Augusta University celebrates our values!

Augusta University, in partnership with the University System of Georgia, is highlighting its ethical culture with a week dedicated to “Celebrating our Values.”

From Nov. 11-17, Augusta University will work to reinforce and bring awareness to our shared commitment to fulfilling the USG mission to create a more educated Georgia with the highest ethical and professional standards.

Dr. Brooks Keel, President of Augusta University, invited leadership from across the university to collaborate on preparing an entire week of student, staff and faculty events to focus on Augusta University’s Core Values: collegiality, compassion, excellence, inclusion, leadership and integrity.

Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to participate in a wide range of fun and educational activities and events across our campuses. These events cover thought-provoking topics that include ethics in research, the workplace, biomedical science, leadership, academics and civility.

“There was some recognition that after students’ freshman and sophomore years they wouldn’t hear much about the values of the university,” said David Peltier, student chair of values week planning. “So, by working alongside Dr. Davies and Dr. Browder, who had been aware of the University System of Georgia’s required ethics event for students, it was decided to push the needs together to form Values Week.”

Highlighted Events

Monday, Nov. 12: Students can don AU gear and join fellow students for Jag Tag Day. Focused on collegiality and compassion, Jag Tag Day will offer day-long opportunities to show school spirit, meet new people and give back by thanking our landscapers, police officers and environmental services who work hard to make Augusta University great.

Tuesday, Nov. 13: For students interested in volunteering, there will also be a Student Service and Volunteer Fair on Monday that will help connect local non-profits and charities with students. The celebration of excellence on Take Over Tuesday starts early with a 7:30 p.m. performance by the student jazz ensemble in the Maxwell Theater, and includes a pottery sale, poster presentations, art show and more.

Also on Tuesday, a lunch and learn session on the Health Sciences Campus is open to all: “Confluence of Interest: Doing Research and Being Entrepreneurial.” Dr. Chris McKinney, associate vice president of Innovation Commercialization, will facilitate a discussion on how researcher entrepreneurs can navigate potential conflicts of interest. MCG Dean Dr. David Hess and Assistant Dean in the College of Nursing, Bill Hamilton will join in.

“This session is timely and relevant as it focuses on transparency and prudent practices in commercializing research innovation in an academic medical center environment,” said Diego Vazquez, executive director, Augusta University Research Institute, Inc. “Dr. Hess and Bill Hamilton will discuss their experiences developing the REACH telestroke network in rural Georgia, which enables timely stroke diagnosis and treatment by using the internet to eliminate the distance between patients and stroke specialists.”

Wednesday, Nov. 14: Human Resources will host a workshop entitled “Effective Communication Within Diverse Workgroups and Cultures.” The workshop will help attendees learn the techniques and tips on how to effectively communicate within diverse work groups.

At 11:30 a.m., AU’s first “Friendsgiving” will take place on the University Hall lawn where everyone has a seat at the table for a traditional turkey dinner provided by Sodexo. Canned food donations will be collected for Paws Pantry.

Later that day, the Human Resources Learning, Leadership and Development team will host their “Stomping the Elephant in the Office: Overcoming Negativity in the Workplace” workshop. Facilitated by Kimberly Hayes, the workshop will take place from 2 – 4 p.m. in the JSAC Coffeehouse.

Thursday, Nov. 15: You might also be interested in attending “Title IX, Sexual Misconduct, Interpersonal Violence & Neurology of the Brain,” where Title IX Coordinator Michele Reed will present with Brittany Bing from Rape Crisis Services, Rachel Peck from Safe Homes of Augusta and Jim Lyon, Chief of the Augusta University Police Department. On the Summerville campus, leadership and integrity are the focus of the SLE Leadership luncheon.

Friday, Nov. 16: Everyone is invited to join in “Celebrating Our Values” at the at the Hull McKnight Georgia Cyber Center from 8:30 a.m. to noon. There are several activities including a professional event to learn about cybersecurity and IT incident response at 9 a.m., self-tours of the center on the new Nathan Deal Campus for Innovation and a special presentation by University System Vice Chanceller John Fuchko III on “Principled Leadership” at 11 a.m.  Please email internal_audit@augusta.edu or call 706-721-9525 to register.

All day Friday, pictures from Values Week events will be on display in the JSAC Breezeway and the Values In Practice Recognition Ceremony will be held on the JSAC Patio.

These are just a few of the many Celebrating our Values Calendar of Events.  For more information, email or call Clay Sprouse, Interim Vice President for Audit, Compliance, Ethics and Risk Management at (706) 721-2661.