A message from Bryan Jones, associate vice president for admissions :Each year we try to convey to incoming students the kind of learning community they will find here at SPU. An example of this has been a project that the Undergraduate Admissions team spearheads in asking faculty to write a personal note to each admitted student for the coming fall. Because it is an “old school” type of engagement, it is often hard to quantify the rate of return on your investment of time (which we know is very valuable). Yet each year we get unsolicited feedback at our spring events, as well as from our admitted student research, that receiving a personal notecard from a SPU professor is a powerful message that they will be known and that they will begin an actual relationship with a faculty member.

As you navigate these challenging times in the life of SPU, we know that you continue to juggle so much as you care for and invest in our current students. Knowing that students, both current and prospective, are our top priority, we are going to work to keep this project manageable while still reaching out to a large yet targeted segment of our incoming students with personal notecards.

We will simply ask you to sign up for the number of cards you are able to write, and they will be delivered to you on campus.

• If you are willing and able, even to write just a few cards, please COMPLETE THIS BRIEF FORM (takes about 30 seconds to complete).
• The three faculty members who write the most cards will receive a gift from Undergraduate Admissions. All participants will be entered to win additional prizes!

Additional Information

• Most faculty will write to students within their own academic disciplines, but please know that you may still be asked to write a “general” note of welcome to students from outside your program’s majors or to those whom are undecided.
• All notecards will be pre-labeled and pre-stamped, and we will include suggested text for your note. (Though it’s a wonderful touch if you can include one of your business cards if you have them.) We are hoping to have all notecards mailed by Friday, March 7, so that our students will hear from our faculty while they are making deciding which college to attend.

Again, thank you for all that you are doing for our current students, and we thank you in advance to those who help us with personal touches of recruitment!

Faculty Notecard Testimonials

• “I had at least two students this fall tell me that the personal touch of the card was a significant factor in their decision to come to SPU.”
• “Just this week, a recent grad showed me the letter she received from a history professor when she applied.”
• “I have had multiple students write me or seek me out to mention the notecard I wrote them.”
• “A few students have sent me thank you cards and emails thanking me for the card. This has truly warmed my heart!"

A message from Human Resources: Your Transamerica retirement plan offers complimentary access to a retirement planning consultant (RPC) who can review your personal retirement strategy and discuss any other financial goals you’re working toward. RPC Scott Jozefowski is coming to SPU Feb. 27–28. This experienced professional can help you:

• Enroll in the plan
• Review and understand Your Retirement Outlook©
• Determine your contribution rate and investment mix
• Learn how life events — such as marriage, children, and buying a home — could impact your retirement strategy
• Improve your overall financial wellness

Even if retirement is years — or decades — away, having a smart strategy starts today. Schedule a no-cost, no-obligation appointment with Scott in the HR conference room between 8 a.m.–4 p.m.

SPU’s annual biometric screenings return to campus for two days only, Feb. 18–19. SPU, Aetna, and Quest Diagnostics partner together to offer free, confidential health & wellness screenings available to SPU employees and spouses who are enrolled in SPU’s Health Plan. On campus sessions are available Tuesday, Feb. 18, and Wednesday, Feb.19, 7:30 a.m.–12 p.m., in the Ames Library, Seminar Room. Do something important for your health while earning a $50 gift card for participating!

• Time: 7:30 a.m.– 12 p.m.
• Location: Ames Library, Seminar Room
• It takes less than 20 minutes.
• Conducted by certified health professionals.
• Consists of a brief health assessment, blood pressure screening, and comprehensive blood test.
• Fasting and non-fasting options are available.
• Fasting participants should fast 9-12 hours before the event.
• Drink plenty of water the day before and the morning of the event.
• Bring your Aetna medical ID card.

To schedule an appointment, go to My.QuestForHealth.com to set up a username and password. Enter your unique ID: Aetna WID# from your Aetna ID Card (add S for spouse with no spaces or dashes.) Registration Key: SPU2025

For more information, contact Cherylin Shdo, Human Resources benefits specialist, at shdoc@spu.edu.

Mammograms save lives! To help make this essential test convenient for women in our community, SPU is hosting the Swedish Mobile Mammography coach on Wednesday, Feb. 26, for ONE DAY ONLY. Schedule now by going to Swedish Breast Center online scheduler. Only four appointments remain! Bring your medical history form from the online scheduling link, your insurance card, photo ID, and the first and last name of your current primary care provider. The coach will be across Tiffany Loop on Third Ave. W. For more information, contact Cherylin Shdo, Human Resources benefits specialist, at shdoc@spu.edu.

Please join the Office of Human Resources in welcoming Ches Malesa, maintenance technician/carpentry, in Facility & Project Management.

Nate Hoover, assistant director of the MFA program, explains his monthly cartoon: This goes out to all you who’ve “mustard” your courage in this new year. Check out more of my cartoons on Instagram @hoovernathaniel.

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