Open Enrollment for UM Benefits
The deadline for annual Open Enrollment for UM benefits is Friday, Oct. 25. If you have not done so already, please return the Mandatory Benefits Election form and enrollment/change forms found here. The Mandatory Election Form must be returned even if no changes are being made.
Open Enrollment is the time when benefits-eligible UM faculty and staff can re-evaluate their needs and make benefit selections for the 2020 calendar year. Please review the HR Benefits U newsletter which provides pertinent information regarding open enrollment, deadlines for submission, enrollment forms and general benefits information.
The Office of Human Resources is happy to assist you during open enrollment by answering any questions you may have regarding your UM benefits.
Vallo Voice Feedback Requested
In May, UM’s Technology Advisory Council approved a change in campus email notifications to be piloted through the summer months and into the fall semester. You can read more here.
As a result, Vallo Voice is now the University’s official e-newsletter providing campus news, announcements, event information and highlights on student, faculty and staff achievements.
Your feedback on Vallo Voice is requested at this link. The survey will remain open through Thursday, Oct. 31.
United Way Campaign Giving
The United Way is currently in the middle of its 2019 Central Alabama Campaign. For UM’s part of the campaign, we have set an employee giving goal of $3,000. Employees can contribute as much or as little as they want and can donate with a one-time contribution or have a deduction come out of each paycheck, starting in January and lasting until December 2020. Additionally, employees can designate that their contribution be earmarked for a specific organization receiving funding from UWCA (examples include Shelby Emergency Assistance and Boys and Girls Club).
To sign up, complete this form and email to Sarah Hendren or send via hand mail to Station 6077 by Thursday, Oct. 31. To learn more about where the money goes and/or other ways to help UWCA, visit uwca.org.
Marketing Casting Call
Do you know students who are interested in the possibility of being included in University of Montevallo promotional materials? (ex. brochures, social media, digital and print advertising, billboards, etc.) The Office of University Marketing & Communications is holding a casting call Monday, Oct. 21, from noon to 2 p.m. and Tuesday, Oct. 22, from 9 to 11 a.m. in the lower level of Farmer Hall.
Students who are interested in participating in upcoming photo and video shoots should attend. All they need to do is show up during one of the available timeframes, be prepared to have their photo taken and complete a short form. The process should take less than 10 minutes per individual.
Please note: Involvement in photo and video shoots does not guarantee placement in marketing materials.
Call for Spring Textbook Adoptions
The campus bookstore is requesting spring textbook adoptions be submitted by Friday, Nov. 8. Any course material that is required or recommended must be submitted to the bookstore. This includes any Open Educational Resources (OER), digital items, custom items and supplies. You may submit your adoptions at facultyenlight.com. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Campus Bookstore Manager Ben Varner at 205-665-6575 or sm8051@bncollege.com.
National Transfer Student Week
It’s National Transfer Student Week! All week long we are celebrating transfer students who are continuing their journey here at UM. Stop by the Office of Admissions in Reynolds Hall or University Marketing & Communications in Peterson House (different from Peterson Hall) for a “UM hearts transfers!” button to celebrate and show that you were a transfer student to UM. Buttons are available for faculty, staff and students. Watch UM social media for all the ways we celebrate and encourage transfer students. #YouBelongAtMontevallo
Falcon Scholars in Action
The Office of Service Learning and Community Engagement is accepting applications for the Falcon Scholars in Action program. Falcon Scholars in Action is an honors program in which UM students are selected each year to serve clients in agencies and programs throughout Shelby County. Students selected are provided with a monthly stipend from Shelby County in exchange for their service (at least 10 hours each week). Examples of services provided include GED/ACT/SAT preparation, tutoring, coordinating physical activities and training in job skills, computer skills and social skills. All majors are eligible. Students are chosen through a highly competitive application process and will be enrolled in UM 222, which can be taken for variable credit ranging from zero to three credit hours. Apply online now. For questions, please email falconscholars@montevallo.edu.
Graduation Gown Lending Project
Graduating from college is meant to be one of the most exciting and important moments of a student’s academic achievement, but for many, the cost of buying a graduation gown is another expense that prevents them from fully experiencing the moment. Considering this, the University of Montevallo, as part of its commitment to diversity and inclusion, has created the Graduation Gown Lending Project to support first-generation and low-income UM students with free rentals of graduation gowns for Founders’ Day and commencement ceremonies.
