BlueWave News

March 2023

Commencement Events Begin This Month

FSCJ's 2023 Commencement will be held on Thursday, May 11, 2023, at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. We are in need of volunteers to help with different tasks throughout the day, such as setting up the arena, signing in graduates, helping guests to their seats, assisting with student line-up and cleaning up after the ceremony. If you are interested, talk with your supervisor and contact Bryan Stewart at bstewart@fscj.edu.

In addition to the in-person ceremony, Grad Fest events will be held at the locations listed below:

• Downtown Campus: March 27, 11 a.m.- 2 p.m.
• Kent Campus: March 28, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
• North Campus: March 29, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
• South Campus: April 1, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Nassau Center: April 3, 11 a.m.- 2 p.m.

Join us to help make these events memorable for our graduates!

I'M IN Ends Tomorrow

“I’M IN," the FSCJ Employee Giving Campaign ends tomorrow, March 10. Don’t miss this opportunity to give back to our students. All donations to the FSCJ Foundation, no matter the size, are much appreciated and make a big difference for our students.

Watch the introduction video from Dr. A and click on the button below for more information about how you can join us.

FinTech Forum

Join us on March 30 for the FinTech Forum: Emerging Trends in the FinTech Space. The keynote speaker is Brett King, a world-renowned futurist and speaker, an international bestselling author, and a media personality who covers the future of business. He hosts the world's first and #1 ranked radio show on FinTech, "Breaking Banks." He is the CEO and Founder of Moven, a successful mobile start-up with the world's first mobile, downloadable bank account. Join us for a book signing after the keynote.

Q&A with Dr. A

There are three more Q&A with Dr. A events. Join us for an open conversation with Dr. Avendano to talk about important College priorities and future goals and initiatives for the upcoming year. Bring your thoughts and questions for Dr. A.

Remaining events:

• Nassau Center, March 21 at 2 p.m., Nassau Room
• Cecil Center, March 28 at 2 p.m., Auditorium
• Deerwood Center, March 30 at 2 p.m., Academy B-1204

Student Awards Nominations Due Now

Faculty and staff are invited to nominate one to three students from your respective courses, academic programs, student organizations or workplace for the Celebration of Student Success.

Students may be selected from the Summer 2022, Fall 2022 and Spring 2023 Terms for the following categories:

Academic Achievement, Inspirational Achievement, Outstanding Student Worker, Outstanding Student Leadership. Click on the green button to submit your nominations.

The schedule for each campus awards ceremony and nomination deadlines are below:

• North Campus/Nassau Center – Thursday, April 6, 2023, 6-7:30 p.m., Auditorium, C126, Nominations due March 23, 2023
• Downtown Campus – Tuesday, April 11, 2023, 4-5:30 p.m., Auditorium, A1068, Nominations due March 28, 2023
• Kent Campus/Cecil Center – Thursday, April 13, 2023, 6-7:30 p.m., Room D120, Nominations due March 30, 2023
• South Campus – Tuesday, April 18, 2023, 6-7:30 p.m., Nathan H. Wilson Center for the Arts, Lakeside Room, Nominations due April 4, 2023
• Deerwood Center – Thursday, April 20, 2023, 6-7:30 p.m., Academy Room, B1204, Nominations due April 6, 2023

SACSCOC Reaffirmation Update

We submitted our compliance certificate on February 27, 2023. Please make note of the following important dates in the SACSCOC reaffirmation process:

• Late April/Early May – Off-site review report returned
• May 31, 2023 – SACSCOC VP virtual advisory visit
• September 11, 2023 – Response reports and QEP due to on-site committee
• October 23-26, 2023 – On-site visit
• June 2024 – Review and decision by the SACSCOC Board of Trustees

Over the next few OnPoint calls, updates will be shared regarding various aspects of the reaffirmation process and the QEP.

As Dr. A recently shared, FSCJ was awarded the Achieving the Dream (ATD) Leader College designation. This is a tremendous honor in recognition of the excellent work faculty and staff engaged in through our ATD and Guided Pathways efforts to improve success for all students over the past four years.

To earn the designation, colleges must provide four years of data and highlight a three-year upward trend of at least three percentage points on two of the four Leader College metrics. Colleges must also demonstrate, through disaggregation, the narrowing of an equity gap by at least two percentage points over three years on one or more metrics.

During the period reviewed (Fall 2018-Fall 2021), FSCJ demonstrated a 4.4% increase in the successful completion of Gateway Math and raised the success rates of Hispanic students by 4%. FSCJ also demonstrated a 4.1% increase in the Credit Completion Rate and raised the success rate of African American students by 2%.

