Dear Colleague:

Welcome to the March 2015 Issue of HR News. I hope this finds you enjoying a successful and rewarding semester. This weekend, Daylight Saving Time begins on Sunday, March 8th at 2:00 a.m. March also holds the half-way point for the Spring Semester, and officially marks the arrival of Spring on March 20th!

Along with this beautiful weather and in preparation for Spring, I hope you have had a chance to enjoy the campus' Farmer's Market, brought to you by Associated Students. If you have not, no need to worry! You can check out the Farmer's Market every Tuesday during the regular semester, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Located on East University Drive and adjacent to Matador Square, the Market offers fresh fruit and vegetables, organic produce, along with artisanal breads, already made pre-packaged and premade treats, flowers, and a variety of other items that are sure to peak your interest or satisfy your lunch craving.

The Fourth Annual Terry Piper Lecture will feature Dr. Shaun R. Harper speaking to the university community on Monday, March 9, 2015, at 9:30 a.m. in the USU Northridge Center. Dr. Harper is a Professor in the Graduate School of Education, Africana Studies, and Gender Studies at the University of Pennsylvania, where he also serves as Executive Director of the Center for the Study of Race and Equity in Education.

Dr. Harper's address to the CSUN community will focus on the active role the institution must play in ensuring student success, and what each of us as faculty, staff, and administrators can do to increase student engagement, especially among male students of color, as active participants in their journey. Whether we interact with students in the classroom, a lab, or as passersby as we walk across campus, each interaction is an opportunity to engage students, to affirm that they belong here, and to show that we believe they will succeed. View the Terry Piper Lecture Series webpage for more information and to register.

Our Keynote Speaker, James Mapes, will present "Imagine That!" a discussion open to all faculty and staff on Thursday, April 2, 2015, at 10:00 a.m. in the USU Flintridge room. During this interactive program, Mr. Mapes uses compelling stories to demonstrate how exceptional individuals are distinguished by their capability to think creatively and perceive new opportunities for innovation. Mr. Mapes is a proud alumnus of CSUN, the founder of Quantum Leap Thinking, creator of The Transformational Coach, expert on the psychology of "applied imagination," best-selling author, highly acclaimed business speaker, consultant, seminar leader, and personal excellence coach.

I'd also like to remind you that nominations for the Staff Service Awards' Recognition of Excellence Awards are being accepted through April 17, 2015. I encourage each of you to take the time to nominate a colleague whose efforts truly make CSUN shine. The awards include the Presidential Award, Award of Merit, Jolene Koester Team Award, Alumni Relations Award, and the Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award. The Staff Award recipients will be honored at the 49th Annual Staff Service and Recognition of Excellence Awards on Tuesday June 2, 2015 in the USU Northridge Center. Additional information about the awards, and links to the nomination forms are available on the Employee Recognition website.

In addition to the events above, there are two additional events I would like to highlight and invite you to participate in. On March 18th, Graduate Studies & Research will present a workshop on The Path to Doubling Research & the Impact on Faculty, Staff, and Students. On March 24th, University Advancement will present a workshop on how Communication Counts: Lifting CSUN's Reputation and Visibility.

Please take a moment and read the March 2015 Issue of HR News.

Sincerely,

Kristina