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As a new academic year is about to begin, University of North Georgia (¹û¶³´«Ã½) President Bonita Jacobs focused on significant steps the school has taken and will take much like the astronauts did when they landed on the moon more than 50 years ago.

"While we have not walked on the moon, we have demonstrated that same determination for doing something impactful, and what we have accomplished as a university is remarkable," Dr. Jacobs said in her State of the University address at the 2019 Faculty and Staff Convocation on ¹û¶³´«Ã½'s Dahlonega and Gainesville campuses. "Simply put we have become a more comprehensive and dynamic institution."

One key example is an increase of nearly $7 million in ¹û¶³´«Ã½'s state appropriation, allowing for $1 million to be dedicated for faculty and staff equity adjustments this year. In addition, ¹û¶³´«Ã½ self-funded a merit increase in January and was only one of seven University System of Georgia institutions to do so, Jacobs said.

"We know that salaries need to remain competitive, and I pledge to you that this continues to be my highest priority," she said.

The entire text of Jacobs' 2019 State of the University speech can be read online.

¹û¶³´«Ã½ faculty and staff participated in conference-style professional development opportunities in breakout sessions in the morning and afternoon.

Also on Aug. 12, ¹û¶³´«Ã½ faculty and staff could participate in professional development opportunities throughout the morning and afternoon in three breakout sessions. The conference-style format launched the inaugural ¹û¶³´«Ã½ Learning, Engagement, Achievement, Development, Service (LEADS) Day to start the new academic year.

"This year's sessions were intended to focus on teaching faculty and staff ways to help support student success," said Dr. Alyson Paul, associate vice president of Student Affairs and dean of students. People were ready to learn and engage with each other."

Some sessions focused on specific student demographics such as veterans and disability services while others targeted empowering students through leadership and developing the right mindset. Workshop topics were:

• Bring Your Best Idea: Inform ¹û¶³´«Ã½'s Next Strategic Plan
• Camo to College: Through the Green Zone
• Emergency: Be Ready
• Free Speech and Inclusion on Campus
• Georgia's Leadership Institution: Where I Lead
• Helping Students Adapt: Growth Mindset & Mindfulness
• Leading in the Marketplace: Student Speech in the Classroom
• Let's Get Real, What Should Faculty Know in Order to Provide Effective Accommodations?
• Momentum Approach
• Out of Many — One: Diversity and Inclusion for One ¹û¶³´«Ã½
• Owning Your Sphere of Influence
• Under Construction: ¹û¶³´«Ã½'s Master Plan
• Utilizing Technology for Holistic Student Engagement
• What Would You Do? Employee Resources and Support
• Who are ¹û¶³´«Ã½ Students? What is the Student Experience Like?

Jeanette Mann won the Staff Member of the Year Award.

¹û¶³´«Ã½ faculty and staff facilitated the workshops based on their expertise, which helped create some camaraderie among different departments.

"I really hope people enjoyed learning from their ¹û¶³´«Ã½ peers and enjoyed coming together for a common goal," Paul said. "Because as we start the year off, we need to remember we are here for the same mission: To help students succeed."

Several faculty and staff are doing just that and were recognized for their efforts during convocation.