February 2017

By Rueben Mayes

“One who gains strength by overcoming obstacles possesses the only strength which can overcome adversity.”  Albert Schweitzer

Have you ever been stuck on a problem and thought, is there a solution, will I ever find a pathway that gets me back on track and successful? You would think with all the information at our finger tips the light at the end of the tunnel would reveal itself easily. I will never forget a critical time in my first NFL training camp with the New Orleans Saints when I was stuck and ready to throw in the towel. My left Achilles tendon was sore and I was battling fatigue in the Hammond, Louisiana training camp. My dream of playing professional football was fading before my eyes because my injury became the center of my adversity and I did not see a way out. I called my then girlfriend and now wife Marie (married 29 years) and told her to buy two round-trip tickets to Jamaica for I was done. She encouraged me to call my agent. I got good advice from my agent, “go to sleep and talk to the coach in the morning”. New Orleans Saints Head Football Coach Jim Mora said everything would be fine, just take a few weeks to rest the Achilles. That year I would earn NFL Rookie of the Year and be selected to play in my first NFL Pro Bowl.

There are always pathways or solutions to help us move through times when we are stuck. Whether it’s new information, involvement of a team member or consultant, or just a good night sleep to get a fresh perspective, we need to be flexible and open to all the options before us. Every day the work we do offers the opportunity to grow if we are willing to seek all the resources around us. No problem is too small or large that can’t be solved in our desire to succeed.

From the Chair

Dear Colleagues,

In order to better service the university in our advisory capacity, APAC is canceling our monthly meeting in November so that members can attend the ERP vendor demonstrations. The Executive Council encourages Councilmembers to attend as many of the demonstrations from both vendors as possible in order to provide input to the RFP Evaluation Committee on which product would best suit the needs of WSU through participation in post-demonstration surveys. Those responding to the survey should attend the same sessions from both vendors wherever possible. Demonstrations will take place November 6-9 and November 13-16. The final demonstration schedule will be sent out as soon as it is available by WSU Announcements and will be on the WSU Modernization website.

Brigitta Jozefowski
Chair

Professional Development Seminar

APAC is pleased to sponsor Rueben Mayes, Chief Development Officer for Pullman Regional Hospital to speak to all WSU Staff and Faculty on “Five Keys to Success in Leadership, Work, and Life”.

Tuesday, November 28, 2017 from 9:30-11:15 in the CUB Junior Ballroom.

AMS Sites Scheduled: Everett, Puyallup, Spokane, Tri-Cities, and Vancouver.

Please register for this free event on Skillsoft: http://ihr.hrs.wsu.edu/skillsoft/default.aspx?c=ilt_wsu_PD_1141

WSU Staff Scholarship

The WSU Staff Academic Scholarship supports WSU employees (civil service and AP) or their children with scholarship dollars. The scholarship provides $1000/yr in scholarship support. If you would like to support this scholarship or read more information about this scholarship please read the gift use agreement. The scholarship will be awarded through the Student Financial Services.

Professional Development Mini-Grants

Professional development is highly valued by Washington State University and is supported by the President’s and Provosts’ offices. AP Mini Grant Fund is used to provide matching funds in conjunction with AP’s unit/department. Deadline for fall applications is October 31^st.  Read more >>>

AP Spotlight

Faith Price, Assistant Director of Native American Programs, is making a difference for students. Price directs the Native American student ambassador program who are current undergraduate students that provide campus tours, attend community events, and speak to prospective students about the Native student experience at WSU. Price is of Wampanoag descent, and grew up on the Flathead Indian Reservation. Along with her full-time duties with Native American Programs, Price in currently in the Prevention Science doctoral program at WSU. Read more >>>

The Management Tip of the Day

The Management Top of the Day is brought to you by the Harvard Business Review.

Daydreaming (With a Purpose) Can Recharge Your Mind – Resisting distractions seems like an intuitive way to be more productive, yet research shows that excessive focus exhausts your brain. Read more >>>

Get Your Flu Shot

Flu season is nearly upon us. WSU employees are encouraged to get their flu vaccinations. Read more >>>

Monthly APAC Meetings

The AP council encourages other AP employees to attend the monthly meetings either in person or by video conference at other campus locations. Our next meeting will be held on December 14^th from 9:00-10:30am in Lighty 405.