Any and all gown or monetary donations are welcome. With your assistance, we can ensure that all students fully experience the special Founders’ Day and graduation day they have worked so hard to earn. Gowns may be dropped off at Comer 101 during regular office hours Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monetary donations may be made via the UM Foundation using the following account number: 36271.
Thanksgiving Food Drive
As the holidays approach, now is a good time to think about those who are less fortunate. Help us kick off the holiday season by donating non-perishable items to local families in need.
We will gladly accept all non-perishable food items, especially the following: stuffing mix, canned vegetables (corn, peas and green beans), boxed potatoes (mashed, au gratin or scalloped), cranberry sauce, gravy (mixes, jars or cans), cake mix and icing, broth or stock, canned fruit, sugar, flour, macaroni and cheese, cornbread mix and rice.
You may drop off donations between Oct. 21 and Nov. 20 at the following locations:
Comer 101 (Main Office): Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to noon
Comer 102: Monday, Wednesday and Friday, noon to 5 p.m.
For more information, please email diversityandinclusion@montevallo.edu.
Food Drive sponsored by: The Office of Service Learning and Community Engagement, the African American Studies Club, UM Minority Faculty and Staff, Minority Student Union and the National Panhellenic Council Organizations.
Concert Choir and University Chorus
This concert by the two University choirs, ensembles comprised of majors and non-majors, features a variety of literature ranging from choral masterworks to spirituals. It will be held Tuesday, Oct. 22, at 7:30 p.m., in LeBaron Recital Hall.
Say Boo to the Flu
Student Health Services is hosting a “Say Boo to the Flu” flu shot clinic on Wednesday, Oct. 23, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Student Health Services office is located in East Main Hall. Please bring your health insurance card. Cost of the flu vaccine with no health insurance is $25. The vaccine will be available at no cost to insured students, University employees, spouses, dependents older than 18 years of age and retirees. If you have any questions regarding the clinic, please call Student Health Services at 205-665-6275.
BSS Brown Bag Oct. 23
The next BSS Brown Bag will be held Wednesday, Oct. 23, at noon in UMOM 201. Dr. Meredith Tetloff, associate professor of social work, and Dr. Jennifer Rickel, associate professor of English, will lead a discussion on the new peace and justice studies minor at Montevallo. Please join us for a fascinating conversation! For more information, contact Dr. Clark Hultquist.
Antiques Roadshow Montevallo
Join us for Antiques Roadshow Montevallo on Wednesday, Oct. 23, from 1:30 to 4 p.m. in the J.A. Brown Room of Carmichael Library. History faculty and majors will attempt to appraise items provided. UM professors will bring objects for display such as Roman coins, Civil War-era rarities and other curious objects. University archivist Carey Heatherly will have items from early college history. Students, faculty and staff are invited to bring historical objects, photographs and miscellanea. Light refreshments will be provided.
Montevallo Film Club and Digital Filmmaking Minors Meeting
There will be a Montevallo Film Club and Digital Filmmaking Minors meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 23, at 5 p.m. in Strong Hall 119.
Teaching and Scholarly Projects Grants
The Faculty Development Advisory Committee (FDAC) is accepting applications for teaching and scholarly projects grants. Teaching and scholarly projects grants are designed to support and promote faculty innovation in scholarship, creative endeavors and/or teaching. The grant provides up to $2,000 for supplies and expenses necessary to achieve the project’s stated goals. Eligible expenses include, but are not limited to, the purchase of books, software and consumable materials, the payment of student assistant(s) and the payment or reimbursement of participant expenses. The deadline for submission for 2019-2020 projects is 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 25. More information about teaching and scholarly projects grants and a link to the application form can be found on the FDAC webpage. Questions may be directed to FDAC co-chairs Dr. Ray Ozley and Dr. Heather Tinsley.
UM Ghost Walk Events
The University will host several Ghost Walk events on Saturday, Oct. 26:
The ground floor of Carmichael Library will offer candy, face painting and craft activities for kids beginning at 5:30 p.m. The library will also show a short video of Frankenstein film adaptations over the years beginning at 5:30 p.m., with repeat showings of the video occurring every 10 minutes.
