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Over the summer, ABA provided internships for three young adults as part of the Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce Foundation's (SACCF) JumpStart 21 Emancipating Foster Youth Program. The program, designed to equip those who have aged out of the foster system with twenty-first century life and work skills, trains and matches youth with Sacramento area businesses.

Gaining skills in a dynamic workplace is a major goal for many young people entering the workforce, and is especially critical for former foster youth, many of whom have great obstacles to overcome. Interim Vice President/CFO Mike Lee sponsored the three, placing them in ABA's diverse departments where they could gain work experience. Public Safety, Risk Management Services and Financial Services provided supervision to help them prepare for the workplace.

• Clarence Koen (Public Safety, supervised by Tony Lucas) May 18 - August 12
• Christopher Hancock (Risk Management Services, supervised by Kirt Stout) July 7 - September 29
• Nichole Miller (Financial Services, Property & Receiving, supervised by Thurman Watson) September 13 - December 6

The stories of challenges faced by these interns and the hardships they overcame to further their educations and participate in the student intern program have been inspirational to ABA participants in the program.  ABA is proud to support JumpStart 21's goals, in partnership with SACCF.

A third session of graduates is ready for job placements beginning in December, for a 12-week period. Vice President Mike Lee is sponsoring two students for ten hours per week each. If you are willing to provide the supervision to help an intern develop new job skills, please contact Kem Gravenberg, executive assistant to the Vice President/CFO, at X86312.

7TH INNING STRETCH TO HOME RUN As the CMS Student Center and Human Resources 9.0 Upgrade neared its final stages, Justine Heartt, Stacy Hayano, Gina Curry, Helen Norris, and Clint Lee hosted a 7th Inning Stretch to refresh and prepare the project team for an anticipated fall launch. The project team, composed of 25 members from Budget Planning & Administration, Financial Services and IRT, enjoyed a luncheon event in August featuring ballpark food, baseball pro-player cards for attendees, and game attire intended to re-energize team spirits as they entered the final inning. The team hit a "home run" with a November 2 "go live" event, as the planned upgrade was completed.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE OFFERS TRAINING

Through December, Accounts Payable is conducting a comprehensive training program, with specialized courses to help improve understanding of the process for paying vendors. Courses include:

• AP Basics: Takes participants through the process from requisition to payment of an order.
  
  
• AP Navigation: Shows participants how to navigate the CFS system, from the requisition to the purchase order, as well as other steps in the process.
  
  
• AP Travel Program: Instructs participants on the processes, policies and procedures of the travel program.

These training courses are intended to provide Sac State business partners with updated and accurate information about processes, and increase user confidence in performing tasks on their own. Accounts Payable will interact directly with participants in small group work settings, providing instruction, explaining processes, and answering questions.

All those interested in signing up for training should first check the schedule of available classes here. To sign up for a class, email Accounts Payable at ABA-FIN-ap-travel@saclink.csus.edu.

ABA JOINS BLACK ALUMS TO WELCOME STUDENTS

Many students and alums attended the Black Alumni Chapter's third annual "student welcome" reception in the Alumni Center. ABA Student Financial Services Center representatives hosted an information table, joining The WELL and other campus offices.

The event, sponsored by the Outreach and Retention Committee of the Black Alumni Chapter, was intended to connect students with resources and services as a way to promote students' success at the University. The efforts support the CSU and University initiative to close the graduation gap for African American students. VP/CFO Mike Lee sponsored refreshments and food, and was in attendance to demonstrate support for the Chapter's efforts. The occasion also served as a networking opportunity for students, alums, and professionals.

The Black Alumni Chapter hopes to sponsor more of these events in the future . If you are interested in learning more, or want to get involved, contact Dr. Otis Scott, president of the Black Alumni Chapter, at scottol@csus.edu.