Regular APAC meetings are scheduled for the second Thursday of each month from 9:00-10:30 a.m. Meetings are broadcast via AMS. Can’t attend the meeting in person? Call in on the phone bridge at 509-335-9445, meeting ID is 02722. All meetings will be held in Lighty 405.  Read More >>>

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What is APAC?

The Administrative Professional Advisory Council (APAC) provides institutional level advocacy in support of administrative professional personnel (AP) at WSU, communicates important information to APs, and provides opportunities for professional development and recognition for AP employees.

Connect with APAC on  •  •

Have ideas for this monthly newsletter? Send them to stephanie.rink@wsu.edu

To unsubscribe from this list please send a blank email to apac-info-leave@lists.wsu.edu.

From the Chair

Dear Colleagues,

Fall term has started and the crisp fall air is starting to take over the Palouse. Welcome back to what will be a fantastic year for our administrative professional staff! The Administrative Professional Advisory Council (APAC) is gearing up to tackle tasks, provide engaging professional development, and meet with WSU administration. We are fortunate to have a great relationship with President Kirk Schulz and Provost Bernardo, they value our feedback and concerns, and want to work together to improve Washington State University.

We want to be accessible to all Administrative Professionals (AP) and realize that attending general meetings is not always possible. Therefore, we want to encourage you to connect with us, any of us, regarding any concerns, suggestions, feedback, or professional development opportunities you would like to us to consider. You can locate all the administrative professional advisory council members on our website, www.apac.wsu.edu. Please feel free to reach out to any council member. You can also send an email to me directly at brigitta@wsu.edu, or call me at 509-358-7968.  We truly seek to represent your views to the best of our abilities so please engage with us and tell us how we can support you.

We hope you enjoyed WSU Staff Appreciation Week. Please help thank our Professional Development Committee and Marketing Committee for their outstanding work! The speaker line-up was fantastic and new activities included Ice-Cream Sundae Socials and Evening Staff Social at participating restaurants. Not wanting to leave anyone out, I traveled to the Tri-Cities campus to host their ice-cream social (the Tri-Cities campus APAC representative position is still open!).

Please provide your feedback on the seminars and activities — this helps us help you!

Go Cougs!

Brigitta Jozefowski
Chair

Monthly APAC Meetings

The AP council encourages other AP employees to attend the monthly meetings either in person or by video conference at other campus locations. Our next meeting will be held on October 12^th from 9:00-10:30am in Lighty 405. Regular APAC meetings are scheduled for the second Thursday of each month from 9:00-10:30 a.m. Meetings are broadcast via AMS. Can’t attend the meeting in person? Call in on the phone bridge at 509-335-9445, meeting ID is 02722. All meetings will be held in Lighty 405.  Read More >>>

WSU Staff Appreciation Week

Staff appreciation week was a huge success thanks to our wonderful staff throughout the university. The week’s seminars and events had record attendance.  A big thank you to our four speakers who put on fantastic seminars and to Cask, Porch Light Pizza, and Birch & Barley for participating in our Staff Social.  Our first time, in Pullman that is, having an ice cream social was a huge success. Who wouldn’t want Ferdinand’s Ice-Cream with toppings! To read more about the Staff Appreciation Week events visit our website. Read more >>>

Northwest Coalition of Professional Staff Conference

The 3^rd Annual Northwest Coalition of Professional Staff Conference was held July 19-21, 2017 in Blaine, WA offering opportunities to foster cooperation and collaboration, as well as to provide training and skills for administrative professional staff.  This year we had 76 attendees representing 11 universities! Follow the link to learn more about this last year’s conference. The NCPS conference in 2018 will be held in Moscow, ID, details will be coming soon. Read more >>>

Professional Development Mini-Grants

Professional development is highly valued by Washington State University and is supported by the President’s and Provosts’ offices. AP Mini Grant Fund is used to provide matching funds in conjunction with AP’s unit/department. Deadline for fall applications is October 31^st.  Read more >>>

Student Organization Advisors Wanted

Would you like to help influence and build the leadership skills of students outside the classroom by becoming a registered student organization (RSO) advisor? WSU Pullman has more than 300 RSOs, these organizations range from academic and professional to environmental, multicultural, and service-oriented.

