Message from Vice President, Curtis A. Reynolds
As we welcome back faculty, staff, and students this Summer, campus will begin to flourish again. Please allow extra time to travel on and around campus. Weather can also factor into increased travel times, as we are in hurricane season.
Tropical storm Elsa made an appearance this week. Being prepared for the next storm will only be a benefit to you and your family.
Be sure to take a look at some of the tips Emergency Management has shared in this newsletter to help you prepare.
Along the lines of safety measures, UF has now lifted the mandatory use of face coverings. You may still wear face coverings on campus, but it is no longer required.
As campus begins to look brighter and remind us of pre-pandemic life, please stay safe and enjoy the sunshine.

Go Gators,


Curtis A. Reynolds
An essential part of preparedness is having basic items you may need during an emergency. A simple kit includes a minimum of 3 days (72 hours) worth of essentials.

Below are general guidelines to help with building your kit. Remember to customized based upon your specific needs and situation, including seniors and pets.

  • Water – minimum guidance is 1 gallon per day, per person, half for drinking and half for sanitation.
  • Shelf-Stable Food – store food that does not require refrigeration or preparation such as canned goods or shelf-stable meals. (food you and your family will eat)
  • Battery-Powered Radio – important for monitoring local media and can be used without electricity (some even have cell phone charging attachments).
  • Flashlight
  • Batteries – for radio, flashlight and other needs.
  • First-Aid Supplies – check supply of non-prescription pain relievers, band-aids, antibacterial ointment, insect repellent, sunscreen and other items.
  • Special Needs Items – prescription medications, infant formula or other specific needs for you or your family.
  • Toiletries – hygiene items.
  • Important Documents
  • Cash
  • Pet Care Items
  • USB Battery Charger

For more information on how to prepare, click here.

May Elite Gator
Alan Heflin of Facilities Services has lead a large team that volunteered to to help gather important information on air changes per hour in over 70 buildings and over 700 rooms. The Dean of Libraries and SVP Dr. Lane requested that they verify all study rooms in the Library System, in anticipation of full library operation in Summer B. They were able to complete this task of over 150 rooms in less than 2 weeks. Congratulations to Alan for leading a great group and accomplishing a larger goal.
Elite Gators at the Ballpark
Here are a few 2020/2021 Elite Gators and newsletter winners that joined Vice President Curtis Reynolds at the Florida Ballpark. Elite Gator Winners photographed are Major Brad Barber, John Lawson, Allen Masters, Jennifer Moyer, Ravish Paul, Dustin Stephany, and Francine Vincent.
The University of Florida Police Department became the first university communications center in the state of Florida to receive the Florida Telecommunications Accreditation (FLA-TAC).
The accreditation process consisted of a thorough review of all files, policies, procedures and operations by the FLA-TAC accreditation assessors. Due to the leadership and diligence of the entire Communications Center, this accreditation achievement was obtained.

We want to thank our Police Communications Officers for their tireless work keeping UF safe and being the crucial communication line between our campus community and our law enforcement officers.

Additionally, the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA) voted in favor of re-accreditation of the University of Florida Police Department on June 24, 2021. UFPD has held this accreditation through CFA since 1997.
Information about the FLA-TAC Commission Accreditation can be found at About FLA TAC – Florida Police Accreditation Coalition (fla-pac.org) 
NEW local food rotation at the Reitz Union
Local Restaurant Row brings menu variety and authenticity to the University of Florida while supporting local businesses, allowing our students, faculty and staff to enjoy a variety of globally inspired cuisine while providing community restaurants with an additional venue for business.
The location is the Reitz Union and is open from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Rotation Schedule:
  • Monday, Big Island Bowls
  • Tuesday, B’z Gelati
  • Wednesday, Fat G’s BBQ
  • Thursday, Little Sombrero
  • Friday, Mi Apá
The top two teams that participated in the UF Wellness Spring Walking Challenge were from Business Affairs departments.
#1 “Going for a walk”
#2 “Energy Warriors”
Congratulations to all who participated!
How are you reconnecting and recharging this summer? Share your summer photos!
UF HR is inviting you to share your favorite summer photographs now through Aug. 17 for a chance to win one of several UF giveaways. Business Services and their business partners, helped to sponsor a few giveaways, including, three complementary passport photographs from the UF Passport Office, Gator dining meal vouchers and reusable water bottles, a $25 gift card from the UF Bookstore, a Fire tablet from Pepsi, a gallery-wrapped 24 x 36 canvas print of your winning photo printed by the UF Print Shop.

