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Communication for the staff and faculty of
The University of Texas at Dallas |
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COVID-19 Information, Resources
During the disruption of regular services due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Office of Communications is maintaining a collection of information and resources for staff, faculty and students. For the latest information, visit the COVID-19 website, which will be updated frequently with FAQs and the latest information.
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RSVP for Presidential Town Hall on June 24
Join President Richard C. Benson and UT Dallas leadership for a moderated virtual town hall discussion about matters important to the University community. The town hall will be from 2-3 p.m., Wednesday, June 24. RSVP to attend the live event.
Please submit questions by 5 p.m., Monday, June 22 to [email protected]. The town hall moderator will select as many of the questions as possible to cover a range of topics.
If you can’t attend the live event, a recording will be posted at utdallas.edu. Watch the recording of the April 22 town hall on YouTube.
The Presidential Town Hall will be conducted in Microsoft Teams as a live event. While not required, downloading Microsoft Teams to your desktop or laptop computer will provide the fastest access to the event. The Microsoft Teams app is necessary to participate via mobile devices.
All audience members will be muted when entering the meeting and will have the opportunity to pose questions in writing via the “Q&A” function on the right side of the screen. Live closed captioning is available to all attendees. Please look for the CC button when you join the meeting.
Should you have specific questions related to technical issues you are encountering during the event, please call the UT Dallas Help Desk at 972-883-2911. |
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Comets Return to Campus: Workplace Guide
UT Dallas has developed the Comets Return to Campus Workplace Guide. You can also download PDFs in both English and Spanish. In this document, you will find guidelines that address the expectations for employees returning to work on campus and the resources that will be available to them.
The decision on when to return will be made in consultation with public health officials and executive leadership. However, employees asked to return to campus will be given at least one week’s notice.
We understand that many of you may have concerns about health risks associated with returning to campus and/or concerns about caring for dependents whose normal summer activities have been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Supervisors will exercise discretion and exhibit flexibility in working with employees to address these concerns. |
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Watch a Recording of the June 3 HR Forum
The Office of Human Resources invites you to watch a recording of the June 3 HR Forum on Microsoft Teams. The approximately 90-minute forum includes updates from various departments across campus including HR, Facilities and Economic Development, Information Security, Information Technology, Budget, Research, Benefits and Wellness, and Educational Technology.
For more information, visit the HR Forum webpage.
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UT Dallas Lieutenant Receives UT System Recognition
The University of Texas System Police has selected UT Dallas Lt. Adam Perry as the Featured Officer of the Month for June. Perry, a lieutenant over the Criminal Investigative Division, joined UT Dallas two weeks after retiring from the Richardson Police Department in February 2020.
“I am grateful to Chief Larry Zacharias and Assistant Chief Brent Tourangeau for the trust they have in me to lead their Criminal Investigative Division and for allowing me to be a member of such an honorable and professional organization as the UT System,” Perry said.
Michael J. Heidingsfield, UT System director of police, praised Perry’s commitment and dedication to the policing profession and the “wealth of experience” he brought to UT Dallas from his career with Richardson Police. “Given his broad portfolio of experience and his thoughtful commitment to law enforcement and public service, Lt. Perry exemplifies those leading the way throughout The University of Texas System Police across the state,” Heidingsfield said. Read more |
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Apply to Serve on Staff Council
Staff Council is accepting member nominations for the 2020-21 academic year. The deadline to apply is Tuesday, June 30.
As a Staff Council representative, your participation in the general meetings and standing committee meetings is critical to the efforts of Staff Council on behalf of the district you represent.
You are encouraged to discuss your desire to participate as a Staff Council representative with your supervisor to ensure that the necessary time commitment of approximately six hours monthly won’t negatively impact your department.
For more information about Staff Council or the duties of representatives, read the Staff Council bylaws. |
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Event Planners Forum Set for June 23
University Events will host a virtual Event Planners Forum from 1:30-3:30 p.m., Tuesday, June 23 as a Microsoft Teams live event. The forum will help event planners navigate the various obstacles of planning campus events.
