Archive for November, 2022

From Kate Bowler, “Advent, which beings on Sunday, November 27th, is a time when we practice seeing the world as it has always been—as some of us know it to be too well. Time and again, we are reminded of how precious life is. One moment, we are on the upswing—buoyed by our self-reliance and our success. But the next moment, the foundations of our lives are shaken—by divorce or disease, natural disaster or a global pandemic. And still, in the midst of the chaos swirling in our inboxes and our hearts, the long dawn of Advent begins, the time when we prepare for the great inversion: God coming to Earth in the form of a human baby. Our hope and prayer is that this Advent Companion will be a way for you to make the very act of waiting, holy. And as we anticipate Christ’s birth together, may we experience the stubborn home of Christmas, joy in the midst of sorrow, a love that knows no bounds, and a transcendent peace amid a world on fire.”

Tickets are now on sale for KACU’s Live Radio Play, “A Christmas Carol.” Presented at The Historical Paramount Theatre, December 7 at 7 p.m. A fun event for the whole family. Children 12 and under are free. Purchase tickets at paramountabilene.com.

New insurance cards will be mailed out starting in December! Please check your address to ensure it is up to date. You can update your address by going to my.acu.edu > Banner > Employee > Employee Dashboard > My Profile. Please email humanresources@acu.edu with questions.

This week, November 7th – 11th, all full, reduced, and half-time faculty and staff will need to re-elect their benefits for 2023. Remember to make your elections this week for 2023. HR staff members will be available in the computer lab on the top floor of the Brown Library, Monday – Wednesday, 8:00-5:00. You can schedule an appointment or drop by for assistance.

In order to make extensive repairs to the lap pool, the SRWC Aquatic Center will close Friday, Nov. 11, at 2 p.m. and will remain closed through Jan. 15. We plan to reopen on Monday, Jan. 16, at noon. We realize this is a very long closure and apologize for this inconvenience. For potential scheduling changes regarding this closure, please check the Pool Hours Calendar.

Please mark your calendar for Friday, Nov. 11, to attend a special Chapel in Moody Coliseum in honor of Veterans Day. This patriotic ceremony will thank and recognize veterans and active duty military members in our Abilene and ACU communities. We’ll be joined by area civic and community guests and enjoy a choral performance by local elementary students. If you are a veteran or active duty military, or if you are a spouse or dependent of a member of the military, we’d especially like to honor you during this time. You and a guest are invited to sit in a special reserved section in Moody during the ceremony. RSVP here by Nov. 7 to let us know if you’d like to participate.

Did you know that nearly 30% of all college students experience food insecurity? Did you know that ACU has a Student Life Food Pantry that serves to prevent students from experiencing food and hygience insecurity? During the month of November, SOAR and Residence Life will be hosting a drive to help fill our Student Life Food Pantry. We are requesting specific food and hygiene items that have been the most utilized in the past: mac & cheese (individual cups), ramen (cups or 12-packs), breakfast/granola bars, P3 protein packs, Keurig K-Cup pods (coffee or hot chocolate ones), fruit cups, fruit snacks, tampons and deodorant. Please deliver donated items to 43E in the McGlothlin Campus Center or purchase online using our Amazon Wishlist. We are so thankful to have campus partners who support our students!

ACU provides membership access for faculty and staff to Refuge Ranch. View the calendar for current experiences, including a Country Christmas and Remembrance Gathering.

Your membership includes everyone in your household and provides these benefits:

• Complimentary access for designated experiences: includes Family Fun Days, Personal Retreats, Guided Meditation, etc.
• Discount on premium experiences and merchandise: includes Marriage Date Night, Concerts, Festivals, etc.
  • Receive 10% off marriage date nights with code: ACUMemberDate
• Members-only access to both properties for personal/family use: subject to availability.
• Discount on group events: including a senior blessing for departments, faculty/staff retreats, strategic planning sessions, team building, etc.

For any questions or to make a request, email info@myrefugeranch.org.