Leader Colleges play an important role in accelerating the adoption of effective practices within the ATD Network and across higher education and are recognized for the quality of their work in whole-college reform, resulting in increased completion rates for all students. Leader Colleges develop innovative ways to work with other colleges to share knowledge and facilitate an exchange of ideas about evidence-based reform strategies.

The National Student Nurses’ Association (NSNA) recently named FSCJ as a recipient of NSNA Stellar School Chapter Recognition. This program recognizes school chapters for their ongoing involvement in NSNA and their commitment to shared governance and professional development.

The NSNA Stellar School Chapter plaque and pins will be presented at the NSNA 71st Annual Convention, April 12-16, 2023 in Nashville, TN.

VERC Hosts Artificial Intelligence Event

FSCJ’s Vision Education and Rehabilitation Center (VERC) recently hosted AYES, a Belgium-based artificial intelligence company, at Downtown Campus for a presentation and demonstration of their iPhone app, OKO. OKO allows individuals who are sight-impaired to use their phones for visual, auditory, and haptic feedback on interpreting Accessible Pedestrian Signal and pedestrian pushbutton street intersections to know when it is safe to cross. It also assists in orienting the individual in finding the crosswalk.

Employee Wellness Fair

All employees are invited to join us for the 2023 Wellness Fair, which will be held Thursday, March 30, from 9 a.m.-noon at the Advanced Technology Center.

This year's theme is "THRIVE," and the event will feature multiple vendors along with the following highlights:

• Gift card drawings for all employees who attend.
• $125 gift card drawing for full-time employees who complete an on-site biometric screening. Sign up here .
• Door prize giveaways from iFLY Jacksonville, Autobahn Indoor Speedway and more.
• Manicure services provided by the FSCJ Cosmetology Program.

AFC Region II Spring Conference

The Association of Florida Colleges (AFC) is hosting its Region II Spring Conference on Friday, April 7 at our North Campus. This is a unique and exciting opportunity for members – and those who are interested in becoming members – to get together for a full day of collegiality, networking and professional development. We will have three breakout sessions with several presentations from our sponsors, partnering Commissions and fellow colleagues. Our keynote speaker will be Octavius Davis – The Pursuit of Passion. A continental breakfast and buffet lunch will be provided, included in the $50 registration fee. There will be an AFC Meet-n-Greet social at the Crown Plaza I-95/ Jacksonville Airport Thursday evening, April 6.

Please click here to learn more and register for the conference. Contact Bryan Stewart at (904) 633-5966 or bstewart@fscj.edu with questions.

Faculty and Staff Accomplishments

Congratulations to Professor Jennifer Chase and The Experience Literary and Art Magazine team. The team, under Professor Chase's leadership, won five awards during the Florida College Student Publication Association (FCSPA) Conference and Awards Banquet:

• Nonfiction: 1st Place: Sarah Gonzales
• Two-page Spread Design: 2nd Place: Hazel Hannis & Eunaldo Williams
• Editing: 3rd Place, Team
• Contents Page: 1st Place, Team
• General Excellence Magazine Division B: 3rd Place TIE

Congratulations to the following employees who recently received a degree and submitted a request for earned degree recognition! Submit yours here .

Steven Gunter

Master of Science in Organizational Leadership

Colorado State University Global

Dr. Youlanda Henry

Doctor of Education

Vanderbilt University

Facilities Updates

The Facilities Team has been hard at work, updating and upgrading spaces across the College. Check out some highlights below:

Recently completed

• Downtown Campus HVAC Ventilation Upgrades (Bldg A)

Projects in progress

Ongoing Collegewide:

• Scan/Digitize Facilities Plans
• Master Plan, 5-Year Plant Survey
• Air & Ventilation Enhancement (CARES Act), Downtown, Kent, North and South
• Exterior Door Lock Conversion to Access Control System, Downtown, Kent and North
• Emergency Responders Radio Communications System Compliance

Cecil Center:

• Construction, San Jose Early College

Deerwood Center:

• Center Stage Elevator Modernization
• Nursing Expansion (Phase I & II)

Downtown Campus:

• Human Resources Renovation, AO
• 150-Ton Chiller Replacement, ATC
• Chillers, Pumps and Cooling Tower Replace (C Bldg)
• 20+ Year Re-roof, Multiple Bldgs
• Building Envelope Study (A, B, C & D Bldgs)
• Building Envelope Removal/Replace Curtain Wall, URC
• Student Housing Suite Repairs