How to Enter:
You can submit a photo (or multiple photos) in a few different ways:
In August 2021, UF will begin two picturesque gateway projects from the Landscape Master Plan that will enhance outdoor spaces and create a pedestrian-focused campus. The entrances will offer students, faculty, and staff opportunities to gather and collaborate as well as to sit, relax, and enjoy the scenic nature campus has to offer.
The Landscape Master Plan (LMP) was produced in 2019 as a means to outline key projects to enhance campus in a beautiful and sustainable way. Using plants indigenous to North Florida has increased the natural beauty of campus, while creating sustainable and functional outdoor space for all to enjoy. The Northeast and Newell Gateway projects will begin this summer. Both were included in the LMP and address five key components of campus—its edges, its campus core, its roadways, its natural systems and landscape elements. Designing hospitable campus edges that are beautiful, welcoming, and easily navigated by visitors will be positively viewed and traveled by all.

Major Brad Barber always knew he wanted to help people. He knew that serving and protecting others was his calling. He has fulfill that calling at the UFPD over the last twenty-five years. This December, he plans on retiring.  
It is apparent to many that Major Barber loves his job. “He’s a hard worker and a loyal employee. We work a lot of long and unpredictable hours, and he is always right up there with that,” explains Chief Stump-Kurnick. “He has embodied what it means to be a service employee. He has served on many committees through the years, and he doesn’t shy away from tough assignments or decisions.” 
“I can’t even begin to tell you all the ways he’s helped make UF’s campus safer over the years,” states Chief Stump-Kurnick. From hurricane operations to football games to presidential visits to campus, Major Barber has overseen the security of it all. He has served the campus throughout his whole career, which is what makes him such an amazing member of the UFPD. “One of the things that’s admirable about Brad is that he understands why we’re here, and we’re here to serve.” 
To read more about Major Barber and his journey at UFPD, click here.
From Florida Farms to Gator Tables
UF, Gator Dining, and Florida farmers are working together to put local food on campus tables
Turnips and radishes grown at Siembra Farm in southeast Gainesville may travel only 4.7 miles to Gator Corner. Varieties of lettuce grown at Traders Hill Farm in Hilliard, 87 miles north of campus, are harvested before sunrise and often served at Reitz Union before sunset.
The short distance from farm to table means crisp, fresh flavor. It also minimizes environmental impact.
When Tim Bucolo arrived in Gainesville in August of 2018 as the new Operations Manager of Gator Dining, he found campus menus lacking in one vital area­: “In a state with a year-round growing season, to not make use of the range of farm-fresh ingredients so close to campus was a missed opportunity” says Bucolo. He and his team started visiting local farms and building relationships with farmers to create meals that are more reflective of Florida’s diverse flavors.
Now Gator Dining’s Resident District Manager, Bucolo searches for authentic ways to incorporate ingredients grown closer to campus into Gator Dining menus. His efforts have been fruitful. As of publication, Gator Dining is working with 43 local farms and suppliers, and this number is growing.
"Justin Weston (Facilities Services) goes above and beyond on a daily basis. He is a problem solver and always steps up to pitch in—even for things he doesn’t have to do. His attitude is wonderful and we are so grateful for his hard work here at ICBR"  said Heather Voet, Associate Director for Administration, UF ICBR.
 
“Linda's dedication as a team member and to our office is invaluable. Linda is kind and gracious to all, greeting everyone with a smile. Linda is such an important member of our group who deserves recognition for her contribution and tireless work to keep our building in tip-top shape.” - To Linda Williams of Facilities Services
Kenneth Cruger
Johnnie Lee Daniels Jr.
Joanne Davis
Delio Figueroa
Dan H Jarrell
ThanhDuc Nguyen
Steven Ferrall Pena
Jimmie L Ross
Ronnie P Thompson
Dianna Lynne Ullery
Thank you for Reading!
Thank you for reading and staying updated on Business Affairs news. As a thank you, I will be giving away five reusable Gator branded water bottles donated by Business Services and Pepsi Co. All newsletter readers are eligible to win and will be contacted if selected.
Business Affairs | 352-392-1336