There will be three sessions:
- Session 1 - Reimagining University Events, 1:30-2:10 p.m.: Representatives from UT Arlington, UT Tyler and UT Dallas will discuss how they are approaching fall events differently and what steps are being taken to prepare for the unknown.
- Session 2 - Events in a Virtual Environment, 2:10-2:50 p.m.: Hear tips and lessons learned from colleagues who have successfully made the move to online events. Additionally, this session will discuss the technology and steps being used to succeed.
- Session 3 - Operational Updates, 2:50-3:30 p.m.: Hear quick updates from campus partners on what changes to expect in the coming year.
Please install Microsoft Teams prior to joining. If you need assistance, contact the Help Desk.
Unlike a traditional Teams meeting, you are not able to “dial in” to a live event. Audio will stream from your computer. Please ensure your speakers are on or use a headset connected to your device. Closed captioning is available, and there will be a moderated Q-and-A forum.
A recording of the forum will be made available on the University Events homepage after the event.
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Campus to Career: Employment Outcomes for Computer Science Graduates
Computer science is the fastest-growing degree program at UT Dallas, pursued by nearly 14% of undergraduate students. Find out who's hiring them in the first report of a series from the Economic Development team in the Office of Facilities & Economic Development. Download the PDF report or contact Rachel Brasier for more information. |
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Behind the Scenery at UT Dallas
The University of Texas at Dallas campus would not be what it is today without its magnificent selection of trees. Did you know that campus was not always so green? Thanks to some dedicated experts, the spirit of UT Dallas students, and the legacy of Margaret McDermott, the center of campus has grown from what used to be called the "Concrete Canyon" into the lush landscape that it is today.
With more than 7,000 trees of over 65 species, UT Dallas has its own urban forest that helps regulate heat and add biodiversity. Frank Rodriguez, campus arborist, (pictured repelling from a tree), led a crew in tagging and cataloging each tree on campus. You can access the database online.
Learn more about the UT Dallas campus forest in an article published by the Office of Sustainability. |
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Pride Month Rainbow Sunrise Yoga
The Galerstein Gender Center and University Recreation invite the UT Dallas campus community to celebrate #PrideMonth with a virtual Rainbow Sunrise Yoga session, live-streamed at 6:15 a.m., Friday, June 19 from the Student Union Plinth.
To honor social distancing, stay home and live-stream the yoga session from the comfort of your home. To RSVP for this event, visit this link. Not an early riser? No worries! The session will be recorded so you can do the yoga session at a time that works best for you. Happy Pride Month, Comets!
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Coding Camp Offers Discount to Children of Faculty, Staff
There is still time to register your children for the Summer Coding Camps offered by the Department of Computer Science. The weekly online camps continue through Friday, Aug. 7.
The full-day, one-week camp costs $250; the half-day, one-week camp costs $150. All immediate families of UT Dallas faculty, staff and students qualify for a 20% discount.
Visit events.circuitree.com/UTD to register using your UTD email address, select your camp, then email [email protected] to request the discount, and proceed to pay once the discount is applied.
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Register for Free Virtual Fitness Classes
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas has partnered with Tivity Health to provide UT System employees with free virtual fitness classes.
Tivity Health, which administers the Well onTarget Fitness program, is introducing Prime Live Virtual Classes, made available through Tivity's Prime Network. Participants can enjoy a variety of live, full-length fitness classes hosted through Zoom from the comfort of home and at no additional cost.
The classes are open to all employees; you don't have to be Well onTarget Fitness program members. Classes include boot camp, yoga, dance, strength training, cardio-interval workouts and more.
To register, visit this registration link and provide your name and email address. Once enrolled, you can RSVP for classes and will receive an email confirmation with a Zoom link to access the class shortly after registering.
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Wellness Webinars
EAP Online Seminar: Say What You Mean the Right Way — Have you ever been misunderstood? In this session, you will learn barriers to clear communication, tips for effective communication and how to deal with difficult conflict. Available now on-demand. Visit Deer Oaks EAP and enter utdallas for the username and password to access the online seminar.
