Fall 2012 Edition
Welcome to the fall edition of our Campus Connection. I first want to thank the Human Resources Department for taking over responsibility of putting this newsletter together. With the help of the Marketing Department, I think they will do a fine job keeping us up-to-date on USA happenings. The theme of this newsletter is “What’s new?” Considering the ever-changing world at USA and the evolution of this newsletter, I think it is a very appropriate topic. I had a faculty member ask me the other day, “How do you keep up with all of the changes around here?” I can’t
say that I had a very good response to her question, but it did get me thinking about the changes that we are currently undergoing:
Many new people helping us with our day-to-day work as a University. Along with new people come new ideas and processes making our institution more efficient and effective Our ever expanding presence, not just in the States, but also globally and digitally Keeping up with the evolving accreditation and regulatory compliance issues we face
I’m reminded of a saying we have probably all heard, “the only constant is death and taxes, everything else changes.” We are in a changing world. As we face our future, we can make a choice to fight it or embrace it. I, for one, want to embrace it and find it invigorating that at USA we have plenty that is new. I hope you, too can see the results of our changes at USA and how they work toward our goal to improve our educational processes. In appreciation, Wanda Nitsch President, CAO “One's mind, once stretched by a new idea, never regains its original dimensions.” Oliver Wendell Holmes
Human Resources Nikki Martin, CA joined the University in August as the Director of Human Resources, reporting to Wanda Nitsch. Most recently she was Vice President of Human Resources for a software development company based in Irvine, California for seven years. Nikki has held human resources leadership positions in technology, healthcare, banking, insurance, and non-profit organizations, as well as having her own consulting practice. Since her trip to Florida in September, Nikki’s embraced USA’s wellness philosophy and works out regularly at the wellness center. Nikki Martin
Jeremy Nueman, CA brings strong HR experience including recruiting, benefits, performance management, employee relations and career development to USA. Previously he was the Operations Manager for Target Corporation. He has a Human Resources Management Certificate (HRM), a Master’s degree in Public Administration and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology . Jeremy enjoys tennis, fishing and hanging out with his family.
Sue Reichert , TX is a versatile, highenergy professional with over 10 years of Human Resource Management and leadership experience in the healthcare, financial and software development industries. She is a native Texan and loves to read, run, lift weights and ride motorcycles. Sue is honored to have been selected for this position and looks forward to many years of success with USA!
Leslie Schneider, FL has over 25 years experience as a Human Resource Manager and Training Director. Her HR background includes recruiting to outplacement and all in between. The trainings are designed to build leaders and teams within an organization. She has an earned Doctor’s in Biblical Studies/Education and a Master’s in Christian Counseling. You’ll see Leslie and her husband biking in their free time.
“Where do I go? “ If you have a question we want to direct you to the right source: PAYROLL DEPARTMENT
HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER
Paycheck
Benefits Coverage Questions
401K
Leave of Absence
Employment Verifications from Banks
Change of Beneficiary
Direct Deposit
Internal application for open position
Change of Address - email (and you self-input change in Paychex ) Tax exemption - You self-input change in Paychex
Name Change email (and you self--input change in Paychex. ) Worker’s Compensation Claim
