Beware: Norovirus

Norovirus infections are spreading widely across North Carolina. Last month, several local health departments across the state reported multiple outbreaks of the virus, prompting state public health officials to issue advice on steps everyone can take to avoid this common and unpleasant gastrointestinal illness.

Noroviruses are easily transmitted by touching a contaminated surface, by direct contact and by eating food or drinking liquids that have been contaminated with the virus. Noroviruses are notoriously difficult to kill with normal cleaning and disinfecting procedures. Surfaces that have been contaminated with stool or vomit should be cleaned immediately and disinfected with a freshly prepared diluted bleach solution or bleach based household cleaner. The best course of action is prevention: wash hands frequently with soap and water (hand sanitizers are not as effective against norovirus), especially after toilet visits and before preparing, serving or eating food or drink; clean and disinfect surfaces contaminated with vomit or diarrhea immediately using a bleach-based household cleaner, or dilute household bleach 1:10 in water (must be mixed fresh daily; never use undiluted bleach); stay at home when sick; and do not prepare food for other people when sick and for at least three days afterward.

For more information visit the website of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.

STEM Early College

The new STEM Early College at N.C. A&T will open this fall with a class of 50 freshmen. The school will offer students the opportunity to graduate high school with 60 hours of college credit, transferable to most colleges and universities. Students will take advanced high school classes in grades 9 and 10, followed by two years of college classes in grades 11 and 12. The curriculum will prepare its graduates for one of three career pathways: renewable energy, engineering and biomedical sciences.

Students who are interested in this program can receive more information and applications at the Guilford County Schools Magnet and Choice Schools Fair Saturday, Feb. 18, 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m., at the Greensboro Coliseum Pavilion. The magnet application period is Feb. 18–March 16.

Entrepreneur Week Closing Bell

This year’s 2012 Entrepreneurship Week Lecture will be held Tuesday, Feb. 21, in Merrick Hall Auditorium, beginning at 10 a.m. The speaker is Larry E. Shirley, director of Green Economy for the North Carolina Department of Commerce. His topic will be N.C. Green Economy: Career and Entrepreneurial Opportunities.

As director of Green Economy, Shirley is working to advance products, technologies and industries that are environmentally sustainable, including solar, wind and biomass resources.  Prior to assuming this position in 2009, he directed the State Energy Office for nine years and was executive director of the N.C. Solar Center at North Carolina State University for 13 years.

Spring Career Fair

The Office of Career Services at North Carolina A&T State University will sponsor the 2012 Spring Career Fair in Corbett Sports Center on Thursday, Feb. 23, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. The event’s purpose is to provide a venue for students, faculty, staff and employers to network to discuss industry trends, employment opportunities, gather information and build relationships.  

In particular, students and alumni will be able to speak one-on-one with employers to obtain career guidance and advice as well as distribute or upload resumes for potential full-time, co-op or summer internship positions. To date, 113 employers from across the country have registered to participate.

This event is open to all N.C. A&T students and alumni as well as students at surrounding colleges and universities who are registered in a degree granting program. Professional dress is required, and students are encouraged to research all employers of interest and read the article “How to Navigate the Career Fair” prior to Feb. 23.  

FIRST LEGO® state championship

The Office of University Outreach will host the FIRT Tech Challenge (FTC) Aggieland Championship on campus Saturday, Feb. 25, in Corbett Sports Center. The tournament begins at 8:30 a.m. and is open to the public throughout the day.

The Office of University Outreach at North Carolina A&T State University serves as the FTC Operational Partner for North Carolina. FTC is designed for those who want to compete head to head, using a sports model. Teams of up to 10 students are responsible for designing, building and programming robots to compete in an alliance format against other teams.

Awards are given for the competition as well as for community outreach, design, and other real world accomplishments. More information about the North Carolina FIRST Tech Challenge is available online at www.usfirst.org and www.ncfirstrobotics.org.

Website launch update

North Carolina A&T State University’s new website will launch Monday, Feb. 27. Details about a special launch celebration are forthcoming.

Tax debt payment program

The N.C. Department of Revenue has announced a new Individual Income Tax Debt Payment Program. Under this program, North Carolina tax payers will have an opportunity to repay past due state income taxes and have unpaid penalties and collection fees waived.

With the waiver of penalties and collection fees, eligible taxpayers could save as much as 35 percent under the program.

The program is being offered for a limited time only: Jan. 17–April 30. To qualify, taxpayers must pay the reduced tax debt obligation in full by April 30, 2012.

For detailed information about the program, visit the North Carolina Department of Revenue’s website.

Tax debt payment loan

The State Employees Credit Union (SECU) has designed a special 5 percent APR1 low interest loan to help members work with the North Carolina Department of Revenue to resolve their delinquent income tax obligations. Details are available at this link: NC Income Tax Debt Payment Loan. The loan is available Jan. 18–April 30.

Tax clinic

The Department of Accounting, School of Business and Economics, is sponsoring an IRS VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) Tax Clinic each Tuesday, 3:30–6 p.m., Craig Hall, room 212, for individuals with income below $52,000. Federal and state returns will be prepared and e-filed, free of charge. An appointment is required. For more information or to make an appointment, contact Dr. Gwendolyn McFadden-Wade, CPA, at 336-334-7581 x6006 or ncatfreetax@gmail.com.

HR certification prep

The Office of Continuing Education at N.C. A&T State University is sponsoring the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Learning System Course, an 11-week certification examination review, March 6–May 22, 6–9 p.m. in Craig Hall. The course is designed for managers and staff in human resources or general management certified HR professionals needing recertification and HR practitioners seeking professional development to further their careers.

For information on these and all the courses offered by the Office of Continuing Education, call 336-334-7607, email ceprodev@ncat.edu or visit www.ncat.edu/~contstud.

Jazz Ensemble

The A&T Jazz Enzemble, under the direction of Mondre Moffett, will perform 30 shows at Triad Stage in the Fats Waller musical, “AIN'T MISBEHAVEN,” April15–May 13. The ensemble has several collaborations with Triad Stage throughout the 2011-2012 season. It recently performed in the Triad Stage Cabaret Room by popular demand.