Ghost Walk tours will begin at 6 p.m. and will depart every 10 minutes in 20-person groups. The final tour will depart at 8:30 p.m. The walking tours will last approximately 45 minutes each, and check-in will be held outside Palmer Hall. The ghost walk is a free event but donations are welcome.
Trunk or Treat will be held in the parking lot behind Carmichael Library from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Popcorn and drinks will be available for purchase and picnic tables will be available throughout the event.
Montevallo ArtSTALK
The annual ArtSTALK street festival is back with over 100 independent artist booths, live music and dance performances and family activities on Main Street on Saturday, Oct. 26, from 1 to 6 p.m.
New this year, starting at 1 p.m. on the lawn in front of the MHS Career Center, DRUM the Program will open the festival with an exhibition of West African dance and music before heading to Owl’s Cove at 3 p.m. to lead a family drum circle activity. DRUM’s programming is sponsored by the President’s Office at UM. The 1 p.m. performance kicks off a great roster of new and returning music favorites including JQ’s One Man Swing Band, Trees on the Moon, Calliope Pettis and Dala Tribal Dance Company. Pumpkin decorating is back in Bicentennial Park and The Art Studio will host a family art-making activity in their storefront space on Middle Street.
Don’t check out early, because after 6 p.m. the schedule is packed with UM’s Ghost Walk and Trunk or Treat on campus from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Be sure to also check out the ArtSTALK After Party in Owl’s Cove sponsored by Montevallo Main Street with the Michael Carpenter Trio, Calliope Pettis plus a surprise guest! Grab a box of BBQ from Triple R On the Go behind UMOM and settle down for a night of music and fun. For details and contact information, visit the Montevallo Artwalk Facebook page.
BFA Exhibition: Rilee Garrett and Sara Scott
Rilee Garrett, photography, and Sara Scott, painting and printmaking, present their BFA exhibition. The exhibitions present the scope of the students’ creative research at the conclusion of their final semester.
Opening Reception: Sunday, Oct. 27, from 4 to 6 p.m.
Runs through Thursday, Nov. 7, weekdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Gallery at Bloch Hall
Nominations for Annual Homecoming Awards Due Nov. 1
The UM National Alumni Association is seeking nominations for the 2020 Alumni Homecoming awards. All online nomination materials for the Distinguished Alumnus Award, the Nathalie Molton Gibbons Alumni Achievement Award and the Nathalie Molton Gibbons Young Alumni Achievement Award are due by Friday, Nov. 1. Find the criteria for each award as well as the nomination forms online.
Campus Lockdown Drill Nov. 6
At 3:30 p.m. on Nov. 6, the University of Montevallo and the UM Police Department will hold a lockdown drill in a building on the UM campus. The drill will provide a valuable opportunity for the UM community to practice and evaluate its emergency response and notification procedures in order to be better prepared in the case of an actual emergency. During the drill, the University will test its UMAlert system, and all notifications related to the lockdown drill will be clearly identified as tests. Please take time to review the University’s lockdown procedures, which will be enacted during the lockdown drill and are viewable at this link.
Regeneration Sustainable Fashion Show Interest Meeting
An interest meeting will be held Wednesday, Nov. 6, at 3:30 p.m. in Bloch 112 (FCS computer lab) for any student, faculty, staff or alumni who want to sign up to be a designer for Regeneration: A sustainable fashion show. Items will include Ready-to-Wear and Avant-Garde. The event signup form is available online.
14th Annual Run for Research
The 14th annual Run for Research with 5k run and 1-mile walk will be held Thursday, Nov. 7. On-site registration begins at 3 p.m. and the race begins promptly at 3:45 p.m. at the McChesney Student Activity Center parking lot. (In the event of inclement weather, registration will take place inside the SAC.) Pre-registration is open now. Submit your registration form to Tonja Battle in Hill House to be eligible for a free T-shirt! T-shirts are first come, first serve, so register soon.
There will also be a student organization contest and department contest which includes a prize for the student group and department group with the largest number of participants in the run. If you have questions, please email Tonja Battle or call 205-665-6508.
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