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News Link –Oct. 28, 2009
Blackboard to be Unavailable Nov. 4-5
The Blackboard Learning Service for Distance Learning classes will be unavailable from 12:01 a.m. on Nov. 4through 11:59 p.m. on Nov. 5. During this outage, the Blackboard service will be transitioning from its current URL at http://elearning.cnm.edu/ to a new URL at http://cnm.blackboard.com. The goal of this migration is to improve the level of service for Distance Learning courses through Blackboard. The new URL will be active on Nov. 6 at 12:01 a.m. Distance Learning students will continue to log in at the new URL with their myCNM username and password, and courses will look and operate exactly the same. Distance Learning students will also continue to receive technical assistance by calling EMBANET at 1-888-560-4927 or by contacting the CNM Service Desk at Ext. 4357 or servicedesk@cnm.edu.
Learn More About How to Gauge the Severity of Flu Symptoms
Attached at the top of this e-mail is a valuable chart from the New Mexico Department of Health that can help you gauge the severity of flu symptoms and the action you should take for yourself or a loved one.
Oct. 30 Is Deadline to Change Your Employee Benefits for 2010
Open/Switch Enrollment Period for Benefits Under Way – Changes Effective January 2010
Open enrollment for vision and dental insurance and switching enrollment for medical and dental insurance is under way. To submit changes please contact your Human Resources Technician to schedule an appointment. The last day to enroll or switch enrollment for the 2010 plan year is October 30. The effective date for these changes will be January 1, 2010. If you have questions regarding benefits, contact Human Resources at Ext. 4600.
CNM’s Cafeteria Plan Can Save Some Employees Hundreds on Taxes in 2010
By joining CNM’s Cafeteria Plan (Flexible Spending Account), you can guarantee tax savings for yourself, and therefore put more money into your own pocket. Your payroll taxes are calculated at about 25 percent of your pay. When you put some of your salary into the Cafeteria Plan, that 25 percent goes back to your pocket instead of to taxes like federal and state taxes, Medicare, and Social Security. How much would you save?
If you defer this amount: Your pocket receives approximately this:
$2,500 $625
$2,000 $500
$1,500 $375
$1,000 $250
$500 $125
- You can be reimbursed through the Cafeteria Plan for expenses that aren’t covered by your health plan, along with other out-of pocket expenses like co-pays, prescription costs, and over-the counter medications.
- If you have children in day care, you can pay for day care expenses this way and save lots of money in taxes.
- Deductions for this plan are taken from your paycheck before taxes are taken out and deposited into an account for you. Then you submit receipts for these expenses. The plan reimburses twice each month.
Since 2009, a local firm, The Cafeteria Plan Company, was hired by CNM to administer the plan and will continue to do so for year 2010. Note that the deadline for enrollment is close of business on Friday, October 30, 2009. If you have questions, contact The Cafeteria Plan Company at 505-822-9300 and ask for Dionne Wright. You may also contact Ms. Wright via email at dwright@rsabq.com. Or call CNM Human Resources at Ext. 4600.
You’re Invited to Seminar on ‘Faculty’s Role in Creating an Enabling Learning Climate’
On Nov. 13 from 10 a.m. to noon at Smith Brasher Hall, CNM will host a seminar titled ‘The Faculty’s Role in Creating an Enabling Learning Climate.’ The seminar’s keynote speaker will be Dr. Howard G. Adams, who has spoken at over 500 colleges and universities and has conducted training sessions for a number of Fortune 500 companies. He is also an accomplished author. The seminar will focus on strategies and techniques that faculty can use to enhance the academic climate to meet the academic, personal and developmental needs of students. Faculty, staff and students, as well as the general public, are invited to attend the free event. For more information, call Patricia Gamboa at Ext. 3568.
Help Lead the CNM Green Movement – Join a CNM Climate Commitment Task Force
The President’s Sustainability and Climate Commitment Task Force is seeking volunteers to assist sub-teams in the planning and implementation of CNM’s Environmental Sustainability and Climate Neutrality Plan. President Kathie Winograd is a charter signatory on the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment and the work of this task force aligns with CNM’s Strategic Direction goal of College Success and Sustainability. The sub-teams responsible for Food, Landscaping, Procurement, Transportation, and Waste/Recycling will be kicking off their team work soon. If you are interested in participating and committing to this important work, please e-mail jziter@cnm.edu.
Don’t Take the Bait – Check Out Some Helpful Tips on Cyber Security at Work and Home
October is designated as National Cyber Security Awareness Month to bring attention to the importance of protecting yourself, your family and CNM from online crime. To learn more about how to avoid getting hooked by fraudulent online activities at home and at work, please check out these links: Awareness Month What Home Users Can Do Tip Sheet, and STAYSAFEONLINE.ORG.
Consider Donating to CNM’s Leading the Way Campaign
The CNM Foundation has officially kicked off this year’s “Leading the Way” employee giving campaign. Leading the Way gives employees the opportunity to make a donation to the charity of their choice, local or national, or to a CNM program or scholarship through the CNM Foundation. The donation can be payroll deducted and spread evenly across a year of paychecks. Your donation is tax deductible. With a minimum donation of $1 per pay period, or $24 for the year, you will receive a free camping chair. For the upcoming week, there will be sign-up tables at the following times and locations:
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Thursday, Oct. 29 |
9:00am-11:00am |
A Building-Patio |
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Friday, Oct. 30 |
9:00am-11:00am |
WTC Breakroom |
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Monday, Nov. 1 |
1:00pm-3:00pm |
TC Patio |
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Thursday, Nov. 4 |
9:00am-11:00am |
Smith Brasher |
For the complete sign-up table schedule, click here. For more info, call the Foundation at Ext. 4685.
