Alice P. McDermott Convocation Center. The history of the Baccalaureate ceremony is firmly entrenched in the medieval European custom of presenting graduating candidates for the degree of bachelor (bacca) with laurels (lauri) or recognition of their achievement. It is traditionally a religious service of celebration and thanksgiving for the time the graduates have devoted to growing in wisdom at a place of education. 

UIW graduates dressed in their caps and gowns stand for mass

A reception will be held immediately following the Baccalaureate Mass in the Student Engagement Center hosted by the Provost's Office. Tickets are not required, but please click here to RSVP by Wednesday, Dec. 11. Please note that while tickets are not required, seating is limited due to fire regulations. Doors to the McDermott Center will be closed once capacity is reached. A maximum of 7 guests per graduate is permitted. Thank you for your understanding and assistance with this matter. 

Visitation House 2020 Fiesta Medal Launch Party

On Friday, Nov. 8, join the Visitation House for their first ever Fiesta Medal Launch Party! The party will be held from 3 - 6 p.m. Enjoy festivities on the porch at Visitation House and enter for a chance to win door prizes. Viva Fiesta!

San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce 10th Annual CORE4 STEM Family Day

Join the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce at the University of the Incarnate Word for the 10th Annual CORE4 STEM Family Day! This event is a great way to get the entire family involved with science, technology, engineering and mathematics through hands-on activities and more! This event is free to attend and will be held on Saturday, Nov. 9 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. in the ICC Ballroom. Click here for more information and to register.

Light the Way 2019

Join us on Saturday, Nov. 23 from 3 - 9 p.m. for the University of the Incarnate Word's annual holiday celebration, Light the Way, sponsored by H-E-B!

The Incarnate Word steeple is illuminated and surrounded by Christmas lights in nearby trees

What you can expect: 

  • A million twinkling lights illuminating the beautiful UIW campus (lights switch on at 6:15 p.m.)
  • Over a dozen trucks in the Food Truck Yard (sponsored by SA Food Truck Association)
  • A Kids' Corner where guests can take selfies with Santa, decorate a cookie with Bird Bakery, ride the kiddie train and more!
  • Over 45 local vendors in the Holiday Shoppe
  • Live performances and musical entertainment
  • Exclusive opportunities just for UIW alumni and their families

Once again, we will be collecting new, unused toys for the Elf Louise Project. As always, admission is free and limited free parking is available on campus. Those seeking to park on campus may only enter through the gate at Hwy 281. All other gates will be closed to vehicle traffic. 

Follow our event page for more information!

Community News

Cardinal Community Leaders in Action

Cardinal Community Leaders (CCL) spent the morning volunteering at the Tibetan Buddhism Center for World Peace on Friday, Nov. 1.

UIW students pose for a photo against a wooden fence

For most participating students, this was a first experience meeting a Buddhist monk and having the chance to learn about Buddhism. Currently, the CCL program is accepting applications for Cohort 7. Click here for more information about CCL.

UIW students sit on the floor with a Buddhist monk 

Mass Incarceration: A Policy Crisis

On Monday, Nov. 4, the UIW College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences and the Jewish Federation of San Antonio Maimonides Society, hosted Mass Incarceration: A Policy Crisis. This event sought to bring attention to a critical public policy affecting our community. The U.S. leads the world in the number of people imprisoned, a dubious "first" for the nation. Texas is a significant part of this national story, with an incarcerated population of approximately 251,000.  

A panel of speakers sits on stage and carries a discussion

This event featured presentations by Joe Gonzales, Bexar County Criminal District Attorney and Lareta Gatlin-McDavid, an impacted person of the criminal justice system. These presentations were followed by a panel discussion moderated by Robert Rivard, and included Diego Bernal, Texas House Representative - District 123; Javier Salazar, Bexar County Sheriff; Alonzio Hardin, SAPD SAFFE Officer; Megan Harding, TCRP Attorney; and Adrianne House, an impacted person. 

Career Services: Alumni Panel

On Tuesday, Nov. 5, Career Services welcomed alumni from various industries to share their experiences with UIW students. We extend our sincerest thanks to all alumni who returned to the nest to share their wisdom with our current students! 

