OCTSA Office, Clerical & Technical Staff Assembly

November 12, 2024

This assembly is IN-PERSON and begins EARLIER at 3:00 PM.

What are you thankful for?

As the season of gratitude unfolds, let’s take a moment to appreciate the blessings in our lives. Each day offers an opportunity to recognize the little things—the warmth of a cup of coffee, the laughter of friends, and the embrace of family. Being thankful shifts our focus from what we lack to the abundance surrounding us, fostering joy and connection that enrich our lives and the lives of others.

OCTSA Guest Speaker

Agility Series: Brainstorming

This month, we will meet in-person at Procurement Services, located at 1500 Flint River Drive. A map is provided to show you where you can park, but don't forget we also can use Crimson Concierge through the updated Passio GO! app.

Agility, the University of Alabama Continuous Improvement Program using Lean Higher Education as a guide, launched the Agility Series Training in 2022 and continue during 2023 with new and improved courses for the 2024 Series!

In the Brainstorming course, you will learn some new techniques to energize your brainstorming sessions, including reversal, random, metaphorical thinking, and fantasy chain brainstorming methods.

Adding these techniques to your repertoire will help your teams develop more and better ideas. They are also excellent ways to sustain interest and engagement when you are brainstorming with a group.

To Do:

Turkey Drive for Project G.R.A.C.E.

Project GRACE is a non-profit in Central, AL who is hosting a turkey and ham drive for families in the Black Belt who are unable to purchase one for the holidays. A group of UA Honors students are working to raise money on Project GRACE's behalf to make this event possible. We would be so grateful for any donations to help make the holidays special for these families.

International Education Week

During the week of November 18-22, check out some unique international education and exchange opportunities including employment with the U.S. State Department, cultural celebrations, and more!

Visit international.ua.edu/iew for the calendar of events and to submit your own International Education Week themed event!

LSSA Toys for Tots Drive

From October 28th to December 6th, collection boxes will be located in each library. Please encourage your friends and family to donate new, unwrapped toys, books, or puzzles to support their efforts!

OCTSA Updates

Spread the news!

Please consider sharing this newsletter with your peers! If you know anyone who would be interested in joining, send them our way!!!

Looking for more involvement? There are four internal OCTSA committees that you can join to help support the efforts of OCTSA as a whole.

The DEI committee has been rebranded as the Opportunities, Connections and Success Committee.

The OCTSA also sends non-voting representatives to UA Standing Committees who bring valuable information back to our monthly assembly meetings.

Feel free to read about the internal OCTSA committees here.

BENEFIT OF THE MONTH

Speedy Oil Change

Visit any of the three convenient locations and receive 10% off of your total invoice. This discount cannot be combined with any other discounts.

Present Action card upon checkout.

100 15th St. & 5901 Hwy. 69 South | Tuscaloosa

2494 Hwy. 82 | Northport

We hope to see you at the next assembly meeting!

What information would you like discussed at future OCTSA meetings? Let us know! If you have any news, events, and/or information that would be helpful to share in the next newsletter, please contact us.