November 2023
Institutional Update
President McIff
I am excited about our strategic goal project and hope you are, too! During Fall Assembly you saw the college’s goals for the year. We asked you to review the goals and consider how you and your team can help Snow improve continuously and serve our students. We have spent the last few months refining the goals, defining tactics, and setting deadlines. This was a significant effort in which many of you were involved. You can see a summary of the combined efforts.
We are now ready for the next step – identifying individual goals that align with institutional goals – and invite you to participate in this exercise. We need everyone’s help! All full-time and permanent part-time staff employees should meet with their supervisor and complete the Goal Form before December 22. Supervisors and employees should work in partnership to ensure that individual goals align with departmental and institutional goals. Everyone will submit four goals.
Most faculty members have already submitted their Faculty Development Plans for this year, so instead of completing the individual goal sheet, faculty should work with their academic departments to ensure that departmental goals align with institutional goals. Next year, all full-time faculty and staff, along with permanent part-time staff, will use the same process.
SMART Goals
The individual four goals should align with the institutional goals and should include a statement of what you hope to accomplish, followed by a timeline. When writing the goal, use the SMART structure. A SMART goal is defined below.
- Specific – Linked to a job description, department goal/mission, and or overall institutional goal, the objective is crystal clear and answers the questions “Who?” and “What?”
- Measurable – The success toward meeting the goal can be measured and answers the question “How?”
- Attainable – Goals are realistic and can be achieved in a specific amount of time. They are reasonable.
- Relevant – The goals are aligned with current tasks and projects and focus in one defined area. They include the expected result.
- Time-oriented – Goals have a clearly defined time frame, including a target or deadline date. They are time-bound or timely.
If you would like to research more about SMART goals and become familiar with the process of setting these kinds of specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-oriented goals, I recommend the following articles:
- 8 SMART Goals Examples for Improving Your Interpersonal Skills
- 20 Examples of SMART Goals for Employees
- 12 SMART Goals Examples for Better Team Building (for supervisors)
Examples
Examples of SMART goals include the following:
- Increase admissions applications by 10% by March 1.
- Finish a course or certificate for one new skill in the next two months.
- Each month this year, I will distribute a budget report that shows our department’s current expenses in comparison to our allotted annual budget, and I will highlight areas where we are overspending. Based on our current spending, I will offer suggestions on how to cut expenses so that we are back within budget.
Your Task
Each full-time and permanent part-time staff employee should complete the Goal Form before December 22. Discuss your SMART goals with your supervisor to ensure alignment with institutional objectives. These are goals you are probably already working on. Together, we will have maximum impact and elevate Snow College. These goals will keep us focused and help us achieve great results!
Our Success
Our success as a college depends on the collective contributions of each of you individually. Aligning our individual goals with institutional goals gives us clarity of purpose, enhanced productivity, improved accountability, and efficient resource allocation. It is also personally rewarding to see how our contributions fit into the big picture. Working towards common goals helps us shine a light on the excellence of Snow College and the unparalleled student experience we provide.
Support and Questions
Thank you for your dedication and commitment to Snow College. Thanks for your willingness to help document, streamline, and collaborate as we assertively move the college forward. If you have any questions or need support in setting your goals, please contact our Human Resource Office. HR staff are trained in goal-setting and are eager to help.
Quick Links
- 2023-24 Priorities from Strategic Plan (the overview shared during Fall Assembly)
- 2023-24 Compiled Goal Summary (institutional goals with details and deadlines shared in Town Hall on 11/15/23)
- 2023-24 Goal Form (to be completed by all full-time and permanent part-time non-student staff before December 22)
Stacee
Finance and Administrative Services
There are a lot of things going on in the Finance and Administrative Services side of the College. IT and Student Affairs launched the new Student Portal. They did an awesome job. Employees have access to it as well, so head on over to check it out! More features will be coming.
Everyone who has or approves pcards should have attended ChromeRiver training. With any new system, there’s a learning curve, so do a quick refresher anytime you need. Thanks to the Procurement team for a great job in making this a successful transition.
Speaking of training, it’s critical that we do our trainings. Some are required by law or policy and some help us actually save money on our insurance (this reads like a Geico commercial). Please take time to do your cybersecurity training each month. It’s only a few minutes, but it will make you safer as you navigate the internet and it’s useful information at work AND at home.
Lastly, one of the initiatives that we are starting is to gain better alignment of budgets and needs of departments. I previously mentioned that budgets have not kept up with increased costs and demands on departments. To this end, the Budget Task Force will be sending out surveys to each department (around the 1st week of December) and having open discussions about topics including computer equipment, furniture & facilities, equipment, contracts, software, and operating budgets. This project is to ensure financial viability within your department and also look for ways to more strategically use savings and one-time money at the institution level. I HIGHLY encourage you to participate in this project in order to help us better understand the budget needs you have and get you the resources you need to do your jobs.
Technical Education and Industry Connections
Snow College officially has a presence in Delta! On Nov 2, Snow College President McIff and V.P. Olsen opened the Delta Training Site with a ribbon cutting and open house. Flourishing partnerships with Millard School District Superintendent David Styler and Millard/Tintic School District CTE Director, Brett Callister; USHE Talent Ready Utah grant funds; Snow’s Economic Development, Career and Technical Education, and Work-based Learning teams; and local business made the Snow College Delta Training Site possible.