Panelists sit on stage while a moderator speaks into a microphone

Feed PHIL

It's time to Feed PHIL! On Wednesday, Nov. 6, students had the opportunity to adopt a PHIL (piggy bank) to "feed" for one week and "change" the future at UIW. PHIL aims to raise awareness and educate students about how they can support their university and fellow classmates. Every penny collected can make a difference in the UIW community; a little spare change from many students can go a long way. The funds collected will directly benefit the student body by providing scholarship awards. Five Feed PHIL scholarships were awarded for the 2019-2020 academic year. Each student who collects and returns any amount of change at PHIL's birthday party on UIW Philanthropy Day (Nov. 14) will receive an "I know PHIL" t-shirt. 

A UIW student holds up a red piggy bank

Dreeben School of Education Graduate Research Symposium

The Doctoral Student Association and Dreeben School of Education kicked off the annual Graduate Research Symposium, a three-day event taking place through Saturday, Nov. 9.

People look at a mounted poster

This year's theme "Education to Empower," is inspired by the legacy of Sr. Dorothy "Dot" Ettling, CCVI, Women's Global Connection co-founder and former professor in the Dreeben School of Education. The symposium began with poster presentations and round table discussions, and will close on Saturday, Nov. 9 with podium presentations and a featured guests panel discussion. 

Diwali: Festival of Lights

On Thursday, Nov. 7, the UIW community celebrated the South Asian holiday of Diwali: Festival of Lights. This event featured South Asian cuisine, musical performances and various festivities.

Women dressed in traditional South Asian attire smile

Three women dance on stage

Health-E News

Flu Shots Now Available!

Employee flu shots are now available at the UIW Health Services Clinic. To receive your flu shot, please visit the UIW Health Services Clinic located on the ground level of the Agnese Sosa parking garage. The entrance to the facility located behind the Ila Faye Miller School of Nursing and Health Professions.

When can I go? Employee Flu Shots are available now through December 20, 2019. Employee flu shots will be administered between the hours of 8 a.m. and noon, Monday through Friday. Please stop by at your convenience.

What will I need to bring? Medical Insurance ID, Driver License or University ID, and, if this is your first visit to Health Services, a completed New Patient Form.

What if I do not have UIW medical insurance? If you have other medical insurance, the clinic will bill your insurance. If you do not have medical insurance and are a full time UIW employee, you can still get your flu shot at Health Services and UIW will cover the cost.

What if I cannot make it to Health Services? You can also go to a participating pharmacy such as CVS, Walgreens, HEB, or your physician’s office.

Can my spouse or child get their flu shot at Health Services? At this time only UIW employees can receive their flu shot from Health Services.

While timing of the flu season is unpredictable, seasonal flu activity often begins to increase in October. It is common for the flu season to peak between December and February, but it may last as late as May. CDC recommends that everyone ages 6 months and older receive a flu vaccine by the end of October. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body to protect against flu virus infection.

You have the power to fight the flu (and Dr. Evans does too)!

Dr. Evans gets a flu shot

Department News

A Special Message from the Office of the President re: Title IX

Dear students, faculty and staff,

The 2019 Texas Legislative Session concluded with the passing of several bills impacting higher education’s response to incidents of sexual misconduct, some of which expand the current Title IX requirements under federal law. The University of the Incarnate Word is committed to maintaining a safe and respectful environment and to be compliant with state law and federal law.

One of the new bills, Senate Bill 212, requires all employees at every level, including full-time and part-time, to “promptly report” to the Title IX coordinator any information about sexual misconduct committed by or against a student or employee. This means that all UIW employees will be required to complete the training outlining their responsibilities per the mandatory reporting requirement in the law.

The statute provides that the institution “shall terminate” the employment of any employee who fails to follow the reporting requirements, and the employee may also be subject to civil sanctions and criminal penalties. The bill also institutes a fine up to $2 million for institutions who do not comply with the new law. Failure to complete the training by December 1 will result in termination.