HEAR THEM ROAR: ABA TEAMS UP TO SUPPORT MOUNTAIN LIONS

In October, the Sacramento Mountain Lions held their 2011 season opener at the Sac State Alex G. Spanos Sports and Recreation Complex. Being the home game season opener following a successful 2010 season, ABA and others supporting the event were prepared to provide a seamless experience for the team and fans.

Just about all of ABA's departments are involved in event preparation, working with other campus entities to ensure success. Planning begins well in advance, with ABA units and departments - Facilities Services, Procurement, Public Safety, Risk Management, Space Management, the Ticket Office and UTAPS - working with partners from the Alumni Center, Athletics, IRT, The WELL, and UEI, to discuss strategies for success.

On game day, UTAPS and Public Safety ramp up to provide attending fans a good experience, providing traffic direction, parking and safety services. According to UTAPS Senior Director Nancy Fox, "We are doing the best job we can for the campus and the Mountain Lions. Parking and traffic went very smoothly last year and again this year." A smooth flow of traffic with minimal congestion is always a goal for UTAPS. To help accomplish this, UTAPS works with a third party parking service and Public Safety, who coordinate with the City of Sacramento's police agencies to manage nearby off-campus intersections.

UTAPS establishes detailed event plans every season and approximately 25 highly trained staff and student assistants support each game, working cooperatively with campus Police. Planning efforts allow preparation for the swell of visitors to the campus. Nancy Fox added that she is proud of UTAPS staff, as they are responsible for assisting thousands of vehicles off campus within 25 to 30 minutes. "We are proud of our ability to work closely in a strong team manner with all others involved in hosting the Mountain Lions games on campus."

For more information about the Mountain Lions, visit their official website here.

'TIS THE SEASON FOR GIVING

The holidays are a special time of the year, when family and friends share time together and create lasting memories. But, many local families struggle to make ends meet. For over 37 years, Sac State has captured the spirit of giving by participating in the California State Employees Food Drive. ABA supports the campus effort by coordinating the drive and collecting donations, and through the contributions of division employees.

This year’s food drive stretches from November 14th through December 20th. Your donations will help bring much-needed relief and assistance. ABA is comprised of many caring and giving individuals. Let's prove it by setting a new record! Here is how you can get involved:

Monetary donations and canned goods: Monetary donations are a huge help, as bulk food can be purchased at low costs. If you wish to make a monetary donation, please make your check payable to "California Emergency Foodlink" and mail it to Nancy Fox, department ZIP code 6076. Food collection boxes for canned goods will soon appear in most department offices and information booths at the campus entrances. Please give generously; non-perishable food only.

For the first time, the campus participated in the food drive's "turkey drop," held from 7:30 to 10 a.m. Wednesday, November 16th. In total, nine turkeys were donated, and delivered directly to Food Link.

Already, ABA has joined with other University offices to support ASI's Thanksgiving Basket program. Baskets contain all of the essentials to build a traditional holiday meal, such as mashed potatoes and gravy, cranberry sauce and stuffing, as well as canned fruits and vegetables, and cornbread. In December, ABA administrative offices and others will continue the custom of sponsoring needy families, donating holiday gifts through the local elementary schools' Adopt a Family Program.

Now is the time to start thinking about what you can do in your office to help those less fortunate. 'Tis the season - give generously!

 

TICKET OFFICE JOINS ABA

This semester ABA is proud to bring the Sac State Ticket Office under its wing. The Ticket Office is the central source for tickets to all public events at the University, including the arts, sports and special events.

ABA wants to welcome the Ticket Office staff, Manager Scott Gephart (pictured left) and Supervisor Katie Ragle (pictured right), to the ABA family.

Joining Financial Services, Student Financial Services Center, the Ticket Office will be in great company. We can rest assured that the Ticket Office will continue to deliver great service to students, as well as faculty, staff, and the greater local Sacramento community. Situated near the east entrance to the University Union, the Ticket Office location has not changed. For more information on upcoming events, as well as ticket information, visit their website here.