Cookie Gram Campaign Also Under Way
In conjunction with the Leading the Way campaign, the Leading the Way team is also organizing the popular “Cookie Gram” campaign. You can purchase a half-dozen cookies for $5 or a dozen cookies for $10 and have them delivered to one of your favorite co-workers. Funds from the cookies will go to the Rust Opportunity Assistance Fund, which provides emergency assistance to students in need. For more info, call a committee member: Chris Cavazos (AACD) Ext. 5315; Julie Avitia (SVC) Ext. 5010; David Martinez (Purchasing) Ext. 4530; Pam Nicolary (WTC) Ext. 5260; Merlene Rueda (ITS) Ext. 3027; or Francesca Tapia (Parking Services) at Ext. 4637.
New Anti-Virus Software to be Installed on College Computers
A new anti-virus software, Symantec Endpoint Protection, will be automatically installed on all CNM computers over the course of the next several weeks. The automated deployment is designed to be non-disruptive, so computer users may not be aware of the installation process until it’s completed and a new icon appears at the bottom of your screen.
Here is the schedule for updates:
Oct. 29 – Montoya Campus “admin” computers
Nov. 2 – Main Campus buildings JS, L, SB, TC, PPD
Nov. 3 – Main Campus buildings SSC, ST (portables), BT (portables), MS, KC
Nov. 4 – Main Campus buildings N, W, A, M, E, S, RPC
The software installation on computers in the academic computing labs and computer classrooms will not be deployed until after the above schedule is complete. Also, CDs for home installation of this new anti-virus software are available for checkout through the ITS Service Desk. For questions or concerns, contact the Service Desk at Ext. 4357 or at servicedesk@cnm.edu.
New College Policy for ‘Data Classification and Handling’ Enacted
A new administrative directive – “Data Classification and Handling” – is now available online on The Source. This policy identifies the different levels of classifications for various CNM data and appropriate protection and handling policies. CNM employees must be aware of their responsibilities related to this policy as the college continues to steadfastly respect and protect the privacy of students, employees and alumni. Please click here to review the policy. A team will soon be assembled to identify the application and enforcement of this directive.
New Versions of Camtasia, Snagit Now Available for Distance Learning Faculty
The Office of Information Technology Services (ITS) has purchased a limited number of licenses for Camtasia 6.0 and Snagit 9.0. Since a limited number of licenses are available, priority will be given to Distance Learning faculty. The licenses allow for faculty to have the software installed on a CNM computer and on a single, personally-owned home computer. If you are a Distance Learning faculty member and you’re interested in either of these software options, contact the ITS Service Desk at Ext. 4357 or servicedesk@cnm.edu. Installation CDs can be checked out through the Service Desk for home installation and in some cases ITS can remotely install the software on CNM computers.
Organizational Learning Hosts Team-Based Learning Workshops
Organizational Learning is offering free workshops for faculty and staff to learn more about the “team-based learning” approach that is popular in the health professions and other disciplines such as English, math, business, sociology, psychology, etc. The workshop will be offered on Nov. 6 from 10 a.m. to noon in S-17 and on Nov. 19 from 10 a.m. to noon in S-17. To register or for more info, click here or call Ext. 4400.
Learn Valuable Coaching Techniques Through Organizational Learning Workshop
CNM’s Achievement Coaches recently completed professional development endeavors through the well-known Coach U and they’re ready to share some of their coaching techniques with you through a workshop organized by Organizational Learning. The methods can help you set and reach goals in the workplace and the workshop is free for employees. It will take place Nov. 11 from 9-11 a.m. in S-17. For more info or to register, click here or call Ext. 4400.
Make Plans Now to Attend Fall 2009 Graduation Ceremony
CNM’s Fall 2009 Graduation Ceremony will take place at Tingley Coliseum on Dec. 11 at 6 p.m. The deadline to request caps and gowns to participate in the ceremony is Nov. 25 at 5 p.m. If you participated in the Spring 2009 Graduation Ceremony, you can contact Stephanie Taylor (Ext. 4749 or staylor50@cnm.edu). She will have your cap and gown size on file. If you didn’t participate in the spring ceremony and want to participate this fall, please e-mail staylor50@cnm.edu the following information:
n Name
n Height, weight and cap size (small, medium, large)
n Degree type (associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, Ph.D.)
n Field of study
n College and city and state it’s located in
n Express whether you need a gown package or just the hood, gown, cap or tassel.
If you confirm to attend the ceremony but later find out you are unable to do so, please call the Student Activities Office (Ext. 3238) and inform them as soon as possible to prevent CNM from being charged for a cap and gown that won’t be used.
Student Success Workshops Set for Fall Term
CNM is offering several student success workshops for the fall term. These workshops are available to all CNM students, faculty and staff. Space is limited. To RSVP or for more info, call the TRiO office at 224-4375 or e-mail wsmoker@cnm.edu. The workshops are:
Friday, October 30 Money and Budget Management 10:00 to 11:30 SSC Cafeteria
Friday, Nov 13 Student to Student Q & A 10-11:30 SSC 102
Friday, Nov. 20 Career Exploration 1:30-3:00 SSC 203
Calendar
Save the Date for School to World Event
The annual School to World event will be held on Feb. 27, 2010, at the Albuquerque Convention Center. Mark your calendars if you plan to participate. For more info, call Ext. 4673.
News Link is a weekly e-newsletter provided by the Marketing and Communications Office for CNM faculty and staff. To submit an item for inclusion, please e-mail theMarketing and Communications Office. Please include “News Link” in the subject line of the e-mail. The deadline for News Link is 3 p.m. Wednesdays.