All staff and faculty are eligible to become advisors. As an RSO advisor you would help students navigate administrative procedures and give insight regarding past organizational activity.

If you are interested in becoming an RSO advisor, have questions, or want to explore the types of RSOs you can get involved with, email Student Involvement Leadership Coordinator Evelyn Martinez at evelynmtz@wsu.edu.

WSU Staff TOP 5!

Coming to the AP Connection Newsletter will be WSU Staff Top 5!. This will show case various topics such as Top 5 Perks for WSU Staff, Top 5 Favorite Eateries, and more. We will be polling our APs over the next few weeks for an October release of “Top 5 Perks for WSU Staff”. If you have one, send it our way.

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What is APAC?

The Administrative Professional Advisory Council (APAC) provides institutional level advocacy in support of administrative professional personnel (AP) at WSU, communicates important information to APs, and provides opportunities for professional development and recognition for AP employees.

Connect with APAC on Facebook • Twitter • LinkedIn

Have ideas for this monthly newsletter? Send them to stephanie.rink@wsu.edu

To unsubscribe from this list please send a blank email to apac-info-leave@lists.wsu.edu.

From the Chair

Dear Colleagues,

June brought us new APAC leadership and council members and to start this great year we gathered at an all-day retreat. The retreat gave us the opportunities to discuss goals, development, structure, and team building, utilizing the Low Elements Challenge Program at WSU University Recreation. It was a time to reflect upon our accomplishments from this past year and learn from items that did not go quite as planned.

President Kirk Schulz opened the retreat by conveying the important role the Administrative Professionals play within the WSU system and provided an overview of several important topics including the Drive to 25, the Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, and the Town-Gown collaboration between the City of Pullman and Washington State University. This followed by an open discussion between council members and President Schulz which discussed topics such as the positive feedback of the increased WSU Leadership visiting the other campuses, global rankings, stadium closure, and retention and recruitment. Rounding out the opening discussion was the overwhelming appreciation for the support from President Schulz. APAC thanks you immensely!

The remainder of the retreat allowed successful communication on committee memberships and roles, professional development, and plans on how to meet our goals and provide support, resources, and assistance to all administrative professionals in the WSU system. Lots of great discussion on the issues that are facing some, if not all, administrative professionals and plans of how to address these issues were laid out.

This next year we will see great things from APAC. We have an outstanding executive leadership and council members, both which are driven to see our goals met with high quality results and to assist our administrative professionals in the WSU system. If you want to hear more about APAC and learn what we are doing, stop by for a visit during our monthly meetings. We encourage and welcome everyone to attend, our meetings are held the second Thursday of the month. Our next meeting will be September 14, 2017 from 9-10:30 a.m. in Lighty 405 and broadcast via AMS. Check our website at apac.wsu.edu for more details on our meetings, events, and our newsletter.

Warmly,

Brigitta Jozefowski, Chair

Monthly APAC Meetings

The AP council encourages other AP employees to attend the monthly meetings either in person or by video conference at other campus locations. Our meetings are on break during the summer but will resume on September 14, 2017 in Lighty 405.

Regular APAC meetings are scheduled for the second Thursday of each month from 9:00-10:30 a.m. Meetings are broadcast via AMS. Can’t attend the meeting in person? Call in on the phone bridge at 509-335-9445, meeting ID is 02722. All meetings will be held in Lighty 405.

Employee Appreciation Week

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Employee Appreciation Week will be rescheduled to early September. More information will be forthcoming and will be updated on our website.

Wednesdays on the Mall

Kick off your summer by joining Dining Services and the Student Entertainment Board for Wednesdays on the Mall from May 17 – July 26 for an all-campus barbecue and music. Wednesdays on the Mall will take place on Terrell Mall in front of Todd Hall from 11:30 – 1:15 p.m.