Kent Campus

• Classroom Upgrades, Furniture
• Door Access Control Upgrade (E, F & G Bldgs)

Nassau Center:

• Commercial Vehicle Driving Grant
• Nursing Expansion (Phase I & II)
• Classroom Upgrades, Furniture

North Campus:

• Parking Lots 1-4 and 6 Repave & JTA Bus Stop Relocation
• Pavement Resurface (CJC skills pad and track)
• Restroom Upgrades (A Bldg)
• Door Access Control Upgrades

South Campus:

• Chiller and Pump Replacement
• Veteran Support Center (U Bldg)
• Door Access Control Upgrade (D & T Bldgs)
• Cybersecurity Lab (B-107)

Projects in planning

Collegewide:

• Science Lab Upgrades

Cecil Center:

• Gun Range Assessment
• Exterior Door Access Control Upgrade (Cecil-North & South)
• BAS Controls Upgrade (A, G, H, J & K Bldgs)

Deerwood Center:

• Common Area Flooring
• Classroom Furniture Upgrades

Downtown Campus:

• Classroom Furniture Upgrades
• Follett Bookstore Renovation
• Student Housing Suite Upgrades
• Career Job Placement Center Expansion, Programming & Conceptual Design

Kent Campus:

• Pavement Repairs, Borings/Restripe
• Follett Bookstore Renovation
• Student Life (SGA) Meeting Room

Nassau Center:

• Exterior Door Access Control Upgrade (A/B & T Bldgs)

North Campus:

• Nursing Faculty Office Furniture
• Student Services Update
• Surgical Tech - 2nd Floor (A Bldg), Programming & Conceptual Design
• Tower 3, Restrooms
• Ceiling Tiles, 3rd Floor (C Bldg)
• SIM Center Restrooms (E Bldg)
• Negative Pressure Correction (C & D Bldgs)

South Campus:

• Classroom Furniture Upgrades
• Follett Bookstore Renovation
• Science Lab Negative Pressure Correction (E & F Bldgs)
• Replace existing duct board with metal duct (C & D Bldgs)
• Wilson Center Sculpture
• 20+ Year Re-roof, Multiple Bldgs
• Pavement Resurface (Skills Pad & EVOC Course
• Relocate Testing Center (T Bldg)
• Fire Academy/EMS Public Service Upgrade (P Bldg)

Get to Know Your A&P Colleagues: Renata Henderson

March's Administrative & Professional Collaborative (APC) spotlight shines on Associate Dean of Nursing Dr. Renata Henderson. She assists with advancing the instructional programs and curricula and provides an environment that fosters positive attitudes, recognition, creativity and opportunities for professional growth among faculty and adjunct instructors.

Dr. Henderson likes to work closely with students and stay attuned to their needs, creating the best possible educational environment for them to grow personally and professionally while encouraging and inspiring the next generation of nurses.

In the News

FSCJ's faculty, staff, students, programs and leadership are often highlighted by local and regional media outlets - online, on air and in print. Read articles featuring important updates and activities happening within the College by clicking here .

FSCJ In Action

FSCJ was pleased to donate ophthalmic equipment to Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) from the ophthalmic technician program. Their thank you letter read, "Your donations enable VIM and our hundreds of volunteers to provide our hard-working patients with physical, mental, and emotional supports. The need is more crucial than ever."

Upcoming Events

BlueWave News Quiz

Test your knowledge. To ensure all faculty and staff have an opportunity to submit answers, the quiz winners will be selected at random from entries with all questions answered correctly. You have until 6 p.m. on the day the newsletter is distributed to email your answers to bluewavenews@fscj.edu. The three winners will receive a BlueWave prize pack! Please note: Previous quiz winners, while eligible to submit answers, are not eligible for additional prizes for six months.

1) What is the name of the app VERC participants learned about recently to help them cross the street safely?

    a. AYES

    b. OKO

    c. Street Smart

    d. VERC AI

2) Where is the March 30 Q&A with Dr. A event being held?

    a. Nassau Center

    b. North Campus

    c. Deerwood Center

    d. Cecil Center

3) When does the I'M IN Employee Giving Campaign end?

    a. March 10

    b. March 30

    c. April 3

    d. March 22

4) When will this year's Commencement Ceremony be held?

    a. May 11

    b. May 10

    c. April 11

    d. May 12

5) Who gave FSCJ the Leader College designation ?

    a. SACSCOC

    b. Aspen Institute

    c. Department of Education

    d. Achieving the Dream (ATD)

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