Dean\'s Update - 4/9/2020
04/09/2020, 12:45:01 PM
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April 9, 2020

MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN

If you’re like me, I expect you’re feeling like a Zoom Zombie these days. Yet the resilience of all of you, and our students, keeps me motivated.

I encourage you to read this story about our students serving the community while social distancing. The work we’re doing to eradicate inequities endures.

The challenges ahead remain great. COVID-19 continues to claim lives. Families are hurting financially.  And colleges nationwide are worried about enrollment declines. In the face of these challenges, we can leverage our collective strength. We can serve as a model for other colleges. We can be the resource our community needs. We can, and we will.

Onward with gratitude,
Bob

Banner: Texas beauty captured by Tracy Markovich, during a recent drive near Brenham

ANNOUNCEMENTS

  • UH reports that it is aware of 15 individuals connected to the University who have self-reported positive COVID-19 test results. The city of Houston’s Health Department handles any needed notifications to potentially exposed individuals.
  • The Office of the Provost is hosting virtual office hours (see last tab) to answer questions about policy changes. Review the April 6 message from Provost Paula Myrick Short for details.
  • The traditional March of Dimes walk has transformed into a remote event, encouraging people to record their steps while continuing to raise funds to support moms and babies. Donate or participate as a virtual walker through our UHCOE team webpage. Contact Paula Canada for details.
  • Don’t forget to submit your nominations for COE Staff Awards by Thursday, April 30. See April 1 email from Tracy Markovich for details.
  • Below you’ll find financial resources compiled by the Ad Hoc Finance Subcommittee, composed of Paula Canada, Amy Garcia and Becky Perez.

SPOTLIGHTS

‘Awesome Math Practices’
Between teaching her courses and her own children at home, Carrie Cutler (CUIN) has been sharing math activities – including videos created by COE students – that parents and educators can do with young kids. Find other tips from Cutler, Sam Brower (CUIN) and Keith Butcher (ELPS) in this UH press release. After a recent virtual class, one of Cutler’s students tweeted, “It was great to hear your voice and learn about some awesome math practices.”
‘Helpful, Caring, Understanding’
Two months into her job as an Office of Research program manager, Kristin Jones is adjusting to her new office at home. She and her husband are juggling homeschooling their 3-year-old son (who’s learning to ride a bike!). She’s also staying busy working with faculty across the College, completing trainings and learning PeopleSoft. “Everyone I’ve worked with has been extremely helpful, caring, understanding, eager to answer questions and patient,” Jones said.
No In-Person Job Fair? No Problem!
After having to cancel the HATC teacher job fair due to COVID-19, Amber Thompson (CUIN) worked to launch a virtual version. Student teachers can upload their resumes and a short video to the online platform, and school districts can access the information to screen candidates. “I sent it out, and right away I had several principals/assistant principals saying that they thought this was an awesome idea and loved seeing the videos,” said Kim Alvarez, director of human resources in Alvin ISD.

TIPS

Working Remotely

  • Nicole SwitzerTired of sitting? Take a break with a virtual Zumba class! Nicole Switzer (PHLS) serves as an ambassador for the nonprofit Fitmix Communities, which is offering free online dance workouts via Zoom and Facebook Live. “It is still just as much fun,” said Switzer, pictured midway through a virtual workout last week. (Instagram: yuriamor_fitmixcommunities. Facebook Group: Away Together FITMIX COMMUNITIES).

Technology

  • Don’t miss the CITE Tech Tips meetings led by Velvette Laurence via Microsoft Teams. You should have an invite in your calendar. Check out notes from past meetings with important highlights from Velvette:
    • CITE Tech Tips for Instructors
      • Accessibility tools (March 24 notes)
      • Voice narrated PowerPoints (March 27 notes)
      • Teams features (April 3rd notes)
    • CITE Tech Tips for Staff
      • Improving network strength at home (March 21 notes)
      • OneDrive and SharePoint file in App (April 3 notes)

RESOURCES

Submit ideas for the special edition of Dean’s Update to coecomm@uh.edu and emellon@uh.edu.

 
 
 
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