Catherine Patla received the 2012 John McMllian Mennell Service Award from AAOMPT; she was the recipient of a pin in recognition for her 35 years of service with the Florida Physical Therapy Association and she was also was re-elected to the House of Delegates . During the Florida Physical Therapy Association Annual Conference in September Dr. Jeffrey Rot received a pin in recognition for his 20 years of service with the organization; Dr. Gary Gorniak received the Rick Shutes Committee Service Award for his years of service as the Chair of the Research Committee; Dr. Eric Chaconas received an award for his work as Government Advocacy Committee Chair and his involvement as the Federal Affairs Liaison; Dr. Robert Stanborough was recognized as a Board of Trustee Chair; and Dr. Jodi Liphart was recognized as the Conference Committee Chair. During the California Physical Therapy Association Annual Meeting in September in Santa Clara, CA. The following poster presentations were made: COMPLEX MANAGEMENT OF A PATIENT FOLLOWING VESTIBULAR SCHWANNOMA: ORGANIZED BY THE ICF MODEL by Dr. Jaime Hall, Ms. Kristen Johnson, ; and VESTIBULAR REHABILITATION FOR A PATIENT WITH MAL DE DEBARQUEMENT SYNDROME: A CASE REPORT by Dr. Ellen Easle , Ms. Kristen Johnson. At the IFOMPT Conference, Dr. Robert Stanborough provided a workshop titled, MYOFASCIAL TRIGGER POINTS and DRY NEEDLING. At the FPTA Conference Dr. Eric Chaconas and Dr. Morey Kolber presented the course Eccentric Training : Evidence Informed Scientific and Practical Applications; Dr. Margaret Wicinski presented CLINICAL CONSIDERATIONS AFTER BILATERAL TOTAL HIP REPLACEMENT SURGERY and also BILATERAL TROCHANTERIC BURSITIS ASSOCIATED WITH A 50 YEAR OLD BACK INJURY with Dr. Melanie Shortridge; and Dr Patla, Dr. Erin Conrad and Dr. Chaconas all participated in a panel presentation. Dr. Kathleen Manella presented “Operant Conditioning of Tibialis Anterior and Soleus H-reflex Improves Spinal Reflex Modulation and Walking Function in Individuals with Motor-Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury.” at the Neuroscience 2012 Conference in New Orleans. Liz Brown, Clinical Ed Office Assistant, FL and her boyfriend Justin Dolan completed the MS150 Bike Ride to Daytona Beach in September. Also taking the ride were Dr. Lisa Chase and Dr. Joann Gallichio. They started at the St. Augustine Airport and ended at the Boardwalk at Daytona Beach and the next day rode back to St. Augustine—151 total miles! Great job! Congratulations to Jennifer Finn, Circulation Manager, CA for receiving her Masters of Science with a Health Education Concentration. Dr. Jodi Liphart completed the Disney’s Tower of Terror 10 Miler throughout the Park to get ready Disney’s Epcot Wine and Dine Half Marathon in November. Donna McCutchan, Financial Aid Coordinator, FL ran the 5K “Pink up the Pace” and came in third for her age group and she said she was the oldest participant. “This is the first race I’ve run since my hip replacement 21 months ago and I finished!”
Enrollment Growth at USA First professional enrollment grew over 35% this fall in large part to 37 new DPT students in Texas and 23 new students in our Florida MOPA program. This fall 232 new first-professional students started compared to 171 last fall. The admissions team is focused on strengthening the quality and diversity of our student body as we grow our new campus in Texas as well as add and expand program offerings across the country.
Welcome!
Thomas Werner, DPT; James White, DPT; Nicole Borman, DPT; Suzanne Trotter, DPT; Trish King, DPT; Kathleen Manella, DPT; Bob Rice, DPT; Inserts: Kathy Gresham, Reception; Ron Philo, DPT; James White, DPT; Arianne Thigpen, Library ; Phillip Gerdes. IT; Sue Reichert, HR Special guests: Dr. Mathena, Dr. Nitsch and Dr. Paris
Viviana Rodriguez , Financial Aid; Nikki Martin, HR; Tan Phan, Outcomes Assessment and Intuitional Research; Yvette Alatorre , Clinical Ed; Arannum Nakib (Ana) , Finance
Ricky Alegria, IT; Erin Potter, Student Services; Mark Clevinger, IT; Danny Bradley, Shipping
Chris Ingstad, DPT; Chris Ivey DPT; Jennie DiGrado, MOT
Leslie Schneider, HR; Dr. Tony Lozano, MOPA; Susan Ballard, Clinical Ed.; Jennifer Cahan-Hill, Clinical Ed.