Hinge Health Demo, noon-12:30 p.m., Tuesday, June 23 — Learn more about Hinge Health, a musculoskeletal wellness solution covered at 100% for UT SELECT medical plan members. Register online to receive the webinar information.
MDLIVE Demo, 12:30-1 p.m., Tuesday, June 23 — MDLIVE will present a demo about virtual doctor and behavioral health visits covered at 100% for UT SELECT medical plan members. Register online to receive the webinar information.
Omada Demo, 10:30-11 a.m., Tuesday, June 30 — Learn how Omada can help you form healthy habits to prevent type 2 diabetes. Omada is covered at 100% for UT SELECT medical plan members. Register online to receive the webinar information.
Livongo Demo, noon-12:30 p.m., Tuesday, June 30 — Join this demo about Livongo, a diabetes and hypertension management program covered at 100% for UT SELECT medical plan members. Register online to receive the webinar information.
Exploring Innovation in the Learning Landscape
Grab your lunch from noon-1 p.m., on Thursday, July 16, and join a virtual meeting, Leadership & Talent Strategies to Drive Innovation, with Laurie Burruss, LinkedIn Learning's education innovation advisor. Register online using Microsoft Forms to receive the link to the Teams Live event.
As educators, how can we identify and foster the key tenants of innovation? If we focus on producing innovators, not subject matter experts, how might we shift our teaching approach? What lessons can we learn from real world leaders who possess the traits of risk-taking, curiosity, and creativity?
This session will provide practical examples of how to incorporate questioning, experimentation, observation, association, and sharing into our curriculums. Join us as we provide and compare examples.
The session is hosted by the Office of Information Technology, Center for Teaching and Learning, and Eugene McDermott Library.
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Office of Research Events
Center Stage Seminar Series, 3-4 p.m., Wednesday, June 17 — Join the Office of Research as it hosts Dr. Mario A. Rotea, Erik Jonsson Chair in Engineering and Computer Science, department head of mechanical engineering, co-founder and director of the Center for Wind Energy, and site director of the NSF Industry University Cooperative Research Center WindSTAR. Rotea will showcase research taking place at the center, aimed at bringing together academia and industry to advance wind energy through industry-relevant research and education. Registration is required. For more information, email Tiffany Willoughby.
20/20 Focus on Research Series: A Highly Selective MNK1/MNK2 Inhibitor Rescues Core Deficits Associated with Fragile X Syndrome, Friday, June 26, 10-11 a.m. — Tarjani Shukla, PhD candidate in molecular and cell biology, will discuss how the behavioral deficits associated with Fragile X syndrome (FXS) are driven by molecular mechanisms that remain largely unknown. Shukla and the RNA Control Lab hypothesize that precise control of protein translation with a small molecule inhibitor can resolve key phenotypes present in FXS. This research provides evidence for a potential therapeutic in the context of FXS. Registration is required. For more information, email Anricka Ziller.
Lab to Launch Series: From Lab to Field: A Discussion on Customer Development, noon-12:45 p.m., Monday, June 29 — Dr. Katy Roodenko, CEO of Max-IR Labs, will lead a "case-study style" discussion that will highlight best practices in assessing the market and the importance of being flexible when developing a new technology. The Lab to Launch online seminar series is sponsored by the Office of Research at UT Dallas, in partnership with the Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and Blackstone LaunchPad. Registration is required. For more information, email Anricka Ziller.
Center Stage Seminar Series, 3-4 p.m., Wednesday, July 1 — The Office of Research will host Dr. Reza Moheimani, James Von Ehr Distinguished Chair in Science and Technology, professor of systems engineering, and founder and director of the Laboratory for Dynamics and Control of Nanosystems and the Center for Atomically Precise Fabrication of Solid-State Quantum Devices. Moheimani will showcase research taking place at the center, including applications of control and estimation in high-precision mechatronic systems, high-speed scanning probe microscopy, and atomically precise manufacturing of solid-state quantum devices. Registration is required. For more information, email Tiffany Willoughby.
Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Virtual Office Hours, July 1, 9 a.m.-noon and 1-5:30 p.m. — Do you have a question about the resources available to you? Want to know more about our events and programs? Visit this link to ask your questions during virtual drop-in summer office hours. Please email [email protected] to set up a meeting outside of office hours. For more information, email Dresden Goldberg. |
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Reminders
Achieve Your Health Goals with Naturally Slim
It’s the perfect time to get (and stay) healthy — both physically and mentally. While things may feel out of your control right now, UT Benefits has partnered with Naturally Slim to help you take control of your health at no cost to you.
There are many ways Naturally Slim could help you.
- Reach your weight loss goals without getting off track.
- Break old habits. For example, trade mindless snacking for mindful eating.
- Relieve stress and anxiety, and manage how you cope and react.
- Build your immunity. Help fight off illnesses by practicing self-care.
Space is limited. Apply at naturallyslim.com/LivingWell by Friday, June 19.
The Naturally Slim program starts Monday, July 6, and is available to all UTSELECT and UT CONNECT medical plan members age 18 and above, including employees, retirees, spouses and dependents who have not participated in the last 12 months.
Human Resources Posts 2020 Drug-Free Workplace Notice
The Office of Human Resources has posted the 2020 notice for a drug-free workplace in accordance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act. The notice is an annual reminder to all employees that the unauthorized purchase, manufacture, distribution, possession, sale, storage or use of an illegal drug or controlled substance while on duty, while in or on premises or property owned or controlled by the University, or while in vehicles used for University business, is prohibited.
Access Teams Quick Start Guides on OIT Site
The Office of Information Technology has an information page with quick guides answering the most frequently asked questions for using Microsoft Teams. If you need help setting a Teams Meeting, ensuring your online meetings are secure or need information on producing a Teams Live event, these guides will offer the best tips and tricks to simplify your planning. Guides are located on the right column of the page.
With the transition to working remotely, the means for hosting large scale events has also transformed. Teams Live offers unique features to share information with large audiences using multiple presenters. As we move into the summer months, if you need assistance in setting up a Teams Live event to host large lecture-based events, town halls or forums for your respective department, please email [email protected] to complete a request.
Connect with Colleagues at Watercooler Wednesday
It’s important to take breaks and stay in touch with colleagues as many staff and faculty work remotely. You are invited to virtually connect with colleagues on Watercooler Wednesday through a Microsoft Teams live event at 10-10:15 a.m. and 3-3:15 p.m. Each session will include a wellness activity. Join early or hang around after and visit with colleagues and meet new folks. Watercooler Wednesdays will run through the end of May.
Visit the Campus Wellness Committee site for more information about Watercooler Wednesday and other virtual resources related to wellness.
Drop Off Comet Cupboard Donations at UTDPD Lobby
The Comet Cupboard is still accepting donations. You can drop off items in the lobby of the UT Dallas Police Department. Needed items include:
- Dried pasta, rice, dried beans and vegetarian canned beans.
- Tomato Sauce and canned tomatoes.
- Boxed or canned chicken, beef or vegetable broth.
- Hearty canned soups (vegetarian and meat).
- Vegetarian canned pasta meals, pasta sauce and pouch/packaged meals.
- Cereal and oatmeal.
- Shelf-stable milk and shelf-stable milk substitutes. (oat, soy, almond, etc.)
- Canned or jarred fruit.
- Canned or bottled juices (without added sugar).
- Personal care items such as shampoo, soap, deodorant, toothpaste and dental floss.
You may also make cash donations online to Comet Cupboard. |
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About This Newsletter
InterCom is the official University-wide newsletter for UT Dallas faculty and staff members. This periodic publication is designed to provide University employees with important information necessary for the workplace, as well as community news that supports the University's mission. Guidelines about content and submissions can be found here or contact Robert Tracy at [email protected] or ext. 3521. |
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