For menu options and information regarding cost, and how to pay, please visit http://dining.wsu.edu/events/wednesdays-on-the-mall/. Hope to see you there!

Northwest Coalition of Professional Staff Conference

The 3^rd Annual NCPS Conference registration is open! The event will be held July 20 – July 21 in Blaine, WA at the beautiful Semiahmoo Resort, Golf, and Spa. Room block rates are ending soon! Book your room by June 28^th for the conference discount wp.wwu.edu/ncps/accommodations/.

Please join us for a great event to foster cooperation and collaboration as well as providing skills to inspire day-to-day success. Please visit https://wp.wwu.edu/ncps/registration/ to register!

Registration Fees
Regular (June 1^st – July 10^th) $270.00
Onsite (July 19^th – July 21^st)  $310.00
One-Day (July 20^th) $210.00

Registration fees include:

• Wednesday night Welcome Reception, bonfire and s’mores on the beach
• Thursday Keynote Speaker, concurrent sessions, and meals (breakfast, lunch, and Beach BBQ)
• Friday morning breakfast, concurrent sessions, door prizes (free 2018 NCPS Conference Registration, weekend package at Semiahmoo Resort, and more! (must be present to win!)), and closing remarks

Professional Development Mini-Grants

Professional development is highly valued by Washington State University and is supported by the President and Provosts’ offices. The AP Mini Grant Fund (APMGF) is a supplemental fund and is intended to provide matching funds in conjunction with the AP’s unit/department. The maximum award is $250 and an eligible applicant received a maximum of one award every two fiscal years.

The next deadline for applications is October 31^st. Visit our website to learn more and to apply https://apac.wsu.edu/awards-and-grants/.

Congratulations to our Spring 2017 Mini Grant Awards
Stefano Borghi: $150 / Pacific Northwest PHP Conference
Andrew Hua: $200 / NASPA Conference
Natalie Grosser: $150 / College NET User Conference
Pam Loughlin: $250 / WAPED Spring Conference
Karen Garrett: $100 / Northwest Coalition of Professional Staff Conference
Julie Thayer: $250 / Education & Research Greenhouse Curators Conference
Maria Clara Cardieri Souza: $200 / NAFSA Conference
Paul Wilmoth: $200 / NAFSA Conference

IYLEP Host Family Announcement

The WSU Office in International Programs is looking for families to host one to two undergraduate students this July for the Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange Program (IYLEP). The IYLEP students will be staying on campus during the weekdays but we need host families during the weekends, July 14^th-16^th and July 21^st-23^rd. If you are only available to host one of these weekends, you are still eligible to apply.

Responsibilities for host families will include:

• Transporting the student(s) to/from the WSU campus
• Providing the student(s) with appropriate living accommodations
• Providing the student(s) with three full meals a day
• Attending a host family orientation prior to the program start date
• Making the student(s) feel as comfortable as possible and including them in your family’s weekend routine

If you are interested in getting involved, please contact the IYLEP program assistant, Amber Ronhaar by emailing amber.ronhaar@wsu.edu for an application. We thank you for your interest and support!

Have a great summer!

From the Chair

Colegas,

This is the last time that I come to you as the chair of the Administrative Professional Advisory Council: a position that has brought me great joy and will be a highlight of my professional career. When I filled out my APAC application for the first time over six years ago, I never imagined leading one of the most dedicated groups on campus. I have been impressed by the dedication and love administrative professionals have for the institution and their willingness to do the work. Yes, I am incredibly sad that my journey as chair comes to an end but I find solace in the thought that APAC has selected an incredible executive council to take the organization through an unprecedented and exciting time of change.

Moving forward I want to challenge you as an individual and as a group to set ambitious goals. Over the past year, we engaged in innovating initiatives and reached out to APs in ways never done before. It’s imperative that we continue that momentum. As my mom would say, “nobody raises to low expectations”. As we prepare for another exciting year, please brainstorm ideas “fuera de serie” (out of the box ideas) to move APAC to the next level.