The involvement of university presidents and governing boards required by these laws, and the potential for criminal charges and termination of employees, reflects the importance that the state of Texas has placed on university leadership, faculty and staff to be directly aware of and involved with policies and procedures to eradicate sexual misconduct on college campuses.

By Monday October 28, 2019, UIW’s Title IX Coordinator, Alexandria Salas, will post the on-line training on Blackboard, which is accessible via Cardinal Apps. The training includes a 30-minute informational video followed by a short survey and an acknowledgement. On-site training will also be offered in person on our various campuses. The training schedule is posted at  the UIW title IX site.

I want to reiterate that we do not tolerate sexual assault, sexual harassment, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking or any other sexual misconduct or acts of gender discrimination under Texas law and Title IX. It is also imperative for us to create avenues of support for students affected by sexual misconduct as part of our call to care for everyone in our community. UIW supports these efforts to address and prevent sexual misconduct on our campuses and all university campuses.

Questions regarding the training, state laws, or the Sexual Misconduct Policy may be directed to Alexandria via email at ansalas@uiwtx.edu or by phone at (210) 283-6977.

It is my hope that, by instituting these newly mandated requirements, we continue to build an environment where students and employees feel secure and confident in reporting violations of misconduct and gender discrimination. Working together, we can raise awareness and create a safer, stronger community for all.

Sincerely,

Thomas M. Evans, PhD
President

State of the University Video

On Tuesday, Oct. 29, UIW President Dr. Thomas Evans delivered a State of the University address. A video of the address will be available on the president's webpage by the end of the day on Friday, Nov. 8. Please email pr@uiwtx.edu with any questions. 

A Special Message from David M. Jurenovich, Vice President for Campus Life and Facilities Management 

On Friday, Nov. 8, the restoration of the cross atop the facade of the Columkille Administration Building began. The main exterior stairway/entrance to the Columkille Administration Building will be closed for approximately two weeks while the work involved in the restoration of the cross is completed. Both of the lower front entrances on the left and the right of the main stairway will remain open for business access. We thank all of the UIW community for your patience during this initiative. 

SSI and ALI Surveys

Attention faculty: The Student Satisfaction Inventory (SSI) and the Adult Learner Inventory (ALI) surveys are in progress. Please remind your students to check their email for an invitation to complete the surveys. This is their chance to share feedback that will lead to campus improvements. All completed surveys are entered into a drawing for a $250 Visa gift card; details are in the email students received. Surveys close on Nov. 8. Please contact the Office of Institutional Research at surveyir@uiwtx.edu for more information.

Cardinals' Cupboard: Donations Needed

Any UIW student, staff or faculty member is welcome to the Cardinals' Cupboard Food Pantry located at Joeris Hall on the UIW Broadway Campus. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Thursday from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Did you know 25% of children identified as food insecure in San Antonio and Texas is ranked #2 in the nation for food insecurity? Help us make a difference by making a donation to the Cardinals' Cupboard!

Top 10 Requested Items:

  1. Cereal
  2. Canned beans
  3. Tuna
  4. Canned soup
  5. Rice
  6. Mac and cheese
  7. Peanut butter
  8. Granola bars
  9. Pasta and pasta sauce
  10. Toothpaste/soap

Monetary and food donations may be dropped off at the Ettling Center in AD 158 or Campus Engagement in SEC 3150, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. To learn more about Cardinals' Cupboard, please contact the Ettling Center at (210) 283-6423.

Cup Runneth Over

Don’t forget to collect your unused toiletries for TRIO’s annual Cup Runneth Over event! Collections will be donated to women and families in transition at a local shelter. Donations will be accepted now through December 2. Please consider donating the following items:

  • Mugs in good condition
  • Hotel toiletries
  • Toothbrushes and small toothpastes
  • Individually wrapped tea bags or packets of hot chocolate
  • Socks
  • Any other small item that would be appropriate and helpful

All donations can be dropped off at SEC 3145. Please call if campus pick-up is needed. For more information or assistance with items collection, please contact TRiO Student Support Services at (210) 805-5812.

Athletic News

UIW volleyball players gather in a celebratory huddle

A UIW mens basketball player dunks a basketball

UIW women's baskeball team cheers from the sidelines