Snow Collee is excited to offer the full Automation Technology program. This skilled training is in high demand by numerous local businesses to increase their employees’ skills and career opportunities and ranks as a 4- and 5-star career in the Department of Workforce Services career rankings. The training site will also provide Medical Assisting and Heating Ventilation Air-conditioning and Refrigeration certificates. These three technical education programs will be available for high school students from Delta, Fillmore, Nephi, and Tintic high schools and any post-high school student desiring skills in a high-demand job area. Online delivery of these programs through competency-based modality meets people where they are at in life, work, family, and time and rewards and allows them efficient movement through course work because of acquired experience.
Employee Giving
Dear Colleagues,
During this season of gratitude, we want to thank you for all that you, our beloved faculty and staff, do for our Snow College students. Your dedication is what makes Snow College stand out as the best of the best. We would love to have you join our Employee Giving Club and bless the lives of our students even more.
Please know that every gift counts! Your gift joins with many others to make a big difference to our Snow College students. When Badgers join together, even small gifts add up fast, whether it is a one-time gift or a monthly payroll deduction. Support the President’s Rural Student Scholarship Initiative, add to a department scholarship, or help fund student research, no matter where you choose to give, your gift helps more than you know!
Leadership Academy
Apply now to be part of the Leadership Academy! This opportunity to learn about leadership, get to know colleagues, and experience an up-close-and-personal view of the college begins in January. The academy focuses on personal leadership development, leadership of groups and teams, and institutional knowledge, culture, and context. All non-student employees are encouraged to apply. Applications are due by December 15. Classes for 2024 will be held Mondays and Wednesdays 1:30 – 2:30, beginning on January 10 and ending March 11.
Who's New?
Please join us in welcoming the following individuals to Snow College!
| Kristen DeLeeuw | Part-Time Academic Advisor |
| Daniel Madsen | Electrician Ephraim Campus |
| Jason Roestel | Custodian Ephraim Campus |
| Sarah Blood | Accountant Richfield Campus |
| Samantha Rainson-Meek | Director of Institutional Research |
- Angela Sanders has moved from Alumni Relations Officer to the Director of Admissions.
- Yisel Jimenez will move from part-time in the Advancement Office to full-time accountant in the Controller’s Office.
Staff Report
Random Acts of Kindness have been showing up on both campuses in the form of Snow staffers receiving “You're A Rockstar Cards.” If you receive one, keep it moving forward and pass it on to someone else that you see doing great things along with a little note or a treat to make their day. If you would like some of these cards, please reach out to Denise Tippetts and her committee. Also watch for an email coming soon to nominate a staff member for the Fall Employee of the Semester 2023 Award.
Staff enjoyed the first Lunch & Learn of the school year with a presentation from the Richfield Wellness Center in early November. Professional Development chair Mardee Allen said, “Join us for the next one in January, on Clifton Strengths!”
Staff will gather in early December for its “Christmas Ugly Sweater Contest" and a staff Potluck Lunch. There will also be a few surprises for those attending, said Welcome and Events chair Donna Birk. SnowFit will host a Christmas Tree lane with more details coming soon.
Annular Eclipse Viewing Event
On October 14, 2023, Snow College's Richfield Campus witnessed a breathtaking spectacle as it hosted the highly anticipated annular eclipse viewing event. Over 2,000 enthusiastic attendees flocked to the campus to witness the mesmerizing natural phenomenon unfold before their eyes.
The event showcased engaging activities for participants of all ages. From interactive exhibits showcasing the science behind a solar eclipse to informative workshops, attendees were provided with a unique opportunity to delve into the wonders of the celestial world. The excitement built up as everyone eagerly awaited the main event - the actual eclipse itself.
As the moon aligned perfectly between the Earth and the Sun, creating a breathtaking moment of totality, an air of awe and wonder washed over the campus and then an eruption of cheers. Free solar glasses and viewing stations equipped with specialized telescopes and solar filters allowed participants to witness the eclipse safely, marveling at the splendor of the solar corona.
The event fostered a sense of community and learning. Astronomy enthusiasts, amateur stargazers, and families shared experiences and exchanged insights.
The success of the event can be attributed to the meticulous planning by the entire planning committee with special acknowledgement to Chair, Janalee Jeffrey and Jon Pugmire as our outreach specialist. They went above and beyond to ensure a memorable experience for all attendees.
Richfield Update
Snow College extended its support to the second annual Richfield Fall Festival in a grand display of community involvement on Friday, October 13. As part of the college's homecoming celebrations, the event attracted thousands of attendees who reveled in the festive spirit.
The Snow College wrestling teams enthusiastically lent a helping hand in setting up and cleaning up the event. Their dedication and commitment were commendable, ensuring that the festival ran smoothly for everyone involved. In addition, the wrestling teams also sold superbly designed eclipse t-shirts, showcasing their teamwork and entrepreneurial spirit.
Other highlights of the festival were the much-anticipated introduction of the SnowMobile and various activities supported by student leaders and employees from Alumni, Admissions, Student Life, and the Math & Science Division. Bringing fun interactive activities, sleek swag, and yummy treats, they added to the excitement and liveliness of the event.
The Richfield Fall Festival was a vibrant celebration that resembled something straight out of a Hallmark movie. With classic fall decorations, captivating entertainment, and delicious food offerings, attendees were transported to a world of charming nostalgia.
By actively contributing to the festival, Snow College has once again demonstrated its role as a key stakeholder in the region, partnering with local organizations to enhance the overall quality of life for students, residents, and visitors alike. We thank everyone from so many departments and campuses who supported the festivities.