The future is bright and I am excited to work behind the scenes as past-chair in some initiatives that are near and dear to my heart. Thank you for fostering a space where I felt supported by the group and encouraged to make mistakes and not being judged by them. This experience has been so surreal and I want to acknowledge the people that have heavily contributed to making it happen: my familia. As the youngest of seven, my life was not as difficult as it was for my parents and siblings and so that myself didn’t have to worry about bringing income to the family and instead focus on my education, they gave that opportunity away so that I could enjoy it. Gracias to them, I graduated from college, attained a master’s degree and then could serve as your chair. My parents, siblings and my nieces and nephews are my roots and my legacy. For them, I will continue to strive to be the best and leave a world better that how I found it. To you, what is your motivation?

Vamos Cougs,
Ray Acuña-Luna, Chair

Monthly APAC Meetings

Thank you to all who attended the May APAC meeting. The featured speaker for the meeting was Associate Dean for the Carson College of Business, Tom Tripp. Dr. Tripp’s presentation was on the 4 Myths of Office Conflict. “Speak when you are angry, and you will make the best speech you will ever regret – Ambrose Bierce”, was one of the many quotes featured in Dr. Tripp’s presentation that can easily resonate with many of us.

The AP council encourages other AP employees to attend the monthly meetings either in person in Lighty 405 or by video conference at other campus locations. Our next meeting will be scheduled in September, stay tuned for more information.

Regular APAC meetings are scheduled for the second Thursday of each month from 9:00-10:30 a.m. Meetings are broadcast via AMS. Can’t attend the meeting in person? Call in on the phone bridge at 509-335-9445, meeting ID is 02722. All meetings will be held in Lighty 405.

AP Contribution Award Winners

Each year, we recognize an Administrative Professional employee’s exceptional contributions to WSU and their area or unit with the AP Contribution Award. We define “exceptional” as beyond the expected or required performance, if an AP has made a unique difference, or if the AP had far-reaching, impelling or compelling impact to their work.

The 10th annual AP Contribution Award Winners are Kristina Peterson-Wilson in Pullman and Becki Meehan in Spokane. Congratulations to our award winners!

Congratulations to the honorable mentions for the AP Contribution Award as well:

Lisa Clyde, Sara Ackerson, Denise Echelbarger, Leslie Thompson, Anjie Bertramson, Jason Sampson, Denise Keeton, Jodi, Anderson, Mysti Meiers, Kristy Gutierrez, Heather Johnson, Erin McIlraith, Sisouvanhy Keopanpay, Dave Hoyut, Brigitta Jozefowski, Kent Miller, Diane Wick, Deb Cox, Vicky Murray, and Susan Butts.

Staff Appreciation Week

The Washington State University staff are invited to Employee Appreciation Week June 12-16! Events and information are forthcoming; watch your email for details.

Wednesdays on the Mall

Kick off your summer by joining Dining Services and the Student Entertainment Board for Wednesdays on the Mall from May 17 – July 26 for an all-campus barbecue and music. Wednesdays on the Mall will take place on Terrell Mall in front of Todd Hall from 11:30am – 1:15pm.

For menu options and information regarding cost, and how to pay, please visit http://dining.wsu.edu/events/wednesdays-on-the-mall/. Hope to see you there!

Northwest Coalition of Professional Staff Conference **Early Bird Price Ending Soon**

The 3rd Annual NCPS Conference registration is open and Early Bird pricing ends May 31st. The event will be held July 20 – July 22 in Blaine, WA at the beautiful Semiahmoo Resort, Golf, and Spa. Please join us for a great event to foster cooperation and collaboration as well as providing skills to inspire day-to-day success. Please visit https://wp.wwu.edu/ncps/registration/ to register!

Registration Fees
Early Bird (prior to June 1st) $235.00
Regular (June 1st – July 7th) $270.00
Onsite (July 10th – July 21st) $310.00
One-Day (July 20th) $210.00

**Registration fees include breakfast/lunch/Beach BBQ on Thursday as well as breakfast on Friday**

The AP council encourages other AP employees to attend the monthly meetings either in person in Lighty 405 or by video conference at other campus locations. Our next meeting will be scheduled in September, stay tuned for more information.