October is Physical Therapy Month October is Physical Therapy month and this years’ theme is “Fit after 50”. Some people think that life is over when they hit age 50 and that they are on a slippery slope of decline for the rest of their life. They believe that life after 50 is waking up in the morning with aching joints and sore muscles. While it is true that as we age we tend to lose muscle mass and elasticity, age does not have to be the deciding factor on how we feel or on our activity level. This is where Physical Therapists can intervene! Licensed Physical Therapists can help educate individuals on a proper exercise regime consisting of: a balanced diet, proper stretching, and muscle strengthening. This way, more people will be able to enjoy everyday life well beyond the age of 50. In addition to the normal aging process, many “Baby Boomers” are increasing the challenges of being fit after 50 by their lack of activity which can lead to an increased risk of obesity and arthritis. There are many risk factors that are associated with these health concerns, not to mention it causes many people to feel that they can never regain control of their lives. There are many suggestions that Physical Therapists can recommend to decelerate the effects of the aging process in a safe and controlled manner. A recent article in Spine journal suggests that “Physical therapy that mobilizes the spine along with specific exercises can help alleviate pain and can have long-lasting effects” 1. Improving the body’s range of motion and mobility may decrease the risk of injury, improve balance, and also play a vital role in preventing falls. Research also indicates that physical therapy, combined with comprehensive medical management, is just as effective as surgery when it comes to relieving the pain and stiffness of moderate to severe osteoarthritis of the knee”. 2 Physical Therapists offer many benefits such as increased mobility/motion, elimination or reduction of pain, and can also aid in avoiding surgery. Physical Therapists are equipped with the skill set to examine a patient’s individual needs and then develop a plan of care using a variety of treatment techniques that help restore function and prevent disability. They can also help improve or restore mobility that may have been lost due to inactivity. If you would like more information on being “Fit after 50”, visit the link below where you can find daily tips, submit questions, watch educational videos, or you can stop by and visit your local wellness center. http://www.moveforwardpt.com/Resources/Video.aspx 1 Spine, July 2008 2 New England Journal of Medicine September, 2008
Development and Operations: Congratulations and a job well done by all who participated in the preparation and opening of our Austin Campus in August. At the FL Administration building Stan Burgoyne and Ron Mennare have been doing a great job painting many of the offices—making it shine! Campus Activities: Austin held Info Sessions and a Grad Fair with great success. Dr. Carlos Marchado, the Netter Medical Illustrator also visited the Austin campus. And the Austin campus celebrated their 1 month anniversary with a pizza party for the faculty, staff and students. New courses have been added and are being offered on myUSA using the new online delivery method. IT Department was very helpful in solving various challenges during the first couple of days. We have currently 12 OTD students enrolled in Capstone II which if all successfully complete by November, we could have the largest graduation for the t-OTD program. The Alumni Reunion Weekend October 19-20 on the St. Augustine campus sounds like fun and lots of activities for everyone. It coincides with the 13th annual USA 5K and the Health and Fun Fair. Look forward to seeing pictures in our next edition! IT has changed the e-mail notification method for “official alerts” to the USA community. The new logo you see here will be at the top of all official messages from the IT Department . This logo will only appear on official notices. If you are being asked to take an action, do not trust an e-mail which doesn’t have this logo and the signature of an IT Staff member. As you see in the signature of every email message sent from Information Technology: IT Personnel will NEVER ask for your credentials via email. If you receive email that either asks you to "validate" your account by entering your credentials, or requests your ID or password, please report it to your IT Department.
Gnomeo’s Announcement! I am announcing my retirement and I will be heading for a life of relaxation and fun in Tahiti. I will think of you all fondly as I sit on the beach and enjoy the water and sun. I am joining many of our faculty, staff, students and alumni who are located all over the world and we all need to keep in touch! So let me be the first to ask
As you are traveling and working throughout this great globe let everyone know. How? Send a photo of yourself, or with your family, or your friends at a special place. All you have to do is have the USA logo in the photograph. So grab a mug, wear a shirt, hold a brochure, etc with USA on it – snap the picture; drop it in DropBox3Day in the “Newsletter” folder; and send an email to lschneider@usa.edu letting us know your name and location. Then we can all see “Where in the world is USA?” Where in the World is USA Clin Ed Associate Charlotte Izzo?
In Goochland, VA with her two grandchildren, Cole and Justin (working quarterhorse)
Where in the World is USA OPA Admin Assistant Gloria Doherty? In Auburn, MA with her grandchildren Aynslie and David.
The Campus Connection is a publication of USA for the employees. If you want to contribute information or photos to be published in the next edition, contact Leslie Schneider at lschneider@usa.edu. All items submitted are edited at the discretion of the university. Next edition we will be highlighting the topic of workplace communications.